Clonal dissemination of two MRSA strains in Germany

Clonal dissemination of two different MRSA strains, both clumping factor negative, has been observed in Germany for more than a year. Both strains possess the mec-A determinant and each exhibits a characteristic genomic DNA fragment pattern. One strain has spread in the north, the other in the south-west of Germany. Intensive care units are mainly affected by MRSA-infections and probably play a special role in further intra- and inter-hospital spread.