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Intercontinental spread of a multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone
M Aires de Sousa1, I S Sanches, M L Ferro
1Unidade de Genética Molecular, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica da Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB/UNL), Oeiras, Lisbon, Portugal.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|August 15, 1998
Summary
The Brazilian epidemic methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone rapidly spread across three Portuguese hospitals starting in 1995. This suggests intercontinental transfer and may challenge the existing Iberian MRSA clone dominance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health threat.
- The emergence and spread of specific MRSA clones are critical for understanding antimicrobial resistance.
- Monitoring MRSA epidemiology in healthcare settings is essential for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular epidemiology of MRSA isolates in Portuguese hospitals between 1990 and 1997.
- To identify the emergence and dissemination patterns of specific MRSA clones.
- To explore potential intercontinental transfer of MRSA strains.
Main Methods:
- Molecular fingerprinting techniques were employed.
- ClaI restriction digests were hybridized with mecA- and Tn554-specific DNA probes.
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was utilized for strain typing.
Main Results:
- The Brazilian epidemic MRSA clone abruptly appeared in 1995 across three hospitals in Lisbon and Oporto.
- Extensive intrahospital spread of this Brazilian clone was documented.
- The findings suggest the intercontinental transfer of this MRSA strain from Brazil to Portugal.
Conclusions:
- The Brazilian MRSA clone's rapid emergence and spread indicate successful intercontinental transmission.
- This newly introduced clone may potentially displace the currently dominant Iberian MRSA clone in Portugal.
- Continuous surveillance of MRSA clones is crucial for effective public health strategies.