Distinct genotypic clusters of heterogeneously and homogeneously methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from a Greek hospital

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 1997 Feb;16(2):170-3. doi: 10.1007/BF01709481.

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated over a one-year period from a Greek hospital were tested for their levels of resistance to methicillin by population analysis. Heterogeneously resistant strains belonged to classes I, II, and II/III, whereas homogeneously resistant ones belonged to class IV. Strains of all classes possessed the mecA gene. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of Smal-digested genomic DNA revealed that all heterogeneously resistant strains were also closely related, but in a cluster distinct from the heterogeneous one. The methicillin-sensitive strains displayed a greater variety of PFGE types compared to MRSA isolates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
  • Humans
  • Methicillin Resistance / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / classification
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / genetics*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins