Molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Israel: dissemination of global clones and unique features

J Clin Microbiol. 2012 Jan;50(1):134-7. doi: 10.1128/JCM.05446-11. Epub 2011 Oct 26.

Abstract

From 2006 to 2009, 315 clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were collected from 5 hospitals across Israel. Most isolates (64%) were related to the global clones spa types t001-SCCmec-I (SCCmec-I stands for staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec type I) (n = 99; 31%), t002-SCCmec-II (n = 82; 26%), and t008-SCCmec-IV (n = 21; 7%), five of which were identified as MRSA strain USA-300. Seventeen strains unique to Israel were identified. SCCmec types IV and V were common among hospital-acquired isolates.

MeSH terms

  • Cluster Analysis
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Israel / epidemiology
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / classification*
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / genetics*
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Molecular Typing*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial