Staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec in MRSA, Taiwan

Emerg Infect Dis. 2007 Mar;13(3):494-7. doi: 10.3201/eid1303.060247.

Abstract

To determine the predominant staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec element in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, we typed 190 isolates from a hospital in Taiwan. We found a shift from type IV to type III SCCmec element during 1992-2003, perhaps caused by selective pressure from indiscriminate use of antimicrobial drugs.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Chromosomes, Bacterial / genetics
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Methicillin / pharmacology
  • Methicillin Resistance / genetics
  • Molecular Epidemiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / genetics*
  • Taiwan / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Methicillin