An outbreak of post-partum breast abscesses in Mumbai, India caused by ST22-MRSA-IV: genetic characteristics and epidemiological implications

Epidemiol Infect. 2012 Oct;140(10):1809-12. doi: 10.1017/S0950268812000593. Epub 2012 Apr 4.

Abstract

A cluster of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) breast abscesses in women who had given birth at a hospital in Mumbai, India was investigated retrospectively. Nineteen of 20 cases were caused by a single clone: pvl-positive, spa type 648 (Ridom t852), ccrB:dru subtype 3:0, ST22-MRSA-IV. Despite the presence of pvl and SCCmec type IV, which are common genetic markers in community-associated MRSA, this outbreak was caused by a healthcare-associated, community-onset MRSA that was common in the hospital environment. Thus, infection control practices may have an important role in limiting the spread of this virulent clone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / epidemiology*
  • Abscess / microbiology
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Mastitis / epidemiology*
  • Mastitis / microbiology
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / classification*
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / genetics
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Molecular Typing
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Staphylococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Virulence Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Virulence Factors