Molecular Epidemiology of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureusis a gram-positive bacterium that can cause infections in almost anyone. The problem with the bacterium arises when S. aureus becomes resistant to methicillin. The bacterium’s resistance to Methicillin and other beta-lactams is inherited from the mec.A gene located on the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), which serves a variety of functions in conferring its resistance to the drugs. It is important to understand the characteristics and components of infectious organisms, especially for epidemiological purposes. There are a variety of tests that can be conducted for the epidemiological and molecular study of MRSA which include plasma analysis, antibiogram typing, zerotyping, phage typing, bio typing, whole cell protein typing and zymotyping along with analysis restriction endonuclease. The two main DNA sequences analyzed when typing MRSA are MLST and SLST. MRSA can be classified as CA-MRSA (Community Acquired MRSA) and HA-MRSA (Hospital Acquired MRSA), based on the location where infection was contracted. Damage to skin and the mucous membrane gives a passage way for the bacteria to enter the individual. Diagnosis of MRSA can be made based on a samples obtained from an infected site on the patient and treatment is based on whether the infection is CA-MRSA or HA-MRSA. Worldwide, the infection rate of MRSA varies greatly, however, regardless of location, MRSA infection is a great concern. There are a variety of risk factors associated with infection of MRSA that have to be taken into consideration, especially when attempting to prevent the disease. This review looks into details of the molecular epidemiology of MRSA as well as the transmission, diagnosis and treatment options available. Keywords: Molecular epidemiology; PVL; Staphylococcus Aureus; MRSA; SCCmec; Spa typing.