Intrafamilial Transmission Research Articles

Role of intrafamilial transmission in high prevalence of hepatitis C virus in Egypt.

BackgroundEgypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. Although an effective HCV treatment program has been adopted, it is estimated that the number of newly reported cases in Egypt is still high. Intrafamilial transmission may play a role in the high prevalence of HCV in Egypt. Identification of risk factors for the transmission of HCV may help in decreasing its prevalence and eliminating its infection.AimThe aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection among the household contacts of HCV patients and identify the possible risk factors associated with intrafamilial transmission.MethodsThis study was designed as a cohort study of 90 families of patients with confirmed chronic HCV and 38 families of non-HCV-infected persons. Diagnosis of HCV infection was performed by detection of HCV antibodies by fourth-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by HCV RNA polymerase chain reaction. A pre-prepared questionnaire on risk factors was filled out by the participants. The prevalence of HCV was calculated, and univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify the independent risk factors.ResultsAmong 90 positive-index families, 32 (35.6%) had contact persons with HCV infection compared to two of 38 (5.3%) negative-index families (P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 9.9). Out of 257 index-positive contacts, 38 (14.8%) were infected compared to three of 75 (4%) of index-negative contacts (P = 0.01, OR = 4.3). Infection was associated with older age (6.9% of those aged <20 years, 10.4% of those aged 20–39 years, and 22% of those aged ≥40 years were infected) (P = 0.007). Husbands of infected wives were at a higher risk (33% infected) than wives (13.5%) and sons (16.9%) (P < 0.001). A history of hepatic encephalopathy was the independent predictor of intrafamilial transmission (P < 0.001, OR = 5.4).ConclusionIntrafamilial transmission was found to possibly play a major role in the high prevalence of HCV in Egypt. Transmission was associated with older age and contact with patients with hepatic encephalopathy and was high among husbands of infected wives.

Silent dissemination of HTLV-1 in an endemic area of Argentina. Epidemiological and molecular evidence of intrafamilial transmission.

BackgroundMolecular and epidemiological studies of transmission routes and risk factors for infection by HTLV-1 are extremely important in order to implement control measures, especially because of the high prevalence of HTLV-1 in several regions of the world. San Salvador de Jujuy, Northwest Argentina, is a highly endemic area for HTLV-1 and foci of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy.ObjectiveTo gain further insight into the role of intrafamilial transmission of HTLV-1 in a highly endemic region in Argentina.MethodCross-sectional study in Northwest Argentina. Epidemiological data and blood samples were collected from 28 HTLV-1 infected subjects (index cases) and 92 close relatives/cohabitants. HTLV-1 infection was diagnosed by detection of antibodies and proviral DNA. The LTR region was sequenced and analyzed for genetic distances (VESPA software), in addition to determination and identification of polymorphisms to define HTLV-1 family signatures.ResultsFifty seven of the 120 subjects enrolled had antibodies against HTLV-1 and were typified as HTLV-1 by PCR. The prevalence rate of HTLV-1 infection in family members of infected index cases was 31.52% (29/92). The infection was significantly associated with gender, age and prolonged lactation. Identity of LTR sequences and presence of polymorphisms revealed high prevalence of mother-to-child and interspousal transmission of HTLV-1 among these families.ConclusionThere is an ongoing and silent transmission of HTLV-1 through vertical and sexual routes within family clusters in Northwest Argentina. This evidence highlights that HTLV-1 infection should be considered as a matter of public health in Argentina, in order to introduce preventive measures as prenatal screening and breastfeeding control.

First evidence of intra-familial transmission of an HIV-1 M/O intergroup recombinant virus: Erratum.

First evidence of intra-familial transmission of an HIV-1 M/O intergroup recombinant virus: Erratum.

Trichodysplasia Spinulosa Polyomavirus Infection Occurs during Early Childhood with Intrafamilial Transmission, Especially from Mother to Child

To get new insights into the distribution and modes of acquisition of trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus (TSPyV) infection, we performed a seroepidemiological study in two populations from Cameroon. Our results suggest that TSPyV infection occurs, through close contacts, during early childhood with intra-familial transmission, especially from mother to child.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection: We Should Always Verify the Intrafamilial Transmission

Background and Aims: Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common gastrointestinal infections in humans; it affects about 30% of people in developed countries and about 80% in developing ones. The majority of patients acquire the infection during childhood and the intrafamilial transmission is considered one of the most important routes of infection. The aim of this study was to assess the intrafamilial transmission rate among family members of index subjects. Methods: We have suggested all patients H. pylori-positive (99 patients, symptomatic index subjects) diagnosed during 18 months (Sep 2011-Dec 2012) to screen their family members by stool antigen test (SAT) and, when positive, to perform upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Results: Through SAT we identified 126 patients belonging to 41 households of 99 initial index subjects, therefore 41 index subjects (41.4%) had at least one family member affected. The entire population studied included 225 H. pylori-positive patients: 99 index subjects (symptomatic) and 126 family members diagnosed by SAT screening and histological examination by gastroscopy. Of these, 103 patients (81.7%) were considered slightly symptomatic (mild clinical history until then not important enough to perform further diagnostic study) and 23 patients (18.3%) were totally asymptomatic. Conclusions: In the spread of H. pylori infection, the intrafamilial transmission is an important route of contamination; besides the known mother-to-child dyad, also the transmission among family members plays a considerable role and it should be always verified.

Evaluation of hepatitis C virus intrafamilial transmission among families with one index case, a pilot study from Fars province, Iran.

Our aim was to survey the rate and risk factors for Hepatitis C virus interfamilial transmission among families with one index case. The role of intrafamilial transmission in Hepatitis C virus epidemiology is still debated. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 34 families (236 members) of HCV infected patients from Fars province, spring to summer 2013. All subjects were first evaluated for the risk factors of exposure and then their serum was checked for the presence of HCV antibody and the genome, using ELISA and PCR. The genotype of all PCR positive cases was also determined by a commercial assay. Two independent sample t test and Chi-Square test were used to compare groups together. In 18 out of 34 families, HCV antibody was detected (52.9%) in new members. Among them, HCV transmission in 11 families (32%) was also confirmed by PCR. Having a history of intravenous drug abuse (P=0.006) and incarceration (P=0.01) showed to be important risk factors for interfamilial transmission. Hence, blade/needle sharing (P=0.016) just following molecular assay and sex (P=036) only in the serologic analysis were also determined as significant risk factors. Furthermore, based on serologic results, medium socioeconomic state was further associated with this manner of transmission (P=0.019 and P=0.328). Interestingly, among relatives, 13 cases were brothers while just 5 cases were couples. The genotypes 3a and 1a were more prevalent among the population. In conclusion, our finding highlighted a noticeable role of interfamilial transmission for HCV spread and supports the significant role of close relatives, especially brother relationship in this spread. Hence, the socioeconomic state was associated with the transmission rate of virus in the family.

Hepatitis B virus infection in children of HBV-related chronic liver disease patients: a study of intra-familial HBV transmission.

HBV-infected patients are potential sources of intra-familial transmission. We studied HBV transmission and molecular characteristics within families of HBV-related chronic liver disease (CLD) patients. Family members [index cases (ICs), spouses, and 1-18-year-old children] of HBV-related CLD patients were tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs. HBsAg-positive subjects were tested for HBeAg/anti-HBe. Anti-HBc-positive children together with their family members were further investigated for HBV DNA. Sequences of positive isolates were analyzed over surface, precore (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) regions. Among 94 children of 46 ICs, the prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs was 10 (10.6%), 19 (20.2%), and 46 (48.9%), respectively. Thirty-eight (40.4%) children were seronegative, indicating susceptibility to HBV infection. HBV DNA was identified in all ICs, 4 spouses, and 16 children. Having both parents with HBsAg positive and at least two HBV carriers in the households were significant risk factors of intra-familial transmission. HBV genotype/subtype distributions were comparable between children and ICs/spouses, with predominance of genotype B. The majority of HBV DNA sequences found in children were identical to their corresponding ICs-particularly mothers-including mutation patterns in the surface, PC, and BCP regions. Recognized mutations associated with HBsAg detection and/or vaccination failure, T140I, T143S/M, G145R, and Y161F, were identified in 20 subjects; while mutations linked to HBeAg-defective variants, PC G1896A and BCP A1762T/G1764A, were found in 7 and 11 subjects, respectively. Children of HBV-related CLD patients were at increased risk of HBV infection through multi-modal transmission routes despite negative parental HBsAg and HBeAg status.

Evolutionary dynamics of HBV-D7 subgenotype in Tunisia.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the main cause of diseases liver related infecting more than 200 milion persons worldwide. HBV infection shows high level of prevalence in South-East Europe and in Mediterranean basin. In Tunisia, a country with an intermediate level endemicity, HbsAg prevalence ranges from 2 to 5%. Most of the HBV isolates from Tunisia were classified as subgenotype D7 whose circulation is restricted to a specific area of North Africa including Maghreb region. In this paper, the phylogeny of HBV-D7 isolated from 38 Tunisian patients was investigated by analyzing the S gene region of HBV. A Bayesian coalescent-based framework was used to estimate the origin of the HBV-D7 in the country. The Tunisian D7 isolates were found to share a common ancestor whose origin was traced back to 1958. Population dynamics indicated that HBV-D7 epidemic in Tunisia grew exponentially from 1960s to 1990s. After that, the curve reached a plateau around the years 2000 likely due to the implementation of the infant vaccination program in 1996. Epidemiological data suggested that the exponential growth phase was likely sustained by intra-familial transmission events occurring during infancy. Further characterization of HBV-D7 isolates should be performed to evaluate, in the post-vaccination era, the emergence of new transmission routes, and to monitor the efficacy of the vaccination program. J. Med. Virol. 89:469-475, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Genetic Diversity and Evidence for Transmission of Streptococcus mutans by DiversiLab rep-PCR

This two-part study investigated the genetic diversity and transmission of Streptococcus mutans using the DiversiLab repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (rep-PCR) approach. For children with S. mutans and participating household members, analysis for evidence of unrelated child-to-child as well as intra-familial transmission was evaluated based on commonality of genotypes.A total of 169 index children and 425 household family members from Uniontown, Alabama were evaluated for genetic diversity using rep-PCR. Thirty-four unique rep-PCR genotypes were observed for 13,906 S. mutans isolates. For transmission, 117 child and household isolates were evaluated for shared genotype (by child and by genotype cases, multiple matches possible for each child). Overall, children had 1–9 genotypes and those with multiple genotypes were 2.3 times more likely to have caries experience (decayed, missing and filled teeth/surfaces>0). Only 28% of children shared all genotypes within the household, while 72% had at least 1 genotype not shared with anyone in the household. Children had genotype(s) not shared with any household members in 157 cases. In 158 cases children and household members shared a genotype in which 55% (87/158 cases) were shared with more than one family member. Children most frequently shared genotypes with their mothers (54%; 85/158), siblings (46%; 72/158) and cousins (23%; 37/158).A reference library for S. mutans for epidemiological surveillance using the DiversiLab rep-PCR approach is detailed. The genetic diversity of S. mutans in this population demonstrated frequent commonality of genotypes. Evidence for both child-to-child and intra-familial transmission of S. mutans was observed by rep-PCR.

Neonatal Ebola infection: An Interesting Issue in Pediatric Infectious Disease

Dear Editor, Ebola virus infection is a current global concern (1). This infection caused several deaths in Africa in 2015 (1). Ebola virus infection can occur in any age group. In pediatrics, the mortality rate of Ebola is very high (2). Neonatal Ebola infection is a particular area of interest. The first issue to be discussed is transplacental transmission and congenital Ebola infection in newborns. Infection in pregnant women can affect newborns (3, 4). In the current outbreak, Oduyebo et al. recently reported a case of Ebola in a mother infected in her third trimester who delivered a stillborn fetus (5). A previous report from Congo also recounted a case of a stillborn fetus (6). It seems that the infection is very virulent, and the affected fetus does not usually survive. Nevertheless, Ebola infection among the newborns has been observed. According to the report from Congo by Formenty et al., the youngest case was a five-dayold newborn, and there is high mortality among newborns even when the clinical presentation is only a fever (7). In Uganda, a case was reported in a three day old. A similar, very high fatality rate among newborns was also observed (8). The possibility of perinatal infection can be seen in these cases from Congo and Uganda where there was no evidence of Ebola infection in the mother during pregnancy (7, 8). Intrafamilial transmission from other members of the family to the neonates via body fluid contact is proposed (7, 8). In a recent publication in Am J Infect Control, the transmission of Ebola to a newborn through contact with the mother’s body fluid was reported (9). In conclusion, as seen in clinical practice, neonatal Ebola virus infection has a very high mortality rate. Practitioners should be made aware of this risk.

What is the clinical relevance of drug-resistant pneumococcus?

Pneumococcal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In recent years, Streptococcus pneumoniae has shown increasing resistance to a several antibiotics, becoming a worldwide problem. The impact of antibiotic resistance of S. pneumoniae on clinical outcomes is still controversial. The principal reason for this controversy is the existence of several factors related to the patients and to the pathogen that may influence how antibiotic resistance patterns affect clinical outcomes. The aim of this review is to discuss current knowledge of the epidemiological data on antibiotic resistance; we also discuss mechanisms and risk factors for antibiotic resistance. The phenomenon of serotype replacement after the introduction of conjugate pneumococcal vaccinations and the escalation of antibiotic resistance worldwide remains an important issue in terms of their impact on clinical outcomes in pneumococcal disease. Antimicrobial resistance of pneumococcus leads to changes in the clinical presentation of pneumococcal disease, making it more difficult to diagnose and to treat. Consumption of antibiotics in the community is directly proportional to antimicrobial resistance. Carriage of S. pneumoniae and infection with antibiotic-resistant pneumococcus is associated with prior antibiotic therapy, extremes of age, presence of comorbidities (i.e. COPD), attendance at child day care centers, crowded conditions, intra-familial transmission, and nursing home residence. Antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae is a worldwide problem. The implementation of several strategies including vaccine campaigns, prudent use of current antibiotics, and programs for the surveillance of pneumococcal infections, could limit the increasing resistance of this pathogen to antimicrobials.

Spouse-to-Spouse Transmission and Evolution of Hypervariable Region 1 and 5’ Untranslated Region of Hepatitis C Virus Analyzed by Next-Generation Sequencing

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission between spouses remains poorly characterized, largely due to the limited availability of samples from the early stage of infection, as well as methodological constraints. A fifty-eight year-old male developed acute hepatitis C infection and his 53-year old spouse has been HCV-positive for over 10 years. Serum samples were collected from both at the time of acute hepatitis C diagnosis in male (baseline) and then at 9 and 13 months. Hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) and 5’ untranslated region (5’UTR) sequences were amplified and subjected to next generation sequencing (NGS) using a pyrosequencing platform. Genetic variants were inferred by Shorah reconstruction method and compared by phylogenetic and sequence diversity analysis. As the sequencing error of the procedure was previously determined to be ≤ 1.5%, the analysis was conducted with and without the 1.5% cut-off with regard to the frequency of variants. No identical HVR1 variants were identified in spouses at baseline and follow-up samples regardless whether the cut-off was applied or not. However, there was high similarity (98.3%) between a minor baseline donor variant (1.7% frequency) and the most abundant baseline recipient variant (62.5% frequency). Furthermore, donor and recipient strains clustered together when compared to 10 control subjects from the same area and infected with the same HCV subtype. There was an increase in HVR1 complexity (number of genetic variants) over time in both spouses. In contrast, the 5'UTR region was stable and of low complexity throughout the study. In conclusion, intrafamilial HCV transmission may be established by a very minor variant and investigation of this phenomenon requires high-sensitivity assays, such as NGS.

Intrafamilial transmission of Helicobacter pylori: genotyping of faecal samples

Background: After more than 20 years of research, there is a little information about the detailed routes of Helicobacter pylori transmission. The aim of this study was to explore intrafamilial transmission of H. pylori in children who had indication for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and their parents.Methods: Children (aged up to 15 years) were studied during September 2012 to October 2013. The parents of those with positive urea breath test results were asked to provide faecal and blood samples after giving informed consent. Non-invasive tests such as immunoassay for serological antibodies against H. pylori and detection of its antigen in faeces were measured. The genetic similarity of the family strains was investigated by the random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) genotyping method.Results: According to the genotyping results of 30 families, in 10 (33.3%) children related H. pylori genotypes to their mothers were found, while only 2 children (6.7%) had similar genotypes to their fathers. Interestingly, children with similar H. pylori genotype with their mothers had higher IgA (35.7 ± 10.8) and IgM antibody titres (87.23 ± 19.15) than other children. In addition, in these children, lower titres of IgG antibodies (9.93 ± 3.31) were found rather than children who had no H. pylori in their faeces or had no similarities with their parents (30.28 ± 6.15).Conclusions: In conclusion, mother-to-child transmission is the main route of intrafamilial transmission of H. pylori in Iranian families. Molecular typing of H. pylori can be useful in identifying a high-risk population.

Household Contacts of HCV Patients at Beltag Village, Egypt; Seropositivity and Habits

Background : Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and is considered as a worldwide problem. Egypt has the highest HCV prevalence in the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend HCV screening for all adults at high risk of infection. Aim of the study: To determine the prevalence of HCV seropositivity among household contacts of HCV positive patients and study their habits. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Beltag; a rural village affiliated to Nile Delta. Interviewed questionnaire was used including sociodemographic data and HCV risk factors information. All household contacts were assessed for HCV infection by testing for anti-HCV antibody using a commercial ELISA. Results: 102 of HCV hepatitis patients and 360 of their household contacts were included in the study. The prevalence of HCV seropositivity among household contacts was 35%. 78(61.9%) of seropositive contacts were over forty years old, 42(33.3%) received parenteral anti-schistosomal therapy, 72(57.1%) helped family HCV patients during bleeding episodes. Logistical regression showed that the most significant variable associated independently to HCV seropositivity in patients' contacts was helping HCV patients during bleeding episodes (OR = 7.262; 95% CI: 3.588– 14.698 p 0.000). Conclusion: This study approximates the findings of other studies which reported a high prevalence seropositivity among HCV patient’s contacts. Help HCV patients during bleeding episodes is the most significant risk factor for intrafamilial HCV transmission. Keywords HCV Patients , Seropositivity , Household contacts.

Epidemiological and molecular features of hepatitis B and hepatitis delta virus transmission in a remote rural community in central Africa

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) occur worldwide and are prevalent in both urban and remote rural communities. In a remote village in Gabon, central Africa, we observed a high prevalence of HBsAg carriage and HDV infection, particularly in children and adolescents. The prevalence of HBsAg differed significantly by gender and age, females being more likely than males to carry the HBsAg during the first 10years of life, while the prevalence was higher among males than females aged 11–20years. We also characterised HBV and HDV strains circulating in the village. The principal HBV strains belonged to genotype HBV-E and subgenotype QS-A3. Complete genome analysis revealed for the first time the presence of the HBV-D genotype in Gabon, in the form of an HBV-D/E recombinant. Molecular analysis of HDV strains and their complete genomic characterisation revealed two distinct groups within the dominant HDV clade 8. Molecular analysis of HBV and HDV strains did not reveal vertical transmission within the families studied but rather horizontal, intrafamilial transmission among children aged 0–10years. Our findings indicate that HBV is transmitted in early childhood by body fluids rather than by sexual contact. Health education adapted to the different age groups might therefore help to reduce HBV transmission. Young children should be vaccinated to control HBV infection in areas of extremely high prevalence.

Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence in pregnant women in Jiangsu, China, and postpartum evolution during six years.

BackgroundChina is an endemic area for hepatitis E virus (HEV). The previous surveys of anti-HEV seroprevalence are cross-sectional. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of infection among pregnant women and their children in Jiangsu, China, and to observe postpartum anti-HEV evolution.MethodsSera from 497 women collected during pregnancy and 6-year postpartum and from their 497 children were screened for anti-HEV by ELISA and confirmed by Western blotting. HEV RNA was detected by reverse transcription-nested PCR.ResultsOf the pregnant women, 3 (0.6 %) were anti-HEV IgM positive and 55 (11.1 %) were IgG positive. At 6-year postpartum, 18 anti-HEV IgG positive samples became negative and 18 others became IgG positive; the accumulated prevalence in this cohort of women was at least 14.7 % (73/497). Of the 497 children, the positive rates of anti-HEV IgM and IgG were 0.2 % and 0.4 %, respectively. None of the 18 children from mothers with anti-HEV IgG seroconversion was anti-HEV IgG positive.ConclusionsOur data indicate that the constant seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG in adults may be resulted from the balance of negative seroconversion due to waning immunity and positive seroconversion due to novel infections, and the risk of intra-family transmission of HEV was low. The data also imply that cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey may underestimate the prevalence of HEV infection, due to the natural decay of pathogen-specific IgG.

Transmission of Work Ethic in African-American Families and Its Links with Adolescent Adjustment.

A strong work ethic generally has positive implications for achievements in work and school settings, but we know little about how it develops. This study aimed to describe the intra-familial transmission of work ethic and the associations between work ethic and adjustment in African American youth. Mothers, fathers, and two adolescent siblings (M age=14.1years) in 158 families were interviewed on two occasions. Path models revealed that fathers' work ethic was positively linked with older siblings' work ethic, which in turn was linked with more positive youth adjustment in the domains of school functioning and externalizing and internalizing problems. Moreover, the results indicated that the work ethics of older siblings, but not parents, was linked to those of younger siblings. The discussion focuses on the importance of African American fathers and siblings in youth adjustment and how work ethic may promote positive development.

Intrafamilial transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis

Intrafamilial transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis

P174: The cases of intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis delta virus in endemic region

Journal of Viral HepatitisVolume 22, Issue S2 p. 105-106 Poster PresentationFree Access P174: The cases of intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis delta virus in endemic region First published: 25 June 2015 https://doi.org/10.1111/jvh.157_12425AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume22, IssueS2Special Issue: 15th International Symposium on Viral Hepatitis and Liver Diseases (ISVHLD) held from June 26th to 28th, 2015, in Berlin, GermanyJune 2015Pages 105-106 RelatedInformation

Molecular epidemiologic study of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene among family members in Japan.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is one of the worldwide concerns of antimicrobial chemotherapy. An accumulation of ten patients in five families (A-E) suffering from skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) of CA-MRSA was experienced in 2012, in Fuchu-shi, Tokyo, Japan. Molecular epidemiological investigation was performed for the 10 MRSA strains obtained from 8 children and 2 of their parents to assess endemic patterns of CA-MRSA in the community. Results of molecular typing, presence of toxin genes and antimicrobial susceptibilities were analyzed combined with the patients' clinical information. Each family had its own unique MRSA strain: A, ST30-SCCmec IVd; B, ST8-SCCmec IVd; C, ST8-SCCmec IVa; D, ST8-SCCmec IVl; E, ST8-SCCmec IVl and ST858-SCCmec IVl. Seven strains from the families A-C carried Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene. Three strains from the families D and E carried toxic shock syndrome toxin gene. Strains belonged to the same family demonstrated genetically related banding patterns of pulsed-filed gel electrophoresis. The family C experienced intrafamilial transmission of USA300-0114. Our data showed the MRSA clones disseminating in this community were highly diverse. They contained USA300-0114 clone, the rapidly distributing clone in the world, as well as MRSA clones identified in Japan. Our results suggested intrafamilial transmission of MRSA could be initial phenomenon of wide transmission in a community, therefore CA-MRSA SSTI in children and their family members should be monitored closely in order to notice the spread of highly pathogenic and transmittable strains.