Multiclonality of methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a university hospital

Objective. - The methicillin resistance of Staphylococcus aureus MRSA is a major problem for human infections. The authors present a genotypic study of these bacteria to understand the spreading of these strains in a university hospital. Patients and methods. - We collected 19 strains of MRSA (September 2003-March 2004) for which the presence of gene mecA had been confirmed by PCR. They were then genotyped in pulsed-field Get electrophoresis (CHEF variety). Results. - Resistant strains accounted for 12.9% of all collected S. aureus strains. Most samples came from patients hospitalized or consulting in dermatology. Eleven different antibiotypes and four genotypic profiles were determined: type A (with 8 subtypes), type B (with 2 subtypes), type C, and D. Conclusion. - MRSA strains have a multiclonal distribution in our hospital with a dominant endemic clone in the dermatological unit. Skin infections are the main hospital source for these strains. (C) 2005 Elsevier SAS. Tons droits reserves.