title: Molecular mechanisms of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
abstract: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are among the most common nosocomial pathogens. The most significant mechanism of resistance to methicillin in this-species is the acquisition of a genetic determinant (mecA gene). However, resistance seems to have a more complex molecular basis, since additional chromosomal material is involved in such resistance. Besides, overproduction of penicillinase and/or alterations in the PBPs can contribute to the formation of resistance phenotypes. Genetic and environmental factors leading to MRSA are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Servei de Microbiologia, Hospital de Bellvitge, Ciutat Sanitària i Universitària de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Domínguez
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liñares
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Martín
mesh_terms: D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D006602:Hexosyltransferases; D016106:Methicillin Resistance / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002267:Muramoylpentapeptide Carboxypeptidase / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D046915:Penicillin-Binding Proteins; D010458:Peptidyl Transferases; D010641:Phenotype; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D046915:Penicillin-Binding Proteins; D010458:Peptidyl Transferases; D006602:Hexosyltransferases; D002267:Muramoylpentapeptide Carboxypeptidase