Characterization of a variant of the SCCmec element in a bloodstream isolate of Staphylococcus intermedius.
Here we report for the first time, a detailed characterization of a variant of the SCCmec element, in a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus intermedius human isolate. S. intermedius is a coagulase-positive zoonotic microrganism, recently classified as a separate species. In routine clinical laboratory practice, the coagulase production is used as criterion of pathogenicity related to S. aureus, but S. intermedius is frequently misidentified-being mistaken for S. aureus-and consequently its real incidence underestimated. S. intermedius have been found only occasionally in human beings, and methicillin-resistance is very rare for this organism. Even if the genetic element responsible for methicillin-resistance--the mecA gene carried by diverse staphylococcal chromosomal cassettes--has been described in various staphylococcal species, the current literature doesn't report any case of S. intermedius isolate carrying SCCmec-like elements. Our study could be useful to explain the mechanism and routes of transfer of the chromosomal cassette carrying the mec complex, among staphylococci.
Campanile
Floriana
F
Department of Microbiological and Gynaecological Science, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy.
Bongiorno
Dafne
D
Borbone
Sonia
S
Venditti
Mario
M
Giannella
Maddalena
M
Franchi
Cristiana
C
Stefani
Stefania
S
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002876:Chromosomes, Bacterial / Q000235:genetics*; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016106:Methicillin Resistance / Q000235:genetics*; D045522:Recombinases / Q000235:genetics; D013210:Staphylococcus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D045522:Recombinases