Link: HighWire Press — Medline Abstract.
Molecular typing approaches have been used with great advantage in studying of the MRSA epidemiology. It appears that a complete characterization of MRSA requires not only identification of the genetic background of the bacteria but also identification of the structural types of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec element (SCCmec), which carries methicillin resistance determinant mecA. Rapid and precise identification of MRSA is a prerequisite for control of hospital infections. This article reviews recent publications addressing the epidemiology markers of MRSA, specially of community-acquired strains, and the genetic diversity of SCCmec for identifying MRSA. It appears that MRSA will be an increasing important pathogen in the community.
