Background Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the leading causes of hospital and community‐acquired infections, with the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCC mec ) typing is one of the molecular techniques to predict the genetic background of MRSA strains and predict the level of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to find out and compare the predominant SCC mec types in the hospital and community settings along with antibiotic resistance burden. Methods A total of 295 MRSA isolates were recovered from the hospital and community settings in Lahore, Pakistan. The growth characteristics of the isolates were initially determined using Mannitol salt agar (MSA). Isolates were then subjected to further biochemical confirmation by catalase, DNase and tube coagulase tests according to standard operating procedure used in Pakistan. MRSA screening was performed using Cefoxitin 30 μ g disc. Antibiotic resistance patterns were determined against commonly used antibiotics, and the results were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Molecular detection of MRSA was done by mecA gene, and a multiplex PCR was used to determine the prevalent SCC mec types (I‐VI). Results A total of 145 (49.15%) MRSA isolates were identified. SCC mec type III was predominant (39.31%, n = 57), while no type V was detected. Antibiotic resistance profiles revealed the highest resistance towards ciprofloxacin (78.62%), while high susceptibility rates were recorded for ceftaroline (95.17%), quinupristin/dalfopristin (93.79%), and linezolid (91.03%). Ciprofloxacin resistance was significantly associated with SCC mec type III. Type I SCC mec was associated considerably with samples originating from clinical sources. Conclusions Prevalence of MRSA and the types of SCC mec are on the rise. Because of the high prevalence of multiresistant type III cassettes, antibiotic resistance is also increasing. The high occurrence of community‐specific SCC mec in hospital settings suggests implementing infection control practices to prevent severe MRSA infection and the rise in antibiotic resistance.
Ali et al. (Thu,) studied this question.