Mixed-biofilm natural transformation assay reveals the presence of staphylococci in human environments that can transfer SCC<i>mec</i> to <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>.

ABSTRACT: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen that causes healthcare-, community-, and livestock-associated infections. The methicillin resistance gene mecA is embedded in the mobile genetic element termed Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome (SCCmec). SCCmec is shared among staphylococci inhabiting human and animal hosts, which are recognized epidemiologically as the genetic reservoir of SCCmec. However, the ability of diverse methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) to serve as SCCmec donors for S. aureus has not been tested experimentally. Here, we investigated the ability of 157 MRS isolates from pets, meat, livestock, and humans to transfer SCCmec to methicillin-sensitive S. aureus strains usin

SUBMITTER: Maree M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12570499 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature