A subset of Staphylococcus aureus strains harboring staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IV is deficient in CcrAB-mediated SCCmec excision.

ABSTRACT: The gene encoding resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in the staphylococci is found on the chromosome in a genomic island designated staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec, or SCCmec. In addition to the resistance gene mecA, SCCmec also contains site-specific recombinase genes that are capable of catalyzing the chromosomal excision and reintegration of SCCmec. SCCmec is found in five major isotypes partially defined by the recombinase genes present, either ccrAB or ccrC. Of these, SCCmec type IV is presumed to be mobile in the environment, and this mobility may be partially responsible for the rise in community-associated methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections. In this study, we investigate the presumptive first step in type IV SCCmec mobility: chromosomal excision of the elemen

SUBMITTER: Noto MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1538682 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature