Comprehensive analysis of systemically disseminated ST8/non-USA300 type community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection

Abstract

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is genetically heterogeneous and various genotypes are spreading worldwide. We herein report a case of systematically disseminated Japan-intrinsic CA-MRSA infection that was successfully treated. A genetically identical single strain was isolated from a total of 11 different parts of the patient's body, and the pathogen was found to be multilocus sequence type 8, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec IV, coagulase type III and negative for both Panton-Valentine leukocidin and arginine catabolic mobile element. The epidemiology and pathogenicity of the Japan-intrinsic CA-MRSA strain remain unknown, and further investigation of this life-threatening organism is warranted. © 2014 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.