An outbreak of post-partum breast abscesses in Mumbai, India caused by ST22-MRSA-IV: Genetic characteristics and epidemiological implications

Abstract

A cluster of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) breast abscesses in women who had given birth at a hospital in Mumbai, India was investigated retrospectively. Nineteen of 20 cases were caused by a single clone: pvl-positive, spa type 648 (Ridom t852), ccrB:dru subtype 3:0, ST22-MRSA-IV. Despite the presence of pvl and SCCmec type IV, which are common genetic markers in community-associated MRSA, this outbreak was caused by a healthcare-associated, community-onset MRSA that was common in the hospital environment. Thus, infection control practices may have an important role in limiting the spread of this virulent clone. © 2012 Cambridge University Press.