Epidemiology of non-multiresistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in Queensland, Australia: associations with indigenous populations and Panton–Valentine leukocidin

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of the spread of epidemic clones of non-multiresistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (nmMRSA) and the epidemiology of resultant infections throughout the state of Queensland. We collected a sample of clinical isolates of nmMRSA from laboratories serving public hospitals and clinics throughout the state. Three hundred isolates were typed and tested for the presence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes and demographic and clinical data were collected from associated cases. Fifteen percent of S. aureus isolates were nmMRSA and 69% of these belonged to PVL-positive clones, predominantly ST93 and CC30. Low numbers of USA300- and USA400-like isolates were also present. Infections due to PVL-positive strains were much less frequently acquired in hospital (3.4%) than those due to PVL-negative nmMRSA (23.7%). Thirty-seven percent of cases were in indigenous people who make up only 3.6% of the general population. The proportion of cases with PVL-positive, but non-negative isolates decreased progressively with age, suggesting that immunity to PVL might be an important determinant of protection. nmMRSA strains are present throughout Queensland and cause infections in both community and healthcare settings.

Panton-Valentine Leukocidin associated Staphylococcus aureus infections in London, England: Clinical and socio-demographic characterisation, management, burden of disease and associated costs

“…The demographic data are concordant with those of previous studies: PVL-SA tends to be communityacquired [20,21], affect healthy young individuals [8,9,12,19] with males predominating [10]. There was no strong preponderance of either MSSA or MRSA, supporting most of the available evidence [11,12,22,23].…”

Panton–Valentine leukocidin-associated Staphylococcus aureus necrotizing pneumonia in infants: a report of four cases and review of the literature

“…Fifteen percent of all S. aureus isolates from MCH (local data) and Queensland are Fig. 2 a Diffuse blanching, partially purpuric, erythematous rash seen in case 2. b Multiple cerebral abscesses seen in case 2 on head computerized tomography nmMR S. aureus [26]. Eighty-five percent and 69% of these belonged to PVL-positive clones at MCH (local data) and Queensland [26], respectively.…”

“…2 a Diffuse blanching, partially purpuric, erythematous rash seen in case 2. b Multiple cerebral abscesses seen in case 2 on head computerized tomography nmMR S. aureus [26]. Eighty-five percent and 69% of these belonged to PVL-positive clones at MCH (local data) and Queensland [26], respectively. The rapid geographical expansion of ST93 nmMR S. aureus in Australia has parallels with the USA300 clone epidemic in the USA [4].…”

“…ST93 sequence type MR S. aureus was first identified in Australia in the year 2000 and has emerged to be the predominant nmMR S. aureus genotype across Australia accounting for 40-60% of nmMR S. aureus isolates in different regions [4,5,26]. Fifteen percent of all S. aureus isolates from MCH (local data) and Queensland are Fig.…”

Community-Associated Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: increased burden of infections in children and young people in Queensland and Australia

“…Similarly, reports in Australia (6,8,9,53) came early in the CA-MRSA era and have been followed by increasing recognition and documentation of impact on infections managed in the community (47,52,124,178) and in hospital systems (51,56). The studies presented here seek to add to our knowledge on the rise of CA-MRSA as a cause of infection, Younger age groups are also at risk for PVL + S. aureus infection including in Australian data (66) and the findings from the data examined are consistent with this and support the contention for a role of CA-MRSA in the increased infections.…”