Transregional Spread of a Single Clone of Methicillin–Resistant Staphylococcus aureus between Groups of Drug Users in Switzerland

Abstract

We conclude that a single clone of MRSA, found in IDUs in Zurich, has spread to a distant region of Switzerland. A rigorous infection control program in all institutions with IDUs is necessary to prevent a further spread of MRSA.

A Holistic Approach to MRSA Eradication in Critically Ill Patients with MRSA Pneumonia

“…Side effects were not observed in this study. However, decolonization programs should balance the rate of success of this therapy and the potential risk of side effects [38,39].…”

Clearance of an epidemic clone of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a drug-use network: A follow-up study in Switzerland

“…MRSA was found in the wound of another patient, who also was previously known to be colonized with MRSA (case 5). PFGE typing of the MRSA isolates revealed two different common endemic types: four isolates were identified as the Zurich IDU clone [14] and one as the Grison clone [13] (Table II, Figure 1). Fisher's exact test revealed no statistical differences between MRSA positive persons and MRSA negative persons concerning age, sex, presence of wounds, and consumption of antibiotics, or hospitalization.…”

“…Its persistence has been documented in 2001, with up to 19% of IDU colonized by MRSA [12]. The transregional dissemination of this single clone indicated the capacity for spreading and colonizing other drug-use networks [13]. This clone belongs to the sequence type ST45 (Berlin-clone) and has a novel SCCmec cassette [14,15].…”

“…f IDU Grisons refers to a clone with a high prevalence among intravenous drug users in the Canton of Grisons in Eastern Switzerland [13]. IDU Zurich refers to the clone, which we described in [11] and has become endemic among intravenous drug users in Zurich …”

MRSA Decolonization—Is It Feasible?

“…Many patients are still colonized at the time of discharge and contribute to the growing reservoir of MRSA carriers both inside and outside of hospitals and other healthcare facilities such as nursing homes or rehabilitation hospitals, or even population groups in the community [1].…”