Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A brief review of virulence and resistance

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a common gram-positive human pathogen involved in both community-acquired and nosocomial infections ranging from localized superficial lesions to food poisoning and fatal systemic infections owing to its impressive array of virulence factors responsible for attaching, colonizing, invading, and avoiding host immune system. The discovery of antibiotics effectively checked the once deadly infections. However, resistance started soon after their discovery and first methicillin resistant strain of S. aureus was reported in early sixties. The most important attribute of MRSA resistance to penicllins is its acquisition of mecA gene coding for penicillin-binding protein PBP2a that blocks inhibitory action on peptidoglycan cross-linking. Now MRSA presents a serious global healthcare concern being responsible for prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality. The precise information of virulence factors and resistant traits of MRSA and their interplay in a community is key to minimize the intermixing of resistant and susceptible pathogens in the community