[Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolates related to USA300 clone: Origin of community-genotype MRSA in Colombia?].

Introduction: USA300 is a genetic lineage found both in methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolates. In Colombia, hospital and community MRSA infections are caused by a USA300-related community genotype MRSA (CG-MRSA) clone. The genetic origin of this clone is unknown yet.

USA300-related methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone is the predominant cause of community and hospital MRSA infections in Colombian children.

Objective: Community-genotype methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CG-MRSA) isolates are known to be more virulent and clinically aggressive in children. The goal of the present study was characterize the molecular epidemiology of MRSA isolates causing infections in Colombian children.

Methods: An observational and prospective study was conducted between April 2009 and June 2011 at 15 hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia.