SCCmec

SCCmec, or staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec, is a mobile genetic element of Staphylococcus bacterial species. This genetic sequence includes the mecA gene coding for resistance to the antibiotic methicillin and is the only known way for Staphylococcus strains to spread the gene in the wild by horizontal gene transfer.[1] SCCmec is a 21 to 60 kb long genetic element that confers broad-spectrum β-lactam resistance to MRSA.[2] Moreover, additional genetic elements like Tn554, pT181, and pUB110 can be found in SCCmec, which have the capability to render resistance to various non-β-lactam drugs.[3]

  1. ^ Hanssen AM, Ericson Sollid JU (February 2006). "SCCmec in staphylococci: genes on the move". FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology. 46 (1): 8–20. doi:10.1111/j.1574-695X.2005.00009.x. PMID 16420592. S2CID 37999833.
  2. ^ Katayama Y, Ito T, Hiramatsu K (June 2000). "A new class of genetic element, staphylococcus cassette chromosome mec, encodes methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus". Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. 44 (6): 1549–1555. doi:10.1128/AAC.44.6.1549-1555.2000. PMC 89911. PMID 10817707.
  3. ^ Ito T, Hiramatsu K (December 1998). "Acquisition of methicillin resistance and progression of multiantibiotic resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus". Yonsei Medical Journal. 39 (6): 526–533. doi:10.3349/ymj.1998.39.6.526. PMID 10097679.