The evolution of a resistant pathogen--the case of MRSA

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2003 Oct;3(5):474-9. doi: 10.1016/s1471-4892(03)00109-7.

Abstract

Recent advances in molecular epidemiological methods have elucidated the evolutionary pathways by which modern methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus have evolved. Only five major lineages of hospital methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus exist, but these are globally distributed and evolving resistance to even the newest antibiotics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy
  • Community-Acquired Infections / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Humans
  • Methicillin Resistance / genetics*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus aureus / genetics*
  • Vancomycin Resistance / genetics