Molecular Characterization of Resistance to Mupirocin in Methicillin-Susceptible and -Resistant Isolates of Staphylococcus aureusfrom Nasal Samples

ABSTRACTA total of 15 of 101 (14.8%) nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) isolates exhibited mupirocin resistance (Mupr) compared with 1 of 154 (0.6%) methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureusisolates. A total of 14 (93%) isolates exhibiting high-level Muprbelonged to a single clone. Horizontal plasmid transfer and transmission of Muprstrains contribute to a high incidence of MuprMRSA at our institution.