Molecular Characterization of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA) in Kuwait Hospitals

"Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen that causes mild to invasive infections. It has been argued that methicillinresistant
S. aureus (MRSA) emerged because successful methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) lineages acquired mecA
gene at different occasions which resulted in the emergence of few pandemic MRSA clones (e.g. clonal complex 5). The
prevalent MRSA clones was determined in Kuwait hospitals, however there is no information on the distribution of MSSA
clones. It is important to investigate the clonal composition of MSSA to establish whether genotypic relationship exist
between MSSA and MRSA clones. This will identify the source of MRSA clones prevalent in Kuwait hospitals whether
they evolved locally from MSSA clones. Determining the prevailing S. aureus clones in Kuwait hospitals is important for
better management and control of infections. This study will investigate the genotypes, antibiotic resistance and virulence
profiles of S. aureus isolates in Kuwait hospitals using a combination of molecular typing methods. The study will create a
genetic database for S. aureus in Kuwait and provide guidance on proper management and control of S. aureus infections."