A Molecular Epidemiological Analysis of 2<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>Clonal Types Colonizing and Infecting Patients with AIDS

Abstract

This study demonstrates a sustained high rate of S. aureus carriage and infection. It demonstrates the capacity of unique methicillin-resistant S. aureus clones with an established linkage to earlier outbreaks of methicillin-resistant S. aureus, as well as to human immunodeficiency virus--infected subjects, to persist in this residential setting. It also illustrates the apparent genetic instability or transmissibility of the staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec type IV element.