ST8 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus harboring the genes of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1, enterotoxin C and L, as a counterpart of ST8-SCCmecIVl MRSA (CA-MRSA/J). Staphylococcus aureus

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) have emerged in the community and have been spreading rapidly in healthcare settings worldwide. Recently, emergence of the Japan-intrinsic CA-MRSA strain (CA-MRSA/J). CA-MRSA/J is associated with invasive infection such as necrotizing pneumonia and vertebral osteomyelitis. However, little is known about ST8 MSSA harboring tst-1, sec and sel (designated ST8 MSSA/J), as a counterpart of CA-MRSA/J. This study showed that ST8 MSSA/J which is genetically similar to CA-MRSA/J cause invasive infection. Investigation for both CA-MRSA/J and ST8 MSSA/J will contribute to further understanding of the virulence mechanism of this lineage of S. aureus.