Understanding the Molecular Epidemiology of Community‐Acquired Methicillin‐Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> in Northern Saudi Arabia: A Spotlight on <i>SCCmec</i> and <i>spa</i> Typing

<b>Background:</b> Methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA) is a strain resistant to certain antibiotics, making it difficult to treat. MRSA infections can occur in healthcare settings and in the wider community. The prevalence of MRSA strains has significantly increased in Saudi Arabia over the last 2 decades. <b>Objective:</b> This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of MRSA isolates from patients at Gurayat General Hospital in Northern Saudi Arabia. <b>Methods:</b> Ninety-seven MRSA isolates were collected from patients in 2018-2019. MRSA isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, SCC<i>mec</i> typing, <i>spa</i> typing, and pvl gene detection. <b>Results:</b> All strains were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid. Resistance to clindamycin (33%) and erythromycin (44%) was common. Resistance to ciprofloxacin (19%), gentamicin (14%), and tetracycline (19%) was also observed. Forty-four <i>spa</i> types were identified, with t304 (11.4%), t044 (8.4%), and t0127 (8.4%) being the most common. SCC<i>mec</i> types IVd (39%), IVc (27%), and V (24%) were most frequent. Additionally, the pvl gene was detected in 49% of the isolates. <b>Conclusion:</b> Community-acquired MRSA clones are prevalent in the healthcare setting. The predominant genotype was t304 (10%), followed by t044 (7%) and t0127 (7%). The SCC<i>mec</i> IVd type was the most common type frequently associated with <i>spa</i> type t304, whereas SCC<i>mec</i> type IVc was primarily associated with <i>spa</i> type t044. Isolates harboring SCC<i>mec</i> type IVd showed more nonsusceptible phenotypes to ciprofloxacin than other SCC<i>mec</i> types. Most MRSA isolates were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular epidemiology of MRSA in the northern region of Saudi Arabia and highlight the prevalence of specific MRSA strains and their antibiotic resistance profiles. This information is essential for monitoring and addressing the spread of MRSA in healthcare settings.