Genotyping of European isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by fluorescent amplified-fragment length polymorphism analysis (FAFLP)and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing

A representative panel of 50 European MESA isolates was subjected to genoty pe analysis by fluorescent amplified-fragment length polymorphism (FAFLP) a nd by macrorestriction pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), Each isolat e had a unique profile with FAFLP. To model genetic relationships within th e continuing MRSA epidemic, cluster analysis of FAFLP data was made, reveal ing nine clone complexes of MRSA. Most of these were also found by PFGE. A number of isolates had FAFLP profiles significantly different from others, and might represent emerging epidemic strains. FAFLP analysis proved partic ularly suitable for surveillance of the MRSA epidemic at national and inter national levels.