Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 46 3 2017 03 14 351 356 Solmaz OHADIAN MOGHADAM Uro-Oncology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Dept. of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Reza POURMAND Dept. of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran AND Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Masoumeh DOURAGHI Dept. of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Samira SABZI Dept. of Pathobiology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Parisa GHAFFARI Biotechnology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2017 03 14 2017 03 14 Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant challenge to the burn patient. The implementation of proper monitoring programs and prompt identification of epidemic MRSA strains are critical to consequently control and eradicate potential outbreaks. This study aimed to define the genetic relatedness of MRSA strains isolated from burn patients by analyzing the large fragments of DNA. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 126 pus/wound swabs from skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) were collected from inpatients of Shahid Motahari Burn Center (Tehran, Iran) in 2013. Then, molecular typing of MRSA was achieved by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: The PFGE analysis of MRSA indicated 31 single types and 5 common types. There was a significant diversity in the chromosomal digestion pattern of the MRSA strains explained by the acquisition of MRSA from various sources. Conclusion: The permanent import of novel types of MRSA strains despite the rigorous infection control measures carried out within the center. The importance of PFGE in understanding the epidemiology of MRSA may serve as a basis for the development of rational control strategies.     https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/9389 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/9389/5646