True statement regarding MRSA is:

Ref: Ananthanarayan, Paniker CJ. Textbook of Microbiology. 8th Edition. London: John Wiley & Sons: 2009. Pg. 20)Explanation:Methiciliin resistant strains of Staph aureus (MRSa) possess meca gene.The mecA gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which differs from other penicillin-binding proteins as it has reduced affinity for (3-lactam antibiotics.MRSA isolates are resistant not merely to penicillin, but also to all other beta lactam antibiotics including cephalosporins, carba- penems.For life-threatening MRSA infections, vancomycin is the drug of choice.For mild superficial lesions, systemic antibiotics may not be necessary.Topical applications of drugs not used systemic ally, such as bacitracin, cblorhexidine or mupirocin, may be sufficient.