OBJECTIVES
PVL-positive meticillin-resistant S. aureus belonging to ST93-SCCmecIV (Queensland clone) are associated with Western Australia. We sought to identify UK isolates of the Queensland clone amongst referrals to the England and Wales Staphylococcus Reference Unit (SRU) from 2005 onwards.

METHODS
PVL-positive MRSA referred to SRU in 2005-8 that were similar to a known Queensland clone isolate (G.W. Coombs) by PFGE were characterised by SCCmec, spa and agr typing and MLST, as appropriate. MICs for a range of antibiotics were determined. Patient demographic and clinical data were retained.

RESULTS
Eight PVL-positive MRSA belonging to the Queensland clone were identified from eight individuals, with a mean age of 26 y (median 24 y, range 3-51 y). Of 2 affected females, one 24 year old died with necrotising pneumonia. Five individuals had skin and soft tissue infections, 2 were asymptomatic. Travel between Australia and the UK was noted for 4 individuals, or their close contacts. No other recognised risk factor for CA- or PVL-MRSA acquisition was noted. The isolates were spa type t202 or closely related, agr3, harboured SCCmecIV and were non-multi-resistant.

CONCLUSION
The demography, clinical presentations and outcomes were typical for CA-MRSA. The Queensland clone has not been reported widely outside Australia and its territories. Whilst the occurrences we identified in the UK were often associated with recent travel to Australia we are actively monitoring the situation for further importations and / or spread.