SCCmec, or staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec, is a mobile genetic element of Staphylococcus bacterial species.
[1] SCCmec is a 21 to 60 kb long genetic element that confers broad-spectrum β-lactam resistance to MRSA.
[7][8][9] The ccr and mec gene complexes in SCCmec are connected by joining (J) regions, considered non-essential but capable of carrying extra antimicrobial resistance determinants.
J3 (formerly the I-R region) is found downstream of the mec gene complex, extending to the left chromosomal junction.
[13] Staphylococcal strains isolated from pig farms were found to carry several different types of SCCmec, suggesting that they may serve as a reservoir of these elements.