Clonal nature and diversity of resistance, toxins and adhesins genes of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus collected in a Spanish hospital

► We determine the prevalence of pathogenicity genes among 189 MRSA isolates. ► 91 Virulence, 42 resistance and 22 set/ssl genes profiles were detected. ► We observed a correspondence relationship between clones and pathogenicity genes. ► Changes in molecular epidemiology in our institution were produced over time. ► We reported the pathogenic potential of prevalent MRSA clones in Spanish hospitals.