Clinically isolated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains were exposed to subinhibitory concentration of DW286, DW-224a, gemifloxacin, trovafloxacin, sparfloxacin and ciprofloxacin during 26- to 39-days period. Subculturing led to resistance development, and most of the selected mutants were above susceptible breakpoints. Selected mutants had broad cross resistance to other quinolone antibiotics and only one mutant was completely susceptible to all fluoroquinolones. Twenty five among 42 mutants revealed mutations on DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV by sequencing. Also 16 mutants had fluoroquinolones MICs that were 4-32 times lower in the presence of reserpine. In conclusion, alterations in DNA gyrase or topoisomerase IV and action of efflux pumping out system are the resistance mechanisms of DW-224a.