Predominant phage types of coagulase positive staphylococci in hospital infections

U Arora1, T Jesupadam, P K Jain

  • 1G.G.S. Medical College, Faridkot.

Insights

Bacteriophage typing revealed Staphylococcus aureus phage group distribution in clinical isolates. A high prevalence of multiple drug-resistant strains was observed, highlighting significant antimicrobial resistance challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Bacteriology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen.
  • Understanding its phage types and antibiotic resistance patterns is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the phage types of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates.
  • To determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of these isolates.

Main Methods:

  • 360 Staphylococcus aureus strains from clinical specimens were analyzed.
  • Bacteriophage typing was performed to classify strains into phage groups.
  • Antibiotic sensitivity testing was conducted for all isolates.

Main Results:

  • 68.6% of strains were typable by bacteriophage typing.
  • The mixed phage group was the most prevalent (29.72%).
  • 79.7% of strains exhibited multiple drug resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Phage typing provides insights into the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus.
  • The high rate of multidrug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates is a major concern.

Related Concept Videos

Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic01:26

Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence01:20

Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...