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Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)
08:51

Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)

Published on: November 4, 2016

[Detection of smr and qacA genes in Staphylococcus aureus strains using PCR]

Joanna Stefańska1, Grazyna Młynarczyk, Andrzej Młynarczyk

  • 1Zakład Mikrobiologii Farmaceutycznej AM w Warszawie.

Medycyna Doswiadczalna I Mikrobiologia
|March 14, 2003
PubMed

Insights

The smr and qacA genes, linked to disinfectant resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, were detected in 15 and 2 strains, respectively. Some MRSA strains exhibited resistance to multiple disinfectants.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Context:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen.
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are widely used disinfectants.
  • Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health concern.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the prevalence of smr and qacA genes in Staphylococcus aureus strains.
  • To determine the association of these genes with resistance to disinfectants and antibiotics.

Summary:

  • The smr gene was identified in 15 out of 31 Staphylococcus aureus strains.
  • Fourteen smr-positive strains were Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and showed resistance to QACs, ethidium bromide, and acriflavine.
  • Two MRSA strains carried the qacA gene, exhibiting resistance to QACs, ethidium bromide, chlorhexidine, and acriflavine. One strain harbored both smr and qacA genes.

Impact:

  • Findings highlight the potential for disinfectant resistance mechanisms to coexist with antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of disinfectant resistance is crucial for infection control strategies.
  • This study contributes to the knowledge base on antimicrobial resistance, informing public health policies.

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