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Slime factor positivity in coagulase negative staphylococci isolated from nasal samples of haemodialysis patients
U Altoparlak1, A Kadanali, S Celebi
1Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Ataturk University, School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey. ulkuca@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Polysaccharide slime seems to be the most important factor by which coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) strains adheres and colonises catheters. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of slime-producing CNS strains isolated from nasal samples of patients on haemodialysis and of healthy persons as a control. Nasal cultures were performed for 131 haemodialysis patients and 56 healthy persons. CNS strains were isolated from 86 of 131 patients (72.9%), and 46 of 56 healthy persons (82.1%). Twenty-four (27.9%) of the 86 CNS strains tested in the patient group and four (8.7%) of the 46 CNS strains in the control group were slime factor positive. There was a significant difference (p<0.01) in slime production between CNS strains isolated from haemodialysis patients and from control group. The detection of slime-producing coagulase-negative staphylococcus carriage in haemodialysis patients may prevent dialysis catheter-related coagulase-negative staphylococcal infections.
Insights
Slime-producing coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are more prevalent in nasal passages of haemodialysis patients than healthy individuals. Detecting this slime factor in haemodialysis patients may help prevent infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are significant pathogens, particularly in healthcare settings.
- Polysaccharide slime production is a key virulence factor for CNS adherence and colonization, especially on medical devices like catheters.
- Catheter-related infections pose a serious risk to patients undergoing haemodialysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of slime-producing CNS strains in the nasal carriage of haemodialysis patients.
- To compare the prevalence of slime-producing CNS in haemodialysis patients with that of a healthy control group.
- To assess the potential of identifying slime-producing CNS carriers to mitigate dialysis-related infections.
Main Methods:
- Nasal cultures were obtained from 131 haemodialysis patients and 56 healthy individuals.
- Isolated CNS strains were tested for their ability to produce slime factor.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare slime production rates between the patient and control groups.
Main Results:
- CNS strains were isolated from 72.9% of haemodialysis patients and 82.1% of healthy controls.
- Slime factor positive CNS strains were found in 27.9% of the patient group and 8.7% of the control group.
- A statistically significant difference (p<0.01) in slime production was observed between CNS strains from haemodialysis patients and the control group.
Conclusions:
- Haemodialysis patients exhibit a significantly higher prevalence of nasal carriage of slime-producing CNS compared to healthy individuals.
- The findings highlight the importance of nasal carriage of slime-producing CNS in haemodialysis patients as a potential reservoir for infections.
- Early detection of slime-producing CNS carriage in haemodialysis patients could be a crucial step in preventing serious catheter-related infections.
