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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
[Occurrence of high-level mupirocin resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci in hospitals and their
Katarzyna Wiśniewska1, Ewa Michnowska-Swincow, Janusz Galiński
1Zakład Mikrobiologii Lekarskiej Akademii Medycznej w Gdańsku.
Abstract:
Occurrence of high-level mupirocin resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci in 5 hospitals in the region of Gdansk was determined. The study was carried out on 192 staphylococcal strains isolated from patients and medical staff. The mupirocin resistant strains were detected by 5 microgram mupirocin disc. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for mupirocin was estimated by E-tests. The mupirocin resistant strains were characterised by antibiotic sensitivity, including MIC for glycopeptides and oxacillin. Biotypes of resistant strains were also determined. Eight high-level mupirocin resistant strains (4.7%) were found. Only one strain expressed low-level resistance. All but one of high-level mupirocin resistant strains were resistant to methicillin. Six of them belonged to the S. epidermidis species but differences in the biotypes and antibiotic resistance patterns of these strains suggest they did not have a common origin.
Insights
High-level mupirocin resistance in coagulase-negative staphylococci was found in 4.7% of strains from 5 hospitals. Most resistant strains were also methicillin-resistant, indicating a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Context:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are significant opportunistic pathogens.
- Mupirocin is a key antibiotic for treating Staphylococcal infections.
- The emergence of antibiotic resistance in hospitals is a growing global health threat.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of high-level mupirocin resistance (HLMR) in CoNS.
- To characterize the antibiotic resistance profiles and biotypes of mupirocin-resistant CoNS strains.
- To assess the potential for clonal spread of resistant strains.
Summary:
- A study investigated 192 CoNS strains from 5 hospitals in Gdansk, Poland.
- Eight strains (4.7%) exhibited high-level mupirocin resistance, detected by disc diffusion and confirmed by E-tests.
- All but one HLMR strain were also resistant to methicillin, and most belonged to Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Impact:
- This study highlights the presence of HLMR CoNS in a hospital setting, posing a challenge for infection control.
- The co-occurrence of mupirocin and methicillin resistance in these strains necessitates careful antibiotic stewardship.
- Understanding the diversity of resistant CoNS strains is crucial for developing effective treatment and prevention strategies.
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