A survey of staphylococci isolated in hospital practice

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Coagulase-positive staphylococci are significant human pathogens.
• Understanding strain distribution and antibiotic resistance is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare coagulase-positive staphylococci strains from in-patients and out-patients.
• To investigate phage group distribution and antibiotic resistance patterns.

Main Methods:

• Phage typing of coagulase-positive staphylococci strains.
• Comparison of strains isolated from in-patient and out-patient settings.
• Assessment of antibiotic sensitivity profiles.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in phage group distribution were observed between in-patient and out-patient strains.
• Group III strains predominated in the in-patient cohort and were associated with most antibiotic-resistant isolates.
• Phage type 80 showed a notable prevalence in breast abscess cases.
• One-third of hospital-acquired coagulase-positive staphylococci were sensitive only to chloramphenicol and erythromycin.

Conclusions:

• In-patient coagulase-positive staphylococci exhibit distinct phage group characteristics, particularly Group III, linked to antibiotic resistance.
• Phage typing and antibiotic susceptibility data are vital for tracking and managing staphylococcal infections in healthcare settings.