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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Detection by PCR of adhesins genes and slime production in clinical Staphylococcus aureus
Tarek Zmantar1, Kamel Chaieb, Héla Makni
1Laboratoire d'Analyse, Traitement et Valorisation des Polluants de l'Environnement et des Produits, Faculté de Pharmacie, Monastir, Tunisie. zmantar_t@yahoo.fr
Abstract:
The presence of the ica loci and adhesins genes in clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains were considered important factors of virulence. In this study, 46 strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from auricular infection, and were investigated for slime production using Congo Red Agar method (CRA). In order to detect the adhesins genes (ica A, ica D, fnb A, cna, Clf A) Polymerase Chain Reaction was used. Qualitative biofilm production of S. aureus using CRA plates revealed that 56.5% of strains were slime producers. In addition 78.26% of strains were ica A and ica D positive. While the fnbA gene was present in 76.1% of isolated strains. Furthermore, 56.5% of strains have the cna gene and 30.4% were clfA positives. Overall this study confirms the presence of fnb A and ica A/ica D genes in the majority of studies S. aureus strains isolated from Staphylococcal sepsis.
Insights
This study investigated virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus from ear infections. Most strains produced slime and carried key adhesin genes like icaA, icaD, and fnbA, crucial for Staphylococcal sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus virulence is linked to adhesin genes and slime production.
- Clinical isolates require investigation for genetic factors contributing to pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate slime production and the prevalence of adhesin genes (icaA, icaD, fnbA, cna, clfA) in Staphylococcus aureus strains from auricular infections.
- To correlate these factors with potential virulence in Staphylococcal sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of 46 Staphylococcus aureus strains from auricular infections.
- Slime production assessment using the Congo Red Agar method (CRA).
- Detection of adhesin genes via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- 56.5% of strains exhibited slime production on CRA plates.
- High prevalence of icaA and icaD genes (78.26%) and fnbA gene (76.1%).
- Significant presence of cna (56.5%) and clfA (30.4%) genes was also observed.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the widespread presence of adhesin genes, particularly fnbA and icaA/icaD, in Staphylococcus aureus strains from clinical samples.
- These genetic factors are likely important contributors to the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus in Staphylococcal sepsis.
