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08:51
Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)
Published on: November 4, 2016
Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus in Lebanon
S T Tokajian1, P Abou Khalil, D Jabbour
1Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon. stokajian@lau.edu.lb
Epidemiology and Infection
|March 6, 2010
Summary
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing concern in Lebanon. This study identified diverse MRSA strains, including the prevalent ST80-MRSA-IVc clone, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen with increasing public health implications.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a growing threat globally and in Lebanon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates from Lebanon using molecular typing methods.
- To identify prevalent MRSA clones and their genetic features, including SCCmec types and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) presence.
Main Methods:
- Protein A gene (spa) sequencing was employed for strain typing.
- Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was utilized to determine sequence types (STs).
- SCCmec typing was performed to classify MRSA isolates.
Main Results:
- A total of 130 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were analyzed, comprising 93 MRSA and 37 methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA).
- Forty-eight distinct spa types clustered into 30 groups, and MLST identified 10 sequence types.
- Eight major MRSA clones were defined. The ST80-MRSA-IVc clone was the most common among Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive isolates (53%).
Conclusions:
- Molecular typing revealed significant genetic diversity among Staphylococcus aureus isolates in Lebanon.
- The ST80-MRSA-IVc clone is a dominant MRSA clone in the studied population.
- Systematic surveillance of both hospital and community-acquired MRSA isolates is crucial, alongside implementing effective control strategies to limit spread.
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