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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
14:04

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

Published on: May 8, 2013

Molecular characterization and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus from a multidisciplinary hospital

Ramona Ionescu1, José R Mediavilla, Liang Chen

  • 1Infectious Diseases Hospital and Clinic County Hospital, Braşov, Romania.

Microbial Drug Resistance (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|November 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated Staphylococcus aureus strains in Romania, finding diverse MRSA clones and resistance patterns. The research highlights ongoing hospital and community transmission of these bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Romania reported high rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) between 2004-2005.
  • Limited data existed on the molecular characteristics of S. aureus in Romania.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize S. aureus strains from a Romanian hospital using molecular typing.
  • To determine antibiotic susceptibility patterns of MRSA isolates.
  • To identify virulence factors and transmission dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized spa typing, multilocus sequence typing, SCCmec typing, dru typing, PFGE, and virulence factor detection.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing and analysis of patient demographic data were performed.
  • 146 S. aureus strains isolated from 2004-2005 at Clinic County Hospital in Braşov were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • 38.4% of strains were identified as MRSA, exhibiting resistance to beta-lactams and tetracycline.
  • Fifteen clonal backgrounds were identified, with CC 1, 8/239, 30, and 80 associated with MRSA.
  • Both hospital-associated (SCCmec type III) and community-associated (SCCmec type IV) MRSA were detected, along with Panton-Valentine leukocidin.

Conclusions:

  • Diverse S. aureus clones are endemic in Braşov, Romania.
  • Evidence suggests ongoing nosocomial and community transmission of S. aureus.
  • Molecular characterization is crucial for understanding bacterial epidemiology and guiding control strategies.

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