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Bacteriophage 604: a marker phage for multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Australia
B Inglis1, I Heding, M Merrylees
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Australian National University.
Epidemiology and Infection
|April 1, 1990
Summary
A specific phage, phage 604, was found in most multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains from Australian hospitals in 1986. This phage may serve as a marker for tracking antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Virology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains poses a global health threat.
- Understanding the genetic factors associated with antibiotic resistance is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of specific prophages in multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Australian hospitals.
- To determine if any identified prophage is associated with antibiotic resistance or virulence.
Main Methods:
- Collection and characterization of 28 multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from Australian hospitals in 1986.
- Prophage screening of isolates using molecular methods.
- Assessment of phage 604's effect on antibiotic resistance and virulence in laboratory assays.
Main Results:
- 27 out of 28 multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates contained the same prophage, designated phage 604.
- Phage 604 was not found in hospital isolates with limited resistance markers or community isolates.
- Phage 604 did not confer antibiotic resistance or enhance virulence in experimental models.
Conclusions:
- Phage 604 is strongly correlated with multi-antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains from Australian hospitals.
- Phage 604 may serve as a valuable molecular marker for identifying and tracking emerging epidemic strains of Staphylococcus aureus in healthcare settings.