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[Investigation of enterotoxin gene in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus]

Hong Cao1, Min Wang, Rong Zheng

  • 1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Central South University, Changsha, China. caohong02917@163.com

Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao = Journal of Southern Medical University
|May 17, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) strains with multiple enterotoxin genes exhibit increased drug resistance. This highlights the significant role of enterotoxins in the multidrug resistance of SA clinical isolates.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Context:

  • Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a significant human pathogen.
  • Enterotoxin genes are virulence factors in SA.
  • Drug resistance in SA is a growing public health concern.

Purpose:

  • To detect enterotoxin genes in clinical SA isolates.
  • To analyze the correlation between enterotoxin gene profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Summary:

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing were used to identify enterotoxin genes (SEA-F) and the mecA gene in SA isolates.
  • A high prevalence of enterotoxin genes was observed in both methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive SA (MSSA).
  • Strains carrying multiple enterotoxin genes, particularly SEA, SEC, and SEF, demonstrated significantly higher resistance rates to antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT) and amikacin compared to strains with single enterotoxin genes.

Impact:

  • The study reveals a strong association between the presence of multiple enterotoxin genes and enhanced multidrug resistance in clinical SA isolates.
  • Findings underscore the importance of enterotoxins as contributors to SA's resistance mechanisms.
  • This research provides valuable insights for understanding SA pathogenesis and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

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