Report-Isolation identification and control of vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) poses a significant global health threat.
• Limited therapeutic options exist for VRSA infections, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatments.
• Previous research indicates potential antimicrobial properties of various plant extracts against resistant bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of VRSA in hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan.
• To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of antibiotics and herbal extracts against isolated VRSA strains.

Main Methods:

• Collection of 150 pus/wound samples from three Lahore hospitals.
• Isolation and confirmation of VRSA using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.
• Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) for Linezolid, Moxifloxacin, Clindamycin, and ethanolic plant extracts (Turmeric, Mint, Coriander, Garlic, Kalonji, Cinnamon, Cloves) using broth microdilution and agar well diffusion assays.

Main Results:

• Five out of 51 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates (9.8%) were confirmed as VRSA.
• All VRSA isolates (100%) were susceptible to Linezolid and Clindamycin.
• Eighty percent (80%) of VRSA isolates were susceptible to Moxifloxacin. Ethanolic extracts showed varying MIC values, with Cloves exhibiting the lowest MIC (64 μg/mL).

Conclusions:

• VRSA is present in Lahore hospitals, highlighting the need for vigilant surveillance and infection control.
• Linezolid and Clindamycin are effective against local VRSA strains.
• Several plant extracts, particularly Cloves, demonstrate significant anti-staphylococcal activity, warranting further investigation as potential therapeutic agents.