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Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR RS-PCR
Published on: November 4, 2016
COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND GENOTYPES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN TURKEY
Abstract:
Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is an important risk factor for nosocomial and community-acquired staphylococcal infections. We investigate the prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-sensitive (CA-MSSA) and -resistant (CA-MRSA), including inducible dormant (ID)-MRSA S. aureus, and genotypes of MRSA strains of nasal cultures from 1,108 university students attending Selcuk University, Turkey. Risk factors were based on replies to a questionnaire. S. aureus was identified using conventional culture methods and a Stapyloslide® latex test. Antibiotic susceptibility and methicillin resistance were determined by a disk diffusion method, and vancomycin susceptibility was performed using an E-test. Identification of mecA and SCCmec types were conducted by PCR and genotypes by pulse field gel-electrophoresis (PFGE). Prevalence of S. aureus was 17%, with 9% being MRSA. Two isolates were SCCmec type III, 11 were SCCmec variant IIIA and one SCCmec type IV. No ID-MRSA was detected. The majority of the isolates were resistant to penicillin and no strain was resistant to vancomycin. Two MRSA strains were PFGE pulsotype A, 9 pulsotype B, 2 pulsotype C, 1 pulso-type D and 3 pulsotype E. Presence of permanent catheter and use of antibiotics in the previous month were risk factors for MSSA colonization and association with medical facilities were risk factors for MRSA carriers. There is a need for multicenter studies in Turkey to investigate CA- and ID-MRSA prevalence and nosocomial infections.
Insights
This study found 17% Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage in Turkish university students, with 9% being methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Medical facility association was a risk factor for MRSA carriers.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is a significant risk factor for both hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections.
- Understanding the prevalence and genetic characteristics of S. aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of community-acquired methicillin-sensitive (CA-MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (CA-MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage among university students.
- To identify the genotypes of MRSA strains and investigate potential risk factors associated with colonization.
Main Methods:
- Nasal cultures were collected from 1,108 university students.
- Conventional culture methods, latex tests, antibiotic susceptibility testing, PCR for mecA and SCCmec types, and PFGE for genotyping were employed.
- Risk factors were assessed via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 17% of students, with 9% identified as MRSA.
- No inducible dormant (ID)-MRSA strains were found. Most isolates were penicillin-resistant, but none were vancomycin-resistant.
- MRSA strains belonged to SCCmec types III, IIIA, and IV, with various PFGE pulsotypes identified. Catheter presence and recent antibiotic use were risk factors for MSSA, while medical facility association increased MRSA risk.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a notable prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA nasal carriage in a university student population in Turkey.
- Specific risk factors for MSSA and MRSA colonization were identified.
- Further multicenter research is recommended to comprehensively assess CA- and ID-MRSA prevalence and their role in nosocomial infections across Turkey.
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