Epidemiology and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus from skin and soft tissue

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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA

Published on: February 9, 2011

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Samira Mehrshad1, Masoud Haghkhah1, Shahin Aghaei2

  • 1Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 7, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly prevalent in Iranian hospitals. Early screening and diagnosis are crucial for treating these skin infections and preventing further spread.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a growing concern in Iran.
  • Staphylococcus aureus skin infections pose a significant public health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology and molecular features of S. aureus from skin infection patients in Shiraz, Iran.
  • To determine the prevalence of mecA and pvl genes in isolated S. aureus strains.

Main Methods:

  • Conventional microbiological methods were used to identify S. aureus from patient samples.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed to detect the presence of mecA and pvl genes.

Main Results:

  • Out of 243 staphylococcal isolates, 55 (22.6%) were S. aureus. Of these, 60% carried the mecA gene (MRSA), and 54.5% were positive for the pvl gene.
  • A high proportion of S. aureus isolates were PVL-positive MRSA.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights a significant prevalence of PVL-positive MRSA strains in the studied hospitals.
  • Prompt diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential for managing these infections and curbing transmission, particularly in high-risk individuals.

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