The emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an intensive care unit in Kerman, Iran

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant global health risk.
• The emergence of vancomycin resistance in MRSA is a growing concern worldwide.
• Limited data exists on vancomycin-resistant MRSA in the Middle East, particularly Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first emergence of vancomycin-resistant MRSA in Kerman, Iran.
• To characterize the molecular features of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus isolates.
• To emphasize the need for improved infection control measures.

Main Methods:

• Collected 205 clinical isolates of S. aureus from three university hospitals over 15 months.
• Screened isolates for methicillin and vancomycin resistance using phenotypic methods.
• Detected resistance and virulence genes via PCR; performed SCCmec and spa typing for molecular characterization.

Main Results:

• Identified two S. aureus isolates exhibiting vancomycin resistance (VRSA) through phenotypic and genotypic analysis.
• Both VRSA isolates displayed a high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 64 µg/ml.
• Molecular typing revealed both isolates belonged to SCCmec type III and spa type t030.

Conclusions:

• The presence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) in Kerman, Iran, signifies a critical public health challenge.
• The findings underscore the necessity for stricter infection control protocols in healthcare settings.
• Preventing the transmission of these highly resistant and potentially life-threatening pathogens is paramount.