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Updated: Aug 11, 2025
Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR RS-PCR
Published on: November 4, 2016
Prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. from human specimens submitted to diagnostic laboratories in South Africa,
Themba T Sigudu1,2, James W Oguttu1, Daniel N Qekwana3
1Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
Background:
Although staphylococci are commensals of the skin and mucosa of humans and animals, they are also opportunistic pathogens. Some coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS), such as S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis, are reported to be zoonotic.
Objectives:
The prevalence of coagulase positive (CoPS), CoNS and coagulase-variable Staphylococcus spp. isolated from human clinical cases in South Africa was investigated.
Method:
Retrospective records of 404 217 diagnostic laboratory submissions from 2012 to 2017 were examined and analysed in terms of time, place and person.
Results:
Of the 32 different species identified, CoPS were the most frequently isolated (74.7%), followed by CoNS (18.9%). Just over half (51.2%) of the Staphylococcus isolates were from males, while females contributed 44.8%. Patients aged 0-4 years contributed the most (21.5%) isolates, with the highest number coming from KwaZulu-Natal (32.8%). Urinary specimens accounted for 29.8% of the isolates reported. There was no variation in the number of Staphylococcus isolates reported in the autumn (25.2%), winter (25.2%), spring (25.1%) and summer (24.5%) seasons.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated the diversity of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from humans and the magnitude of infection, with the most predominant species being S. aureus and S. epidermidis.
Contribution:
Although most isolates were CoPS, the isolation of CoNS seen in this study suggests a need to improve infection control measures in a South African context. More research is needed to investigate the determinants of the observed variations in the study.
Insights
Staphylococci are opportunistic pathogens, with coagulase-positive species (CoPS) being most common in South Africa. The study highlights the need for improved infection control for coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS).
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Staphylococci are common commensals but also opportunistic pathogens.
- Certain coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) species, like S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis, are known to be zoonotic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of coagulase-positive (CoPS), CoNS, and coagulase-variable Staphylococcus species in human clinical cases in South Africa.
- To analyze the distribution of Staphylococcus isolates by time, place, and person.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 404,217 diagnostic laboratory submissions from 2012 to 2017.
- Examination of isolate data based on time, geographical location (KwaZulu-Natal), and patient demographics (age, sex).
Main Results:
- Coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) were the most frequently isolated (74.7%), followed by CoNS (18.9%).
- The majority of isolates were from males (51.2%) and patients aged 0-4 years (21.5%).
- Urinary specimens constituted 29.8% of isolates, with no significant seasonal variation.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the most predominant species identified.
- The presence of CoNS indicates a need for enhanced infection control measures in South Africa.
- Further research is required to understand the factors contributing to observed variations in Staphylococcus infections.
