Molecular investigation of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from inanimate surfaces in Jordanian hospitals

Staphylococcus aureus is a ubiquitous nosocomial bacterium, which confers hospital-associated infections ranging from moderate to life-threatening disorders. The pathogenicity of the microorganism is attributed to various camouflage mechanisms harbored in its genome. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains have become significant pathogens in nosocomial and community settings. In the current study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus, and more specifically, MRSA at different departments in four major hospitals in Jordan. A total of 500 inanimate surfaces located in the intensive care unit ICU, kidney department, surgery department, internal department, sterilization ‎department, burn department, and operation department were swabbed.‎ All isolates were identified by using routine bacterial culture, Gram staining, and a panel of biochemical tests such as; catalase, coagulase, DNase, urease, oxidase, and hemolysin production were performed. In terms of PCR, three main genes were screened, the 16S rRNA gene targeting Staphylococcus spp as a housekeeping gene, the coA gene was used as a specific gene to detect S. aureus, and the mecA gene used to identify MRSA isolates. Results revealed the prevalence of Staphylococcus spp was 212 (42.4%), ‎S. aureus ‎prevalence by coA gene 198 (39.6%), and MRSA by mecA gene in 81 samples ‎‎ (16.2%)‎. There was a strong positive connection (P < 0.01) found between department site and bacterial contamination.‎ It was concluded that inanimate hospital environments contain a relatively high number of S. aureus and MRSA. Proper sterilization techniques, infection prevention, and control management strategies should be implemented.