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mecA and PVL genes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from clinical specimens: a cross-sectional hospital
Sirjana Adhikari1, Supriya Sharma1, Sanjib Adhikari1
1Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Background And Objectives:
Staphylococcus aureus has increasingly been associated with community and healthcare-associated infections worldwide and contributes to treatment failures due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. We aimed to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of MRSA isolated from patients attending a burn center and to detect mecA and PVL genes among MRSA isolates.
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional hospital based study was conducted on 1950 clinical samples collected from hospital inpatients and outpatients of Kirtipur Hospital, which is a burn specialist hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Each sample underwent conventional cultural methods for bacterial isolates identification.
Results:
Out of 1950 samples, 452 (23.2%) samples showed bacterial growth, of which 109 isolates (24.1%) were identified as Gram positive and 343 (75.9%) as Gram negative bacteria. Among the Gram positive bacteria, 53 (48.62%) were Staphylococcus aureus. Of the total S. aureus isolates, 40 (75.5%) were MRSA and 48 (90.6%) were MDR. Of the 40 MRSA isolates, 29 (72.5%) carried the mecA gene and 3 (7.5%) harbored PVL gene.
Conclusion:
The high prevalence of MRSA in a burn unit underscores the need for more rigorous infection control practices that follow standard protocols to reduce MRSA transmission in both individuals and the hospital environment.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is common in burn patients, with high rates of multidrug resistance. Many MRSA strains carry mecA and PVL genes, necessitating improved infection control in burn units.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of community and healthcare-associated infections.
- Emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains contributes to treatment failures.
- Burn units are particularly vulnerable to MRSA colonization and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA in a burn center.
- To analyze the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated MRSA.
- To detect the presence of mecA and PVL genes in MRSA isolates.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 1950 clinical samples from burn patients at Kirtipur Hospital, Nepal.
- Conventional cultural methods were used for bacterial isolation and identification.
- MRSA identification was confirmed, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed. mecA and PVL genes were detected.
Main Results:
- Bacterial growth was observed in 23.2% of samples.
- Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 48.62% of Gram-positive isolates.
- Of S. aureus isolates, 75.5% were MRSA, and 90.6% were MDR. mecA was found in 72.5% and PVL in 7.5% of MRSA isolates.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of MRSA in the burn unit highlights a significant infection control challenge.
- Rigorous adherence to standard infection control protocols is crucial to minimize MRSA transmission.
- Further research into effective treatment strategies for MDR and MRSA infections in burn patients is warranted.
