Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Targeting Biofilm Associated Staphylococcus aureus Using Resazurin Based Drug-susceptibility Assay
Published on: May 5, 2016
Characterization and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of Biofilm Forming Strains of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated
Nikola Dančová1, Ján Király2, Vanda Hajdučková2
1Department of Public Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare, The University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen known for its versatility and ability to cause a wide range of infections. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify S. aureus from skin lesions from human patients, to determine antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation potential at phenotypic and genotypic levels, as well as to verify the activity of efflux pump production. Out of 51 samples collected from skin lesions of various etiologies, 13 isolates were identified as S. aureus. All isolates showed the ability to form biofilms, which correlated with the presence of the icaABCD, agrA, srtA, clfAB, and fnbAB genes, while the bap gene was absent. The highest rates of resistance were observed for ampicillin (69.2%) and gentamicin (46.2%), as well as for erythromycin and clindamycin (38.5%). The mecA gene was present in two isolates, but phenotypic resistance to methicillin was confirmed in only one of them, suggesting possible heterogeneous expression or regulated activity of resistance mechanisms. The mecC gene was not present in any isolate. Efflux pump production was observed in only three isolates, showing weak to intermediate levels. These findings indicate the high biofilm potential and variable antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus clinical isolates, which pose a challenge for the treatment of emerging skin infections.
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus from skin lesions frequently forms biofilms and shows resistance to common antibiotics like ampicillin. This highlights challenges in treating S. aureus skin infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile human pathogen causing diverse infections.
- Understanding its antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and identify S. aureus from human skin lesions.
- To determine antimicrobial resistance, biofilm potential, and efflux pump activity.
- To correlate genotypic findings with phenotypic characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of S. aureus from 51 skin lesion samples.
- Phenotypic assessment of biofilm formation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Genotypic analysis for biofilm-related genes (icaABCD, agrA, srtA, clfAB, fnbAB, bap) and methicillin resistance genes (mecA, mecC).
- Evaluation of efflux pump production.
Main Results:
- 13 S. aureus isolates were identified.
- All isolates exhibited biofilm formation, linked to specific genes (icaABCD, agrA, srtA, clfAB, fnbAB).
- High resistance rates observed for ampicillin (69.2%), gentamicin (46.2%), erythromycin, and clindamycin (38.5%).
- mecA gene found in two isolates; methicillin resistance confirmed in only one.
- Efflux pump activity was weak to intermediate in three isolates.
Conclusions:
- S. aureus clinical isolates possess significant biofilm-forming potential.
- Variable antimicrobial resistance patterns necessitate careful treatment selection.
- The findings underscore the challenges in managing S. aureus skin infections due to these factors.
More Related Videos
09:39A Platform of Anti-biofilm Assays Suited to the Exploration of Natural Compound Libraries
Published on: December 27, 2016
09:26Antibiotic Efficacy Testing in an Ex vivo Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
Published on: January 22, 2021
Related Concept Videos
01:29Biofilms
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...