Prevalence of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus Associated with Wound Infection in Central Nepal

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Genetics

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant public health threat.
• Understanding antibiotic resistance patterns in MRSA is crucial for effective treatment.
• Inducible clindamycin resistance is a growing concern in MRSA infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of inducible clindamycin resistance among MRSA isolates in central Nepal.
• To detect the presence of mecA and ermC genes in MRSA strains.
• To assess antibiotic susceptibility profiles of MRSA.

Main Methods:

• Clinical specimens (pus, wound swabs) were analyzed for Staphylococcus aureus identification.
• MRSA strains were screened using cefoxitin disc diffusion and D-test.
• Genomic DNA was extracted for mecA and ermC gene detection via PCR.

Main Results:

• 39.1% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were identified as MRSA.
• 48% of MRSA isolates exhibited inducible clindamycin resistance (iMLSB phenotype).
• All MRSA isolates were resistant to penicillin and amoxicillin, but susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, and tigecycline. 8% carried mecA and 13.3% of iMLSB isolates carried ermC.

Conclusions:

• A high rate of inducible clindamycin resistance among MRSA necessitates careful antibiotic selection.
• Genomic studies are essential for a comprehensive understanding of Staphylococcus aureus antibiotic resistance.
• Monitoring resistance patterns is vital for public health surveillance in Nepal.