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Nosocomial occurrence of enterotoxigenic multiresistant Staphylococcus strains in Rio de Janeiro
J C Tórtora1, T L De Sousa, M C Lourenço
1Instituto Gonzaga da Gama Filho, Universidade Gama Filho, Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract:
We studied 46 Staphylococcus aureus strains with three patterns of antimicrobial resistance (MARSA, MRSA and MSSA) obtained from inpatients of a large community hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The strains showed a single biochemical pattern. On the contrary, remarkable phage-typing differences could be observed. Thirteen strains were associated to phagic group III and the remainder could not be typed even though most of them had shown a weak sensitivity to phage 54. Fourteen strains synthesized one or more enterotoxins. Enterotoxin D was synthesized more often. Neither was EEB produced nor TSSF-1. The results suggested the widespreading of different staphylococci strains in that hospital. There was strong evidence that some cases of nosocomial infections leading to death have been caused by the same S. aureus strain recovered from some inpatients in the intensive care unit.
Insights
This study analyzed Staphylococcus aureus strains from a Brazilian hospital, finding diverse antimicrobial resistance patterns and enterotoxin production. Evidence suggests specific strains caused fatal nosocomial infections, highlighting hospital-acquired infection risks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of hospital-acquired infections.
- Understanding strain diversity is crucial for infection control.
- Antimicrobial resistance and toxin production influence S. aureus pathogenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize antimicrobial resistance patterns and biochemical profiles of S. aureus strains from a Brazilian hospital.
- To investigate the phage-typing and enterotoxin synthesis capabilities of these strains.
- To assess the potential link between specific S. aureus strains and fatal nosocomial infections.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 46 S. aureus isolates.
- Biochemical profiling and phage-typing were conducted.
- Enterotoxin synthesis (including Enterotoxin D, EEB, and TSSF-1) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Three antimicrobial resistance patterns were identified: MARSA, MRSA, and MSSA.
- Most strains exhibited a single biochemical pattern, but significant phage-typing variations were observed.
- Fourteen strains produced enterotoxins, with Enterotoxin D being the most common.
Conclusions:
- Diverse S. aureus strains are prevalent in the studied hospital.
- Specific S. aureus strains were strongly implicated in fatal nosocomial infections, particularly in intensive care units.
- Findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance and infection control measures for S. aureus.