Molecular Detection of Methicillin Resistance Genes from Clinical Sources and Hospital Environments

Abstract

Infections associated with Staphylococcus aureus have high mortality rate and lead to economic loss with a long stay in the hospital. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the major nosocomial pathogens which are acquired in the health care facilities.  The objective of the study was to investigate the presence of MRSA in clinical sources and hospital environments. Samples were collected, cultured and identified. Also, the antibiotic susceptibility profile was done. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of identification gene nuc- and the resistant gene, mecA were conducted. Sixty-three isolates were positive for S. aureus out of 370 clinical samples (urine, wound, nasal swabs and pus) and 37 positives out of 262 samples from hospital environments. Majority of the isolates were sensitive to cefoxitin, novobiocin and majority were resistant to ceftazidine, cloxacillin and augmentin. Seventy-one to ninety- five percent and 51-72% exhibited multi-drug resistance among clinical samples and hospital environments respectively. Both samples were positive for nuc and mec A genes. The detection of MRSA in hospital environments may pose a great danger to patients especially those of compromised status.