Detection of genes responsible for virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Tikrit hospital

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a non-motile, non-spore-forming, Gram-positive bacterium that is found commensally in approximately 20%–30% of the world's population. This study aimed to identify three of the most prominent genes responsible for biofilm formation: icaA, fnbB, and Bap. Clinical swabs were collected from Tikrit Teaching Hospital from corridors, wards, and operating rooms between January 2024 and April 2024. The swabs were cultured on blood agar and mannitol, incubated for 24 hours at 37°C, and then confirmed by biochemical tests. The icaA, fnbB, and Bap genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results showed that the fnbB gene was the most prevalent in the Staphylococcus aureus isolates (100%), followed by the icaA gene (80%), while the Bap gene was not detected in the studied isolates. Genes responsible for virulence, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance were more prevalent in hospital-associated Staphylococcus aureus isolates. The absence of the bap gene suggests a lack of biofilm formation among these strains. To improve clinical infection and treatment success, genes associated with biofilm formation and the virulence pathway should be targeted.