Investigating the relationship between mecA and qac genes and resistance to biocidal agents in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from surfaces and environments in medical centers of Alborz province
Subject Areas : microbiology
Aida Haji hossein tabrizi 1 , Fatemeh Foroohi 2 , Hadi zamani 3
1 - Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
Keywords: qac gene, mecA gene, biocide consumed, Staphylococcus aureus,
Abstract :
Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus can develop resistance to antimicrobial agents through various mechanisms, including the production of drug-degrading enzymes, reduced drug affinity for targets, and alterations in target proteins. The excessive and inappropriate use of biocides and antiseptics in hospitals has contributed to the emergence of resistant strains.
Methods: One hundred samples were collected and identified using diagnostic tests. Their antibiotic resistance pattern was determined by an antibiogram test. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for the biocide Deconex Surface AF was then measured. Finally, the relationship between resistance and the presence of mecA and qac genes was investigated in 40 isolated Staphylococcus aureus strains.
Results: In this study, 100 strains of Staphylococcus aureus were isolated. Of these, 67 samples were from hospital floors, 15 from patient beds, 10 from hospital walls, and 8 from medical devices. The MIC range for the bacterial strains under study was from 0.6 µg/ml to 11.8 µg/ml. Furthermore, the frequency of the mecA gene among the investigated isolates was 63%, while the frequency of the qac gene was 37%.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate a concerning prevalence of genes that create a potential for resistance to important disinfectants. This highlights the necessity for increased attention and more comprehensive research regarding the type and concentration of biocidal agents used in commercial biocide products.
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