Coagulase negative staphylococci from clinical isolates at tertiary care hospital, Myanmar

Abstract

Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a significant cause of hospital acquired infections and foreign body related infections. The antimicrobial resistance among CoNS is the increasing awareness in the hospital setting. Biofilm production is the major virulent factor of CoNS to give rise to infections. This study was conducted with the purpose of species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm production and identification of mecA and icaA genes of CoNS isolated from clinical specimens. A total of 120 clinically significant CoNS were isolated from various clinical specimens in this study. The identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of CoNS was done by Vitek 2 compact system. Biofilm production was carried by Congo red agar plates test. The identification of mecA and icaA genes was detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 13 CoNS species were identified, Staphylococcus haemolyticus (33%), Staphylococcus hominis (32%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (17%) were the most prevalent species. The methicillin resistance was 73% and Staphylococcus haemolyticus was the most resistant species to antimicrobials. Biofilm production was found as 43%. Eighty-six percent of CoNS were detected mecA gene and only 12% of them haboured icaA gene in this study. Studies on species diversity, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence of CoNS are of great importance because of their emerging role as pathogens. This study not only gave the information of antimicrobial resistant pattern and biofilm production but also the molecular determination of mecA and icaA genes among CoNS isolates for effective antimicrobial guideline policy and for future epidemiological studies.