PP Orellana, CF Andrade, MM Ginestre and MR Orellana
Published September 27, 2024
Genet. Mol. Res. 23 (3): gmr2346
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.4238/gmr2346

About the Authors
PP Orellana, CF Andrade, MM Ginestre and MR Orellana

Corresponding author:
Paola Patricia Orellana Bravo
E-mail: porellana@ucacue.edu.ec

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a clinically significant pathogen with various virulence factors contributing to its pathogenicity. This study analyzed the frequency of S. aureus in healthcare personnel and evaluated the presence of virulence genes. Samples were collected from nasal secretions and the nail bed. Biochemical and molecular methods performed identification of S. aureus. PCR was used to detect virulence genes. The frequency of S. aureus in nasal secretion was 28% (14/50), and in the nail bed, 4% (2/50). The following virulence genes were detected in nasal secretion isolates: hla/hld/hlg2: 14/14(100%), hlg: 12/14(86%), hlb: 8/14(57%), tst: 7/14(50%). In the nail bed, isolates were detected: hla/hld/ hlg2: 2/2(100%) and hlg/hlb/tst: 1/2(50%). No lukS/lukF-PV genes were detected. A significant association was found between nasal carriage of S. aureus and medical and nursing professions. A higher frequency of nasal carriage of S. aureus was detected, whereas it was deficient in the nail bed. The presence of virulence genes in S. aureus isolates demonstrates the importance of evaluating the virulence potential of strains circulating among carriers in hospital institutions.

Key words: S. aureus; Virulence genes; Carriers; Healthcare personnel