Aim and Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate and analyses the mecA gene and its lineages in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from tertiary care hospital.
Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional molecular study conducted at tertiary care hospital Vijayapur. A total of 152 S.aureus isolates were collected from clinical specimens and screened for methicillin resistance using the cefoxitin disc diffusion method, following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Molecular characterization of SCCmec types was performed through polymerase chain reaction to detect the mecA gene and its associated subtypes. Demographic data, including age and sex, were analysed to identify trends and correlations in MRSA prevalence.
Results: Among the 152 isolates 55(36%) were identified as MRSA. Molecular analysis revealed SCCmec type IVa as the most predominant subtype, comprising 72.7% of the MRSA isolates. Other subtypes, including SCCmec types I, II, III and IVb, were observed with prevalence rates of 3.6%, 10.9% 7.3% and 5.5% respectively.
Conclusion: This study highlighted the dominance of SCCmec type IVa among MRSA isolates, indicating the likely incursion of community- associated MRSA strains into healthcare settings. The findings underscored the genetic diversity and adaptability of MRSA, presenting significant challenges for infection control. These results emphasise the urgent need for enhanced surveillance robust infection control measures, and optimized antimicrobial stewardship to stop the impact of MRSA in healthcare environments.
Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant” SCCmec lineages, Drug resistance, Infection control, Polymerase chain reaction.
