Molecular Detection of mecA Gene in Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Surfaces of some Public Hospitals in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The increasing rate of antibiotic resistance demonstrated by bacterial pathogens is an emerging problem that is considered a major health concern globally, especially in low-and middle-income countries. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from hospital environment and to detect the presence of resistance genes in the MRSA isolates. One hundred and ninety-two (192) swab samples of doorknob, bedrail, table tops and drip stand were collected from 4 hospitals within Dutsin-Ma and Kurfi local government. Antibiotic Susceptibility testing and phenotypic detection of MRSA were conducted using disc diffusion method.  MecA gene was detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction. One hundred and eleven 111(57.8%) out of 192 samples were positive for S. aureus. The result showed that cefoxitin was the most effective antibiotic (66.6%) against the isolates from all the four hospitals while erythromycin was the less effective against the isolates (35.1%).  A total of six (5.40%) Methicillin Resistant S. aureus and MDR (12.61%) were detected from the four hospitals. In conclusion, all the four hospitals were found to be contaminated with Methicillin resistant S. aureus, with Kurfi General Hospital having the highest number of MRSA (3). Out of the 6 phenotypically detected isolates of MRSA screened, mecA gene was detected in five (5) isolates. It is recommended that, proper hygiene practice should be improved in the healthcare settings, and proper use of antibiotics should be highly encouraged among individuals in both community and hospital.