Detection of virulence genes among Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolated from women with urinary tract infections: First report from Iran

Abstract

Abstract Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections worldwide and Staphylococcus saprophyticus is an important pathogen responsible for community-acquired urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in young women. The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of virulence genes and biochemical characteristics of S. saprophyticus strains isolated from women with UTI for the first time in Gorgan, Iran. A total of 35 S. saprophyticus isolates were collected between May 2018 and September 2020 from women with UTI in Gorgan, northern Iran. The presence of four genes associated with the surface of S. saprophyticus, UafA, Aas, Ssp, and SdrI, was investigated by PCR. A microtiter plate assay was performed to test biofilm formation capability. Hemagglutination and lipase activity assays were also performed.The frequencies of UafA, Aas, Ssp, and SdrIwere 88%, 91%, 80%, and (0), respectively. The results showed that 32(91%) of the isolates formed biofilms. Moreover, seven (20%), 13 (37%), and 12(34%) isolates were categorized as weak, moderate, and strong biofilm producers, respectively. None of the isolates exhibited lipolytic activities. Regarding hemagglutination properties, only 11 (31%) isolates demonstrated hemagglutination of sheep erythrocytes. The results of this study indicate a high prevalence of UafA and Aas genes that can enhance the pathogenicity of S. saprophyticus, and their role in hemagglutination needs to be further studied.