Constellation of methicillin resistance genomic islands (SCCmec) among nasal MRSA isolates

Abstract

Aim: The apprehensiveness of our knowledge vacuum on existential treat of nasal carriage of pvl⁺ HA-MRSA strains amongst subjects in Sokoto state-owned hospitals have led us to pursue a grasp on the constellation of SCCmec types and pvl directionality among mecA positive MRSA nasal strains. Methods: We accomplished this by phenotypic (catalase, coagulase, Microgen staph ID, ORSAB) and genotypic (Polymerase chain reaction) Biotyping techniques. Results:   We documented 38 phenotypic MRSA, 16 mecA+ and 17 pvl+ strains. Amplified SCCmec in all 16 mecA+ strains. SCCmec type I prevailed at 43.75% and pvl at 42.1%. Conclusion:  Overall, majority of the mecA+ MRSA recovered from our study centers carried diverse SCCmec elements of the HA genotype with a hint of CA- genotype suggesting a possible coexistence of both HA-MRSA and CAMRSA strains. Consequently, implementation of methodical surveillance is needed for the evaluation of potential shifts in directionality of (HA-MRSA/CAMRSA) pvl⁺ MRSA clones in our hospitals for effective and prudent antimicrobial stewardship.