Prevalence of mecA, tsst1, and pvl, as Well as agr Specific Groups in Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from Patients Admitted to Hospitals in Tehran, Iran

 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, especially those with Pantone-Valentine leukocidin (pvl) or Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 (tsst-1) genes, are increasingly accountable for nosocomial infections. This study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of mecA, tsst1, and pvl genes, as well as agr specific genes in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from patients admitted to hospitals in Tehran.

 To conduct the study, 215 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus were collected from clinical specimens. All strains were identified by standard methods. Afterward, the disk diffusion method was used to evaluate antibiotic resistance. The polymerase chain reaction method was performed to detect mecA, tsst1, and pvl genes and agr specific groups.

 The highest resistance was observed to tetracycline (49.3%). It was also found out that all strains were susceptible to vancomycin. The prevalence of mecA, tsst1, and pvl genes in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus was obtained as 46.04%, 32.3%, and 1.4%, respectively. Moreover, 57.20%, 14.41%, 16.74%, and 11.62% of clinical isolates had agr1, agr2, agr3, and agr4 group, respectively.

 Considering the production of various toxins in Staphylococcus aureus strains and the increase in antibiotic resistance of this bacterium, it is essential to diagnose this disease early and adopt appropriate treatment to prevent its progression caused by this bacterium.