Effect of silver nanoparticles on the expression of pvl and tsst genes of Staphylococcus aureus in Real-time PCR

Nowadays, research on nanoparticles as antimicrobial compounds is increasing.Staphylococcus aureus is an important nosocomial pathogen that produces a wide range of exotoxins that are involved in causing disease in the host.The aim of this study was to             investigate the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the expression of pathogenic genes of pvl and tsst genes in Staphylococcus aureus. 

In this experimental study, the minimum growth inhibition concentration of silver nanoparticles was determined by  Broth microdilution method. First, the lowest  concentration of silver nanoparticles that inhibits bacterial growth was determined and then at a concentration lower than that, the expression of pvl and tsst genes in Staphylococcus aureus was studied by Real-Time PCR method. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey test and P-value < 0.05.

Silver nanoparticles with concentration 62.5μg/ml had growth effect on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Also at concentration 31.25 μg/ml, the expression of pvl and tsst genes inStaphylococcus aureus was significantly reduced compared to the reference gene (rpo) (P <0.001).

According to the results of the present study, silver nanoparticles can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and reduce the expression of virulence genes pvl and tsst.