Abstract:
S. aureus is an extraordinarily versatile pathogen, and it can cause a large spectrum
of infections, from mild to severe and fatal. It is important in humans and also
economically important when infecting animals, able to cause superficial lesions and
systemic infections. The aim of this study is to detect Can, Ica, Hlg and SdrE
virulent genes of Staphylococcus aureus associated with different types of infections
among Sudanese in Khartoum State. The Samples were collected from different
hospitals in Khartoum, and participants were of all ages who visited hospitals for
care or for treatment of different illnesses. Sixty five isolates were confirmed as
Staphylococcus aureu by primary and secondary biochemical tests. Among which 30
(46%) were from infected wounds followed by urine samples 25 (38.46%) and blood
samples 10 (15%). The sensitivity profile of the isolates to Vancomycin, Gentamicin
and Ciprofloxacin showed that more than 50% of the isolates are resistant to these
antibiotics. Ica gene was found predominating (73.85%) of the isolates. SdrE 38.46%
and Can and Hlg genes were 29.25% and 7.69% respectively. The relationship
between the virulence genes and resistance to antibiotics showed that the highest
resistance was observed in isolates with Ica and SdrE followed by Cna and Hlg, The
relationship between virulent genes and antibiotic resistance was indicated
significant relationships (p=.03) between Ciprofloxacin resistance and the presence
of SdrE gene as well as between Methicillin resistance and the presence of SdrE and
Ica genes (p= .00 for both). Distribution of virulent genes according to gender and
age indicate no significant associations in any Staphylocoocus aureus virulent genes
vi
in the current study with age or gender. Regarding type of samples; significant
association (p= .00) has been detected between Hlg gene and the type of sample, and
no other significant relationships were detected. Information generated from the
current study can be used by surveillance agencies to identify the new strains, link
one type of infection to other or identify emerging or re-emerging strains that may
have significance in causing outbreaks.
