Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Obtained from Door Handles
ABSTRACT
Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterium, is known to be a prominent human pathogen associated with a wide range of infections. The prevalence of this bacterium on environmental surfaces, particularly door handles, presents a potential reservoir for transmission. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from door handles, with a focus on their phenotypic, genotypic, and antimicrobial resistance profiles. samples were collected from diverse public locations, including hospitals, offices, and public transportation hubs. Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus were achieved through standard microbiological techniques, followed by confirmation using molecular methods, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the nuc gene. Phenotypic characterization included assessments of colony morphology, hemolysis, and biochemical reactions. Genotypic analysis was conducted via multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to elucidate the genetic diversity and relatedness among the isolates. antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method against a panel of clinically relevant antibiotics. The presence of resistance genes, including mecA for methicillin resistance and genes associated with other antibiotic classes, was determined using PCR. Additionally, biofilm formation capacity, a significant virulence factor, was assessed through the microtiter plate assay. The results revealed a diverse population of Staphylococcus aureus strains obtained from door handles, encompassing various phenotypic and genotypic attributes. MLST analysis unveiled a range of sequence types, suggesting a heterogeneous origin of the isolates. PFGE analysis provided additional insights into the genetic relatedness among strains, highlighting both clonal and diverse populations. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed varying degrees of resistance, with notable trends observed for certain antibiotics. The presence of resistance genes further illuminated the potential for antibiotic resistance dissemination within environmental reservoirs.
Moreover, biofilm formation capacity exhibited significant variability among the isolates, indicating potential differences in their virulence potential. This observation underscores the importance of understanding the pathogenicity of environmental Staphylococcus aureus strains and their potential impact on public health. this study provides a comprehensive characterization of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from door handles, shedding light on their diversity, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and virulence potential. These findings have implications for infection control strategies and highlight the importance of environmental surveillance in mitigating the spread of pathogenic bacteria. Further research in this area is warranted to enhance our understanding of environmental reservoirs of Staphylococcus aureus and their role in human infections
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