Mobile Genetic Elements In Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus isolated from Nosocomial infections

The presence of SCCmec components in coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS) increases their resistance to methicillin and other antibiotics, making them difficult to treat. This study aims to investigate the distribution of species, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and genetic characteristics of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS) isolates from clinical settings, with a particular emphasis on the presence and distribution of SCCmec types. A total of 50 MR-CoNS isolates were collected and identified, and their species distribution was determined. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test was used to assess antimicrobial susceptibility. SCCmec typing was performed to categorize the isolates, and sequencing analysis was conducted to compare their genetic elements with worldwide isolates in GenBank. Staphylococcus haemolyticus (60%) was the most common isolate, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (40%). All isolates exhibited complete resistance to cefotaxime, augmentin, amoxicillin, oxacillin, and ceftazidime. SCCmec type I demonstrated the highest resistance, while types II to V showed varied patterns. Sequencing analysis revealed strong genetic similarities between clinical and global isolates, with similarity rates ranging from 99.89% to 100%. After sequencing analysis, 12 genes were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers specific to this study: PQ118407, PQ151368, PQ151369, PQ151370, PQ151371, OR619697, PP990495, PP990496, PQ037176, OR619696, PQ151372, and PQ205317. This study underscores significant antibiotic resistance in MR-CoNS, particularly in S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis. The high resistance observed in SCCmec type I strains highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and targeted therapies. Furthermore, the genetic similarities between clinical and global isolates emphasize the importance of global surveillance and the development of new antimicrobial strategies to combat MR-CoNS infections.