Detection of Cna, Ica, Hlg and SdrE Virulent genes from Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in Khartoum State

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

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.