Prevalent Genotypes of Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated From Healthcare Workers in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Background: Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus and its virulence determinants are major risk factors for subsequent infections and transmission. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of panton-valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene, the SCCmec types, and the prevalent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) genotypes in strains isolated from healthcare workers (HCWs). Materials and Methods: DNA was extracted from 114 frozen S. aureus strains amongst them MRSA isolates were identified by conversional methods and PVL; genotyping were determined using PCR and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Results: Fifty-nine out of 114 (51.7%) isolates were MRSA carrying mecA, 18/59 (31%) harboured SCCmec type I, 12/59 (20.1%) harboured SCCmec type II and 12/59 (20.1%) harboured type III. The pvl gene was detected in 10 S. aureus isolates, six MRSA and four MSSA. PFGE clustered the 114 isolates of S. aureus into eight predominant types (designated A – H). The most prevalent PFGE type was type A (n = 44, 37.7%). Conclusions: More than a quarter of the strains harboured SCCmec type I. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were clustered into eight predominant PFGE pulsotypes. The current study should be considered preliminary and further use of molecular studies to monitor the epidemiology of MRSA and its evolution is highly recommended.