Application of pulsed field gel electrophoresis for molecular characterization of vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from hospitals

Abstract

A i m: The present study was conducted to characterize VRSA isolates on the basis of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and the presence of spa gene, recovered from different Doon Valley Hospitals. Methodology: Six VRSA isolates were analyzed using PFGE and spa typing, spa gene coded Protein A was used as a genetic marker for the characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Dendrogram were constructed on the basis of unweighted pair group method with arithmetic means (UPGMA method) for clusters analyses. Results: Dendrogram finally showed two major banding patterns at about 85% similarity designated as PFGE type A and PFGE type B exhibiting differences of 4-6 bands. The length of spa gene varied from 1200 to 1500 bp, showing variation in length. The most prevalent length was 1200bp. Interpretation: VRSA clones are closely related as PFGE results showed less diversity. Only three strains exhibited spa gene.