The Prevalence of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) gene among Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from Both Medical staff and Community People in Minia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major virulent human pathogen that is currently the most common cause of infections in hospitalized patients and community people. One of the key virulence factors of S. aureus that causes necrosis, apoptosis, and destruction of leucocytes is known as the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) gene. Objective: was to study the distribution of PVL gene among the isolated S. aureus strains from nasal specimens of both medical and community people and compare their resistance profiles. Methodology: in our study, 233 nasal specimens were collected from both the medical staff of Minia University Hospital and the community people. S. aureus was identified by microscopical examination and conventional culture media. The antibiotic sensitivity test was done using a disc diffusion assay. Screening of PVL genes was done using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Forty-six (48.4%) and 49 (51.6%) S. aureus isolates from medical staff and the community people were detected respectively. Among 29 PVL-positive S. aureus isolates, there were 8 (17.4%) isolates from medical staff and 21 (42.9%) isolates from community people. It was found that antibiotic resistance percentage among all PVLnegative S. aureus isolates was higher when compared to PVL-positive isolates. Conclusion: This study detected a statistically significant higher percentage of PVLpositive strains among community-isolated S. aureus than medical staff isolates. Therefore broader surveillance of PVL spread is recommended.