Molecular Epidemiological Study On Panton Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) Positive Staphylococcus Aureus Isolates from Wound Samples in Some States of North-Western Nigeria

The aim of this study was to molecularly detect mecA gene and panton valentine leukocidine (pvl) gene in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from wound samples in some states of north-western Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 380 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from wound samples were studied for Staphylococcus aureus specific gene, mecA gene and pvl gene using multiplex PCR assays. Molecular analysis was performed on these Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Results: Out of the 380 Staphylococcus aureus that were subjected to multiplex PCR to detect Staphylococcus aureus specific gene all 380 isolates (100%) were positive for Staphylococcus aureus specific gene, 10 (6.4%) were mecA positive and 1(0.64%) was pvl positive. The 10 mecA positive Staphylococcus aureus were sequenced and Blastn and the result showed a phylogenetic analysis of our 10 mecA positive Staphylococcus aureus when compared with 11 isolates from other parts of the world, submitted to the gene bank by other researchers. Conclusion: Based on the presentation of our phylogenetic tree it was shown that the isolates were grouped into two. One of the groups (clades) include four of our studied isolates, while the other group (clade) include six of our study isolates. The second group which content six of our isolates grouped together with an isolate from Tami Nadu India, the remaining grouped with other isolates that are from USA, Netherland, Tami Nadu India and Japan. Recommendations: Screening for MRSA for patients with wound infection is highly suggested in our clinics to mitigate the spread of this bacterium. Considering the relatedness of our (MRSA) that is, the 10 mecA positive Staphylococcus aureus isolates with isolates from other parts of the world, it is therefore, necessary to take serious action in treating an infection caused by this dangerous organism in any part of the world in order to stop its spread to other parts of the world.