Assessment the Role of ESBL Genes and Biofilm Production in Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clinical Isolates

Background and objectives: Staphylococcus aureus, a significant pathogen in both healthcare and community settings, is known for its ability to cause a wide range of infections. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance profiles and the presence of key β-lactamase genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from clinical samples.
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered from 200 clinical samples, which included both wound and nasal swabs. Their resistance to antibiotics was analyzed using disk diffusion testing. Biofilm production was quantitatively measured through a modified colorimetric microtiter plate method. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to detect the presence of the blaTEM, blaCTX, and blaHSV genes.
Results: High resistance was found against Erythromycin, Tetracycline, and Clindamycin, while Cotrimoxazole, Ampicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Vancomycin showed the highest sensitivity. The study further assessed biofilm production, finding that a larger proportion of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates exhibited strong biofilm formation, which may contribute to their persistence and resistance in clinical settings. Among β-lactamase genes, blaHSV gene was the most prevalent (61.66%), followed by blaTEM (38.33%) and blaCTX (36.66%).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the high prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the studied clinical samples, the significant role of biofilm formation in resistance, and the potential challenges in treating infections due to β-lactamase genes. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced infection control protocols and the development of novel therapeutic strategies to manage resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections effectively.