Molecular typing of nosocomial strains associated to biofilm based on the coagulase and protein A gene polymorphisms.

OBJECTIVES

is an important bacterial pathogen responsible for a variety numbers of nosocomial and community acquired infections. Biofilm formation is regarded as an important factor in the establishment of infection. The contribution of the genetic background of to biofilm formation is poorly understood. The aim of the present work was to genotype strains associated to biofilm based on the coagulase and protein A genes and to evaluate the association between the genetic background and the biofilm forming ability of clinical isolates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total number of 100 were isolated from nosocomial infections and biofilm formation capability was investigated using phenotypic assay and molecular detection of biofilm associated genes. The strains were genotyped based on coagulase () and protein A () gene polymorphisms using restriction fragments length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR).

RESULTS

RFLP-PCR of gene generated two types and three subtypes. Amplification of spa gene resulted in two banding patterns and their restriction digestion generated three subtypes. The combined and RFLP patterns generated nine genotypes (G-G). The genotypes G and G were the most prevalent (32.1% and 24.3%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

High clonal diversity of strains able to produce biofilm was observed. Biofilm formation correlates with the and clonal lineage in our population and testing for multiple gene polymorphisms could be employed for local epidemiologic purposes.