Plasmid profile analysis of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus isolated from Egyptian intensive care units

ABSTRACT

During a ten months study, 58 strains of staphylococci were isolated from 262 clinical samples obtained from patients of surgical intensive care units [SICU] and critical care center [CCC]. The incidence of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] among patients as determined by disk diffusion test was 8.5% [SICU] AND 22% [CCC]. The incidence of MRSA among health care personnels was also determined and found to be 9.4% [SICU] and 4.9% [CCC]. 20 plasmid profiles have been identified among the MRSA isolated. The molecular weight of plasmids varied from 6.56 to 2.3 Md. Plasmid analysis has been shown to be superior to antibiogramsin differentiating strains. Several examples have been given that demonstrate cross infections between patients. The role of health care personnels in disseminating MRSA could not be proved