Distribution of genes encoding aminoglycoside‑modifying enzymes among clinical isolates of methicillin‑resistant staphylococci.

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine the distribution of genes encoding aminoglycoside‑modifying enzymes (AMEs) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) elements among clinical isolates of methicillin‑resistant staphylococci (MRS). Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. The presence of SCCmec types and AME genes, namely, aac (6’)‑Ie‑aph (2’’), aph (3’)‑IIIa and ant (4’)‑Ia was determined using two different multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The most encountered AME genes were aac (6′)‑Ie‑aph (2’’) (55.4%) followed by aph (3’)‑IIIa (32.3%) and ant (4’)‑Ia gene (9%). SCCmec type I (34%) was predominant in this study. In conclusion, the aac (6’)‑Ie‑aph (2’’) was the most common AME gene and SCCmec type I was most predominant among the MRS isolates.