SCCmec Typing and the Association of pvl, ACME, sea and seb Genes in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates From Burn Wound Infections

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a very important hospital and communityacquired pathogen that is prevalent in burn wounds, so finding the sources of contamination and infection with it are important for its control. The aim of this study was to do SCCmec typing and determine the prevalence of pvl, ACME, sea and seb genes among S. aureus isolates from burn patients. Methods: Fifty S. aureus isolates were sampled from burn patients and were identified. These isolates were typed based on SCCmec typing and detection of mecA and pvl genes using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and also were screened for the presence of ACME, sea and seb genes by PCR. Results: Three isolates were identified as methicillinresistant strains. The sea gene was identified in 22% of isolates while pvl, ACME and seb genes were not found in the isolates. Multiplex PCR SCCmec typing of 3 methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates showed that 2 isolates belong to SCCmec type II and 1 isolate to type I. Conclusions: The results suggest that methicillin resistant S. aureus isolates are prevalent in burn patients and mecA gene is involved in resistance to methicillin. These strains belonged to SCCmec type II and I which can affect horizontal gene transfer among S. aureus isolates and hence distribution of virulence genes. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently monitor S. aureus isolates through typing and screening virulence genes to control this pathogen.