ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY AND VIRULENCE FACTORS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS IN FOMITES OF SUL FLUMINENSE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the virulence factors and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Staphylococcus spp. from samples of lab coat and stethoscope of health professionals, and from the handles of the doors of the ward and intensive care unit of Sul Fluminense University Hospital. Materials and Methods: The samples from stethoscopes, handles and coats were collected using moistened sterile swabs soaked in saline. Then the swabs were placed in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth and incubated for 24to 48 h at 37°C for growth. Then we further characterized the virulence factors and antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus spp. in the Microbiology Laboratory of Severino Sombra University. Results: A total of 59 isolates of Staphylococcus spp. were recovered, of which six were Staphylococcus aureus and 53 were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Among the coagulase-negative isolates, 34 were Staphylococcus epidermidis and 19 Staphylococcus saprophyticus. As for virulence factors, 76.3% of the isolates were slime-producers. Hemolysis was detected in 50.9% of the isolates, of which 35.6% showed total hemolysis and 15.3% partial hemolysis. The hemolytic synergism was positive in 59.3% of the isolates and of these, 13 showed no hemolysin. According to the susceptibility profile, 96.6% were resistant to penicillin. Gentamicin was an antibiotic that showed the lowest percentage of resistance (15.3%). Conclusion: Lab coats, stethoscopes and door handles can be considered as a potential vehicle for the transmission of microorganisms within the hospital environment. DESCRIPTORS: Virulence Factors. Antibiogram. Staphylococcus.