High-level persistence of biofilm formation in in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Aims: Biofilm formation by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on a variety of surfaces and detection of the biofilm-forming population by the most reliable method is very much essential to diagnose the nosocomial infection caused by S. aureus. Methodology and results: This study is aimed to evaluate the biofilm producing ability of S. aureus by qualitative Congo red agar (CRA), and quantitative microtitre plate (MTP) methods. The morphological difference of biofilms analysis was done by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and genotyping analysis of mecA and femA for determination of MRSA among isolated S. aureus strains and to check the biofilm producers among MRSA strains. Biofilm production was found to be at different intensities by MTP. The strong, moderate and weak biofilm producers were found to be 38.63%, 31.81%, and 29.54% respectively. The strong adherent biofilm formed by representative isolate developed a dense biofilm with thick mucus three-dimensional multilayered structure of macroscopic dimension. Conversely, SEM analysis of moderate and weak biofilm representative strain failed to form a monolayer of scattered single cells to three-dimensional structure. The 47.72% of S. aureus isolates have shown positive for the genotypic analysis of mecA and femA. The strong and moderate biofilm forming MRSA was found to be 38.63% and 9.09%, respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The great challenge is associated with biofilm mediated infection caused S. aureus healthy and hospitalized individual hence the present study reinforces the need of precautionary measures to avoid the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in case of biofilm-forming MRSA. © 2019 Universiti Sains Malaysia.