The Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for Postgraduate Studies / University of Baghdad discussed the master’s thesis of the student Saqr Malik Sultan, entitled:
“Phenotypic and Molecular Detection of Efflux Pumps in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Various Clinical Sources”, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Zainab Hikmat Aboud.
The present study aimed to determine the gene expression of efflux pump genes (nor, norB, norC, mepA, and Imrs) in Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from different clinical samples before and after treatment with coumarin.
The results showed that out of 150 samples collected, bacterial growth appeared in 123 samples. Among these, 29 isolates (19.33%) were identified as Staphylococcus aureus, based on the morphological characteristics of the bacteria on culture media and manual biochemical tests, which included oxidase, catalase, and coagulase tests, followed by the API Staph test. The diagnosis was further confirmed using the VITEK 2 System.
The study concluded that all Staphylococcus aureus isolates included were collected from infected patients of different age groups. The 21–30 years age group recorded the highest proportion with 12 cases (41.37%), followed by the 41 years and above group with 7 cases (24.14%), and the 11–20 years group with 3 cases (8.3%).
The study recommended that the relationship between the antibiotic sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus isolates and efflux pumps indicates increased resistance to most antibiotics due to efflux pump formation.
It also recommended that coumarin treatment resulted in a reduction in bacterial growth rate and a significant decrease in the gene expression of efflux pump genes (mepA, norC, nor, and Imrs) at a probability level of (P < 0.01).
