"To Study The Prevalence And The Molecular Characterization Of Mec A Gene In MRSA Isolates At A Tertiary Care Centre, Uttar Pradesh, India".

Introduction: The emergence of strains resistant to methicillin and other antimicrobials has become a major concern, particularly in the hospital settings as MRSA infections are resistant to the majority of conventional antibiotics, possesing serious risks to hospitals and communities all over the world. Aim and Objectives: To study the prevalence and the molecular characterization of Mec A gene in MRSA isolates at a tertiary care centre, Uttar Pradesh, India. Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in the Department of Microbiology at a tertiary care centre, for a period of 1 year i.e, August 2022 to August 2023. A total of 682 clinical isolates was studied out of which 200 isolates of S. aureus were identified using the biochemical test from the clinical samples such as pus, swab, blood, wound and urine etc. The different Phenotypic Methods including Cefoxitin and Oxacillin Disc Diffusion test and the genotypic method including MecA gene detection for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates was performed. The DNA was extracted using the DNA extraction Qiagen Kit and the Mec A gene was detected by the PCR method. Results: In the present study a total of 42 MRSA isolates were identified by CX, OX, and E-test test phenotypically. The prevalence of MRSA was found to 21%. The maximum number of isolates were observed from the OPD ward with 38.5%. The ratio of the males 28 (66.6%) was more as compared to the females with 14 (33.3%) with the maximum age of 41-50 years being affected the most followed by 31-40 years and least in the age group of 61 years and above. The pus 47.6% was the most common isolate followed by the blood with 23.8% and least for urine and the body fluids 2.3%. All the MRSA isolates were found sensitive to linezolid, Teicoplanin, vancomycin, however all the isolates were recorded resistant with Cefoxitin and Oxacillin. The presence of MecA gene was recorded in all the 42 isolates of MRSA. The presence of MecA gene was confirmed by the PCR followed by sequencing assay. Conclusion: This study provides a clear guidance to effectively diagnose and measure MRSA infections in hospitals and communities. Future research could identify MRSA isolates with the help of the data produced in this investigation. For the control of antibiotic resistance, there is a need for ongoing monitoring and the deployment of effective control techniques where continuous surveillance, awareness of the incidence of MRSA, and upkeep of hygienic standards have been needed to reduce MRSA infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]