Prevalence of PVL-Containing MRSA Isolates Among Hospital Staff Nasal Carriers

Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) carrying Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) has become a serious global problem. Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive Staphylococcus aureus can result in several infections, especially cutaneous ones. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of PVL-positive genes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among hospital staff nasal carriers. Methods: Collectively, 270 nasal swabs were taken from the personnel of 5 university hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Then polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the PVL gene. Results: Among the samples taken, 72 (27%) S. aureus isolates were approved. Among the total isolates, there were 23 MRSA (32%) and 14 (19%) PVL gene-containing cases. Conclusion: This study determined that a prevalence of strains exists among hospital staff members who are continuously in direct contact with patients. This may propose the significance of detecting the carriers and decolonizing them to reduce transmission of S. aureus in the hospital.