2023, Vol. 4, Issue 2, Part A
Phenotypic determination of virulence attributes of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical specimens in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Author(s): Robinson, Victor Kasi, Akani NP, Amadi LO and Wemedo SA
Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are common opportunistic pathogens frequently encountered in clinical settings, responsible for a wide range of infections. This study aimed to determine the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical specimens in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. A total of 589 specimens: wounds (133), ear swab (107), urine (170) and stools (184) obtained from patients in two University Teaching Hospitals were cultured on Mannitol salt and Cetrimide agar plates. The bacteria were identified by their morphological characters and biochemical tests. Phenotypic characterization of virulence factors was determined, including motility and pyocyanin production. Results showed that a total number of 101 Staphylococcus aureus and 56 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were identified from the specimens. Data indicated that both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa exhibited an array of virulence determinants, contributing to their ability to colonize and cause infections. About 85.7% and 75% of S. aureus from wound and stools were biofilm formers, 66.7% and 85.7% of S. aureus from wound specimens were coagulase-positive, 85.7% and 100% of S. aureus were beta-haemolytic while 33.33% and 85.71% were lecithinase positive. The range of biofilm production, beta-haemolysis, lecithinase, swarming and pyocyanin production by P. aeruginosa was 75-84%, 66.7-75%, 25-50%, 100% and 100%, respectively. The findings of this study revealed that S. aureus and P. aeruginosa possess varying degree of virulence and could be pathogenic. This highlights the need for effective infection control strategies to reduce the prevalence of these suspected pathogens in the community, and underscores the importance of proper prescription of antibiotics.
DOI: 10.22271/micro.2023.v4.i2a.99
Pages: 38-44 | Views: 336 | Downloads: 119
Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Robinson, Victor Kasi, Akani NP, Amadi LO, Wemedo SA. Phenotypic determination of virulence attributes of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical specimens in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. J Adv Microbiol Res 2023;4(2):38-44. DOI: 10.22271/micro.2023.v4.i2a.99
