Detection of Virulence Genes of Staphylococcus Aureus from Wound Infections of Patients Attending Some Selected Hospitals in Maiduguri, Borno State

Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections, from minor skin conditions to severe, life-threatening diseases such as sepsis, pneumonia, and endocarditis. Its pathogenicity is attributed to various virulence factors, including toxins, enzymes, and surface proteins, which aid in tissue invasion, immune evasion, and antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to isolate S. aureus from wound infections and detect the virulence genes contributing to its pathogenicity. A total of 180 wound swabs were collected from patients with suspected bacterial infections at healthcare facilities. Conventional bacteriological methods, including Gram staining, biochemical testing, and culture on selective media, were employed for bacterial identification, while conventional PCR was used to detect the virulence genes hlaA (alpha-hemolysin), fnbA (fibronectin-binding protein A), and icaA (intercellular adhesion protein). Out of the 180 samples analysed, 20 tested positives for S. aureus, yielding a prevalence rate of 11.1%. The positive isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing to determine their resistance profiles. The majority of isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), with 9 out of 20 showing resistance to multiple antibiotics. High resistance rates were observed against ceftriaxone-sulbactam (100%), imipenem/cilastatin (100%), cefixime (100%), and amoxicillin-clavulanate (100%), while levofloxacin demonstrated the lowest resistance (5%), suggesting its potential as a preferred treatment option. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of virulence genes, with hlaA detected in 53.9% of isolates, indicating its major role in pathogenicity. The icaA and fnbA genes were identified in 23.1% of the isolates, emphasizing the importance of biofilm formation and tissue adhesion in some strains. These findings highlight the significant role of S. aureus in wound infections and the growing concern of antibiotic resistance.