Characterization of a Strain of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from the Catheter of a Patient from the Glasgow Infirmary

Abstract

In this study, a strain of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from the catheter of a patient of the Glasgow Infirmary was investigated. Isolate was exposed to gentamicin antibiotic at both the minimum inhibitory concentration and at the sub-minimum inhibitory concentration. The impact of the antibiotic exposure on the toxin and biofilm production of the test strain was assessed. Test strain expressed MIC at 0.12mg/L of gentamicin. Kill curve showed a bactericidal effect of the antibiotic. The test strain was found to tolerate the antibiotic in its biofilm state than the free-living cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The test strain was discovered to be capable of producing enterotoxin C and this was expressed in its genes. This study confirmed that complications can arise from catheter use in patients especially when used for prolonged periods.