Characterization of capsule expression of both MSSA/MRSA isolates from various body sites from colonization and infections cases

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Despite the predominance of two capsular polysaccharides, types 5 and 8, on the surface of clinical isolates, molecular and epidemiological variations have been reported among various geographical areas in addition to various clinical outcomes of S. aureus increasing the challenge for preventive and control measurements against staphylococcal infections and diseases. Materials and Methods: A total of 315 S. aureus isolates of various clinical conditions comprised both hospital and community-acquired infections between 2009 and 2011 in Amman and Gaza were studied. All S. aureus clinical isolates included in the present study have been investigated by PCR method to determine the distribution and diversity of capsule polysaccharide expression. Results: Most of the clinical isolates (90%) expressedeither capsular polysaccharide genotypes CP5 (37%) andCP8 (53%), whereas 10% were nontypeable by PCR. Significant predominance of CP8 geno type was reported in clinical isolates of S. aureus from infections in comparison to those which are commonly colonising various normal body sites.