Pathogenic potential of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from various origins

Staphylococcus aureus isolates from various origins were investigated for their ability to produce different potential virulence factors. The highest prevalence of resistance among all the S. aureus isolates was shown for ciprofloxacin, clindamicin, and erythromycin. The supernatant from almost all isolates exhibited greater than 40% cytotoxicity. Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from water had significantly greater ability to adhere to abiotic surfaces of clinical, food industry and medical device origin. The overall ability of S. aureus isolates to adhere to Vero cells was less than their adhesion to human buccal epithelial cells. Most of the strains tested were classified as highly hydrophobic and displayed hemolytic activity. Of the 27 S. aureus isolates tested, 17 were regarded as positive for phospholipase production. Staphylococcus aureus isolates from different sources were able to elaborate virulence factors; the incidence of virulence properties did not differ statistically among the various sources.