Maraki S, et al. Infect Chemother. 2016 Sep;48(3):190-198. https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2016.48.3.190

S. aureus is a pathogenic bacterium that causesinfections. Its virulence is due to surface components, proteins, virulence genes, SCCmec, pvl, agr, and SEs, which are low molecular weight superantigens. SEs are usually encoded by mobile genetic elements, and horizontal gene transfer accounts for their widespread presence in S. aureus. This study analyzed the prevalence of MRSA and MSSA strains of S. aureus in two hospitals in Greece between 2020–2022 and their susceptibility to antibiotics. Specimens collected were tested using the VITEK 2 system and the PCR technique to detect SCCmec types, agr types, pvl genes, and sem and seg genes. Antibiotics from various classes were also tested. This study examined the prevalence and resistance of S. aureus strains in hospitals. It found a high prevalence of MRSA and that the MRSA strains were more resistant to antibiotics. The study also identified the genotypes of the S. aureus isolates and the associated antibiotic resistances. This highlights the need for continued surveillance and effective strategies to combat the spread of MRSA in hospitals. This study examined the prevalence of the pvl gene and its co-occurrence with other genes in S. aureus strains, as well as their antibiotic susceptibility. The results showed that 19.15% of the isolates were pvl-positive and 80.85% were pvl-negative. The pvl gene co-existed with other genes, such as the agr and enterotoxin genes. The results could inform treatment strategies for S. aureus infections.

Maraki S, et al. Infect Chemother. 2024 Jan;56:e2. https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2023.0098

This study provides a comparative analysis of 243 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated strains from Greece and Romania, focusing on their epidemiology and antibiotic resistance patterns. Laboratory procedures included phenotypic and automated identification methods, susceptibility testing, DNA isolation, and PCR for detecting antibiotic resistance genes (MecA, SCCmec). Our study results show significant regional differences. In both regions, males have higher MRSA infection rates than females, but the percentages vary. Greece has a higher incidence of MRSA in younger age groups compared to Romania. The majority of MRSA infections occur in inpatient settings in both countries, highlighting the necessity for enhanced infection control measures. Antibiotic resistance profiles reveal higher resistance to several antibiotics in Greece compared to Romania. A molecular analysis shows a widespread distribution of antibiotic resistance genes among MRSA isolates in Greece. These results highlight the necessity for accomplished preventive strategies and optimized treatment protocols.

Maraki S, et al. Infect Chemother. 2018 Dec;50(4):328-339. https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2018.50.4.328

Maraki S, et al. Infect Chemother. 2024 Oct;56:e53. https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2024.0060