Biofilm formation and associated gene detection in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from urinary tract infection patients

Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the ability of Staphylococcus species isolated from urinary tract infection (UTI) patients to form biofilms, and to detect the presence of the biofilm regulatory genes icaA and icaD. Methods: Urine samples were collected from 100 UTI-diagnosed patients at [Baladrouz Hospital] over six months under aseptic conditions. The collected specimens were inoculated onto Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) and Blood Agar. Biofilm formation was evaluated using the crystal violet staining method. The presence of the icaR gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from urine samples of patients with inflammatory conditions. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by the disc diffusion method. Results: Different Staphylococcus species exhibited varying biofilm-forming capacities, with the highest observed in S. capitis and the lowest in S. lugdunensis. All tested S. aureus strains were positive for the icaR gene. Most isolates displayed broad-spectrum antibiotic resistance, particularly among coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS). Conclusion: These findings highlight the role of biofilm formation in antibiotic resistance among Staphylococcus species, especially in CoNS. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies for UTIs and reducing the incidence of persistent infections.