PREVALENCE OF BIOFILM PRODUCING CONS FROM CLINICAL SAMPLE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NAVI-MUMBAI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ICA-OPERON GENE

ABSTRACT Background: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) are naturally found in the flora of humanskin. These organisms have a relatively low virulence but are increasingly being recognized assignificant contributors to infections in the bloodstream and other areas. The production of biofilmenhances the infectious potential of these organisms. The presence of biofilm can render theorganisms less accessible to immune responses from antibodies, potentially leading to infectionoutbreaks that challenge public health. Therefore the study was carried out to detect the prevalence ofbiofilm producing CONS with special reference to ica-operon gene.Material & Methods: A total of 100 samples were gathered during a 2-year study (NOV 2016 – OCT 2018). The samples underwent Gram staining and were cultivated on Blood agar, MacConkeyagar, and Chocolate agar, with colony morphology documented and secondary smears prepared fromthe isolated colonies. Confirmation of CONS was achieved through microscopy and biochemicalreactions. Biofilm production was assessed using the Congo-red tissue culture plate method. Theconventional PCR technique was employed to identify the ica-operon gene.Results: Among all samples analyzed, a total of 107 CONS were isolated. Of these, 83 isolates camefrom inpatients, while 23 were from outpatients. The largest number of isolates was derived fromblood samples, with all of these isolates indicating that 13 strains were biofilm producers, and 9 ofthem were carriers of the Ica-operon ADBC gene.Conclusion: This indicates that the extensive and often inappropriate use of antibiotics has resulted inselective antibiotic pressure, leading to a rise in antibiotic resistance among CONS. The findings alsosuggest that antibiotic prescribing practices, especially concerning broad-spectrum antibiotics,significantly influence the emergence of multidrug antibiotic resistance.