Identification of Linezolid-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in Medical Equipment from Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units

• Grant number: 24/19915-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Valéria Cataneli Pereira
• Grantee: Geovanna Batista Mota
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Artes, Ciências, Letras e Educação de Presidente Prudente (FACLEPP). Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are microorganisms that belong to the human microbiota, primarily acting as skin colonizers. However, in certain conditions, they behave as opportunistic pathogens, exploiting favorable circumstances to develop pathogenic behavior. Precise identification of CoNS species is essential for accurate diagnosis and the selection of appropriate treatment. Genotypic identification has emerged as a powerful tool, offering greater precision and reproducibility. Another critical aspect related to CoNS is their antimicrobial resistance. In Staphylococcus, resistance to linezolid is often mediated by the cfr gene, which can easily transfer between species.This study aims to identify CoNS isolated from medical equipment in neonatal and pediatric units of a hospital and investigate the presence of the cfr gene conferring resistance to linezolid. A total of 80 Staphylococcus isolates obtained from previous studies involving medical equipment will be analyzed. The isolates will undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for species identification and detection of the cfr gene, as well as disk diffusion tests to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. The chi-square (X²) test will be used to analyze the results, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.