Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilm Formation Capacity of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Medical Equipment and Healthcare Professionals in an Oncology Ward

• Grant number: 25/17823-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Biology and Physiology of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Valéria Cataneli Pereira
• Grantee: Tiago Lyria da Silva Pazinato
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The presence of Staphylococcus aureus on work instruments and among healthcare professionals in oncology settings represents a silent and ongoing threat, especially considering its potential for biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. Immunocompromised patients become even more vulnerable in the face of resistant strains, such as MRSA, and asymptomatic colonization in professionals and clinical surfaces. This study aims to detect the presence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) on work instruments and among healthcare professionals working in the oncology ward of a referral hospital. Additionally, it seeks to characterize the isolates in terms of biofilm formation, presence of resistance genes, and phenotypic profiles against antimicrobials. Samples will be collected from the nasal cavities of professionals and from work instruments, along with the administration of a questionnaire. The obtained isolates will undergo phenotypic and genotypic identification for S. aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing will be performed using the disk diffusion method, and MRSA will be identified by detecting the mecA gene via PCR. Biofilm formation capacity will be phenotypically assessed by culturing on Congo red agar, and subsequently, genes associated with biofilm production (icaAD) will be investigated by PCR. The data obtained will be statistically analyzed in an integrated manner, allowing for the correlation of professional and clinical factors with the observed microbiological profiles.