Prevalence Of Classical Enterotoxin Genes In Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated From Food Handlers In Makkah City Kitchens

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is Gram-positive cocci that can produce staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs). The SEs are emetic toxins and are the causes of Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of classical SEs genes in methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from 200 adult male workers in Makkah, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our results showed that a total of 165 (40.3 %) of the swabs from nasal cavities and hands were positive for S. aureus and 20.0% of the S. aureus isolates were MRSA. The incidence of toxin genes in MRSA and MSSA isolates was found to be 90.9 % and 43.9 % respectively. SEA was the predominant enterotoxins in both MRSA (36.4%) and MSSA (30.3%). Multiple combinations of exotoxin genes were also seen in both MRSA and MSSA isolates. It was concluded that SEs genes were widespread during Hajj season and more predominant in MRSA, the SEA gene was most encountered followed by SEB.