Phylogenetic relatedness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from the host community and Syrian refugees in Duhok Governorate based on 16S rRNA

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the genetic relatedness between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from the host community of Duhok City and Syrian refugees based on the partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene, and to investigate the prevalence of SCCmec and vancomycin resistance. METHODS: Thirty MRSA isolates that had previously been detected and characterized were included. PCR was used for SCCmec typing, vancomycin detection, and amplification of the 16S rRNA gene for sequencing. RESULTS: The MRSA isolates were identical and highly similar to globally published S. aureus strains, especially human nasal cavity strains. The phylogenetic tree showed that the isolates were grouped into two major groups: groups 1 and 2. Group 2 was divergent from group 1 and included isolates from the host community and Syrian refugees (new arrivals). Group 1 included isolates from the three groups, and these were genetically closely related. Most strains in both study groups were SCCmec type IVa and clustered on the same lineage of the tree. The highest rate of vancomycin resistance was found among the isolates from refugees. CONCLUSIONS: The close relationship between MRSA strains in the two study groups could be due to the geographical location of neighboring countries, which enhances the spread of MRSA strains between them.