Prevalence of Scimeca-Encoded Resistance Gens in Oral Staphylococcus Aures from Gingivitis Cases in Wasit Province, Iraq

Abstract

The current study investigates the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in gingivitis patients at Aziziyah General Hospital from November 2024 to February 2025. A total of 139 clinical samples were collected and analysed using selective media, including mannitol salt agar, and blood agar, alongside gram staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results indicated that 63 isolates (45.3 %) were positive for S. aureus, with the highest prevalence found in plaque-induced gingivitis (39.6 %). Moreover, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified in 29 % of cases, with varying SCCmec types detected among isolates. Findings underscore the significance of S. aureus as a major pathogen in periodontal disease and highlight the need for effective monitoring and treatment strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.