Effects of Stigma maydis and Bambusa vulgaris on staphylococcus strains and PCR-detection of mecA, ermA, and ermC genes in neonatal isolates

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus strains, with multidrug resistance, significantly contribute to neonatal infections and related deaths. Plants, rich in phytochemicals, are known for their antimethicillin-resistant activity. This study examined the effects of Stigma maydis and Bambusa vulgaris on Staphylococcus strains linked to neonatal sepsis and investigated the presence of mecA, ermA, and
ermC genes in neonatal isolates using PCR. Bioactive compounds were extracted using methanol, ethanol, n-hexane, and water. Antibacterial activity of the bio-fractions was determined, and antibiotic resistance genes were identified using PCR. Results showed the highest resistance to ampicillin (97.5%), followed by oxacillin, cefoperazone, cefuroxime, and meropenem (95% each). Erythromycin resistance was 75%; vancomycin, 73.3%; tetracycline, 70%; and co-trimoxazole and augmentin, 67.5% each. Ethanol and methanol extracts showed stronger antibacterial activity compared to n-hexane and aqueous extracts. Among 21 tested Staphylococcus strains, nuc-positive strains were 81% (276 bp), mecA-positive 26% (533 bp), ermApositive 9.5% (190 bp), and ermC-positive 18% (564 bp). Oxacillin resistance gene was detected in 95.2% of strains. This study demonstrated the presence of antibiotic-resistant genes in Staphylococcus strains and supports the traditional medicinal use of Stigma maydis and Bambusa vulgaris for treating neonatal sepsis-associated Staphylococcus infections.