Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Profiles of Staphylococcus aureus in Respiratory Samples from Children in Kirkuk
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a leading pathogen implicated in pediatric respiratory infections, often exhibiting resistance to multiple antibiotics and producing various virulence factors. Its ability to colonize the nasopharynx and form biofilms complicates treatment and increases the risk of chronic and recurrent infections. Objective: This study aimed to isolate and identify S. aureus strains from pediatric respiratory samples in Kirkuk, Iraq and to evaluate their antibiotic susceptibility profiles, virulence characteristics and biofilm-forming capabilities. Methods: A total of 90 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children under 12 years with symptoms of respiratory infection. Samples were cultured and identified using standard biochemical methods. Virulence factors such as coagulase, DNase, gelatinase, hemolysin and enzyme production were phenotypically detected. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method
Author: Sarah Maher Yaqoob Al Azzawi
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412364119