Abstract

Aims: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is among common pathogens that its prevalence has increased all around the world during past three decades. Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB) is one of the most important Staphylococcal enterotoxins, which is considered as an important pathogenic factor. The aim of this study was investigating the correlation between SEB and resistance to Methicillin. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on inpatients of one of the hospitals of Tehran in year 2008 who were selected by accessible sampling method. Correlation between SEB gene in Methicillin Resistant strains was investigated in 100 samples isolated from wounds. Antibiogram was done by disc diffusion and presence of SEB gene was confirmed by PCR. Data was analyzed by SPSS 17 software using descriptive statistical methods and Chi square test. Results: Only 8 of strains had SEB gene. 75 of Staphylococcus aureus strains that had SEB gene were Methicillin resistant and only 15 of them were Methicillin sensitive. A significant correlation was observed between the SEB gene and Methicillin resistance (p<0.05). Conclusion: There is e significant correlation between presence of SEB gene and Methicillin resistance and this issue can reinforce the hypothesis that SEB gene has role in Methicillin resistance.