Characterization of biofilm formation and virulence factors of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from paediatric patients in Tehran, Iran

can cause several infections. Its capability to form biofilm has been reported to be a vital property involved in the bacteria's pathogenesis. Various genes contributing to biofilm formation have not yet been completely clarified. This study was designed to evaluate the factors influencing adherence and biofilm formation in isolated from paediatric patients. One hundred and ninety-seven isolates were obtained from pediatric patients and confirmed with phenotypic and molecular examinations. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and biofilm formation were evaluated using standard methods. The genes encoding adhesion and virulence factors were investigated by the PCR method. The most efficient antibiotics against isolates were vancomycin and linezolid. Approximately, 54.2% of MSSA and 85.6% of MRSA isolates were biofilm producers according to the microtiter test. Our analysis indicated that MRSA isolates are better able to form biofilm compared with MSSA isolates. All isolates harbored , and , while , and were detected in 99.5%, 42.1%, 97.5%, and 5.6% of isolates, respectively. In addition, a significant difference was found in gene and biofilm formation. Our findings showed a significant correlation between and genes and MRSA and biofilm formation in isolates. Additionally, this study indicated the significant role of the gene as a major marker for S. aureus biofilm formation. Therefore, further experiments are warranted to exactly elucidate the function of the gene in the formation of biofilm.