Abstract
Accurate detection of oxacillin resistant coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) is very important for the management of infected patients and for selecing the appropriate infection control measures. Accordingly, different methods for phenotypic characterization of mecA-mediated oxacillin resistance were compared with genotypic reference testing. After identification, the isolates were tested for antimicrobial sensitivity using disc diffusion and automation system methods. The presence of mecA gene was identified by the polymerase chain reaction technique. The mecA gene was detected in 54 (90%) strains, whereas analysis of the sensitivity profiles revealed a high rate of resistance to multiple classes of antimicrobial agents. Analyses of the clinical significance of CoNS isolates represent important factors for the accurate choice of antibiotic therapy.