Detection of the nuc gene in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from swamps and ponds in Mosul city by using PCR techniques

Abstract

In most developing countries, rainwater is considered a significant water source for drinking, washing, bathing, and cooking. On the other hand, this water is the medium for transporting microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi to humans and animals. Most domestic and wild animals drink this kind of waterborne illness that leads to various types of diseases, which causes enormous economic losses. The current study was aimed to isolate Staphylococcus (S.) aureus from the swamps and ponds in various areas, including (Qawseat, Kukagle, Besan, Al-Arabi, and Al-Shlalat) that surrounding the Mosul city during the rainfall season. One hundred rainwater samples were collected from swamps and ponds in various Mosul city areas. The classical method and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique had used to identify S. aureus isolates. The present study showed that the prevalence rate of S. aureus isolated from swamps and ponds was 12% (12/100) based on the classical and PCR methods used. All the positive S. aureus isolates possess the specific-species nuc gene. In addition, the results of the classical methods are similar to the results of the PCR technique. The present study concludes that the water of swamps and ponds is formed by rainwater exposed to contamination by S. aureus, which posed in the ground and is not fit for the drinking of animals and humans.

Keywords

• rainwater
• swamps and ponds
• s. aureus
• pcr technique