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Methicillin and aminoglycoside resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis and sequence

Hulya Turutoglu1, Mustafa Hasoksuz, Dilek Ozturk

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey. hulyaturutoglu@hotmail.com

Veterinary Research Communications
|August 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) found in cows with mastitis may originate from humans. Genetic analysis revealed similarities to human MRSA strains, suggesting potential zoonotic transfer.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly detected in animal populations.
  • MRSA strains exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotics, posing a significant public health concern.
  • Bovine mastitis is a common dairy cattle disease, and MRSA presence warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic basis of methicillin and aminoglycoside resistance in MRSA isolates from bovine mastitis.
  • To compare the genetic profiles of bovine MRSA with those found in human strains.
  • To explore the potential origins and zoonotic transfer of MRSA in cattle.

Main Methods:

  • Phenotypic characterization of 18 S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis for methicillin resistance.
  • PCR analysis to detect mecA (methicillin resistance) and aminoglycoside resistance genes (aac(6′)/aph(2″), aph(3′)-IIIa, ant(4′)-Ia).
  • Sequencing of the mecA gene in identified MRSA isolates.

Main Results:

  • Three out of 18 S. aureus isolates were confirmed as MRSA (mecA positive).
  • One MRSA isolate carried both aac(6′)/aph(2″) and aph(3′)-IIIa genes, conferring resistance to gentamicin, kanamycin, and neomycin.
  • Sequencing revealed that the mecA genes in bovine MRSA were nearly identical to human MRSA strains, with a single nucleotide substitution.
  • The aph(3′)-IIIa gene was found in three isolates.

Conclusions:

  • MRSA identified in bovine mastitis cases shares genetic similarities with human strains, suggesting a possible human origin.
  • The genetic makeup indicates potential for zoonotic transfer of MRSA between humans and cattle.
  • Further research is crucial to fully understand the dynamics of MRSA transmission in a One Health context.

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