Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus harboring mecC in livestock in Spain

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Food Safety
• Public Health

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat to animal and human health.
• The mecC gene is an alternative mechanism for methicillin resistance in S. aureus.
• Livestock are recognized reservoirs for various MRSA strains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first detection of mecC-positive MRSA in livestock in Spain.
• To characterize the identified mecC-MRSA isolate.
• To assess the implications for zoonotic transmission and public health.

Main Methods:

• Sampling of milk from dairy sheep farms across Spain.
• Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus.
• Detection of the mecC gene and molecular typing (e.g., sequence typing).

Main Results:

• One mecC-positive MRSA isolate was identified.
• The isolate belonged to sequence type 130 (ST130).
• The isolate was detected in milk samples from dairy sheep.

Conclusions:

• This is the first report of mecC-MRSA in Spanish livestock.
• The findings indicate a potential risk of zoonotic transmission from sheep to humans.
• Surveillance programs are crucial for monitoring mecC-MRSA in livestock and preventing its spread.