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Updated: Sep 11, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
[Detection of the mecA gene in coagulase positive Staphylococcus isolated from cats]
Introduction:
Bacterial resistance is a global concern for public health. Reports of antimicrobial resistance, including that against methicillin, have increased in strains of coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS) isolated from pets, however in Chile this information is limited.
Objectives:
To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and to detect the mecA gene in CPS strains isolated from cats in Chile.
Materials And Methods:
134 samples were obtained from healthy cats and cats with skin lesions. These strains were characterized in their coagulase production and identified by BBL Crystal kit. The antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Kirby Bauer method against 12 antimicrobials, including oxacillin. All strains were subjected to PCR to detect the mecA gene.
Results:
72 CPS strains were isolated, including S. aureus and S. intermedius. Antimicrobial resistance against at least one drug was detected in strains from both healthy cats (75%) and from cats with skin lesions (87.5%). The mecA gene was detected in eight methicillin-resistant strains and also in three sensitive strains, being in general multi-resistant.
Discussion:
These results highlight the role of pets as reservoirs of bacterial resistance, and their potential impact on national public health.
Insights
Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus strains from cats in Chile show high antimicrobial resistance. The mecA gene, associated with methicillin resistance, was found in both resistant and sensitive strains, indicating pets as potential reservoirs for resistant bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Public Health
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Bacterial resistance poses a global public health threat.
- Increasing antimicrobial resistance, including methicillin resistance, is reported in coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CPS) from pets.
- Limited data exists on CPS antimicrobial resistance in cats within Chile.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of CPS strains isolated from cats in Chile.
- Detect the presence of the mecA gene in these CPS strains.
Main Methods:
- 134 samples collected from healthy and diseased cats.
- Coagulase production and identification using BBL Crystal kit.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing via Kirby Bauer method against 12 agents, including oxacillin.
- PCR used for mecA gene detection.
Main Results:
- 72 CPS strains isolated, including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus intermedius.
- High prevalence of antimicrobial resistance observed: 75% in healthy cats and 87.5% in cats with skin lesions.
- The mecA gene was detected in eight methicillin-resistant strains and three methicillin-sensitive strains, often associated with multi-drug resistance.
Conclusions:
- Pet cats can act as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Findings highlight the potential impact of pet-associated bacterial resistance on national public health in Chile.
