Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in Poultry Species in Algeria: Long-Term Study on Prevalence and
Ismahane Benrabia1, Taha M Hamdi1, Awad A Shehata2,3
1HASAQ Laboratory, High National Veterinary School, Issad Abbes Avenue, Oued Smar, El Harrach, Algiers 16270, Algeria.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a well-known pathogen with a serious impact on human and veterinary public health. To determine antibiotic resistance of MRSA in poultry, 4248 nasal swabs were collected from 840 poultry farms in 18 different Wilayas (provinces) of Algeria. Swabs were collected between 2011 and 2018 from breeding hens, laying hens, broilers, and turkeys. Identification was carried out by the classical culture methods, and the disc diffusion test was used to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns. S. aureus was isolated from 477 (56.8%) farms, and flock prevalence was 52.8%, 48.8%, 48.4%, and 75.6% in breeding hens, laying hens, broilers, and turkeys, respectively. MRSA was isolated from 252 (30%) farms and flock prevalence was 22%, 33.5%, 27.4%, and 36%, respectively. As expected, all MRSA isolates were resistant to cefoxitin, penicillin G, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and oxacillin. High levels of resistance were found for tetracycline (82.5%), erythromycin (70.6%), clindamycin (68.6%), and ciprofloxacin (50%). Almost all isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (100%) and mupirocin and rifampicin (99.2%), followed by chloramphenicol (82.3%), and gentamicin (76%). This moderate proportion of MRSA in poultry poses a considerable risk to public health. The results of this study highlight the need for control programs that encompass primary animal production and the food chain to mitigate contamination and spread of MRSA in the poultry industry of Algeria, and consequently to humans.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is prevalent in Algerian poultry, posing a public health risk. Control programs are crucial to mitigate MRSA spread in the food chain and prevent human infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Food Safety
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen impacting human and animal health.
- Poultry serves as a potential reservoir and transmission vehicle for MRSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of MRSA in Algerian poultry populations.
- To assess the public health implications of MRSA in the poultry sector.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 4248 nasal swabs from 840 poultry farms across 18 Algerian provinces (2011-2018).
- Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus using classical culture methods.
- Determination of antibiotic resistance profiles via disc diffusion tests, including resistance to cefoxitin, penicillin G, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, oxacillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, mupirocin, rifampicin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 56.8% of farms, with MRSA detected in 30% of farms.
- MRSA prevalence varied by poultry type: breeding hens (22%), laying hens (33.5%), broilers (27.4%), and turkeys (36%).
- High resistance rates were observed for tetracycline (82.5%), erythromycin (70.6%), and clindamycin (68.6%). All MRSA isolates were resistant to cefoxitin, penicillin G, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and oxacillin. Susceptibility was high for vancomycin (100%), mupirocin (99.2%), and rifampicin (99.2%).
Conclusions:
- The moderate prevalence of MRSA in Algerian poultry represents a considerable public health risk.
- Implementation of control strategies targeting primary production and the food chain is essential to reduce MRSA contamination and spread.
- Monitoring and intervention are necessary to mitigate the risk of MRSA transmission from poultry to humans.
