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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Detection and molecular characterisation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw meat in the
Henok Ayalew Tegegne1, Ivana Koláčková2, Martina Florianová2
1Department of Bacteriology, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Unité Antibiorésistance et Virulence Bactériennes, University of Lyon-ANSES, Lyon, France.
Objectives:
This study aimed to detect and characterise methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from retail meat in the Czech Republic.
Methods:
Isolates were identified by PCR detection of the S. aureus-specific fragment Sa442 and mecA gene. spa typing, MLST, detection of genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxins, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (pvl), exfoliative toxins A and B (eta and etb), toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst) and staphylokinase (sak), detection of φSa3 prophage and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed.
Results:
Of 65 raw meat samples examined (poultry, beef, pork and rabbit), 23 (35.4%) were positive for MRSA. Twelve positive samples originated from poultry (12/33; 36.4%), while the remaining eleven came from pork (9/9; 100%) and pork/beef mixed minced meat (2/5; 40.0%). Eight spa types belonging to five different sequence types (STs) were identified. ST398 was the most frequent (28/36; 77.8%), presenting spa types t011, t034, t2576, t4132, t588 and t899. Other livestock-associated MRSA STs (ST9-t899, ST5-t002, ST692-t8646 or the newly described ST4034-t899) were also sporadically identified. In seven isolates (19.4%), one or more staphylococcal enterotoxin genes were detected, with sea, seg and sei prevailing. Three isolates from turkey [ST398-t899 (n = 2) and ST398-t011] harboured the sak gene, and the latter also harboured the sea gene. Seven isolates from poultry harboured the φSa3 prophage and were resistant to tetracycline.
Conclusion:
Specific kinds of meat appear to be a possible source of MRSA, although the risk to humans is hard to define. Therefore, surveillance of MRSA in meat as well as hygienic practices should be improved.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 35.4% of retail meat samples in the Czech Republic, with pork and poultry being significant sources. Improved surveillance and hygienic practices are recommended to mitigate potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Food microbiology
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Public health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant public health concern.
- The presence of MRSA in the food chain, particularly retail meat, requires thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect and characterize MRSA in retail meat samples from the Czech Republic.
- To identify the prevalence and genetic diversity of MRSA in different meat types.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the S. aureus-specific fragment Sa442 and the mecA gene.
- Genotyping methods included spa typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST).
- Detection of virulence genes, prophage, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed.
Main Results:
- 23 out of 65 (35.4%) retail meat samples tested positive for MRSA.
- MRSA was frequently found in pork (100%) and poultry (36.4%).
- ST398 was the predominant sequence type, associated with livestock, and various virulence genes were detected.
Conclusions:
- Retail meat, especially pork and poultry, can serve as a source of MRSA.
- The risk to human health requires further definition, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance.
- Improved hygienic practices in meat production and handling are crucial.
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