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Updated: Jun 6, 2025
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Novel natural and economic approach for controlling methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using apple cider
Sherief M Abdel-Raheem1, Eman M Abouelhassan2, Mostafa Mandour3
1Department of Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al-Hofuf, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia; Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) constitutes a significant health concern because it promotes infectious mastitis in dairy animals and poses a hazard risk to humans. Controlling MRSA infections is a growing challenge on a global scale because of the bacteria's toxicity and its capacity to develop multidrug resistance (MDR). Combating against MDR bacteria and the spread of infectious diseases needs natural antibacterial alternatives to minimize the economic losses of mastitis. The average treatment cost in Egypt was highlighted. The antibacterial effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) against MDR-MRSA isolates was evaluated, also the study aimed at profiling antimicrobial resistance genes in MRSA isolates. The incidence of mastitis in cows was more than in buffaloes, and the average total treatment cost was estimated at 82 million EGP from 2016 to 2021 (around 14 million EGP annually). Of the 22 S. aureus isolates (20 %), of which (59.1 % were from cows and 40.9 % from buffaloes), 19 (86.4 %) were confirmed as MRSA. All MRSA isolates exhibited resistance to clindamycin (94.7 %), then both ampicillin and doxycycline (84.2 %), and ampicillin and sulbactam, erythromycin and Fosfomycin (each, 78.9 %). Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin can be used to treat MRSA. The prevalence of MDR was significantly high, with 94.7 % of the cases having multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) indices ranging from 0.25 to 0.75. All MRSA isolates tested positive for mecA, 89.5 % for the blaZ gene, 84.2 % for tetM, and 73.4 % for ermB. In vitro, the antibacterial properties of ACV were demonstrated to be superior by our results which demonstrate a zone of inhibition with diameters ranging from 20 to 40 mm detected by Agar well diffusion technique and MIC's (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) ranging from 2 to 4 μg/ml. Some isolates possess MBC (Minimal Bactericidal Concentration) values at the same MIC. This research proposes the potential of ACV to act as a promising antibacterial alternative against MRSA. This can help minimize the health problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and improve the efficiency of dairy farms. Further studies are recommended to determine the proper dosage for field administration.
Insights
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) shows potent antibacterial effects against multidrug-resistant Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in dairy animals. This natural alternative could combat antibiotic resistance and reduce mastitis treatment costs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Food Safety
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes significant economic losses in dairy farming due to infectious mastitis.
- The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) MRSA necessitates novel antibacterial strategies to mitigate its spread and impact on animal and human health.
- Mastitis treatment costs in Egypt were estimated at 82 million EGP from 2016-2021, highlighting the economic burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of apple cider vinegar (ACV) against multidrug-resistant MRSA isolates from dairy animals.
- To profile antimicrobial resistance genes present in these MRSA isolates.
- To explore natural alternatives for combating MRSA and reducing mastitis-related economic losses.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus aureus from dairy animals, with subsequent confirmation of MRSA.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of MRSA isolates against various antibiotics and profiling of resistance genes (mecA, blaZ, tetM, ermB).
- In vitro evaluation of ACV's antibacterial activity using the agar well diffusion technique and determination of Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC).
Main Results:
- Of 22 S. aureus isolates, 19 (86.4%) were confirmed as MRSA, predominantly from cows (59.1%).
- High resistance rates were observed for clindamycin (94.7%), ampicillin (84.2%), and doxycycline (84.2%). Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin showed potential for MRSA treatment.
- ACV demonstrated significant in vitro antibacterial activity against MRSA, with inhibition zones of 20-40 mm and MIC values of 2-4 μg/ml.
Conclusions:
- Apple cider vinegar exhibits promising antibacterial properties against multidrug-resistant MRSA, suggesting its potential as a natural alternative treatment.
- The study identified key antimicrobial resistance genes in MRSA isolates, contributing to understanding resistance mechanisms.
- ACV could help reduce the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in dairy farms, improve farm efficiency, and lower economic losses associated with mastitis.
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