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Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Third-Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Enterobacterales and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in
Emmanuel Irimaso1,2, Valens Hagenimana2, Emmanuel Nzabamwita2
1Institute of Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
This pilot study investigated the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC-R) Enterobacterales in conventionally kept domestic pigs and their environment across four districts in Rwanda. A total of 114 swabs (nasal, rectal, manure, dust) from 29 farms were collected and processed to isolate resistant bacteria. Thirty-two 3GC-R Enterobacterales were detected. Escherichia coli predominantly harboring blaCTX-M group 1 β-lactamase genes, alongside Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, all displaying extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotypes. Four MRSA isolates, all belonging to clonal complex 398 and SCCmec type IV, the typical livestock MRSA, were recovered from nasal and environmental samples. Multidrug resistance was frequently observed. The co-occurrence of β-lactamase genes, non-β-lactam resistance genes, and virulence factors such as fimH and loci associated with extraintestinal pathogenic and enteropathogenic E. coli. The detection of both MRSA and 3GC-R Enterobacterales in the present study indicates pigs and their farm environments as reservoirs of WHO priority pathogens in Rwanda, highlighting a potential public health risk in the context of extensive human-animal-environment interaction. These findings emphasize the urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance and comprehensive AMR control strategies addressing both animal and environmental reservoirs to support Rwanda's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.
Insights
Pigs in Rwanda harbor dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA and 3GC-R Enterobacterales. Their environment also contains these WHO priority pathogens, posing a public health risk and requiring urgent One Health surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Public Health
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat.
- Livestock can act as reservoirs for priority pathogens.
- Rwanda faces challenges in addressing AMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GC-R) in Rwandan domestic pigs and their environment.
- To identify specific resistance genes and virulence factors.
- To assess the potential public health risk.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 114 swabs (nasal, rectal, manure, dust) from 29 farms across four districts in Rwanda.
- Isolation and identification of resistant bacteria.
- Molecular characterization of resistance genes (e.g., blaCTX-M) and virulence factors (e.g., fimH).
Main Results:
- Thirty-two 3GC-R Enterobacterales isolates were detected, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with ESBL phenotypes.
- Four MRSA isolates (CC398, SCCmec IV) were found in nasal and environmental samples.
- Frequent observation of multidrug resistance and co-occurrence of resistance genes and virulence factors.
Conclusions:
- Pigs and their farm environments in Rwanda serve as reservoirs for WHO priority pathogens (MRSA, 3GC-R Enterobacterales).
- These findings indicate a potential public health risk due to human-animal-environment interactions.
- Urgent need for integrated One Health surveillance and AMR control strategies in Rwanda.
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