spa Typing and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates From Broilers
Zeinab Alimadad1, Fazel Pourahmad1, Mostafa Nemati1
1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ilam University, Ilam, Iran.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat to public health and the poultry industry due to its resistance to β-lactam antibiotics and its potential for transmission between animals and humans.
Objectives:
This study aimed to characterize MRSA isolates from broilers in Ilam, Iran, utilizing spa typing and evaluating their antibiotic resistance profiles.
Methods:
A total of 200 samples were collected from nasal and cloacal swabs of broilers. Bacterial isolation and biochemical tests were conducted. The presence of S. aureus was confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the femA gene. PCR amplification of the mecA gene was performed to identify MRSA. Additionally, the spa gene was amplified in all identified MRSA strains and in one representative strain of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on all 107 S. aureus isolates.
Results:
A total of 237 bacterial strains were isolated. Of the 107 confirmed S. aureus isolates, 9 (8.41%) were identified as MRSA. spa typing revealed five distinct types, including four for MRSA and one for MSSA. Notably, three novel spa types (t304, t567 and t1184) were reported for the first time in Iran, reflecting unique local adaptations, with t011 (40%) being the most common.
Conclusions:
This study underscores the genetic diversity of MRSA in poultry and highlights the urgent need for effective control measures to combat antibiotic resistance.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found in 8.41% of broiler chickens in Iran. Genetic analysis revealed diverse MRSA strains, including novel types, emphasizing the need for control measures against antibiotic resistance in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Food Safety
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a significant public health and poultry industry threat due to antibiotic resistance and zoonotic potential.
- The spread of MRSA in poultry can lead to economic losses and poses risks to human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from broiler chickens in Ilam, Iran.
- To determine the antibiotic resistance profiles and genetic diversity of MRSA using spa typing.
Main Methods:
- Collected 200 nasal and cloacal swabs from broilers.
- Identified Staphylococcus aureus using PCR (femA gene) and MRSA via PCR (mecA gene).
- Performed spa typing on MRSA and MSSA isolates and conducted antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Isolated 107 Staphylococcus aureus strains, with 9 (8.41%) identified as MRSA.
- spa typing revealed five distinct types (four MRSA, one MSSA), including three novel types new to Iran.
- The most common MRSA spa type was t011 (40%).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights significant genetic diversity among MRSA strains in Iranian poultry.
- Urgent implementation of effective control strategies is necessary to mitigate the threat of antibiotic resistance in poultry.
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