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Molecular diagnosis of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in backyard chickens affected with bumble foot
Ezzalden B Ghayib1, Sumaya Y A Al-Dabbagh1
1Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq.
Abstract:
Background : Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an important zoonotic infection that causes diseases in chickens.
Aim:
The study aimed to isolate of MRSA from chickens that suffered from bumblefoot and perform molecular diagnosis using the mecA gene and detection of protein A using the spa gene.
Methods:
The samples were subjected to standard bacteriological examinations, including morphological and cultural characteristics, biochemical properties, and antibiotic sensitivity tests. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done for the detection of S. aureus using the (nuc, mecA, and spa) genes.
Results:
The study showed that S. aureus formed 68/100 (68%) from chickens with bumble foot disease, while only 49 / 68 (72%) of the isolates were resistant to methicillin according to the disc diffusion test. The results of molecular detection showed that all tested isolates possessed (nuc, mecA, and spa) genes that gave amplicon products at (166 bp,147 bp, and 357 bp), respectively.
Conclusion:
The existence of MRSA in chicken samples comprises a threat to public health due to its potential transmission to humans and the environment.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified in chickens with bumblefoot. Molecular tests confirmed the presence of MRSA, highlighting a public health risk due to potential transmission.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Food Safety
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a significant zoonotic pathogen causing diseases in poultry.
- Bumblefoot is a common condition in chickens that can be associated with S. aureus infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from chickens with bumblefoot.
- To perform molecular diagnosis of MRSA using the mecA gene and detect protein A via the spa gene.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological examinations including morphology, culture, and biochemical tests.
- Antibiotic sensitivity testing using the disc diffusion method.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for detecting S. aureus specific genes (nuc, mecA, spa).
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 68% of chickens with bumblefoot.
- 72% of S. aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin.
- All isolates carried the nuc, mecA, and spa genes, confirmed by PCR.
Conclusions:
- The presence of MRSA in chickens poses a public health concern due to potential zoonotic transmission.
- Molecular detection confirmed MRSA in chicken samples, underscoring the need for surveillance.
- This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring S. aureus in poultry for food safety and public health protection.