spa typing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from dogs in Ilam Province, Iran

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in both human and animal hosts. Among the variants of S. aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has garnered particular concern, as it exhibits resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, including methicillin, posing substantial treatment challenges.

The present study investigated the genotypic patterns of S. aureus isolated from dogs in Ilam Province, Iran, in order to enhance the understanding of strain diversity and distribution within this population.

A total number of 250 samples were collected from the nose, mouth, and rectum of dogs, leading to the identification of 81 isolates confirmed as S. aureus.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis identified 9 of these isolates as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), carrying the mecA gene. Further spa typing categorized the MRSA isolates into three distinct spa types: t127, t309, and t3024. The most common types were t127 and t3024, each present in 4 isolates (44.44%), with t309 identified in only 1 isolate (11.11%).

Our findings highlight a significant genetic diversity of S. aureus among dogs, potentially influenced by environmental factors, dietary habits, and social interactions. Notably, the prevalence of the t3024 spa type suggests specific regional influences that may contribute to its spread. The observed patterns of genetic diversity underscore the need for further epidemiological studies to address public health challenges posed by Staphylococcus infections in both animals and humans. The present study contributes to valuable insights on the dynamics of S. aureus, facilitating the development of targeted strategies for infection prevention and control.