Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from foodhandlers, community nasal carriers and bovine mastitis

Abstract

Objective: 

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a prevalent bacterial pathogen that is isolated from various environments. The aim of this study was to survey MRSA strains from foodhandlers, community nasal carriers, and bovine mastitis.

Materials and methods: 

A total of 374 samples from community nasal carriers (105), bovine mastitis (173), and foodhandlers (96) were screened for Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and methicillin resistance using mecA-specific PCR assay, an oxacillin agar screen test, cefoxitin disk diffusion assay, production of penicillin-binding protein (PBP), β-lactamase production, and antimicrobial MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) assay were performed for all S. aureus isolates.

Results: 

MRSA isolates were isolated from 38.8% of community nasal carriers, 14.7% of bovine mastitis, and 23.5% of foodhandlers. Expression of the mecA gene was the most common MRSA trait for human isolates and hyperproduction of β-lactamase was the most common antimicrobial resistance factor for bovine mastitis isolates.

Conclusion: 

MRSA strains were isolated from foodhandlers, community nasal carriers, and bovine mastitis. Therefore, due to the possibility of contamination of human and animal resources, the control of important pathogens such as MRSA is important.