Molecular characterization of methicillin resistance gene among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from poultry farms in Kaduna, Nigeria

Zoonotic transfer of resistance genes has been reported as one of the major causes of increased community associated methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (CAMRSA), which has contributed to high hospital visit, mortality and morbidity in clinic. This study evaluates the occurrence of S. aureus encoding mecA gene in poultry birds from Kaduna metropolis. Sample collection was carried out using standard epidemiological procedure. S. aureus isolation, identification and biochemical test were carried out using standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out using agar diffusion method while molecular analysis was performed using PCR techniques. A total of 600 poultry samples from 300 layers and 300 broilers were randomly collected from 4 poultry farms for evaluation. Using Microgen biochemical kit, 24.5% of the samples collected yielded S. aureus. Using agar diffusion method, 37.2% (61) of the S. aureus were resistant to oxacillin. The resistance profile of the oxacillin resistant isolates showed that the isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline (88.5%), ciprofloxacin (80.3%), mildly resistant to cotrimoxazole (32.8%), vancomycin (31.1%) and susceptible to amoxiclav (93.4%), cefoxitin and gentamicin (97.7% respectively). High percentage of the isolates 34.4% (21) harbored the mecA gene that amplified at 162 base pair while none of the isolates harbor mecA gene with 500 bp. This study reports the presence of MDR S. aureus encoding mecA gene among S. aureus isolates evaluated from poultry farm in Kaduna metropolis, hence this calls for concern as poultry products serves as means to fast dissemination of livestock and community associated methicillin resistant S. aureus as high percentage of poultry farmers, abattoirs and meat vendors carry out their activity without veterinary nor government control.