Molecular-Based Investigation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus from Bovine Mastitis in Kasur: Molecular-Based Investigation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

Abdul Qadeer Haider; Husnain Ali; Farooq Ahmad; Noor Fatima Tareen; Mahnoor Basit; Muhammad Naveed Anjum; Numan Javed

doi:10.54393/fbt.v5i3.184

Authors

Abdul Qadeer Haider Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Husnain Ali Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Farooq Ahmad Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Noor Fatima Tareen Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Mahnoor Basit Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Naveed Anjum Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Numan Javed Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/fbt.v5i3.184

Keywords:

Staphylococcus Aureus, Molecular-Based Investigation, Bovine Mastitis, Biochemical Tests

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat to the dairy industry through mastitis, causing substantial economic losses. MRSA is a zoonotic pathogen that transmits between livestock and humans through direct contact, contaminated environments, or animal products. Its prevalence is further exacerbated by inadequate research and the misuse of antibiotics. Objectives: To find molecular-based investigation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from bovine mastitis in Kasur. Methods: This study characterized MRSA isolates from bovine mastitis using biochemical tests and genotypic analysis of the Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec), which carries the mecA gene that makes the bacteria resistant to β-lactam antibiotics. SCCmec typing distinguishes hospital-associated (HA-), community-associated (CA-), and livestock-associated (LA-) MRSA strains, the latter (notably CC398) exhibiting rising zoonotic concern. Results: Among 100 mastitic milk samples, 85% (85/100) carried mecA, confirming MRSA. Alarmingly, 78% (78/100) co-harbored the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) gene, a key virulence determinant linked to severe infections in humans. Conclusions: The high co-occurrence of mecA (mediating multidrug resistance) and PVL (enhancing pathogenicity) in LA-MRSA isolates underscores a critical one health challenge, necessitating urgent interventions in antibiotic resistance and farm hygiene to mitigate transmission risks.

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