Prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and distribution of toxin genes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from retail meat and fruit and vegetable cuts in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging foodborne hazard with significant public health implications under the One Health framework. Data on MRSA in retail foods from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain scarce, despite the country’s heavy reliance on diverse food supply chains. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles, and toxin gene distribution of MRSA in retail foods of animal and plant origin in Dubai, UAE. Methods: A total of 260 food samples—including beef, sheep, camel, and chicken meat, as well as ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable cuts—were collected from major supermarkets. MRSA screening was performed using enrichment culture, followed by dual confirmation with MALDI-TOF MS for species identification and triplex PCR targeting the mecA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed in 87 confirmed isolates against multiple antibiotic classes. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess associations between product forms and MRSA contamination. Detection of enterotoxin and exfoliative toxin genes was performed using PCR assays. Results: MRSA was detected in 47.7% of samples, with the highest prevalence in chicken meat (75%), followed by camel (55%) and beef (45.7%). Contamination was lower in fruit (16.7%) and vegetable cuts (30%). Minced beef exhibited significantly higher contamination (78.5%) compared to other beef forms. All 87 isolates were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics. Resistance varied across food groups for gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Multidrug resistance (≥3 classes) was found in 79.3% of isolates, with extensive resistance (≥4 classes) more frequent in camel (75%) and beef (65.4%) isolates. Enterotoxin genes were identified in 42.5% of isolates, predominantly sea (29.1%). Exfoliative toxin gene type A was detected most often in vegetable cuts. Dual toxin gene carriage was rare (4.6%). Discussion/Conclusion: Retail foods in the UAE, particularly chicken and camel meat, represent an important reservoir of multidrug-resistant and toxigenic MRSA. The findings highlight the One Health risks of MRSA in the food chain and underscore the need for coordinated surveillance and intervention strategies across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to mitigate transmission risks and safeguard public health.