Occurrence of methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus at a goat breeding farm

Abstract

The aim of this study was to report the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains at a veterinary university goat breeding farm and their characteristics. A total of 278 samples collected from animals, milk, environment and farm personnel between June 2006 and March 2008 were examined. The identification of S. aureus isolates was performed by a species specific PCR assay. All detected isolates were tested for resistance to oxacillin and other antimicrobials by phenotypic methods and for the mecA gene by PCR method. Eight MRSA were detected in this study. Five of them originated from goat's milk and three were recovered from one human carrier of the farm personnel. All obtained MRSA isolates were clonally consistent and were characterized as: SCCmec type IV, spa type t064, seb positive and for genes encoding TSST-1, PVL and exfoliative toxins A and B negative.