Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of beta-lactams resistant staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis and its zoonotic implications

Abstract

Rise of antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a higher risk and great concern to global health. Zoonotic transfer of such strains is well documented. Present study evaluated the presence of resistant S. aureus from mastitic Nilli Ravi buffaloes and nasal carriage of milkers. Phenotypic profile of S. aureus isolates was conducted against penicillin, ampicillin, and cefoxitin. PCR analysis revealed presence of blaZ gene and mecA gene from S. aureus isolated from milk and milkers samples. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis depicts the divergence of mecA gene originated from bovine and human but for the blaZ gene, no divergence was detected. The high degree of genetic relatedness among blaZ and mecA genes in bovine and human S. aureus isolates from same farm suggests the potential transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes between buffaloes and milkers, highlighting the importance of one-health approach to promote global health.