Characterization of Toxin Gene Profiles and Antibiotic Resistance Genes of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Ducks

Abstract

Although Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most widespread Bacteria causing infection over the world for poultry sector, MRSA in duck farms hasn’t yet been investigated seriously. Thus, this study intensively investigates the prevalence of MRSA through 100 duck farms. S. aureus has been isolated from 21 farms. The classical enterotoxins (A–E) production plus toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1) were screened by PCR, only four strains harbored sed gene. The antimicrobial resistance profiles were tested by agar diffusion assays showed that 90.5% of isolates exhibit multidrug resistance (MDR). All the tested isolates revealed 100% resistance towards penicillin G., ampicillin and cefoxitin. However, the resistances to kanamycin, tetracycline and gentamycin were 90.5%, 85.7% and 81% respectively. Additionally, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates were identified by the presence of mecA gene, but all isolates were negative for mecC gene. The isolates were tested for the presence of four antimicrobial resistance genes including tetracycline resistance gene tetK that was detected in all isolates. Secondly, 90.5% of isolates carried erythromycin resistant gene ermB as well as gentamicin resistant gene, aacA-aphD. Finally, none of those isolates has carried vanA gene for vancomycin resistance. Consequently, continuous tracking the presence of MRSA in duck farms is very important to avoid developing a reservoir for antimicrobial resistances.