Detection of multi-drug resistance and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from retail meat in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

Purpose: Among the principal microorganisms transmitted to humans by foods of animal origin, Staphylococcus aureus stands out, causing a variety of diseases and with a wide potential for acquiring antimicrobial resistance. This work aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus, its multi-drug resistance (MDRSA), and the identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in retail beef and pork in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Methods: S. aureus strains isolated from retail meat were characterized by microbiological and molecular methods to determine phenotypic drug-resistance and detect MRSA strains. Results: Of the 106 samples (54 from beef and 52 from pork) from 11 different cities, we detected a prevalence of S. aureus of 44.3% (47/106). A total of 87 S. aureus strains were identified; these presented 54 resistance patterns to different antimicrobials with a high prevalence of MDRSA (85%) and a low prevalence of MRSA strains (3%). Conclusion: These results indicate the presence of MDRSA and MRSA in retail beef and pork in Tamaulipas, representing a high risk for consumer health.