Distribution of resistance genes and resistance profile of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among animal handlers in Animal Market, Jos

Abstract

The problems associated with bacteria resistance to antibiotics are increasing despite spirited efforts to overcome the menace and its many attendants’ negative implications on human health and the related burden of failure by health institutions. The study characterized and determined the prevalence of resistance genes among animal handlers in livestock markets within Jos, Nigeria. Nose lining secretions and skin surface samples (384) were collected and bacteria were isolated from them. Isolates were characterized for methicillin and multidrug resistance, after which mecA and mecC presence was determined using molecular method. Seven bacterial species were isolated with the genus Staphylococcus having two species had 52.0% prevalence on skin surface and in nasal secretions. Thirty-three Staphylococcus aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant, and 37 skin surface and 34 nose secretions isolates were multidrug-resistant. mecA genes were present in 18 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from the skin surface and 12 isolates from the nose lining. The study confirmed the presence of a high number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with mecA resistance regulatory gene.