Molecular typing of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Nigeria

Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus including methicillin-resistant strains [MRSA] are a major concern in densely populated urban areas. Initial studies of S. aureus in Nigeria indicated existence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus strains in clinical and community settings. 73 biological samples [40 throat, 23 nasal, 10 wound] were collected from patients and healthcare workers in three populations in Nigeria: Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, and Owerri General Hospital. S. aureus was isolated from 38 of 73 samples [52%]. Of the 38 S. aureus samples, 9 [24%] carried the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene [PVL] while 16 [42%] possessed methicillin resistance genes [mecA]. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles indicated resistance to several broad-spectrum antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant S. aureus isolates were recovered from clinical and community settings in Nigeria. Insight about S. aureus in Nigeria may be used to improve antibiotic prescription methods and minimize the spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms in highly populated urban communities similar to Lagos, Nigeria

Prevalence of staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] on retail meat in Iowa

Several recent studies have indicated a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] in retail-available meat. However, few studies have investigated MRSA in meat in the United States. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus] on meat samples available at retail stores. Samples of fresh raw pork, chicken, beef, and turkey were purchased from 22 food stores throughout Iowa. S. aureus strains were isolated from 27 of 165 samples, giving an overall prevalence of 16.4%. Turkey, pork, chicken, and beef had individual S. aureusprevalence rates of 19.4%, 18.2%, 17.8%, and 6.9%, respectively. Two isolates of MRSA were isolated from pork, giving an overall prevalence of 1.2%. One MRSA isolate was positive for the PVL gene. Common spa types included t034, t337, t008, and t002. These results suggest that MRSA is present on low numbers of retail meat in Iowa