Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Clinical Setting and Dairy Farm Environment of Jammu

A study was carried out to assess the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus and the methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the dairy farm environment of Jammu district and the clinical setting in the SKUAST- J, R. S. Pura vis-à-vis their phenotypic and genotypic characterization for the antimicrobial pattern and the mecA gene producing ability. A total of 60 samples of environment comprising of dust and clinical setting swabs were collected and analysed using standard bacteriological methods. The S. aureus isolates were further processed to identify and characterize MRSA, with an aim to ascertain the characteristics that might be associated with the virulence and resistance of MRSA, making use of conventional and molecular methods. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to identify 533bp mecA gene from MRSA isolates. The results revealed a prevalence of S. aureus 14/30 (46.7%) and 18/30 (60%) in dairy farm environment and clinical settings, respectively. From 32 positive S. aureus dust swabs, 6 (18.75%) were found to be MRSA. This study revealed resistance of S. aureus to Penicillin G, Ampicillin and Streptomycin. However, sensitivity to Cephalothin, Amikacin and Gentamicin was found. The present study revealed that Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA transmission can occur from infected farms, dairy and clinical environments to animals. However, future studies are required to elucidate the transmission potential and magnitude of the problem.