CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL ADHESION AND BIOFILM FORMATION ABILITY OF LIVESTOCK-ASSOCIATED METHICILLIN-RESISTANTSTAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUSISOLATED FROM SWINE AND SLAUGHTERHOUSE WASTEWATERS

Abstract

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) ST9 has emerged as a potential zoonotic pathogen for humans and animals. Bacterial adhesion factors and biofilms mediate host colonization and infection of MRSA. This study investigated the dynamics of microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs), biofilm formation gene (intercellular adhesion [ica]), and biofilm expression in MRSA from the nasal samples of asymptomatic pigs (the nasal group, n = 147) and swine slaughterhouse wastewater samples (the environmental group, n = 86). Biofilm formation was quantified by microtiter plate assay. The most prevalent MSCRAMM profile was clfA-clfB-spa-eno-ebps-fib and more than 70% of the LA-MRSA ST9 isolates harbored the biofilm formation gene. Environmental MRSA harbored lower levels of the ica locus and MSCRAMMs (clfA and fib) than did the nasal group, suggesting possible gene loss. Biofilm production in the nasal group was higher than in the environmental group, indicating the difference in biofilm formation in MRSA isolates from different ecological niches. The higher prevalence of MSCRAMMs, biofilm formation gene, and biofilm production in LA-MRSA ST9 may enhance the persistence and infectivity of MRSA in the swine population and present a threat to the health of livestock as well as farm workers.