Abstract
Aim:To evaluate the role of dressed chicken in the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Sokoto, Nigeria.Materials & methods:190 chicken carcass rinsates were subjected to culture and biochemical analyses to isolate and identify MRSA. PCR was used to amplify mecA gene that is responsible for methicillin resistance.Results & conclusion:Culture and molecular analysis showed 19.5% (37/190) of the rinse had MRSA on oxacillin-resistance screening agar base (ORSAB) with 7.9% (15/190) possessing the mecA gene. Significant association (p = 0.044) exist between local-chicken and presence of MRSA, being twice more likely to have MRSA compared to exotic-chickens (odds ratio [OR] = 2.132). Results indicate possible role of dressed-chicken in the spread of MRSA. Authorities should regulate the sale and use of antibiotics by farmers, and enhance hygienic practices at slaughterhouses.
Highlights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens can contaminate the water used in processing chicken in slaughterhouses
Contaminated dressed chicken can serve as a vehicle for transmission of MRSA to people processing or consuming these dressed chickens in the study area
Authorities need to regulate the indiscriminate use for antimicrobials in poultry farms within the study area so as to reduce the rate at which pathogens become resistant to these antimicrobials
Summary
To evaluate the role of dressed chicken in the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Sokoto, Nigeria
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