Abstract
Objectives:This study aims to investigate the prevalence and antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistance S. aureus (MRSA) in rabbits, rabbit handlers, and rabbitry environments in Terengganu. Materials and Methods:Swab samples from 183 rabbits (183 oral and 183 ear swabs), 45 rabbit handlers (45 oral and 45 nasal), and environmental (n = 180) samples from rabbitries were collected from 10 rabbit farms in Terengganu. The associated S. aureus isolates from the swabs were isolated using phenotypic microbiology tests. The bacteria were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction targeting nuc (S. aureus) and mecA (MRSA) genes. The antibiogram of all S. aureus isolates was determined using the Kirby–Bauer test. Results:Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 19% of rabbits, 26.7% of rabbit handlers, and 8.8% of swabs from the rabbitry environment. However, MRSA (0%) could not be detected. Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that S. aureus from rabbits showed low resistance (<20%) against 15 different antibiotics while fully susceptible to 4 antibiotics. Meanwhile, S. aureus from rabbit handlers showed high resistance against penicillin (86%), oxacillin (64%), and amoxicillin (50%). Conclusions:This study suggests the emergence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus in rabbit farms settings. Therefore, careful selection of antimicrobial agents will be essential to preserve the effectiveness of treatments toward S. aureus infections.
Highlights
Staphylococcus aureus is a zoonotic, opportunistic Grampositive, commensal bacterium colonizing humans and animals [1]
A total of 18 (45%; 18/40) S. aureus isolates were from the ear while the remaining 22 (55%; 22/40) isolates came from the oral swabs of rabbits
This study showed that the S. aureus had been successfully isolated from rabbit, rabbit handlers, and the environment
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus is a zoonotic, opportunistic Grampositive, commensal bacterium colonizing humans and animals [1]. Staphylococcus aureus is capable of causing several diseases in humans, ranging from minor skin infections to life-threatening illnesses [1]. S. aureus can be commonly found on the skin. It is one of the primary pathogens related to dermatitis, mastitis, and metritis infections, causing losses in the rabbit farming industry [2,3]. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the critical widespread nosocomial pathogens seen worldwide. The occurrence of MRSA in animals has been reported worldwide. The apparent animal-to-human transmissions have raised concerns on the risks of animal populations as potential reservoirs for this zoonotic infection [5].
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