Coagulase-positive Staphylococci Research Articles

Extensive Horizontal Gene Transfer within and between Species of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus.

Members of the gram-positive bacterial genus Staphylococcus have historically been classified into coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CoPS) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) based on the diagnostic presentation of the coagulase protein. Previous studies have noted the importance of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and recombination in the more well-known CoPS species Staphylococcus aureus, yet little is known of the contributions of these processes in CoNS evolution. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships, genomic characteristics, and frequencies of HGT in CoNS, which are now being recognized as major opportunistic pathogens of humans. We compiled a data set of 1,876 publicly available named CoNS genomes. These can be delineated into 55 species based on allele differences in 462 core genes and variation in accessory gene content. CoNS species are a reservoir of transferrable genes associated with resistance to diverse classes of antimicrobials. We also identified nine types of the mobile genetic element SCCmec, which carries the methicillin resistance determinant mecA. Other frequently transferred genes included those associated with resistance to heavy metals, surface-associated proteins related to virulence and biofilm formation, type VII secretion system, iron capture, recombination, and metabolic enzymes. The highest frequencies of receipt and donation of recombined DNA fragments were observed in Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus caprae, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and members of the Saprophyticus species group. The variable rates of recombination and biases in transfer partners imply that certain CoNS species function as hubs of gene flow and major reservoir of genetic diversity for the entire genus.

Longitudinal environmental Staphylococcus contamination in a new small animal veterinary hospital and utility of cleaning checklists.

Staphylococci are inhabitants of skin and mucous membranes with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) serving as important pathogens for animals and people, respectively. Previous research has identified the environment as potentially important in hospital-associated infections and zoonotic transmission in veterinary settings. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the longitudinal prevalence over repeated samplings of environmental coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CPS) in a new veterinary hospital and evaluate associations between contamination and environmental and clinical (caseload, cleaning checklists and staff numbers) factors. Cleaning and disinfection compliance, based on staff-completed checklists, were reviewed for the three shifts immediately prior to sampling. We hypothesized that over time, environmental contamination would increase as the clinic developed and caseload increased and compliance to cleaning checklists would decrease with increasing caseload. Over 18months, 351 environmental samples were collected at five sampling times (sampling occurred before opening the hospital and every 3 to 6months thereafter). Overall contamination with CPS was 30.8% (108/351), with SA (16.8%) and SP (13.1%) identified from the contaminated surfaces. Overall, methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA and MRSP) were infrequently recovered (combined n=3; <1%). Point prevalence of CPS contamination was relatively stable over the study period (22.5%-28.4%), with the exception of an increase at the fourth sampling (52.9%). Cleaning compliance varied over the study period (57.9%-100%); the lowest reported cleaning coincided with the highest proportion of CPS contamination. The most commonly contaminated surfaces were chairs (7/15; 46.7%), examination tables (19/47; 40.4%) and computers (12/35; 34.3%); these items were infrequently included on cleaning lists. Surfaces not included in the checklist were 2.3 times more likely to be contaminated by CPS than those that were included (OR: 2.3, CI 95%: 1.02 -5.35, p-value=.04). MRSA and MRSP were rarely isolated from the environment in the newly opened hospital, indicating it may take time for resistant strains to enter the environment and persist on surfaces. This study identified the possible utility of cleaning checklists for directing cleaning practices and reducing the environmental contamination.

Identification of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolates from Wound Cultures by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Improves Accuracy of Susceptibility Reporting at an Increase in Cost.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius can easily be mistaken for Staphylococcus aureus using phenotypic and rapid biochemical methods. We began confirming the identification of all coagulase-positive staphylococci isolated from human wound cultures at our centralized laboratory, servicing both community and inpatients, with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry instead of using phenotypic and rapid biochemical tests, and determined the prevalence of S. pseudintermedius since the change in identification procedure and at what cost. A retrospective review was performed on all wound swab cultures from which coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated 7 months before and after the change in identification procedure. A total of 49 S. intermedius/pseudintermedius (SIP) isolates were identified, including 7 isolates from 14,401 wound cultures in the before period and 42 isolates from 14,147 wound cultures in the after period. The number of SIP isolates as a proportion of isolated coagulase-positive staphylococci increased significantly from the before, 7/6,351 (0.1%), to the after, 42/5,435 (0.7%), period (difference, 0.6% [95% confidence interval, 0.037 to 0.83%, P < 0.0001]). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed in 42 isolates; none had an oxacillin MIC of 1.0 to 2.0 μg/ml, the range in which, if the isolate was misidentified as S. aureus, a very major error in susceptibility interpretation would occur. The increase in cost of the change in identification procedure was Can$17,558 per year in our laboratory, performing microbiology testing for community and acute-care patients in a zone servicing nearly 1.7 million people. While we will only continue to learn more about this emerging pathogen if we make attempts to properly identify it in clinical cultures, the additional time and cost involved may be unacceptably high in some laboratories. .

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of milk pathogen isolated from dairy production systems

Livestock has been recognized as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Prevalence of resistance has been associated with herd size and intensification of animal production systems. Brazil is one of the emergent hotspots of bacterial resistance, which is also associated with animal husbandry. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance profile of pathogens that cause subclinical mastitis and the relationship between resistance status at farm level and different production systems. Milk samples from cows diagnosed with subclinical mastitis were collected from farms that adopt different husbandry systems with different production intensities, i.e., agroecological, low input, high input, Free-Stall and Compost-bedded pack barn. Etiological agents were isolated and microbiologically identified, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted, using the disk diffusion method. The main isolated agents were Streptococcus spp. (n = 54, 30.5 %) and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CPS) (n = 54; 30.5 %). The recovered isolates displayed high antibiotic resistance against Sulfamethazine (80.2 %), Gentamicin (29.37 %), Penicillin (29.37 %), Oxacillin (28.82 %) and Ampicillin (26 %). Multidrug resistance was found for all agents and in all farming systems (39.54 %). Neither production systems (p = 0.26) nor farming systems (p = 0.24) significantly affected the resistance rates of samples. Therefore, intensive production systems may not be a root cause of increased rates of antimicrobial resistance in the milk production chain, suggesting that other environmental factors should be investigated. It is noteworthy that high levels of multidrug resistance were even found in bacteria earlier considered as minor pathogens. This development can be taken as a warning that environmental bacteria are potential transmitters of resistance genes to the environment.

Development, characterization, and shelf-life of lactose-free artisan ice cream produced with different bases

This study aims to determine the commercial expiration date of and characterize lactose-free artisanal ice cream with dairy and non-dairy bases. We evaluated four ice cream with different bases at 0, 7, 14, and 21 d of storage. Their centesimal composition was analyzed for proteins, lipids, ashes, carbohydrates, and moisture. The physicochemical properties analyzed included overrun, density, titratable acidity, pH, water activity, and total soluble solids. The L*, a*, b*, C*, and h* parameters were used to evaluate color. Microbiological analyses included Salmonella sp., coagulase-positive Staphylococci, coliforms at 45° C, and mesophilic and psychrotrophic heterotrophic bacteria. Sensory analysis analyzed the consumer profile and measured their acceptance and intent to purchase the samples, with the zero-lactose milk base obtaining the best nutritional values, the best sensory characteristics, and more than 70% intent to purchase, indicating that it is the most accepted formulation. All treatments had a shelf life of 21 d at −18° C.

Determination of the frequency, species distribution and antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci isolated from dogs and their owners in Trinidad.

The close contact between humans and their dogs can lead to the commingling of staphylococci and the exchange of mobile genetic elements encoding antimicrobial resistance. The objectives of this study were to determine the species distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns of staphylococci colonizing canine pets and their owners in Trinidad. Staphylococci were isolated from canine pets and their owners and identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method against seven classes of antimicrobial agents. A total of 440 staphylococci were isolated from 112 canine pets and their owners, 53.4% were from canine pets and 46.6% were from owners. Twenty-four species were detected, of which, most isolates (32.5%) belonged to the Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG). S. sciuri was the most common species of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) comprising 22.3% of all isolates. Antimicrobial resistance was highest against commonly used antimicrobials, such as penicillin (51.4%), tetracycline (26.1%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (18.6%). These antimicrobials also comprised the most common multidrug resistance (MDR) combination. Overall, 19.1% of isolates displayed multidrug resistance. No methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were detected. However, methicillin resistance was detected in 13.3% and 15.1% of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) and the CoNS+CoVS (combined CoNS and coagulase-variable staphylococci) group respectively. The presence of methicillin-resistant staphylococci is worrisome because there is the potential for the transfer of these strains between dogs and humans. These strains may act as a reservoir of resistance genes.

Characterization and antibiotic resistance of staphylococci strains isolated from brack hospital in the Southern Region of Libya

Abstract Background: Staphylococcus species are one of the most important healthcare-associated pathogens able to acquire and spread multidrug-resistant determinants. Objectives: The present study investigated and analyzed 110 potential Staphylococcus species isolated from various clinical and nonclinical samples at Brack hospital. Materials and Methods: A nonselective laboratory approach was applied, using cultural characteristics, Gram stain, and catalase reactivity followed by confirmation at the species levels and determination the susceptibility against antimicrobial agents using the Phoenix automated microbiological system. Results: In total, 57.5% were confirmed as species and subspecies of Staphylococcus represented by ten different species: nine subspecies of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (76.2%) and one coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoNS) subspecies (23.8%). Of these strains, 16.6% were identified as methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) mostly of the CoNS group expressing significant resistance to important antimicrobial classes. Conclusion: This study reports a high prevalence of various staphylococci species, particularly of CoNS group expressing multidrug resistance patterns of public health concern, from a healthcare setting in the south region of Libya. The identification of higher rate of MRCoNS underlines the importance of monitoring all multidrug-resistant staphylococci species requiring further epidemiological investigations.

Interlaboratory proficiency tests for the detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin type A in food.

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are among the leading causes of food intoxications, affecting consumer health even in nanogram (ng) amounts. In the European Union, certain food safety criteria are specified, including the absence of SEs in cheeses, milk powder and whey powder. Until 2019, the analytical reference method used was the European Screening Method, which was replaced by EN ISO 19020. For the official laboratories involved in food control, the German Reference Laboratory for coagulase-positive staphylococci including Staphylococcus aureus organized three interlaboratory proficiency tests (ILPTs) to detect SE type A in food during the years 2013-2018. The selected food products (cream cheese and vanilla pudding) were successfully tested beforehand with regard to easy handling, homogeneity and stability of the added toxin. In 2013, ILPT participants overall were not competent in detecting SE type A in food. The following factors were identified to improve the performance: (i) concentration of sample extract using dialysis; (ii) selection of a sensitive detection kit; and (iii) proper sample handling. By taking these factors into account and instructing and training the laboratories, their competence greatly improved. In 2018, all performance criteria (specificity, sensitivity and accuracy) were >90%, even at very low concentrations of SE type A of approximately 0·01ngg-1 food.

Etiological role of opportunistic microflora in the pathogenesis of implant-associated inflammation after primary total knee replacement

Objective: to investigate etiological role of opportunistic microflora in the pathogenesis of implant-associated inflammation in patients after primary knee replacement and antibiotic resistance of major infectious agent groups. Material and Methods. We conducted the retrospective analysis of microbiological samples from 383 patients with postoperative implant-associated inflammation after the primary total knee arthroplasty. Results. Gram-positive cocci (63.5%) are the leading agents of implant-associated inflammation. We also noted an increase in the etiological role of coagulase-positive staphylococci. Among the Gram-negative group, Enterobacteriaceae and non-fermenting bacteria were major agents. We revealed high resistance of Staphylococcus spp. to antibiotics of various groups, among which oxazolidinones and glycylcyclines were the most active. Gram-negative bacteria exhibited high resistance to cephalosporine and macrolides, whereas carbapenems and fluoroquinolones worked best. Conclusion. Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae, non-fermenters, and Gram-positive cocci are the most significant etiological factors in the pathogenesis of implant-associated inflammation in patients after primary total knee arthroplasty.

Coagulase-positive staphylococci in dogs and their antimicrobial resistance (systematic review)

Staphylococcus spp. a common genus of bacteria that colonizes the body of dogs. Some families of this genus are pathogenic and are involved in the development of diseases of various systems and organs, especially the skin and outer ear. One of the main signs of the most pathogenic families of this genus is the secretion of the enzyme coagulase. They are grouped into the group of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CoPS). S. pseudintermedius most often is isolated from a dog, about 10-60% isolates. S. aureus is identified less frequently, in 4-15% of cases, but it is associated with people who are its natural carriers. S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans is another family that can be identified in the pathological material obtained from dogs. However, coagulase is one of much different pathogenicity factors in this family. Also, microorganisms of this family can exist both in the form of a planktonic culture and in the structure of a biofilm, on which the effect of antibacterial agents is weakened. Some strain of CoPS carry genes of resistance to various antibacterial agents and may occupy a dominant position in the pathogenic process. Such strains can colonize the environment in places where animals congregate, which leads, for example, to the occurrence of clinical infections. Also resistant are strains of this family that can colonize other animals or humans. Owners and specialists working with animals are constantly at risk. To date, the issue of the emergence of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (methicelin-resistant strains) and the acquisition of resistance to several groups of antibacterial agents is acute. In the countries of the European Union, a fairly large number of studies are conducted aimed at studying the spread of Staphylococcus spp. analysis of virulence and pathogenicity factors, as well as mechanisms of acquiring antibacterial resistance. Programs to control the prevalence of resistant strains are also being developed there. Different authors show resistance to a large number of antibacterial agents, the profile of antibacterial resistance may differ both within different groups and between different drugs of the same pharmaceutical group. In Ukraine, there are no systematic studies of the spread of resistant strains of microorganisms among small animals. Key words: Staphylococcus spp., S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus, S. schleiferi subsp. Coagulans, CoPS, MRSP, MRSA, antibacterial resistance, dogs.

435 A Prospective Study of Post-operative Surgical Site Infection

Abstract Introduction Organ specific surgical site infections are those that involve any part of the anatomy other than the incised body wall layer opened or manipulated during an operation. The proper understanding of bacteriology and mode of infections has surely reduced the incidence of wound infection, but it is not totally controlled. Method A total of 582 consecutive patient undergoing major and minor surgeries between March 2010 and October 2011 were included in the study. Detail history, physical examination, laboratory and radiological investigation according to Performa with special reference to any factor that could lead to postoperative infection – Age, sex, socioeconomic status, nutrition was recorded. Initial assessment of intra operative findings divided these cases into clean, clean contaminated, contaminated and dirty SSI. Result A total of 582 patients out of these, 100 have SSI, SSI rate in our hospital was found to be 17.18% including all classes of wounds. Coagulase positive staphylococci were responsible for a majority of SSIs and mixed infections were quite common. The other microorganism responsible for SSIs were E.coli, Coagulase negative staphylococci, Pseudomonas and Proteus etc. Conclusions The data from our study suggests a need to control modifiable risk factor responsible for development of SSI.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus in Chicken Meat and Pork from Cambodian Markets.

Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus are two of the most common foodborne bacteria in animal-source foods (ASF) that cause illness worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus in chicken meat and pork in markets in Cambodia. Sampling was done in 52 traditional markets and 6 supermarkets in 25 provinces of Cambodia between October 2018 and August 2019. In total, 532 samples were obtained: chicken meat and pork (n = 408, 204 of each), chicken and pork cutting board swabs (n = 124, 62 of each). All samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus; colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) of coagulase-positive Staphylococci (CPS) were counted, and a subset of samples was also analyzed for the most probable number (MPN, n = 136) of Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella spp. and S. aureus were 42.1% (224/532) and 29.1% (155/532), respectively, with 14.7% (78/532) of samples containing both bacteria. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in chicken meat was 42.6%, on chicken cutting board it was 41.9%, on pork it was 45.1%, and the pork cutting board 30.6%. Chicken meat had a significantly (p-value < 0.05) higher prevalence of S. aureus, 38.2%, compared to the chicken cutting board, 17.7%, pork 28.9%, and pork cutting board 11.3%. Mean MPN-Salmonella was 10.6 MPN/g in chicken and 11.1 MPN/g in pork samples. Average Log CFU/g of CPS in chicken and pork samples were 2.6 and 2.5, respectively. The results indicate that chicken meat and pork in Cambodia were highly contaminated with Salmonella spp. and S. aureus, posing risks to consumers’ health. Urgent interventions are necessary to improve hygiene for safer meat in Cambodian markets.

Avaliação físico-química e microbiológica de doces pastosos de leite comercializados na região de Lavras - MG

The study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and microbiological quality of five brands of dulce de leche called A, B, C, D and E. The samples were collected in an establishment and taken to the Food Microbiology Laboratory. Aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, fungi, and yeasts, coagulase-positive staphylococcus (CPS) and enterobacteria were quantified. Temperature, pH and acidity were also determined. The results showed that the brands C, D and E are following the legislation. Regarding the physicochemical analysis were adequate. It is emphasized that there must be an inspection and the cleaning of utensils so that the food becomes safe in this way.

Hygienic conditions of the processing environment and microbial loads of Tra fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus): Trimming step

During the processing of frozen Pangasius hypophthalmus fillets, the microbiological counts depend on the source of raw materials and processing conditions, those impact significantly on the quality of the final product. In particular, trimming is considered a high-risk step of cross-contamination during processing. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the microbial quality at trimming step in four frozen Pangasius processing factories located in the Mekong Delta region. Trimmed Pangasius fillet and contact surfaces samples (i.e., gloves and processing tools) were examined including total mesophilic counts, Coliforms, E. coli and coagulase-positive Staphylococci (Staphylococci coa+). The results showed that total mesophilic counts on trimming Pangasius processed in A, B, C and D plant were 7.1 ± 0.4; 7.5 ± 0.7; 6.7 ± 1.1 and 6.0 ± 0.4 log CFU/g, respectively. Coliforms, E. coli and Staphylococci coa+ on trimmed Pangasius ranged 4.0 - 5.1; 2.1 - 3.7 and 1.8 - 4.2 log CFU/g, respectively. Thus, proper preservation of fillets during processing is suggested. Good manufacturing practices should implement effectively to minimize the risk of cross-contamination for the trimmed fillets.

Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance in Coagulase-Positive Staphylococci and E. coli Isolated from Bovine Clinical Mastitis in Sri Lanka

Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance in Coagulase-Positive Staphylococci and E. coli Isolated from Bovine Clinical Mastitis in Sri Lanka

Evaluation of nutritional value and microbiological safety in commercial dog food

In addition to properly balancing nutritional value in accordance with the needs of a dog, estimating the microbiological quality of dog food is crucial in providing healthy and safe foods. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of dry food for adult dogs, with particular reference to: (1) evaluating the nutritional value and compliance with nutritional guidelines for dogs, (2) comparing the nutritional value of dog foods, with particular emphasis on the division into cereal and cereal-free foods, and (3) evaluating their microbiological safety. All thirty-six evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum European Pet Food Industry FEDIAF requirement for total protein and fat content. The total aerobic microbial count in the analyzed dry dog foods ranged from 2.7 × 102 to above 3.0 × 107 cfu/g. In five (14%) dog foods the presence of staphylococci was detected; however, coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS) was not found. Mold presence was reported in one cereal-free dog food and in six cereal foods. In none of the analyzed foods Enterobacteriaceae were found, including coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Bacteria of the genus Listeria and Clostridium as well as yeasts were also not detected. In conclusion, the evaluated dry dog foods had varied microbiological quality. The detected number of microorganisms may have some implications for long-term consumption of contaminated food. The lack of European Commission standards regarding the permissible amounts of microorganisms in pet food may result in insufficient quality control of these products.

Characterisation of Conciato Romano: one of the oldest Italian cheeses

Conciato Romano is believed to be the oldest Italian ewe cheese; it is manufactured according to an unusual technology, ending with a long ripening in earthenware jars. Cheese was monitored during production and ripening in two different seasons: winter and spring. According to the data obtained, the ripening in jars prevents lipid oxidation, and ensures the safety of the product. Coagulase-positive staphylococci, Salmonella and Listeria spp. were never retrieved, while Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli disappeared during the ripening, likely due to the antimicrobial activity of the tanning of the cheeses. Mesophilic lactic acid bacteria dominated the entire production process, with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum and enterococci accounting for about 26% and 30%, respectively, of the total cultures isolated (203). Total monounsaturated fatty acids and ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher in cheeses produced during spring, while the atherogenic index was significantly lower. Outcomes of texture analysis confirmed seasonal differences, stressing the role of the animals’ feeding regimen.

Assessment of Quality and Safety of Farm Level Produced Cheeses from Sheep and Goat Milk

Consumption of sheep’s and goat’s milk and cheese is currently increasing. The production process of these types of cheese is being carried out by traditional domestic production at farm level. However, knowledge in the field of hygiene, technology and health safety of cheeses are still insufficient. This study aimed to examine the physical and chemical quality and microbiological safety of sheep’s and goat’s milk and cheeses made from them. The month of milking influenced the content of milk components (p &lt; 0.001) in sheep’s milk and goat’s milk, but no changes in SCC content during the examined period were found (p &gt; 0.05). Level of contamination by Enterobacteriaceae sp. and coagulase-positive staphylococci was lower than 5 log CFU/mL in sheep’s and goat’s milk. During the ripening time, the number of lactic acid bacteria significantly raised (p &lt; 0.001). Ripening time statistically changed (p &lt; 0.001) not just the microbial safety of cheeses but also the color (p &lt; 0.01). Under the applicable regulations, the analyzed samples were evaluated as suitable for human consumption.

Profiles of coagulase-positive and -negative staphylococci in retail pork: prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, enterotoxigenicity, and virulence factors.

The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and species of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) in retail pork meat samples collected during nationwide monitoring. The staphylococcal isolates were characterized for antimicrobial and zinc chloride resistance and enterotoxigenic potential. A total of 260 pre-packaged pork meat samples were collected from 35 retail markets in 8 provinces in Korea for isolation of staphylococci. Antimicrobial and zinc chloride resistance phenotypes, and genes associated with the resistance phenotypes were determined on the isolates. Furthermore, the presence and distribution of 19 staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes and enterotoxin-like genes among the pork-associated staphylococci were determined by multiplex PCR-based assays using the specific primer sets. A total of 29 staphylococcal strains (29/260, 11.1%) were isolated from samples of retail pork meat, 24 (83%) of which were CoNS. The four CoNS species identified were S. saprophyticus (n = 16, 55%), S. sciuri (n = 3, 10%), S. warneri (n = 3, 10%), and S. epidermidis (n = 2, 7%). Among the 29 isolates, four methicillin-resistant CoNS (MR-CoNS; three S. sciuri and one S. epidermidis) and one methicillin-resistant CoPS (MR-CoPS; one S. aureus) were identified. In addition, a relatively high level of tetracycline (TET) resistance (52%) was confirmed in CoNS, along with a predominant distribution of tet(K). The most prevalent SEs were sep (45%) and sen (28%), which were carried by 81% of S. saprophyticus. These findings suggest that CoNS, especially S. saprophyticus strains, in raw pork meat could be a potential risk factor for staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP), and therefore, requires further investigation to elucidate the role of SEls in SFP and virulence of the pathogen. Our results also suggest that CoNS from raw pork meat may act as a source for transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes such as SCCmec and tet(K).

Diversity and Risk Factors Associated with Multidrug and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci Isolated from Cats Admitted to a Veterinary Clinic in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Understanding the distribution, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) and methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) isolated from cats admitted to veterinary clinics may decrease the risk of MDR and MRS transmission to humans and other cats. As such, the objectives of this study were to investigate the diversity in Staphylococcus spp. recovered from different anatomical locations in healthy and diseased cats and to determine the occurrence of MDR and MRS spp. as well as possible risk factors associated with colonization in these cats. Five swabs were collected from the anus, skin, ear canal, conjunctival sac, and nares of each cat (209 healthy and 191 diseased) admitted to a veterinary clinic in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia, between January and December 2018. Prior to sample collection, cat owners completed a questionnaire collecting information on cat demographics, health status, management, and antimicrobial usage. In total, 179 Staphylococcus isolates were recovered from healthy (n = 71) and diseased (n = 108) cats, including 94 (52.5%) coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), and 85 (47.5%) coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). Five Staphylococcus spp. were identified, namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus felis, Staphylococcus capitis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Staphylococcus isolates were most commonly resistant to penicillin (56.4%) and ciprofloxacin (25.7%); however, no isolate was resistant to clindamycin. Thirty (16.8%) Staphylococcus spp. (24 S. aureus and 6 S. pseudintermedius) isolates were MDR, with resistance to up to six different antibiotic classes. Only 17 (9.5%) Staphylococcus spp. (15 methicillin-resistant S. aureus and 2 methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius) harbored the mecA gene. Risk factor analysis showed that cats with a history of antibiotic therapy, those raised mainly indoors with a child, and those who visit a veterinary clinic for treatment were at higher risk of MDR and MRS colonization. In conclusion, MDR and MRS were common in healthy and diseased cats in Saudi Arabia. Thus, an effective antimicrobial stewardship program and further studies using a One Health approach are required to investigate the role of cats as vectors for AMR transmission to humans.