Evidence and Molecular Characterization of Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Equines in Pakistan.

• Staphylococcus aureus exhibits a high nasal colonization rate (42.86%) among equines. • Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) are emerging and prevailing among different equine species. • Phylogenetic analysis revealed high potential of transfer of pathogens within and between animal species. • Local isolates revealed varying resistance pattern against various antibiotics. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the nasal colonization and drug resistance profile of Staphylococcus aureus , methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) in donkeys (n =63), mules (n = 42), and horses (n = 98). MRSA and VRSA were confirmed based on phenotypic and molecular methods, followed by phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, the association of various animal and management-based risk factors with S. aureus colonization was also evaluated. The presence of nuc gene on polymerase chain reaction showed an overall prevalence of 42.86% of S. aureus in equines. Based on Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test, 26.44% of isolates showed resistance to vancomycin. Further, mecA and vanB genes were targeted which showed an overall 14.94% and 13.79% prevalence of methicillin and vancomycin-resistant isolates, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a significant variation of the study isolates with each other and with already reported sequences of mecA and vanB genes. Risk factor analysis revealed that raising purpose (P =.011), work intensity (P <.001), stocking density (P =.006), presence of other livestock animals in surroundings (P =.043), and common drinking water source (P =.023) as significant. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of MRSA and VRSA isolates showed high resistance to various commonly used antibiotics. Furthermore, all the tested isolates showing resistance to three or more than three antibiotics were considered multiple drug-resistant. The current study manifests the molecular evidence of MRSA and VRSA isolated from equines in Pakistan which will help to address the emerging issue of multidrug resistance in S. aureus in equines and emphasizes the need for possible measures to tackle this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]