MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF Staphylococcus aureus IN HUMANS AND ANIMALS IN A FAMILY HEALTH UNIT IN RECIFE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
MRSA; Antimicrobial resistance; Healthcare-associated infections; One Health; Beta-lactam resistance
The pervasive challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) significantly impairs global health security, with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) being a pathogen of particular concern. This study aims to elucidate the prevalence and resistance patterns of S. aureus among healthcare workers, patients, companion animals, and in healthcare environments within primary care units in Recife, Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2022 and January 2023, with samples collected from nasal and hand swabs of healthcare workers and patients, as well as oropharyngeal swabs from domestic animals. Environmental samples were also obtained from healthcare facilities. All isolates underwent PCR for S. aureus confirmation and resistance gene detection, accompanied by disk diffusion tests for phenotypic resistance profiling. Out of 273 Staphylococcus genus isolates, 106 (39.19%) were confirmed as S. aureus. A high carriage rate of 74.07% was found among healthcare workers, with 65.42% harboring the mecA gene indicative of MRSA. Significant resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics was observed in 76.42% of isolates. The presence of efflux pump-related genes (norA and norC) was common, signifying a mechanism for resistance. Phenotypic resistance demonstrated a notable proportion of MDR S. aureus, with 31% of isolates resistant to three or more classes of antibiotics. The elevated rates of S. aureus carriage and multidrug resistance among individuals and in healthcare settings highlight the criticality of enhanced infection control measures and antibiotic stewardship. The study accentuates the One Health approach's necessity, integrating human, animal, and environmental health strategies to manage and mitigate AMR's spread effectively. Our findings encourage for ongoing surveillance to inform policy and practice, aiming to preserve antimicrobial efficacy and protect public health.