MOLECULAR AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF Staphylococcus aureus IN HUMANS AND ANIMALS IN FAMILY HEALTH UNITS OF RECIFE AND SURROUNDING AREAS
MRSA; Antimicrobial Resistance; Health-Associated Infections; One Health; Beta-lactam Resistance; MALDI-TOF MS
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest challenges in contemporary public health, particularly concerning Staphylococcus aureus, a significant pathogen in hospital and community settings. This study aimed to investigate antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from humans, animals, and the environment in primary health care units (UBS) and their surroundings in the city of Recife-PE. Phenotypic and genotypic analyses were conducted to characterize the resistance profiles of the isolated strains. Additionally, the study employed matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for the identification of non-aureus Staphylococcus species in health and companion animals. This approach allowed for rapid and accurate identification of bacterial species, contributing to a better understanding of the epidemiology of these infections and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The results showed a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant isolates, highlighting the importance of robust control and prevention strategies to mitigate the spread of these strains. The detection of resistance genes and the genetic typing of multidrug-resistant strains provided valuable insights into the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance and the potential dissemination between humans and animals. This study significantly contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of antimicrobial resistance, offering crucial data for the development of more effective control and prevention strategies. The integrated approach used emphasizes the importance of the interaction between humans, animals, and the environment in the epidemiology of infections caused by S. aureus and other Staphylococcus species.