Antibiotic Resistance Gene Profiles of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Foods of Animal Origin

In this study, the investigation of the antibiotic resistance gene profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from foods of animal origin was aimed. Totally, 95 S. aureus strains, obtained during a period between 2009 and 2012, from culture collection of the Food Hygiene and Technology Laboratory, were examined. The isolates were confirmed by phenotypic tests and PCR. The antibiotic susceptibilities of the isolates were analyzed by disc diffusion method and the minimal inhibition concentrations of the antibiotics were determined by E test. PCR were also utilized for determining the presence of resistance genes including blaZ, ermA, ermC, tetK, tetM, mecA, VanA, VanB, VatA, VatB and aacA-aphD. Resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, vancomycin, erythromycin, cefoxitin, gentamycin and quinupristin-dalfopristin were evident as 81.1%, 28.4%, 18.9%, 17.9%, 9.4%, 9.4% and 3.2% respectively. E test results were compatible with the disc diffusion method. Multidrug resistance was observed from 29.5% of S. aureus isolates. Positive compatibility was observed between conventional methods and PCR for the resistance of the isolates, except for vancomycin. In addition, all of the tested isolates found to include a resistance gene for at least one antibiotic. In conclusion, more efficient interventions must be followed to control the redundant use of antibiotics in veterinary practice. Furthermore, appropriate control measures are needed to be implemented to reduce contamination and the spread of multiresistant S. aureus strains.