Molecular detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from frozen imported poultry meat in Mosul city-Iraq

Aims: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA-positive bacteria isolated from frozen imported poultry meat sold at markets in Mosul city and their resistance to some antibiotics .Methodology and results: Microbiological identification of 150 frozen imported poultry meat samples (thigh 70, breast 45 and wing 35) revealed isolation of S. aureus at a percentage of 34% (51/150).Additionally, by using the PCR technique, the mecA gene was found in the S. aureus 25% (13/51) isolates.The mecA gene was detected in the S. aureus isolates in thigh samples of 10% (7/29), breast samples of 11% (5/18) and wing samples of 3% (1/4).The antibiogram profile is accomplished using the disk diffusion method for some commonly used antibiotics.The isolated S. aureus bacteria indicated an apparent resistance to oxacillin, penicillin and erythromycin.At the same time, they appeared sensitive to vancomycin, gentamycin, streptomycin and other antibiotics: tetracycline, amoxicillin, nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin showed different results.Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Most isolated S. aureus bacteria resist three antibiotics (oxacillin, penicillin and erythromycin).The mecA gene was detected at the rate of 25% among the identified S. aureus isolates.It is one of the severe pathogenic agents for humans and animals to reduce contamination of poultry meat with MRSA bacteria.Therefore, all necessary cautions should be taken during these products' packaging, storage and display in markets.