Emerging Challenges: Methicillin and Vancomycin Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus from Urinary Tract Infections in Ewes of Diyala Governorate, Iraq

Methicillin resistant s. aureus is a rare cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Current study aims to Isolates and identify S. aureus from urine samples of ewes with UTIs and determination of antimicrobial sensitivity pattern for methicillin-Vancomycin resistant. A total of 71 urine samples were collected. S. aureus was isolated using mannitol salt agar and confirmed by VETEK2 system and conventional PCR, using (Staur 4, 6) and (mecA) primers. S. aureus was isolated from (9.85%). All S. aureus isolated from ewes, (100%) have resistance for Penicillines, cephalosporins and methicillin resistance was detected by cefoxitin screen test and confirmed by detection of MecA gene. Resistance of s. aureus to polypeptides antibiotics was detected in 100% for vancomycin and (85.72%) for Teicoplanin. Resistance of S. aureus to macrolides and Lincosamides antibiotics was detected in (14.28%) for Azithromycin and Clindamycin respectively. S. aureus isolated from ewes have absolute sensitivity for aminoglycosides, quinolones, macrolides (Erythromycin), oxazolidinone, tetracyclines, nitrofuran antibiotic, Fusidane, Ansamycins and Sulfonamides. The study found a significant prevalence of MRSA among the isolated strains of S. aureus from ewes with UTIs. This indicates a high level of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, posing challenges for effective treatment. The study also identified vancomycin resistance among the MRSA isolates. Vancomycin is often considered a last-line defense against resistant bacteria, so the presence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus is concerning and limits treatment options.