Potential risks to public health based on molecular evidence of the mecA gene encoding Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from cats swabbed in veterinary clinics and hospitals in Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract Background and aim Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant public health concern due to its resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. The presence of MRSA in companion animals, such as cats, raises concerns about zoonotic transmission, especially in veterinary settings where close human-animal interactions occur.This study aims to investigate the presence of the mecA gene in MRSA strains isolated from cats in veterinary clinics and hospitals in Surabaya, Indonesia, to assess potential risks to public health. Materials and methods A total of 215 cat swabs using Amies medium transport were collected from various Veterinary Clinics and Animal Hospitals in Surabaya. The samples were cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) as selective media continued to Gram Staining, Catalase test, Coagulase test, and Voges-Proskauer (VP) test as identification of Staphylococcus aureus. The Staphylococcus aureus isolates continued to antibiotic resistance test using Kirby Bauer Method, the procedure involved streaking bacterial suspensions in accordance with the 0.5 McFarland standard, followed by the placement of eight different antibiotic disks on Mueller–Hinton Agar (MHA). Molecular detection of MRSA isolates identification was performed using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Out of the 215 samples, isolation and identification were identified 28 (13,02%) as Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic resistance test revealed there were 7 suspect Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and classified as multidrug resistance (MDR). The classification of these isolates as MRSA was phenotypically determined by their resistance to Cefoxitin, which serves as an indicator for phenotypic test for Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, the MDR status was established based on resistance to Trimethropim, Azithromycin, Gentamicin, Tetracycline, Oxacillin, Clindamycin, Amoxicillin. Molecular analysis via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) confirmed the genotypic basis for this resistance, from the suspected MRSA isolates, there were 7 out of 27 S . aureus isolates (25%) were found to harbor the mecA gene. Conclusion The high prevalence of mecA -positive MRSA in cats from veterinary clinics and Animal Hospitals in Surabaya highlights a significant public health risk due to the potential for zoonotic transmission. This study underscores the necessity for enhanced surveillance and stringent infection control measures in veterinary practices to mitigate the spread of MRSA and protect both animal and human health. A One Health approach is essential to address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in combating antibiotic resistance.