PREVALENCE, ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTENCE, AND DETECTION OF THE mecA GENE IN STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM ANIMAL-DERIVED FOOD PRODUCTS IN THE ALMATY REGION, KAZAKHSTAN

Background and Aim. Antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an important challenge for veterinary medicine, food safety, and public health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus in animal-derived food products from the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of the recovered isolates, and detect the mecA gene associated with methicillin resistance. Materials and Methods. A total of 521 samples, including meat from food-producing animals, poultry meat, milk, dairy products, and eggs, were examined using conventional bacteriological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method in accordance with EUCAST guidelines. The mecA gene was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. Twenty-four S. aureus isolates were recovered, corresponding to an overall prevalence of 4.6%. Antimicrobial resistance to at least one tested agent was detected in 13 isolates (54.2%). The highest resistance rates were observed for trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole and oxacillin, whereas most isolates remained susceptible to clindamycin, gentamicin, amikacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, and norfloxacin. The mecA gene was detected in four antimicrobial-resistant isolates. Conclusion. Animal-derived food products may serve as reservoirs and transmission vehicles for antimicrobial-resistant and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Continuous microbiological and molecular surveillance within the One Health framework is essential for strengthening food safety and public health protection.