Molecular detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) isolates in raw chicken meat

Multi-drug resistant staphylococci including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

(MRSA) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) are among the emerging

pathogens and have become a threat to both human and animals. Foods of animal origin can

easily be contaminated by these bacteria if handled unhygienically or exposed to contaminated

environmental surfaces. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of MRSA

and MRSE in raw chicken meat sold at wet markets in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. One

hundred fresh raw chicken meat samples were collected from three different wet markets in

Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Routine isolation and identification, selective media (Brilliance MRSA2

agar), antimicrobial sensitivity test (AST), minimum inhibitory concentration test (MIC), and

polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of nucA gene and the resistant gene, mecA

were conducted. Based on bacteriology results and growth on selective media, MRSA and

MRSE were detected in 43% (43/100) of the raw chicken meat samples. Using the PCR assay,

77% (34/43) isolates were positive for nucA gene. The detection of these emerging multi-
drug resistant bacteria in chicken meat intended for human consumption implies the potential

contamination of food items by the bacteria which in turn may pose risk to the public health.