PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM RAW MILK IN EGYPT

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged globally as a potential pathogen, both in human and veterinary medicine. In recent years, the so-called livestockassociated MRSA has become an additional focus. The aim of the study was to isolation and identification of MRSA isolated from 56 samples raw bovine milk fromdifferent governerates
in Egypt during the period of December 2016 through February 2017. This identification was carried out using conventional and molecular techniques. Out of 56 samples, 27 S. aureus strains were isolated (48%) and it was confirmed by PCR using 16SrRNA gene. only 7 (25%) isolates were confirmed to be MRSA by molecular detection of mecA gene. The detection of
MRSA in food of animal origin is a potential health hazard, thus it is necessary monitoring of food-producing animals and improving hygiene standards in food practices in order to reduce the microbiological risk to minimum.