Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the emerging pathogens worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MRSA among different skimmed dairy products retailed in local markets in Alexandria City, Egypt. Two hundred and ten samples including Kareish cheese, light Feta cheese, light processed cheese, light yoghurt and skimmed milk powder were examined for this purpose by surface spread technique on Baird-Parker agar plates. Further molecular detection of determinant genes of S. aureus (23S rRNA), MRSA (mecA), enterotoxigenic genes B and D (seb, sed) and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were carried out. Out of 210 examined samples, MRSA could detect in 7 samples, meanwhile enterotoxigenic genes could not detect in all isolated strains. All MRSA isolates were phenotypically resistant to Oxacillin. Meanwhile, 85.7% were susceptible to Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole. Multidrug-resistant was reported in all isolated MRSA strains in this study which may constitute a public health concern. Therefore, strict hygienic measures should be adopted and carried out to preserve such skimmed dairy products from emerging multidrug-resistant MRSA and to ensure food safety.
Key words: Skimmed dairy products, S. aureus, MRSA, PCR
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