Molecular Characterization of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from “Nono” and Yoghurt Consumed in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Milk is vitally important for young animals and has great nutritional value. This study aims to detect MecA gene in the S. aureus isolated from Nono.Three hundred and eighty-four (384) milk samples (Nono and yoghurt) were purchased from different selling points and were evaluated for the occurrence of S. aureus .Of the 384 samples examined, 104 (27.1%) samples were contaminated with S. aureus. The antibacterial susceptibility testing of the isolates of S. aureus examined showed sensitivity to Oxacillin (100%), Tetacycline (23.3%), Cefoxitin (18.6%), Clindamycin (23.3%), Erythromycin 1(2.3%), Vancomycin 1(2.3%), and Chloramphenicol 1 (2.3%). Staphylococcal enterotoxin investigation was carried out, 19 of the isolates were found to produce one or more staphylococcal enterotoxin. All the isolates were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin. Most of the isolates tested exhibited multiple antibiotic resistances. Only one of the isolates was genotypically confirmed as MRSA and MecA positive. This calls for a better control of the spread of the antibiotic resistant strains and the contamination of milk sources. There should be proper pasteurization of raw milk and proper hygienic handling to help eliminate MRSA before human consumption. Keywords: MecA Gene, Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotic resistance, milk, enterotoxin