Molecular Detection of mecA Gene and Some Virulence Gene (Nuclease, Lipase, Staphylokinase, Invasive Protease in Staphylococcus sciuri Isolated from Animals

Background: Staphylococcus sciuri has been associated with multiple drug-resistant infections in both humans and animals. Its ability to carry resistance genes and virulence factors makes it an emerging concern in clinical and veterinary settings. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the presence of mecA and several virulence genes, including nuclease, lipase, Staphylokinase, and invasive protease, in S. sciuri isolates collected from human and animal sources. Methods: A total of 100 samples were collected between December 2022 and August 2023, equally divided between human and animal sources. Three S. sciuri isolates were recovered from animal samples. Identification was conducted through culture on blood agar and mannitol salt agar, followed by Gram staining and biochemical tests. Further confirmation was performed using the VITEK 2 Ast card. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion method and VITEK 2 Ast card system. PCR tests were used to find mecA and virulence genes. Researchers also did partial 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Out of the three isolates, mecA was found in two (66.7%). All isolates had staphylokinase(100%) and nuclease genes (100%). Only one isolate had the lipase gene(33.3%) and one had the invasive protease gene(33.3%). The highest resistance was to benzylpenicillin, oxacillin, and erythromycin (66.7%). All isolates were fully sensitive to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, linezolid, teicoplanin, fosfomycin, rifampicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: The study shows that S. sciuri from animals carries mecA and several virulence genes. These findings suggest that S. sciuri may cause disease and can carry resistance and virulence factors.