Identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from nasal carriage of goat and their antimicrobial resistance profiles

The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a global challenge in veterinary medicine due to its responsibility for nasal infection in goats. The present study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of this bacterium in goats and to detect their antimicrobial resistance profiles. A total of 153 nasal swab samples were collected from goats, and a questionnaire was used to collect necessary data related to this study. A standard laboratory analysis was done to recognise MRSA and to determine its antimicrobial sensitivity. Among 153 samples, 20.9% were found positive for Staphylococcus aureus based on results of cultural and biochemical properties. Overall, 4.58% of the samples were identified to be mecA gene positive. The prevalence of MRSA was higher in young goats aged below 1 year at 7.14%. In the case of female goats, the prevalence was 5.05%, which was greater than males at 3.70%. In Black Bengal goats, the prevalence was highest at 11.11%, and in the semi-intensive rearing system, the prevalence was 7.89%. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus showed 100% resistance against Cefoxitin and Oxacillin. The organism also showed 42.86% resistance to Ampicillin, Erythromycin, and Oxytetracycline, followed by 14.29% to Ceftriaxone and Gentamicin, and 28.57% to Ciprofloxacin, respectively. The findings of 4.58% MRSA and multidrug-resistant MRSA in goats indicate a significant public and animal health concern. By identifying goats as potential carriers of MRSA, the findings emphasise the need for improved surveillance, biosecurity, and antibiotic stewardship in livestock farming. These results can guide veterinarians, farmers, and policymakers in developing effective strategies to control the spread of resistant bacteria from animals to humans, particularly in regions where close humananimal interactions are common