First Molecular Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Apparently Healthy Dromedary Camels from Kebbi State, Nigeria

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a critical global health concern due to its extensive resistance to β-lactam antibiotics and zoonotic transmission potential. However, data on MRSA carriage among camels in Nigeria are scarce. This study investigated nasal colonization of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA among apparently healthy dromedary camels in Kebbi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two pastoral communities, where 120 nasal swabs were collected. Conventional culture and biochemical tests were used for preliminary identification, while PCR detection targeted the nuc and mecA genes. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Overall, 66.7% (80/120) of samples were positive for S. aureus , while 38.3% (46/120) were confirmed as MRSA. Prevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in young (80%) and female (70%) camels compared to adults (53.3%) and males (63.3%). All MRSA isolates carried the mecA gene and showed multidrug resistance, with high resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin, whereas all isolates remained susceptible to vancomycin. This study provides the first molecular evidence of MRSA colonization in dromedary camels in Nigeria, highlighting the need for routine surveil-lance and prudent antimicrobial use within a One Health framework.