Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Using Multi-Locus Sequence Typing and SCCmec Typing from Poultry and Poultry Farm Workers in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important zoonotic pathogen increasingly associated with livestock, particularly poultry, posing a significant public health threat. This necessitates molecular epidemiological surveillance using robust typing tools such as multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and SCCmec typing. A cross-sectional study was conducted to characterize MRSA isolates recovered from poultry and poultry farm workers in Kano, Nigeria. S. aureus was identified using microbiological methods and by PCR targeting the nuc and mecA genes. Molecular characterization was performed using MLST based on amplification and sequencing of selected housekeeping genes, while SCCmec typing was conducted using multiplex PCR assays. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred to assess genetic diversity and clonal relatedness. A total of 13 MRSA isolates were confirmed by the presence of the mecA gene. The MLST analysis revealed multiple sequence types, indicating genetic heterogeneity among isolates, consistent with previous reports of diverse MRSA lineages in poultry environments. Three of the seven housekeeping genes were amplified. SCCmec typing identified types II and IV, with type IV being more prevalent. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated clustering of isolates from both poultry and farm workers, indicating potential cross-species transmission. This study highlights the circulation of genetically diverse MRSA strains among poultry and poultry farm workers in Kano, with evidence of shared clonal lineages. The predominance of SCCmec type IV underscores the role of community and livestock-associated MRSA in this setting. Continuous surveillance using MLST and SCCmec typing is essential to understand transmission dynamics and to inform effective control strategies at the human–animal interface.