Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging pathogen responsible for multiple disease conditions in man. Animals especially livestock are reservoirs of the bacteria and could infect humans through contact and consumption of infected or contaminated animal products. A survey was conducted to determine the presence of MRSA in some animal products sold within Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria, using culture and molecular identification. The overall prevalence of the pathogen was 11% with individual prevalence rates of 12%, 22%, 6% and 4% in fresh milk, fermented milk, grilled beef and roasted beef respectively. The organism was found to be significantly associated with milk products particularly fermented milk (χ2 = 10.01, p = 0.018). The study revealed an alarming presence of MRSA in animal products sold within the study area. Emergence of the pathogen could be attributed to the misuse of antibiotics in animals, free border crossing of pastoral nomads across West African States and inappropriate prescription of drugs in humans. Shedding of the pathogen in milk and direct contamination during processing and handling are believed to be responsible in the contamination of the food products.
Key words: Survey, Methicillin-resistant, Staphylococcus aureus, animal products, Sokoto, Nigeria
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