Rising Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-Positive Bacteria Infesting Camels in Saudi Arabia

Strategic Insights -

A recent study led by researchers from King Saud University has shed light on the alarming prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in ticks infesting camels in Al-Jouf province, Saudi Arabia. The investigation revealed a staggering 68.6% of isolated bacteria to be Gram-positive, with a significant majority exhibiting resistance to multiple clinical antimicrobial agents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study isolated 70 bacterial species from ticks infesting camels, with 68.6% identified as Gram-positive and 31.4% as Gram-negative.
  • Gram-positive bacteria exhibited resistance to 100% benzylpenicillin, 93.3% oxacillin, and 53.3% vancomycin, among other antimicrobial agents.
  • Gram-negative bacteria showed resistance to 75% cefoxitin, 68.75% ampicillin, and 62.5% ceftazidime.
  • The study highlights the urgent need for more effective treatments to combat the spread of AMR bacteria.
  • Researchers from King Saud University, Abdulaziz Alouffi, Eman M. Damra, Moureq Alotaibi, and Nora S. Alkahtani, collaborated on the study to investigate AMR bacteria in ticks.
  • The study's findings emphasize the importance of global collaboration in addressing the growing AMR crisis.
  • Ticks infesting camels in Al-Jouf province are a significant vector for the transmission of AMR bacteria.

Statistics:

  • 68.6% of isolated bacteria were identified as Gram-positive.
  • 31.4% of isolated bacteria were identified as Gram-negative.
  • 100% of Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to benzylpenicillin.
  • 93.3% of Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to oxacillin.
  • 56.7% of Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to clindamycin.
  • 53.3% of Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to vancomycin.
  • 43.3% of Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to rifampicin.
  • 40% of Gram-positive bacteria were resistant to erythromycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
  • 75% of Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to cefoxitin.
  • 68.75% of Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to ampicillin.
  • 62.5% of Gram-negative bacteria were resistant to ceftazidime.

Sources:

  • "Identification of antimicrobial resistant bacteria isolated from Hyalomma excavatum and Hyalomma dromedarii infesting camels in Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025,12.
  • NewsRx. Study Findings from King Saud University Advance Knowledge in Gram-Positive Bacteria (Identification of antimicrobial resistant bacteria isolated from Hyalomma excavatum and Hyalomma dromedarii infesting camels in Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia). Life Science Weekly. October 21, 2025; p 7718.