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Agricultural industry

Rising Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in Livestock Exposes Critical Public Health Risks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Indian Veterinary Research Institute has shed light on the alarming rise of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in livestock in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study, published in Scientific Reports, has found that the overall prevalence of S. aureus is 17.73%, with cattle exhibiting the highest prevalence (22.77%), followed by buffaloes (15.90%) and pigs (6.94%). The study's findings underscore the need for stringent antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance programs to prevent the spread of resistant strains, which pose both veterinary and public health risks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study assessed the prevalence, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and molecular characterization of S. aureus isolates from cattle, buffalo, and pigs in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, India.
  • The overall prevalence of S. aureus was 17.73%, with cattle exhibiting the highest prevalence (22.77%), followed by buffaloes (15.90%) and pigs (6.94%).
  • Biofilm-associated genes were detected in 40.28% of isolates, and 20.83% and 13.89% of isolates were positive for the mecA and femA genes, respectively, indicating MRSA.
  • Among the 72 S. aureus isolates, 62 (86.11%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with high resistance to streptomycin (80.56%) and b-lactams.
  • Four isolates (5.55%) showed resistance to vancomycin, designated as VRSA.
  • The prevalence of MRSA was 26.39% among the S. aureus isolates.
  • The study highlights the significant prevalence of S. aureus and emerging multidrug-resistant strains, including MRSA and VRSA, in livestock in Bareilly district.
  • The presence of biofilm-forming isolates further complicates treatment and emphasizes the necessity for continued research and interventions to combat antimicrobial resistance in the agricultural sector.

Statistics:

  • 17.73% overall prevalence of S. aureus
  • 22.77% prevalence in cattle
  • 15.90% prevalence in buffaloes
  • 6.94% prevalence in pigs
  • 40.28% of isolates had biofilm-associated genes
  • 20.83% of isolates were positive for mecA gene (MRSA)
  • 13.89% of isolates were positive for femA gene (MRSA)
  • 86.11% of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR)
  • 80.56% of isolates had high resistance to streptomycin
  • 5.55% of isolates showed resistance to vancomycin (VRSA)
  • 26.39% prevalence of MRSA among S. aureus isolates

Sources:

  • Prevalence, characterization and antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine and swine population in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):28171.
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Indian Veterinary Research Institute.

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