Detection of multi-drug resistance and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from retail meat in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Purpose: Among the principal microorganisms transmitted to humans by foods of animal origin, Staphylococcus
aureus stands out, causing a variety of diseases and with a wide potential for acquiring antimicrobial resistance. This
work aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus, its multi-drug resistance (MDRSA), and the identification of
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in retail beef and pork in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Methods: S. aureus strains isolated from retail meat were characterized by microbiological and molecular methods
to determine phenotypic drug-resistance and detect MRSA strains.
Results: Of the 106 samples (54 from beef and 52 from pork) from 11 different cities, we detected a prevalence of
S. aureus of 44.3% (47/106). A total of 87 S. aureus strains were identified; these presented 54 resistance patterns to
different antimicrobials with a high prevalence of MDRSA (85%) and a low prevalence of MRSA strains (3%).
Conclusion: These results indicate the presence of MDRSA and MRSA in retail beef and pork in Tamaulipas,
representing a high risk for consumer health.