RESUMO
We determined the prevalence and genetic characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from pigs and humans between September 2013 and February 2015 in Kogi State, a central region in Nigeria. A total of 680 nasal swabs were collected and analyzed from pigs (n = 425) and "pig-contact" humans (n = 55) on 35 farms, and "non-pig-contact" humans (n = 200). MRSA was recovered from 20 (4.7%) pigs on 12 farms and 18 (7.0%) humans. Six (2.4%) of the human isolates were recovered from "pig-contact" humans, of which only three work on farms also harboring MRSA positive pigs. All 38 MRSA were resistant to ß-lactams only, belonged to spa type t1603, sequence type (ST) 88, and mecA was associated with a SCCmec IVa element. Four isolates from a pig, a pig-contact human from the same farm, a pig-contact human from a pig farm in a different district, and a non-pig-contact human were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). Core genome SNP analysis revealed high genetic similarity between strains (3-11 SNP differences), despite the temporal (2 year gap) and geographic (165 km) differences between isolates. Furthermore, these Nigerian isolates form a distinct clade when compared to other African MRSA ST88 isolates. All but one porcine strain was positive for scn suggesting a possible human origin and that pigs were either transiently contaminated by humans or result of a very recent human-to-pig transmission event. To our knowledge, this is the first report of genetically confirmed MRSA in pigs in Nigeria, which appear to be a typical CA-MRSA clone present in the human population.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Brucellosis, a neglected tropical food-borne zoonotic disease, has a negative impact on both animal and human health as well as tremendous socio-economic impact in developing countries where rural income relies largely on livestock breeding and dairy products. It is endemic in the animal population in Nigeria and is a recognized occupational hazard. This work was done to establish the sero-prevalence and predisposing factors of food animals in Abuja, Nigeria to Brucella infection. RESULTS: Of 376 cattle, 203 sheep and 260 goats screened, 21 (5.6%); 19 (9.4%); 51 (19.6%) were positive, respectively for brucellosis with Rose Bengal Plate Test, and 2 (0.5%); 4 (2.0%); 10 (3.8%), respectively with c-ELISA. The likelihood of acquiring Brucella infection was higher among the Red Sokoto breed of goats compared to other breeds of goats (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the prevalence of Brucella infection was low in food animals slaughtered at abattoirs in Abuja. However, of all animals screened, seropositivity to Brucella infection was highest in goats with Red Sokoto breed of goats more likely to acquire the disease when compared to other breeds.
