Detecting mecA in Faecal Samples: A Tool for Assessing Carriage of Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococci in Pets and Owners in the Microbiological ‘Fast Age’?

Sampling animals for carriage of meticillin-resistant, coagulase-positive staphylococci (MRCoPS), considered zoonotic pathogens, can be challenging and time-consuming. Developing methods to identify mecA from non-invasive samples, e.g., faeces, would benefit AMR surveillance management MRS carrier animals. This study aimed distinguish carriers non-carriers faecal samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) mecA. Paired nasal swab (n = 86) were obtained 13 dogs 20 humans as part a longitudinal study. Nasal MRCoPS (either MR-Staphylococcus aureus or pseudintermedius was confirmed by identification species (nuc) meticillin resistance (mecA) (PCR). Faecal DNA 69) extracted qPCR method optimised provide robust detection method. The presence compared between (Kruskal–Wallis test). swabbing identified seven canine four human carriers. detected in 13/69 including nine non-carriers. For dogs, there no significant association (p 1.000) status detection; humans, more commonly 0.047). faeces qPCR, but larger sample sizes are required determine assay sensitivity. rapid enables passive individuals the environment.