Cross-Species Genetic Insights into Ocular Isolates between Human and Companion Animal Species

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen that can cause various infections in human and animals. The cross-species transmissibility between humans and animals, especially in areas with high human-animal contacts, can potentially lead to the zoonotic spillover. In this context, this study reports the molecular identification of two S. aureus isolates from ocular infections in cats, dogs and their owners (n = ۱۰۰) based on the۱۶S rRNA gene as a bacterial identification and phylogeny tool. Methods: Ocular swabs were taken from ۲۵ dogs, ۲۵ cats and ۵۰ human volunteers between July ۲۰۲۳ and January ۲۰۲۴; representing a sample population of N = ۱۰۰. Bacteria were recovered using conventional culture methods. The genetic relatedness of MDR isolates was determined by ۱۶S rRNA gene PCR amplification and sequencing. Results: Out of ۱۰۰ ocular swabs, ۵۴ (۵۴%) were positive for Gram-positive organism with S. aureus detection in ۳۶ (۳۲.۱%). The relative genetic similarity of sequences from isolates from different hosts inferred potential transmission links. Conclusion: These data emphasize the importance of molecular surveillance for zoonotic pathogens, and suggest the potential power of One Health projects in controlling bacteria with shared reservoirs.

کلیدواژه ها:

Staphylococcus aureus ، zoonoses ، genetic profile ، ۱۶S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) ، ocular infection ، companion animals