Genetic Complexity of CC5 <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> Isolates Associated with Sternal Bursitis in Chickens: Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence, Plasmids, and Biofilm Formation
Vanessa Silva,
Jessica Ribeiro,
Pedro Teixeira,
Pedro Pinto,
Madalena Vieira-Pinto,
Patrícia Poeta,
Manuela Caniça,
Gilberto Igrejas
Affiliations
Vanessa Silva
LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Jessica Ribeiro
LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Pedro Teixeira
National Reference Laboratory of Antibiotic Resistances and Healthcare Associated Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
Pedro Pinto
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Madalena Vieira-Pinto
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Patrícia Poeta
LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Manuela Caniça
National Reference Laboratory of Antibiotic Resistances and Healthcare Associated Infections, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 1649-016 Lisbon, Portugal
Gilberto Igrejas
LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Sternal bursitis, a common inflammatory condition in poultry, poses significant challenges to both animal welfare and public health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolates associated with sternal bursitis in chickens. Ninety-eight samples were collected from affected chickens, and 24 S. aureus isolates were identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed resistance to multiple agents, with a notable prevalence of aminoglycoside resistance genes. Whole genome sequencing elucidated the genetic diversity and virulence profiles of the isolates, highlighting the predominance of clonal complex 5 (CC5) strains. Additionally, biofilm formation assays demonstrated moderate biofilm production capacity among the isolates. These findings underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of sternal bursitis in poultry production systems.
