Detection of MRSA in Shellfish

What is it about?

Background: Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) are plastic materials extensively used in packaging, constituting recalcitrant environmental pollutants that defy natural degradation processes. Aim: This study isolated bacteria from a Nigerian environment and assessed their potential for LDPE biodegradation. Methods: Using standard procedures, Bacteria were isolated from polythene samples collected from farmlands and waste dump sites in Nsukka metropolis. Mineral salt medium (MSM) was prepared, with LPDE as sole carbon source, and used for isolation. Optical density (OD600 nm) was used to study bacterial growth on LDPE as sole carbon source as proof of biodegradation. Both organisms demonstrated steady growth on LDPE over time. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a dominant cause of severe healthcare-associated (HA) infections but has recently emerged as Community-Associated (CA-MRSA) and Livestock-Associated MRSA (LA-MRSA). This study was carried out to detect the presence of Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Corbiculid heterodont in Bayelsa state, Nigeria.

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Why is it important?

RTE C. heterodont sold in Bayelsa state is appreciably contaminated with Methicillin- Resistant S. aureus. The presence of these organisms in the food is a public health hazard with enormous effects. Some life threatening diseases have been associated with MRSA and its resistance to most known antimicrobials makes the consequences of S. aureus infection/infestation worse. Improved hygiene, better preparation methods and awareness could improve the quality of this important snack and reduce public health risks. Finally, since this is the first time Staphylococcus scuiri and Staphylococcus warneri have been isolated from ready-to-eat C. heterodont in Bayelsa state, Nigeria further research should be done on their presence and role as foodborne pathogens

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