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Scientific reports2026; 16(1); 17125; doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-55462-4

Prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in equines in Egypt.

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus is a common commensal organism in both humans and animals, frequently colonizing the skin and nasal cavities of healthy individuals, although it can also cause a wide range of severe infections. The present study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of S. aureus in equines, along with antimicrobial resistance patterns of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. The results revealed a prevalence of 38.6% in nasal samples collected from equines, highlighting the organism's significant presence and potential to cause infections in these animals. A genotypic prevalence of 8.2% was also recorded. Horses showed a significantly higher prevalence compared to donkeys and mules, indicating species-related differences in susceptibility and management practices. Risk factor analysis demonstrated higher infection rates in young animals, those in poor body condition, animals showing respiratory signs, and those with a history of prior antibiotic therapy. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of MRSA isolates revealed high resistance to cefoxitin, cefotaxime, and meropenem, indicating the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. These findings emphasize the role of antimicrobial misuse and microbial adaptation in resistance development. Overall, the study highlights the epidemiological importance of S. aureus in equines and underscores the need for improved management, hygiene practices, and prudent antibiotic use.
© 2026. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2026-06-03 PubMed ID: 42236509PubMed Central: PMC13234364DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-55462-4Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This study assessed how common Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are in horses, donkeys, and mules in Egypt.
  • It identified factors that increase the risk of infection and examined resistance to antibiotics, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Background and Importance

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium commonly found on the skin and in nasal passages of healthy humans and animals.
  • While often harmless, it can cause a variety of infections, some potentially severe.
  • Understanding its prevalence in animals such as equines is important for animal health and potential transmission risks to humans.
  • MRSA strains, in particular, present treatment challenges due to their resistance to multiple antibiotics.

Study Objectives

  • Determine how frequently S. aureus is found in equine nasal samples in Egypt.
  • Identify risk factors associated with infection in horses, donkeys, and mules.
  • Analyze antibiotic resistance patterns of identified MRSA isolates.

Key Findings

  • Prevalence: 38.6% of nasal samples from equines tested positive for S. aureus, indicating a significant presence.
  • Genotypic Prevalence: Genetic testing showed an 8.2% prevalence, indicating confirmed presence of specific bacterial strains.
  • Species Differences: Horses had a notably higher infection rate compared to donkeys and mules, suggesting differences in susceptibility or care practices.
  • Risk Factors Identified:
    • Young age animals were at a higher risk.
    • Poor body condition increased vulnerability.
    • Presence of respiratory symptoms correlated with higher infection likelihood.
    • History of prior antibiotic treatment was linked with increased infection rates, possibly because of antimicrobial resistance development.
  • Antimicrobial Resistance: MRSA isolates showed high resistance to important antibiotics such as cefoxitin, cefotaxime, and meropenem.
  • This suggests the emergence and circulation of multidrug-resistant MRSA strains among equines.

Implications of the Findings

  • The notable prevalence of S. aureus, especially MRSA, in equines highlights their role as reservoirs for potentially resistant bacteria.
  • Higher susceptibility in horses and vulnerable animals underscores the need for species-specific management strategies.
  • Resistance patterns point to the adverse consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use, leading to multidrug resistance.
  • These findings raise concerns for animal health, public health (due to zoonotic potential), and antibiotic stewardship.

Recommendations

  • Improve hygiene and management practices in equine husbandry to reduce colonization and infection rates.
  • Implement prudent use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine to limit the development and spread of resistant strains.
  • Regular monitoring and surveillance of S. aureus and MRSA in equine populations to track prevalence and resistance trends.
  • Focus on targeted interventions for high-risk groups such as young animals and those in poor condition or with respiratory signs.

Summary

  • This research highlights a significant presence of Staphylococcus aureus in equines in Egypt, with a concerning level of antibiotic resistance.
  • Understanding risk factors helps in designing better prevention and treatment protocols.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of antibiotic stewardship and improved animal care to control the spread of resistant S. aureus strains.

Cite This Article

APA
El-Halim MOA, Shoraba M, Gattan HS, Alruhaili MH, Selim A. (2026). Prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in equines in Egypt. Sci Rep, 16(1), 17125. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-55462-4

Publication

Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
PII: 17125

Researcher Affiliations

El-Halim, Marwa O Abd
  • Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
Shoraba, Mostafa
  • Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt.
Gattan, Hattan S
  • Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research center, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Alruhaili, Mohammed H
  • Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahad Medical Research center, King AbdulAziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Selim, Abdelfattah
  • Department of Animal Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Toukh, 13736, Egypt. Abdelfattah.selim@fvtm.bu.edu.eg.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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