Molecular detection and antibiogram of in rabbits, rabbit handlers, and rabbitry in Terengganu, Malaysia.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the prevalence and antibiogram of and methicillin-resistance (MRSA) in rabbits, rabbit handlers, and rabbitry environments in Terengganu.

Materials And Methods: Swab samples from 183 rabbits (183 oral and 183 ear swabs), 45 rabbit handlers (45 oral and 45 nasal), and environmental ( = 180) samples from rabbitries were collected from 10 rabbit farms in Terengganu. The associated isolates from the swabs were isolated using phenotypic microbiology tests. The bacteria were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction targeting () and (MRSA) genes. The antibiogram of all isolates was determined using the Kirby-Bauer test.

Results: was detected in 19% of rabbits, 26.7% of rabbit handlers, and 8.8% of swabs from the rabbitry environment. However, MRSA (0%) could not be detected. Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that from rabbits showed low resistance (<20%) against 15 different antibiotics while fully susceptible to 4 antibiotics. Meanwhile, from rabbit handlers showed high resistance against penicillin (86%), oxacillin (64%), and amoxicillin (50%).

Conclusions: This study suggests the emergence of antibiotic-resistant in rabbit farms settings. Therefore, careful selection of antimicrobial agents will be essential to preserve the effectiveness of treatments toward infections.