Molecular Characterization of Complex Isolated from Free-Ranging Long-Tailed Macaques at Kosumpee Forest Park, Maha Sarakham, Thailand.

The (.) complex, including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA), and are bacterial pathogens that are responsible for both human and animal infection. However, insights into the molecular characteristics of MRSA, MSSA, and carriages in wildlife, especially in long-tailed macaques, rarely have been reported in Thailand. The objective of this study was to assess molecular characterization of MRSA, MSSA, and strains isolated from free-ranging long-tailed macaques () at Kosumpee Forest Park, Maha Sarakham, Thailand. A total of 21 secondary bacterial isolates (including 14 MRSA, 5 MSSA, and 2 ) obtained from the buccal mucosa of 17 macaques were analysed by a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify several virulence genes, including , , , , (x-region), (IgG biding region), and . The most prevalent virulence genes were , , and the IgG biding region which presented in all isolates. These data indicated that MRSA, MSSA, and isolates from the wild macaques at Kosumpee Forest Park possess a unique molecular profile, harbouring high numbers of virulence genes. These findings suggest that wild macaques may potentially serve as carriers for distribution of virulent staphylococcal bacteria in the study area.