This study presents molecular characteristics of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) from pigs and swine workers in central Thailand. Sixty-three MRSA isolates were recovered from pigs (n = 60) and humans (n = 3). Two major LA-MRSA lineages, including sequence type (ST) 398 and clonal complex 9 (ST9 and ST4576, a novel single-locus variant of ST9), were identified. ST398 had spa type t034 (n = 55). ST9 and ST4576 had t337 (n = 8) and carried staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) IX only. MRSA-ST398-t034 contained various SCCmec, including SCCmec V (n = 42), a novel SCCmec composite island (n = 12), and a nontypeable SCCmec (n = 1). All isolates were multidrug resistant and carried common resistance genes found in LA-MRSA. This is the first report of the presence of swine MRSA ST398 and multidrug resistance gene cfr in MRSA ST9 in Thailand. With identical molecular characteristics, pigs could be a source of MRSA ST398 spread to humans. A minor variation of genetic features and resistance gene carriage in both lineages represented a heterogeneous population and evolution of the endemic clones. A monitoring program and farm management, with prudent antimicrobial uses, should be implemented to reduce spreading. Strict hygiene and personal protection are also necessary to prevent transfer of LA-MRSA to humans.
Keywords: MRSA; antimicrobial resistance; central Thailand; molecular characteristics; pigs; swine workers.