Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Microbiology 2008-3289 18 2 2026 04 26 251 261 Amir Mohammad Korani Department of Pathobiology, Sa.C., Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran Elham Ahmadi Department of Pathobiology, Sa.C., Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran Safoura Derakhshan Zoonoses Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran 2025 05 25 2026 02 13 Background and Objectives: Growing apprehension surrounds methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The objective of this investigation was to molecularly profile MRSA strains recovered from asymptomatic companion dogs and their human caretakers in Kermanshah, located in western Iran, marking the inaugural research of its kind within the country. Materials and Methods: During a six-month period, specimens were obtained from the oral cavities and nasal passages of 200 clinically normal pet dogs, as well as their owners. MRSA isolates were identified, DNA was extracted, and characterized via staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), accessory gene regulator (agr), and staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing, plus detection of mecA and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes. Results: Eighteen MRSA isolates were identified (12 from dogs, six from owners). All carried mecA. Most had SCCmec type III. Human isolates included one agr II and two agr IV; no dog isolates were agr-positive. Isolates belonged to four spa types: t690 (dogs) and t325, t037, t030 (owners). PVL genes were absent. Isolates from dogs and owners showed type diversity. Conclusion: This study reveals MRSA epidemiology in healthy dogs and owners in Iran, with low colonization rates. Continuous monitoring is essential to track MRSA circulation, as colonization raises infection risk. https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/view/5522 https://ijm.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijm/article/download/5522/1883