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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)
08:51

Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)

Published on: November 4, 2016

Molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains from pet animals and their

Birgit Strommenger1, Corinna Kehrenberg, Christiane Kettlitz

  • 1Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode Branch, D-38855 Wernigerode, Germany. strommengerb@rki.de

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|January 3, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pets shares genetic traits with human strains common in Central Europe, suggesting potential animal-to-human transmission. This highlights the importance of monitoring MRSA in companion animals.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant public health concern.
  • MRSA strains are increasingly detected in companion animals.
  • Understanding the genetic relatedness of MRSA in pets and humans is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize MRSA isolates from pet animals.
  • To compare pet MRSA with prevalent human MRSA strains in Central Europe.
  • To investigate potential cross-transmission events.

Main Methods:

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using broth microdilution.
  • Detection of resistance genes (e.g., mecA, erm(C)) and the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene (lukF-lukS) via PCR.
  • Genomic characterization using SmaI macrorestriction analysis, spa typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and SCCmec typing.

Main Results:

  • All pet MRSA isolates were resistant to beta-lactams, MLS(B) antibiotics, and fluoroquinolones.
  • No pet isolates harbored the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene.
  • Molecular typing revealed that pet MRSA isolates were genetically similar to human ST22 MRSA strains prevalent in German hospitals, characterized by spa type t032, ST22, and SCCmec type IV.

Conclusions:

  • MRSA isolates from pets in this study closely resemble widely disseminated ST22 MRSA in German hospitals.
  • The findings suggest a potential for cross-transmission of MRSA between pet animals and humans.
  • This underscores the One Health perspective in managing MRSA epidemiology.

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