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Published on: November 4, 2016
Methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci isolated from horses
Marialaura Corrente1, Maria D'Abramo, Francesca Latronico
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. m.corrente@veterinaria.uniba.it
The New Microbiologica
|October 23, 2009
Summary
Horses can carry methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS), potentially spreading these resistant bacteria to humans. This study found a high prevalence of MRCNS in horses, suggesting they may be a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Equine Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) is a significant pathogen in both human and animal infections.
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) are common commensals but can cause opportunistic infections.
- The prevalence and characteristics of methicillin-resistant CNS (MRCNS) in equine populations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS) in horses at a riding club.
- To characterize the SCCmec types of isolated MRCNS strains.
- To assess the potential role of horses as reservoirs for MRCNS and sources of antibiotic resistance genes.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus epidermidis from a horse with osteolysis.
- Screening of 14 horses from the same riding club for MRCNS.
- SCCmec typing of isolated MRCNS strains to determine resistance patterns.
Main Results:
- A methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strain was isolated from a horse with osteolysis.
- MRCNS were detected in 78.8% of horses sampled from the riding club.
- Most MRCNS strains exhibited a non-typeable (NT) SCCmec pattern and possessed ccr type 2.
Conclusions:
- Horses may serve as a reservoir for methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCNS).
- Equine MRCNS strains, particularly those with NT SCCmec types, could be a source of antibiotic resistance genes.
- Further research is needed to understand the transmission dynamics of MRCNS between horses and humans.
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