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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Widespread rapid emergence of a distinct methicillin- and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP)
Claudia Ruscher1, Antina Lübke-Becker, Torsten Semmler
1Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics (IMT), Veterinary Faculty, Freie Universität Berlin, Philippstrasse 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
In order to gain a deeper insight into the phylogenetic background and diversity of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) of animal origin, genetic relationships and clonal distribution among 146 European MRSP were examined using different molecular and phenotypical typing approaches. MRSP strains were derived from clinical microbiological specimens (mainly of small animal origin) sent in for diagnostic purposes from various veterinary facilities between 2005 and 2008. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of SmaI-macrorestriction fragments allowed differentiation of five PFGE-clusters that were subdivided into further distinct subtypes. Representatives of each PFGE subtype were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for assignment of sequence types (ST). With one exception (ST5), all these MRSP strains belonged to ST71. Furthermore, assessment of spa-typing results revealed that the majority of all strains harboured spa type t02. Further sporadically detected spa types t05 and t06 as well as two new types (t15 and t23), were found to be closely related to t02. According to PCR-based SCCmec-typing, SCCmecIII was the most prevalent type (n=138), and solely one non-typeable variant was identified in several strains (n=8). In addition, all strains were tested positive by PCR for the leukotoxin encoding operon LukI and the Staphylococcus intermedius-exfoliative toxin (SIET), respectively. Our cumulative data indicate a recent emergence of a certain multidrug-resistant MRSP-lineage (ST71) in central and southern European countries during the last few years.
Insights
A specific methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) lineage, ST71, has recently emerged in Europe. This study investigated the genetic diversity and clonal distribution of 146 European MRSP strains.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) poses a significant threat to animal health.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and clonal spread of MRSP is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phylogenetic background and diversity of MRSP strains of animal origin in Europe.
- To determine the clonal distribution and genetic relationships among 146 European MRSP isolates.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for strain differentiation.
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for sequence type (ST) assignment.
- spa-typing and SCCmec-typing for further characterization.
Main Results:
- PFGE identified five distinct clusters, with MLST revealing ST71 as the predominant sequence type in 145 out of 146 strains.
- The majority of strains harbored spa type t02, with SCCmec type III being the most prevalent.
- All tested strains were positive for the leukotoxin operon LukI and the Staphylococcus intermedius-exfoliative toxin (SIET).
Conclusions:
- A specific multidrug-resistant MRSP lineage, ST71, has recently emerged in central and southern European countries.
- The findings highlight the clonal expansion of a particular MRSP type, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance.
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