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.

Veterinary Microbiology
|February 26, 2010
PubMed

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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