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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR (RS-PCR)
Published on: November 4, 2016
Occurrence and molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant
Kanako Ishihara1, Natsumi Shimokubo, Akie Sakagami
1School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, 582 Midorimachi Bunkyodai Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan.
Abstract:
Recently, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) have been increasingly isolated from veterinarians and companion animals. With a view to preventing the spread of MRSA and MRSP, we evaluated the occurrence and molecular characteristics of each in a veterinary college. MRSA and MRSP were isolated from nasal samples from veterinarians, staff members, and veterinary students affiliated with a veterinary hospital. Using stepwise logistic regression, we identified two factors associated with MRSA carriage: (i) contact with an identified animal MRSA case (odds ratio [OR], 6.9; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.2 to 21.6) and (ii) being an employee (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.0 to 19.4). The majority of MRSA isolates obtained from individuals affiliated with the veterinary hospital and dog patients harbored spa type t002 and a type II staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), similar to the hospital-acquired MRSA isolates in Japan. MRSA isolates harboring spa type t008 and a type IV SCCmec were obtained from one veterinarian on three different sampling occasions and also from dog patients. MRSA carriers can also be a source of MRSA infection in animals. The majority of MRSP isolates (85.2%) carried hybrid SCCmec type II-III, and almost all the remaining MRSP isolates (11.1%) carried SCCmec type V. MRSA and MRSP were also isolated from environmental samples collected from the veterinary hospital (5.1% and 6.4%, respectively). The application of certain disinfection procedures is important for the prevention of nosocomial infection, and MRSA and MRSP infection control strategies should be adopted in veterinary medical practice.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and MRSP were found in veterinary staff and animals. Contact with infected animals and being an employee increased MRSA carriage risk, highlighting the need for infection control.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) are increasingly detected in veterinary settings.
- Understanding their prevalence and characteristics is crucial for preventing transmission between animals and humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the occurrence and molecular features of MRSA and MRSP among personnel and animals at a veterinary college.
- To identify risk factors for MRSA carriage within this population.
Main Methods:
- Nasal samples were collected from veterinarians, staff, students, and companion animals.
- Molecular typing (spa type, SCCmec type) was performed on isolated MRSA and MRSP.
- Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for MRSA carriage.
Main Results:
- MRSA and MRSP were isolated from personnel and animals, with MRSA also found in environmental samples (5.1%).
- Contact with MRSA-infected animals (OR 6.9) and employee status (OR 6.2) were significant risk factors for MRSA carriage.
- Most MRSA isolates belonged to spa type t002 (SCCmec type II), while MRSP isolates predominantly carried hybrid SCCmec type II-III.
Conclusions:
- Veterinary personnel and animals can act as reservoirs for MRSA and MRSP.
- Effective disinfection and infection control strategies are essential in veterinary practice to prevent nosocomial infections.
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