Staphylococcus aureus phage types in barrier-maintained colonies of SPF mice and rats

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Veterinary Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a significant pathogen in both human and animal health.
• Understanding S. aureus subtypes is crucial for infection control and epidemiology.
• Previous studies have indicated the presence of S. aureus in animal facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the occurrence and subtypes of S. aureus in rodent colonies and their caretakers.
• To compare current S. aureus phage types with historical data from the same institute.
• To investigate the epidemiological patterns of S. aureus within a research facility.

Main Methods:

• Health monitoring program conducted from 1985 to 1987.
• Phage typing of S. aureus isolates using the international set of bacteriophages.
• Lysotyping of strains from pathological processes, healthy animal carriers, and personnel.

Main Results:

• Each animal hygienic unit displayed characteristic S. aureus lysotypes.
• A dominant S. aureus phage type was observed in both pathological and healthy animal carriers.
• Caretakers showed a wider spectrum of S. aureus phage types compared to animals, with some individuals suspected of prolonged carriage.
• Current phage types differed significantly from those identified a decade prior.

Conclusions:

• Rodent colonies harbor distinct S. aureus lysotypes, with specific patterns dominating within each unit.
• Personnel in animal facilities present a greater diversity of S. aureus phage types, indicating potential for varied carriage states.
• The observed shift in prevalent S. aureus phage types over a decade highlights the dynamic nature of microbial populations in such environments.