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Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains isolated from clinical samples of animal origin

D Chrobak1, M Kizerwetter-Świda, M Rzewuska

  • 1Division of Bacteriology and Molecular Biology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland. dorota.chrobak@wp.pl

Folia Microbiologica
|August 30, 2011
PubMed

Insights

All animal clinical isolates previously identified as Staphylococcus intermedius were confirmed as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. SCCmec III was the most common type, and spa type t02 was prevalent among these S. pseudintermedius strains.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Bacterial Genetics

Background:

  • Accurate identification of bacterial species is crucial for effective treatment and epidemiological studies.
  • Staphylococcus intermedius group bacteria are common in animals, and distinguishing between species like S. pseudintermedius is important.
  • Methicillin resistance in staphylococci (MRSP) poses a significant One Health challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To accurately identify the species of 44 clinical isolates previously classified as Staphylococcus intermedius from animal origins.
  • To characterize the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance elements, specifically staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types, within these isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Multiplex PCR targeting the nuc gene for species identification.
  • Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the pta gene for discrimination within the S. intermedius group.
  • Staphylococcal protein A (spa) typing for genetic diversity analysis.
  • Multiplex PCR for staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing of mecA-positive strains.

Main Results:

  • All 44 isolates previously identified as S. intermedius were confirmed to be Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.
  • SCCmec type III was the most prevalent type among mecA-positive strains (23 isolates).
  • Spa type t02 was the most common genotype, found in 27 of the analyzed strains.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms that clinical isolates from animals phenotypically identified as S. intermedius are predominantly S. pseudintermedius.
  • SCCmec III and spa type t02 are significant contributors to the genetic makeup and resistance profiles of these S. pseudintermedius strains.
  • Accurate molecular methods are essential for correct species identification and characterization of veterinary staphylococcal pathogens.

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