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Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
09:03

Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: September 5, 2013

Species and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) diversity among methicillin-resistant non-Staphylococcus

Wannes Vanderhaeghen1, Stien Vandendriessche, Florence Crombé

  • 1Department of General Bacteriology, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre, Groeselenbergstraat 99, B-1180 Ukkel, Belgium. Wannes.Vanderhaeghen@var.fgov.be

Veterinary Microbiology
|February 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant non-S. aureus staphylococci (MRNAS) are common in pig noses, with diverse species and SCCmec types found. These MRNAS may act as a reservoir for MRSA ST398, highlighting the need for further research.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398 is prevalent in pig farms.
  • Limited research exists on methicillin-resistant non-S. aureus staphylococci (MRNAS) in pigs.
  • Understanding MRNAS diversity and resistance mechanisms is crucial for One Health approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the species diversity of MRNAS in pig nasal microbiota.
  • To determine the types of SCCmec elements present in these MRNAS.
  • To assess the potential role of MRNAS as a reservoir for MRSA in swine.

Main Methods:

  • Nasal swabs from 200 pigs on 10 Belgian farms were analyzed.
  • 16S rRNA, mecA, and nuc PCR were used for staphylococcal identification.
  • MRNAS isolates underwent species identification and SCCmec typing PCR.

Main Results:

  • MRNAS were detected in 29.5% of pigs across all farms.
  • Seven MRNAS species were identified, with Staphylococcus epidermidis predominating.
  • Various SCCmec types (IVa, IVc, III, V, and novel NT types) were identified.

Conclusions:

  • MRNAS are a significant component of the nasal microbiota in pigs.
  • The presence of diverse SCCmec types in MRNAS suggests a potential reservoir for MRSA.
  • Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of MRNAS in SCCmec element dissemination in animals.

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