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Updated: May 19, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in Sweden
Stefan Börjesson1, Annica Landén, Martin Bergström
1Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden. Stefan.Borjesson@sva.se
Abstract:
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic pathogen that is one of the most frequent causes of infections in dogs. In Europe, there are increasing reports of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), and in Sweden, MRSP has also been more frequently isolated during recent years. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the epidemiology and genetic relationship among the Swedish isolates. This study therefore investigated the genetic relationship of MRSP isolated from companion animals in Sweden. In the study, MRSP isolates taken in the period January 2008-June 2010 from a total of 226 dogs and cats were characterized by spa typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. In addition, the geographical distribution of the isolates based on year of isolation and genetic typing was determined using a geographical information system. One multiresistant clonal lineage dominated among Swedish MRSP isolates, corresponding to the European winning lineage ST71-J-t02-SCCmec II-III. Furthermore, the geographical dissemination of MRSP corresponded to areas with high dog densities, centered on the three major cities in Sweden where the largest animal hospitals are situated.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is a growing concern in Swedish pets. A dominant MRSP lineage was identified, spreading geographically in areas with high dog populations, particularly around major cities.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Pathogens
Background:
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common cause of canine infections.
- Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) is increasingly reported in Europe and Sweden.
- Limited data exists on the epidemiology and genetic relationships of Swedish MRSP isolates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic relationship among MRSP isolates from companion animals in Sweden.
- To characterize MRSP isolates using molecular typing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- To determine the geographical distribution and dissemination patterns of MRSP in Sweden.
Main Methods:
- Spa typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for genetic characterization.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to assess resistance profiles.
- Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis to map isolate distribution.
Main Results:
- A single multiresistant clonal lineage, ST71-J-t02-SCCmec II-III, dominated Swedish MRSP isolates.
- MRSP isolates were predominantly found in areas with high dog densities.
- Geographical dissemination correlated with major urban centers and large animal hospitals.
Conclusions:
- One dominant MRSP lineage circulates among companion animals in Sweden.
- MRSP spread is associated with high pet population densities, particularly in urban areas.
- Understanding MRSP epidemiology is crucial for infection control in veterinary settings.
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