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Published on: June 4, 2012
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in central Iowa wildlife
Shylo E Wardyn1, Lin K Kauffman, Tara C Smith
1Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Iowa, College of Public Health, 2501 Crosspark Road, MTF B170, Coralville, Iowa 52241, USA.
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
|October 13, 2012
Summary
Wild animals can carry Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. This pilot study found MRSA in rabbits and a shorebird, highlighting a potential, though low, reservoir in wildlife.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a known pathogen in livestock and pets.
- The potential role of wild animals as reservoirs for S. aureus strains remains largely unexamined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in wild animals.
- To characterize antibiotic resistance and virulence factors of detected S. aureus isolates.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study was conducted on 114 wild animals from 37 species undergoing rehabilitation.
- Nasal, wing, wound, and cloacal swabs were collected for bacterial culture and analysis.
- Antibiotic resistance testing and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene detection were performed on MRSA isolates.
Main Results:
- Seven animals (6.1%) tested positive for MSSA, and three (2.6%) tested positive for MRSA.
- MRSA isolates were recovered from two eastern cottontail rabbits and one Lesser Yellowlegs migratory shorebird.
- All three MRSA isolates carried the PVL gene and exhibited varying degrees of antibiotic resistance, with specific spa types identified (t002 and t008).
Conclusions:
- Wild animals can serve as carriers of S. aureus, including clinically significant MRSA strains.
- The prevalence of MRSA in the tested wild animal population was low.
- Further research is warranted to understand the implications of wildlife as S. aureus reservoirs for public health.
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