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Recent emergence of Staphylococcus aureus clonal complex 398 in human blood cultures

Erwin Verkade1, Anneke M C Bergmans, Andries E Budding

  • 1Laboratory for Microbiology and Infection Control, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands. everkade@amphia.nl

Plos One
|October 25, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clonal complex 398 (CC398) has recently emerged as a cause of bloodstream infections (BSI) in humans. Its prevalence is increasing in areas with high pig density, necessitating ongoing surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • A clone of Staphylococcus aureus, specifically clonal complex 398 (CC398), has emerged with a significant reservoir in animals, particularly pigs.
  • Methicillin-susceptible variants of CC398 have been previously identified in humans at low frequencies, with limited reports of bloodstream infections (BSI).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus CC398 in blood cultures from patients within a region characterized by a high density of pigs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 612 consecutive episodes of S. aureus BSI.
  • Utilized CC398-specific PCR to identify strains from bacteremic patients between 2010-2011.

Main Results:

  • Three strains (2 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and 1 MRSA) of CC398 were identified in blood cultures from 2010-2011.
  • A significant increase in the prevalence of S. aureus CC398 BSI was observed between 2010-2011 (1.9%) compared to earlier periods (0.0%; p=0.017).

Conclusions:

  • Staphylococcus aureus CC398 has recently emerged as a cause of invasive bloodstream infections in humans in areas with high pig populations.
  • The findings indicate the capacity of S. aureus CC398 to cause invasive human infections and suggest a rising prevalence.
  • Continuous monitoring of the evolution and epidemiology of S. aureus CC398 in both animal and human populations is crucial.

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