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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
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MRSA variant in companion animals

Birgit Walther1, Lothar H Wieler, Szilvia Vincze

  • 1Institute of Microbiology and Epizootics, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. walther.birgit@vetmed.fu-berlin.de

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|November 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) harboring mecA(LGA251) was found in companion animals like cats, dogs, and guinea pigs. This finding suggests a potential zoonotic risk from pets carrying this specific MRSA strain.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Zoonotic Disease Research
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains carrying the mecA(LGA251) gene have been identified in human and ruminant populations.
  • The prevalence and host range of this specific MRSA variant require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of MRSA harboring mecA(LGA251) in companion animals.
  • To assess the potential for zoonotic transmission of this MRSA variant between animals and humans.

Main Methods:

  • Database screening of MRSA isolates.
  • Identification of MRSA variants based on genetic markers (mecA(LGA251)).
  • Analysis of isolation data from companion animals in Germany (2008-2011).

Main Results:

  • The mecA(LGA251)-positive MRSA variant was identified in cats, dogs, and a guinea pig.
  • The MRSA variant was detected in Germany between 2008 and 2011.
  • The study confirmed the presence of this MRSA variant beyond ruminant and human hosts.

Conclusions:

  • The mecA(LGA251)-positive MRSA variant is not exclusively found in ruminants or humans.
  • Companion animals can harbor this specific MRSA strain.
  • Close contact with infected companion animals may represent a potential zoonotic risk for humans.

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