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Sequence type 398 meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in a pet rabbit
1Department of Pathobiology, Institute for Bacteriology, Mycology and Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria. igor.loncaric@vetmeduni.ac.at
Veterinary Dermatology
|April 5, 2013
Summary
Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified in a dwarf rabbit in Austria. Treatment with rifampicin successfully resolved the infection, highlighting MRSA ST398
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen in both human and animal health.
- MRSA has increasingly been recognized as a veterinary pathogen, posing risks in various animal species.
Observation:
- A dwarf rabbit presented with recurrent swellings on its head and neck.
- Bacteriological examination confirmed Staphylococcus aureus resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Findings:
- The isolate was identified as MRSA, confirmed by mecA PCR, and found to be Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) negative.
- Genetic analysis revealed the MRSA strain as multilocus sequence type (ST)398, spa type t011, and SCCmec type IVa.
- The rabbit was successfully treated with rifampicin over two weeks, with subsequent negative MRSA swabs.
Implications:
- This case represents the first report of MRSA in a rabbit in Austria.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of MRSA ST398's prevalence and adaptability across diverse animal hosts.
- This underscores the importance of surveillance and appropriate treatment strategies for MRSA in companion animals.
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