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Sequence type 398 meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in a pet rabbit

Igor Loncaric1, Frank Künzel

  • 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
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

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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