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Updated: May 4, 2026
Genotyping of Staphylococcus aureus by Ribosomal Spacer PCR RS-PCR
Published on: November 4, 2016
Identification and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from Austrian companion
Igor Loncaric1, Frank Künzel2, Theresia Licka3
1University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Institute of Bacteriology, Mycology and Hygiene, Unit of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Biology, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance, resistance gene patterns and genetic relatedness of a collection of Austrian methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from companion animals and horses. A total of 89 non-repetitive MRSA isolates collected during routine veterinary microbiological examinations from April 2004 to the end of 2012, and one isolate from 2013 were used for this study. The presence of mecA and other resistance genes was confirmed by PCR. Isolates were genotyped by spa typing, two multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analyses (MLVA) analyses, SCCmec typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). PCR targeting Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE), toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST) was performed using PCR assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. Five sequence types (STs-ST398, ST254, ST22, ST5 and ST1), SCCmec types II, IVa, V, and non-type-abele, 8 spa-types (t003, t011, t036, t127, t386, t1348, and t4450), and two isolates could not be assigned, 21 MLVA-14Orsay types Multiplex-PCR MLVA (mMLVA) displayed 17 different MLVA types. The present study is the most comprehensive dealing with MRSA from Austrian companion animals and horses. The results confirm that MRSA ST398 is present in a wide range of animal species and is predominant especially in horses. In other companion animals it is unclear whether the infections with the different MRSA isolates investigated in the present study truly represents a rare phenomenon or may be an emerging problem in companion animals.
Insights
This study analyzed Austrian methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from pets and horses. MRSA ST398 is common in horses, suggesting a potential emerging issue in companion animals.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a One Health challenge, with increasing reports in companion animals and horses.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and resistance patterns of MRSA in these animal populations is crucial for public health.
- Austrian data on MRSA in companion animals and horses remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimicrobial resistance, resistance gene profiles, and genetic relatedness of MRSA isolates from Austrian companion animals and horses.
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of MRSA in these animal populations.
- To assess the potential One Health implications of MRSA in veterinary settings.
Main Methods:
- Collection and microbiological examination of 89 non-repetitive MRSA isolates from companion animals and horses (2004-2013).
- Confirmation of resistance genes (e.g., mecA) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
- Genotyping via spa typing, Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA), SCCmec typing, and Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST).
- Detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) using PCR assays.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- MRSA ST398 was identified as the predominant sequence type, particularly in horses, and found across various animal species.
- Multiple sequence types (STs), SCCmec types, and spa types were identified, indicating genetic diversity.
- Seventeen different MLVA types were observed, highlighting strain variability.
- The study identified specific resistance genes and toxin profiles within the MRSA isolates.
Conclusions:
- MRSA ST398 is prevalent in Austrian horses and present in other companion animals, underscoring its significance in veterinary medicine.
- The findings suggest MRSA may represent an emerging concern in companion animals, warranting further investigation.
- Comprehensive molecular characterization is essential for understanding MRSA epidemiology in animal populations and its potential zoonotic impact.
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