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Zinc-resistance gene CzrC identified in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus hyicus isolated from pigs with exudative

Mackenzie J Slifierz1, Jeonghwa Park1, Robert M Friendship1

  • 1Department of Population Medicine (Slifierz, Park, Friendship) and Department of Pathobiology (Weese), University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1.

The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne
|May 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus hyicus (MRSH) carries the czrC gene, which provides zinc resistance. This gene was found in half of the MRSH isolates from pigs with exudative epidermitis, a condition often linked to high dietary zinc oxide levels.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Swine Health

Background:

  • Exudative epidermitis is a significant swine disease, particularly affecting newly weaned pigs.
  • High levels of zinc oxide are commonly used in feed for newly weaned pigs.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus hyicus (MRSH) is an important causative agent of exudative epidermitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of the czrC gene in MRSH isolates.
  • To determine the association between the czrC gene and MRSH isolates from pigs with exudative epidermitis.
  • To explore potential links between zinc resistance genes and zinc supplementation in swine feed.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and identification of Staphylococcus hyicus from pigs with exudative epidermitis.
  • Molecular detection of the czrC gene in MRSH isolates using PCR.
  • Analysis of MRSH prevalence and the distribution of the czrC gene across different farms.

Main Results:

  • The czrC gene, conferring zinc resistance, was detected in 50% (14/28) of the examined MRSH isolates.
  • The identified MRSH isolates carrying czrC were associated with 14 pigs exhibiting exudative epidermitis.
  • These positive cases originated from 8 different farms, indicating a potential widespread presence.

Conclusions:

  • The czrC gene is present in a significant proportion of MRSH isolates from pigs with exudative epidermitis.
  • The findings suggest a potential role for zinc resistance mechanisms in MRSH pathogenesis or survival in environments with high zinc levels.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the implications of zinc resistance in MRSH and its relationship with agricultural practices.

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