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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Published on: January 17, 2014
Experimental nasal colonization of piglets with methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
Koen M Verstappen1, Birgitta Duim1, Arie van Nes2
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.165, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sequence type (ST)398 is widely spread among livestock. People in contact with livestock have a higher risk of testing positive for MRSA. Several experimental settings have been described to study in vivo colonization of MRSA in pigs, each having its own limitations. The aim of this study was to develop a nose-colonization model in pigs to quantitatively study the colonization of MRSA and the co-colonization of MSSA and MRSA. Two experiments were performed: in the first experiment piglets received an intranasal inoculation with MRSA ST398, spa-type t011, and in the second experiment piglets received an intranasal inoculation with two MSSA strains (ST398, spa-type t011 and t034) and two MRSA strains (also ST398, spa-type t011 and t034) to investigate co-colonization. Colonization was quantitatively monitored for 2 weeks in both experiments. Nasal colonization was successfully established in all piglets with stable numbers of S. aureus between 10(4) and 10(6) CFU. MSSA and MRSA were able to co-colonize.
Insights
A new pig model successfully established nasal colonization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398. This model allows for the study of MRSA and Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) co-colonization in livestock.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sequence type (ST)398 is prevalent in livestock.
- Human contact with livestock increases MRSA infection risk.
- Existing MRSA pig models have limitations for studying colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a quantitative pig model for in vivo MRSA nasal colonization.
- To investigate MRSA and MSSA co-colonization in pigs.
Main Methods:
- Intranasal inoculation of piglets with MRSA ST398 (spa-type t011).
- Intranasal inoculation of piglets with MSSA and MRSA ST398 strains (spa-types t011 and t034).
- Quantitative monitoring of nasal colonization for 2 weeks.
Main Results:
- Successful establishment of nasal colonization in all piglets.
- Stable Staphylococcus aureus counts between 10^4 and 10^6 CFU.
- Demonstrated co-colonization of MSSA and MRSA.
Conclusions:
- The developed pig model effectively quantifies MRSA nasal colonization.
- The model supports investigation of MRSA and MSSA co-colonization dynamics.
- This model is valuable for studying MRSA transmission and control in livestock settings.
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