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A Simple Way to Eradicate Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Tae M Kim1, Hyojun Park2, Kyo W Lee2
1Laboratory Animal Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Our investigation of indoor-housed cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) by using automated identification followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed 1 of 7 immunocompetent animals and 2 of 9 immunosuppressed monkeys as carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Follow-up management involving mupirocin treatment resulted in the conversion of the 3 MRSA carriers into MRSA-negative cases. Prospective assessment of newly imported monkeys involving 24-h culture of nasal swabs on chromogenic agar revealed that 22% (18 of 82 animals) were MRSA-positive. Mupirocin treatment successfully converted all of the MRSA-positive macaques into non-carriers, suggesting the feasibility of this simple, one-step screening procedure for rapidly identifying MRSA carriers in large cohorts. In addition, 8 animals that had been diagnosed MRSA-positive and subsequently treated with mupirocin demonstrated no recolonization during follow-up, even under immunosuppressive conditions. We propose rapid screening using chromogenic agar followed by mupirocin treatment as a time- and cost-effective regimen for managing MRSA in cynomolgus monkeys.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening in cynomolgus macaques identified carriers, and mupirocin treatment successfully eliminated MRSA. This rapid method is effective for managing MRSA in large monkey populations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Primate Health
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant risk in non-human primate populations.
- Cynomolgus macaques are vital models in biomedical research, necessitating stringent health monitoring.
- Identifying and managing MRSA carriers is crucial for preventing transmission and maintaining colony health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of MRSA in indoor-housed cynomolgus macaques.
- To evaluate the efficacy of mupirocin treatment for MRSA eradication in macaques.
- To establish a rapid and cost-effective screening and management strategy for MRSA in cynomolgus macaques.
Main Methods:
- Automated identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing of nasal swabs from macaques.
- Culture of nasal swabs on chromogenic agar for MRSA detection.
- Treatment of MRSA-positive macaques with topical mupirocin.
- Follow-up assessments to confirm MRSA eradication and monitor for recolonization.
Main Results:
- MRSA was detected in 3 of 16 indoor-housed cynomolgus macaques (1 immunocompetent, 2 immunosuppressed).
- Mupirocin treatment successfully converted all identified MRSA carriers to MRSA-negative status.
- Prospective screening of imported macaques revealed a 22% MRSA prevalence (18 of 82 animals).
- All MRSA-positive macaques treated with mupirocin showed successful eradication and no recolonization, even under immunosuppression.
Conclusions:
- Rapid screening using chromogenic agar is feasible for identifying MRSA carriers in large cohorts of cynomolgus macaques.
- Mupirocin treatment is an effective and feasible strategy for eradicating MRSA in cynomolgus macaques.
- The proposed screening and treatment regimen is time- and cost-effective for managing MRSA in cynomolgus monkey populations.
