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Using MALDI-TOF MS typing method to decipher outbreak: the case of Staphylococcus saprophyticus causing urinary tract

K D Mlaga1, G Dubourg1,2, C Abat1,2

  • 1URMITE, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille Université, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|August 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

An outbreak of Staphylococcus saprophyticus causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) was detected in Marseille. A specific strain cluster showed geographically restricted expansion, identified using MALDI-TOF MS.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a primary cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • A surveillance system detected an unusual rise in S. saprophyticus UTIs in Marseille hospitals in December 2014.
  • This indicated a potential community-acquired S. saprophyticus UTI outbreak.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the suspected community S. saprophyticus UTI outbreak in Marseille.
  • To analyze the clonal expansion of S. saprophyticus strains.
  • To evaluate the utility of MALDI-TOF MS in outbreak investigations.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the BALYSES (Bacterial real-time Laboratory-based Surveillance System) for detection.
  • Monitored the S. saprophyticus/Escherichia coli UTI ratio trends from 2002 to 2015.
  • Employed Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for strain analysis and cluster comparison.

Main Results:

  • The S. saprophyticus/E. coli UTI ratio in Marseille showed a significant increase, peaking in December 2014.
  • MALDI-TOF MS spectral analysis revealed a geographically restricted clonal expansion of S. saprophyticus strains in Marseille compared to Nice.
  • An annual estimated ratio trend of 5.10^-6 was observed (p < 10^-3).

Conclusions:

  • A specific cluster of S. saprophyticus strains has undergone geographically restricted expansion in Marseille.
  • MALDI-TOF MS is a cost-effective method for investigating bacterial outbreaks.
  • Enhanced surveillance and rapid diagnostic tools are crucial for managing UTI outbreaks.

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