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Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus
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Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: January 17, 2025

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Staphylococcus aureus Infecting and Colonizing Experimental Animals, Macaques, in a Research Animal Facility

Maria Pardos de la Gandara1, Leslie Diaz2, Chad W Euler3,4,5

  • 11 Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Rockefeller University , New York, New York.

Microbial Drug Resistance (Larchmont, N.Y.)
|November 28, 2018
PubMed

Insights

An outbreak of MRSA skin infections in macaques was studied. Screening and decolonization procedures identified six S. aureus strains, suggesting animals were colonized before arrival.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) occurred in experimental macaques.
  • MRSA infections impacted skin and soft tissues, necessitating an investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Staphylococcus aureus colonization and contamination in a macaque colony.
  • To evaluate enhanced decolonization and decontamination procedures.
  • To characterize identified S. aureus strains and their origins.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of 14 macaques (head, nares, rectum) and 40 environmental surfaces over one year.
  • Characterization of 114 S. aureus isolates using antibiograms, spa typing, MLST, PFGE, and genetic analysis (mecA, PVL, ACME).
  • Implementation of enhanced decolonization and decontamination protocols.

Main Results:

  • Six S. aureus strains were identified, including two novel MRSA strains (t16708/ST3862/PFGE-A, t16709/ST3862/PFGE-C) and one MSSA strain (t8397/ST3884/PFGE-D).
  • Previously identified primate strains (spa types t189, t4167) were also found.
  • No identified strains matched those in the local New York City human population, indicating probable pre-arrival colonization.

Conclusions:

  • Primates may arrive at university vivaria already colonized with S. aureus.
  • Screening of primates upon arrival is recommended.
  • Pre-surgical decolonization procedures should be considered for macaques.
Keywords:
MRSAveterinary infections

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