Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus pettenkoferi isolated from cat in India

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are emerging pathogens in humans and animals.
• Staphylococcus pettenkoferi, a novel CoNS pathogen, was first identified in humans in 2002.
• This study addresses the lack of reports on S. pettenkoferi in animal populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first isolation and characterization of Staphylococcus pettenkoferi from a domestic animal.
• To investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of S. pettenkoferi isolates from a feline source.
• To identify virulence factors, including the mecA gene, in S. pettenkoferi.

Main Methods:

• Bacteriological culture of peritoneal fluid from an affected cat.
• Identification of isolates using BD Phoenix™ automated system and coagulase tests.
• Antimicrobial sensitivity testing, ESBL production assay, biofilm assay, and PCR for virulence genes (including mecA).

Main Results:

• Five clonally expanded isolates of Staphylococcus pettenkoferi were identified.
• All isolates exhibited multidrug resistance to 36 antimicrobial agents and were methicillin-resistant (MRSP).
• Phenotypic biofilm production was negative, but genes associated with biofilm formation (icaA, IS257, nuc) and mecA were detected.

Conclusions:

• This is the first report of Staphylococcus pettenkoferi isolated directly from an animal.
• The findings highlight S. pettenkoferi as a potential zoonotic pathogen.
• This study represents the first isolation of S. pettenkoferi from any species in India.