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Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Multiple introductions of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST612 into Western Australia associated both
Riley J T Murphy1, Joshua P Ramsay1, Yung T Lee2
1Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI) and School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus aureus is a serious human and animal pathogen. Multilocus sequence type 612 (ST612) is the dominant methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clone in certain South African hospitals and is sporadically isolated from horses and horse-associated veterinarians in Australia. Colonisation and infection by ST612-MRSA is increasing in Western Australia. Whole-genome sequencing was performed for 51 isolates of ST612-MRSA from Western Australian patients and healthcare workers, South African hospital patients, Australian veterinarians and New South Wales horses. Core genome phylogenies suggested that Australian equine and veterinarian-associated ST612-MRSA were monophyletic. Individual Western Australian isolates grouped either with this equine-associated lineage or more diverse lineages related to those in South African hospitals. Bioinformatic analyses of the complete ST612-MRSA reference genome SVH7513 confirmed that ST612-MRSA was closely related to ST8 USA500 MRSA. Common use of rifampicin in South Africa and equine veterinarian practice may favour ST612-MRSA in these settings. Humans and horses colonised with ST612-MRSA are potential reservoirs for MRSA in Australia.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone ST612 is spreading in Western Australia, with links to both South African hospitals and Australian horses. Humans and horses may act as reservoirs for this concerning MRSA strain.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen affecting humans and animals.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clone ST612 is prevalent in South African hospitals and found in Australian horses and veterinarians.
- ST612-MRSA colonization and infection are increasing in Western Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic epidemiology of ST612-MRSA isolates from diverse sources in Australia and South Africa.
- To understand the relationship between ST612-MRSA strains found in human and animal populations.
- To identify potential reservoirs and transmission routes of ST612-MRSA.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of 51 ST612-MRSA isolates.
- Core genome phylogenetic analysis.
- Bioinformatic analysis of the ST612-MRSA reference genome.
Main Results:
- Australian equine and veterinarian-associated ST612-MRSA formed a monophyletic group.
- Western Australian isolates clustered with either the equine-associated lineage or South African hospital lineages.
- ST612-MRSA is closely related to ST8 USA500 MRSA.
- Rifampicin use in South Africa and equine practice may promote ST612-MRSA.
Conclusions:
- Humans and horses colonized with ST612-MRSA represent potential reservoirs in Australia.
- The findings highlight the interconnectedness of human and animal MRSA strains.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for controlling MRSA spread.
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