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First report of a livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST126 harbouring the mecC variant

José Givanildo Silva1, Wydemberg José Araujo2, Elma Lima Leite2

  • 1Laboratório de Doenças Infectocontagiosas dos Animais Domésticos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil.

Transboundary and Emerging Diseases
|August 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study identifies the first mecC-mediated, beta-lactam resistant Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain in Brazilian livestock. Genomic analysis reveals its genetic makeup, aiding in understanding its spread and public health impact.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen in humans and animals.
  • The emergence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a global health concern.
  • MecA-mediated MRSA is well-documented, but mecC-MRSA in livestock is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the genomic features of the first identified mecC-mediated, beta-lactam resistant MRSA strain from livestock in Brazil and the Americas.
  • To investigate the genetic basis for antibiotic resistance and virulence in this strain.

Main Methods:

  • Phenotypic detection of MRSA from dairy herd isolates.
  • Confirmation of mecC gene presence using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
  • Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using the Illumina Miseq platform.
  • In silico analysis for sequence type, spa type, resistance genes, and virulence factors.

Main Results:

  • Three clonally related MRSA isolates confirmed to harbor the mecC gene.
  • The strain was identified as Sequence Type 126 (ST126) and spa type t605.
  • Genomic analysis revealed the mecC homolog in the orfX region, associated with penicillin-binding proteins.
  • Genes for efflux pumps (arlR, mepR, LmrS, norA, mgrA) and antibiotic inactivation (blaZ, FosB) were detected.
  • Virulence genes encoding exoenzymes, toxins (hlg, luk), and enterotoxins (sea) were identified.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports the first mecC-MRSA strain in Brazilian livestock, representing a significant finding for the American continent.
  • The genomic data provides insights into the genetic determinants of resistance and virulence.
  • Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and evolution of mecC-MRSA in animal populations and its public health implications.
Keywords:
MRSAPenicillin-binding proteinwhole-genome sequencing

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