Molecular characterization of high-level mupirocin resistance in methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from

Magdalena Kizerwetter-Świda1, Dorota Chrobak-Chmiel1, Ewelina Kwiecień1

  • 1Department of Preclinical Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Ciszewskiego Str. 8, 02-786, Warsaw, Poland.

Insights

High-level mupirocin resistance (HLMR) in companion animal staphylococci is uncommon but present. Molecular analysis of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions reveals plasmid-mediated spread of the ileS2 gene, highlighting the need for surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • High-level mupirocin resistance (HLMR) in staphylococci is often mediated by the plasmid-located ileS2 gene.
  • The insertion sequence 257 (IS257) flanking the ileS2 gene plays a role in its dissemination.
  • Understanding the molecular epidemiology of HLMR in animal isolates is crucial for monitoring resistance trends.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detect HLMR in methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from companion animals.
  • To analyze the conformation of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions in HLMR isolates.
  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms and epidemiology of mupirocin resistance in veterinary staphylococci.

Main Methods:

  • Agar disk diffusion and MIC determination for mupirocin resistance detection.
  • Detection of the ileS2 gene using molecular methods.
  • Analysis of IS257-ileS2 spacer region conformation in resistant isolates.

Main Results:

  • Five out of 188 (2.6%) methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolates exhibited HLMR.
  • Resistant isolates included Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Homologous and diverse IS257-ileS2 spacer conformations were observed, indicating plasmid transfer.

Conclusions:

  • HLMR is an occasional finding in staphylococci from companion animals.
  • The heterogeneity and homogeneity of IS257-ileS2 spacer regions support plasmid-mediated spread of the ileS2 gene among animal staphylococci.
  • Surveillance and molecular characterization of mupirocin-resistant staphylococci are recommended due to potential gene transfer.