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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
First Report of CC5-MRSA-IV-SCCfus "Maltese Clone" in Bat Guano
Assia Mairi1,2, Abdelaziz Touati1, Alix Pantel3
1Laboratoire d'Ecologie Microbienne, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a widespread pathogen that could cause different illnesses in both human and animals. Presence of MRSA in animals raises concerns of their capacity to act as reservoirs, particularly in wild animals. This study aimed to characterize the resistance and virulence patterns of S. aureus strains isolated from bat guano in Algeria. From March to May 2016, 98 bat guano samples from Aokas's cave (Bejaia, Algeria) were collected. Swabs were taken for microbiological studies. Isolates were identified by Vitek® MS system, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method. The clonal origin, virulence and antibiotic resistance profiles of S. aureus isolates were characterized by whole genome sequencing. Eleven S. aureus strains were obtained from the 98 guano samples. Seven isolates were sensitive to all antibiotics tested and four (36.3%) were resistant to penicillin G, cefoxitin and fusidic acid. The four MRSA isolates were assigned to the sequence type ST149 and related to spa type t010. These isolates harbored a SCCmecIV element and the fusidic acid resistance element Q6GD50 (fusC). They carried different virulence genes including several enterotoxins (sea, egc enterotoxin locus, sec, sel), and the toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst). Our results highlight that bat guano may constitute an important reservoir of MRSA strains.
Insights
Bat guano can be a reservoir for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study found MRSA strains in Algerian bat guano with concerning resistance and virulence genes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant pathogen affecting both humans and animals.
- The role of wild animals, such as bats, as potential reservoirs for MRSA is a growing concern.
- Understanding MRSA reservoirs is crucial for public health and infection control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus strains in bat guano from Algeria.
- To determine the antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles of isolated S. aureus strains.
- To assess the potential of bat guano as a reservoir for MRSA.
Main Methods:
- Collection and microbiological analysis of 98 bat guano samples from Aokas's cave, Algeria.
- Identification of isolates using Vitek® MS system and antibiotic susceptibility testing via disk diffusion.
- Whole genome sequencing for characterization of clonal origin, virulence, and antibiotic resistance profiles.
Main Results:
- Eleven Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated from 98 guano samples.
- Four isolates (36.3%) were identified as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), resistant to penicillin G, cefoxitin, and fusidic acid.
- MRSA isolates belonged to ST149, spa type t010, harbored SCCmecIV and fusC, and carried virulence genes including enterotoxins and toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst).
Conclusions:
- Bat guano represents a potential environmental reservoir for MRSA strains.
- The identified MRSA strains possess significant antibiotic resistance and virulence factors.
- Further research is needed to understand the transmission dynamics and public health implications of MRSA in bat populations.
