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Published on: March 10, 2017
Genomic Evidence for Direct Transmission of mecC-MRSA between a Horse and Its Veterinarian
Ervin Albert1, Judit Sahin-Tóth2, Andrea Horváth2
1Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Dóra Major, HU-2225 Üllő, Hungary.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bearing the mecC gene (mecC-MRSA) has been reported from animals and humans in recent years. This study describes the first mecC-MRSA isolates of human and equine origin in Hungary (two isolates from horses and one from a veterinarian, who treated one of the infected horses, but was asymptomatic). MRSA isolates were identified by cultivation and PCR detection of the species-specific spa gene and mecA/mecC methicillin resistance genes. The isolates were characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing, MLST, spa, SCCmec typing, PFGE and whole genome sequencing (WGS). All three isolates belonged to the ST130-t843-SCCmec XI genotype, and carried the mecC and blaZ genes. Apart from beta-lactam drugs, they were sensitive to all tested antibiotics. The isolates of the infected horse and its veterinarian had the same PFGE pulsotype and showed only slight differences with WGS. Hence, this is the first description of direct transmission of a mecC-carrying MRSA between a horse and its veterinarian. The emergence of mecC in the country highlights the importance of the appropriate diagnostics in MRSA identification.
Insights
The first Hungarian cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with the mecC gene were found in horses and a veterinarian. This highlights potential animal-to-human transmission of this resistant bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carrying the mecC gene (mecC-MRSA) is an emerging pathogen in both human and animal populations.
- Previous reports of mecC-MRSA have been documented globally, but its presence in Hungary was previously uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first identification and characterization of mecC-MRSA isolates from human and equine sources in Hungary.
- To investigate the genetic relatedness and potential transmission pathways between human and animal isolates.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolates were identified using cultivation and PCR for species-specific (spa) and resistance (mecA/mecC) genes.
- Comprehensive characterization included antibiotic susceptibility testing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing, SCCmec typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and whole genome sequencing (WGS).
Main Results:
- Three mecC-MRSA isolates were identified: two from horses and one from an asymptomatic veterinarian who treated one of the horses.
- All isolates belonged to the ST130-t843-SCCmec XI genotype, carrying mecC and blaZ genes, and were susceptible to all tested antibiotics except beta-lactams.
- PFGE and WGS analyses indicated a close genetic relationship between the equine and human isolates, suggesting direct transmission.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first evidence of mecC-MRSA in Hungary, with direct transmission between a horse and its veterinarian.
- The findings underscore the importance of robust diagnostic approaches for MRSA detection in both clinical and veterinary settings.
- The emergence of mecC-MRSA in Hungary necessitates ongoing surveillance and understanding of its epidemiology in animal and human populations.
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