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Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
The Home Environment Is a Reservoir for Methicillin-Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci and Mammaliicocci
Mari Røken1,2, Stanislav Iakhno3, Anita Haug Haaland4,5
1Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1433 Ås, Norway.
Abstract:
Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and mammaliicocci are opportunistic human and animal pathogens, often resistant to multiple antimicrobials, including methicillin. Methicillin-resistant CoNS (MRCoNS) have traditionally been linked to hospitals and healthcare facilities, where they are significant contributors to nosocomial infections. However, screenings of non-hospital environments have linked MRCoNS and methicillin-resistant mammaliicocci (MRM) to other ecological niches. The aim of this study was to explore the home environment as a reservoir for MRCoNS and MRM. A total of 33 households, including households with a dog with a methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infection, households with healthy dogs or cats and households without pets, were screened for MRCoNS and MRM by sampling one human, one pet (if present) and the environment. Samples were analyzed by a selective culture-based method, and bacterial species were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and tested for antibiotic susceptibility by the agar disk diffusion method. Following whole-genome sequencing, a large diversity of SCCmec elements and sequence types was revealed, which did not indicate any clonal dissemination of specific strains. Virulome and mobilome analyses indicated a high degree of species specificity. Altogether, this study documents that the home environment is a reservoir for a variety of MRCoNS and MRM regardless of the type of household.
Insights
The home environment harbors methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) and methicillin-resistant mammaliicocci (MRM). These resistant bacteria were found in various households, indicating the home is a reservoir for these opportunistic pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and mammaliicocci are opportunistic pathogens causing infections in humans and animals.
- Methicillin resistance in these bacteria (MRCoNS and MRM) is a growing public health concern, traditionally associated with healthcare settings.
- Emerging evidence suggests these resistant strains can colonize non-hospital environments, prompting investigation into domestic settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the home environment as a potential reservoir for methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) and methicillin-resistant mammaliicocci (MRM).
Main Methods:
- Screened 33 households, sampling humans, pets (dogs/cats), and environmental surfaces.
- Utilized selective culture methods for isolation and MALDI-TOF MS for bacterial identification.
- Performed antibiotic susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing for detailed strain analysis, including SCCmec elements, virulome, and mobilome.
Main Results:
- MRCoNS and MRM were detected in the screened home environments, irrespective of pet ownership or known infections.
- Whole-genome sequencing revealed diverse SCCmec elements and sequence types, without evidence of clonal spread.
- Virulome and mobilome analyses demonstrated significant species-specific characteristics.
Conclusions:
- The domestic environment serves as a reservoir for a diverse range of MRCoNS and MRM.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering the home environment in the epidemiology of these antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.
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