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Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: September 5, 2013
Methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius encoded within novel staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec
1Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK.
Background:
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common opportunistic pathogen of companion dogs and an occasional human pathogen. Treatment is hampered by antimicrobial resistance including methicillin resistance encoded by mecA within the mobile genetic element SCCmec.
Objectives:
SCCmec elements are diverse, especially in non-Staphyloccocus aureus staphylococci, and novel variants are likely to be present in S. pseudintermedius. The aim was to characterize the SCCmec elements found in four canine clinical isolates of S. pseudintermedius.
Material And Methods:
Isolates were whole-genome sequenced and SCCmec elements were assembled, annotated and compared to known SCCmec types.
Results And Discussion:
Two novel SSCmec are present in these isolates. SCCmec7017-61515 is characterized by a novel combination of a Class A mec gene complex and a type 5 ccr previously only described in composite SCCmec elements. The other three isolates share a novel composite SCCmec with features of SCCmec types IV and VI.
Conclusions:
S. pseudintermedius is a reservoir of novel SSCmec elements that has implications for understanding antimicrobial resistant in veterinary and human medicine.
Insights
Novel mobile genetic elements called SCCmec, carrying methicillin resistance genes, were discovered in canine Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. These findings are crucial for understanding antimicrobial resistance in both veterinary and human medicine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research
Background:
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a significant opportunistic pathogen in dogs, posing occasional risks to humans.
- Antimicrobial resistance, particularly methicillin resistance mediated by the mecA gene within SCCmec elements, complicates treatment.
- The diversity of SCCmec elements in non-aureus staphylococci suggests potential for novel variants in S. pseudintermedius.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the SCCmec elements present in four clinical isolates of canine Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.
- To identify and describe novel SCCmec types within this important veterinary pathogen.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome sequencing of four canine clinical isolates of S. pseudintermedius.
- Assembly and annotation of SCCmec elements from sequenced genomes.
- Comparative analysis of identified SCCmec elements against known types.
Main Results:
- Discovery of two novel SCCmec elements in the canine isolates.
- One novel element, SCCmec7017-61515, features a unique combination of a Class A mec gene complex and a type 5 ccr.
- The remaining three isolates contained a novel composite SCCmec element with characteristics of SCCmec types IV and VI.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius serves as a reservoir for novel SCCmec elements.
- The identification of these novel elements has significant implications for understanding and managing antimicrobial resistance in veterinary and human health.
- Further research into these elements is warranted to assess their spread and impact.
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