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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Isolation of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sequence type (ST) 30 from house
Theethawat Uea-Anuwong1, Roger Stephan2, Marc J A Stevens2
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is of major public health concern due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics. This resistance has been observed in various settings, including hospitals and communities, and has been detected in both animals and humans. Although peridomestic rat species (Rattus spp.) are well described reservoirs of several human pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria, little is known about their role in MRSA epidemiology. In order to investigate whether Rattus spp. in Hong Kong are potential carriers of MRSA, 221 rats were caught from various ecological areas and nasopharyngeal samples were cultured on MRSA selective media. Genotypic characteristics of MRSA were confirmed by whole genome sequencing. Two clonal sequence type (ST) 30 MRSA isolates, harbouring mecA on staphylococcal chromosome cassette (SCC) mec type IVc, were cultured from two house rats (Rattus tanezumi) caught in two densely populated urban areas. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first detection of community-associated (CA)-MRSA strain ST30 SCCmec IVc in peridomestic rodents in Hong Kong and globally. Our finding indicates that house rats can be carriers of MRSA strains that are widely distributed in the community.
Insights
House rats in Hong Kong carry methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a significant public health threat. This study identified MRSA ST30 SCCmec IVc in rats, highlighting their role in spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria within communities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a critical global health concern due to its multidrug resistance.
- Peridomestic rodents, including rats (Rattus spp.), are known reservoirs for pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, yet their role in MRSA epidemiology is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of rats (Rattus spp.) in Hong Kong as carriers of MRSA.
- To identify the specific strains and genetic characteristics of any detected MRSA in these rodent populations.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 221 rats from diverse ecological zones in Hong Kong.
- Culturing of nasopharyngeal samples on selective media for MRSA detection.
- Confirmation of MRSA isolates and determination of genotypic characteristics via whole genome sequencing.
Main Results:
- Detection of two MRSA isolates from house rats (Rattus tanezumi) in urban areas.
- Identification of these isolates as clonal sequence type (ST) 30 MRSA, carrying mecA on staphylococcal chromosome cassette (SCC) mec type IVc.
- This represents the first documented instance of CA-MRSA strain ST30 SCCmec IVc in peridomestic rodents globally and in Hong Kong.
Conclusions:
- House rats in Hong Kong serve as carriers for MRSA strains prevalent in the community.
- Findings underscore the potential role of rodents in the transmission and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Highlights the need for integrated surveillance of MRSA in both human and animal populations, particularly in urban environments.
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