Staphylococcus aureus in Rwandan dogs predominantly representing human-associated lineages

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• One Health Research
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen in both animals and humans.
• Limited data exists on S. aureus carriage and characteristics in companion animals in Rwanda.
• Companion animals can act as reservoirs and potential sources of transmission for S. aureus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nasal and ear carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in dogs and cats in Rwanda.
• To characterize the antimicrobial resistance, genetic diversity, and virulence factors of S. aureus isolates.
• To assess the potential One Health implications of S. aureus in companion animals.

Main Methods:

• Swabs were collected from the nostrils and ears of dogs and cats.
• S. aureus isolates were identified and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Molecular typing included spa typing and Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST).
• Detection of virulence genes, including Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), was performed.

Main Results:

• Sixty-five S. aureus isolates were recovered, exclusively from dog nostrils.
• High rates of resistance were observed, including to penicillin, tetracycline, and combinations.
• Diverse spa types and clonal complexes (CCs) were identified, including novel variants and sequence types (STs).
• Several virulence genes, such as PVL and toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst-1), were detected.

Conclusions:

• Dogs in Rwanda are colonized with S. aureus strains belonging to human-associated lineages.
• The presence of antibiotic resistance and virulence factors poses a potential public health risk.
• Enhanced hygiene measures and a robust One Health surveillance program are crucial for managing the companion animal-human S. aureus interface.