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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Experimental study of the effects on rabbits of strains of Staphylococcus aureus which are resistant to mercuric
Abstract:
3 mercuric chloride resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus of human, canine and bovine origin were inoculated into rabbits which were then caged with clinically healthy rabbits. All rabbits were observed twice daily for evidence of infection. The human strain of S. aureus produced the severest lesion and the bovine strain the least severe lesion. Only 1 of 16 healthy rabbits developed a lesion similar to those of the infected rabbits in its group and from which identical S. aureus was isolated. It was concluded that the human biotype was more virulent in rabbits than the canine and bovine biotypes, and that infection in a rabbit colony by mercuric chloride resistant members of the 3 biotypes may not cause epidemic staphylococcosis.
Insights
Mercuric chloride resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains from humans, dogs, and cows showed varying virulence in rabbits. The human strain caused the most severe lesions, suggesting limited epidemic potential in rabbit colonies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a significant pathogen in human and animal health.
- Antimicrobial resistance, including to mercuric chloride, is a growing concern.
- Understanding the virulence of different S. aureus strains is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the virulence of mercuric chloride resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains from human, canine, and bovine sources in a rabbit model.
- To assess the potential for transmission and epidemic spread within a rabbit colony.
Main Methods:
- Three mercuric chloride resistant S. aureus strains (human, canine, bovine) were inoculated into rabbits.
- Infected rabbits were co-caged with healthy rabbits to observe transmission.
- All rabbits were monitored for clinical signs of infection and lesion development.
Main Results:
- The human S. aureus strain induced the most severe lesions in rabbits.
- The bovine S. aureus strain produced the least severe lesions.
- Only one of 16 healthy rabbits acquired infection, indicating limited epidemic potential.
Conclusions:
- The human biotype of S. aureus demonstrated higher virulence in rabbits compared to canine and bovine biotypes.
- Mercuric chloride resistant S. aureus strains may not readily cause epidemic staphylococcosis in rabbit colonies.
