Characterization of mecC gene-carrying coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. isolated from various animals

Abstract

The presence of the methicillin resistance gene mecC in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS) is scarce. The aim of this study was to characterize mecC-positive CoNS isolated from various wild and domestic animals. The presence of the mecC gene was screened in 4299 samples from wild animals and domestic animals. Fifteen coagulase-negative staphylococci, that displayed a cefoxitin-resistant phenotype, were tested mecC-positive by PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for all isolates. The 15 isolates were genotyped by sequencing of the entire class E mec gene complex (blaZ-mecC-mecR1-mecI), the ccrA and ccrB recombinase genes and other determinants within the type XI SCCmec element. DNA microarray analysis was performed and five selected isolates were additionally whole genome sequenced and analyzed. S. stepanovicii (n=3), S. caprae (n=1), S. warneri (n=1), S. xylosus (n=1) and S. sciuri (n=9) were detected. All but the S. sciuri isolates were found to be susceptible to all non-beta lactams. The entire class E mec gene complex was detected in all isolates but ccrA and ccrB genes were not identified in S. stepanovicii and S.xylosus. The genes erm(B) and fexA (n=4, each) were the most predominant non-beta lactam resistance genes detected in the S. sciuri isolates. Even though the presence of the mecC gene among CoNS is a rare observation, this study further expands our knowledge by showing that the mecC gene, including its allotypes, are present in more staphylococcal species from different animal species than has been previously described.

Geographical Variations in Virulence Factors and Antimicrobial Resistance Amongst Staphylococci Isolated From Dogs From the United Kingdom and Romania

“…This finding is consistent with a previous study investigating antimicrobial resistance patterns of staphylococcal isolates from healthy dogs in the USA ( 37 ). Moreover, phenotypic oxacillin resistance amongst mecA -negative CoNS could also be due to the presence of an alternative methicillin resistance gene such as mecC ( 38 ), which was not investigated in our isolates.…”

Frequency and Characterization of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci from Wild Birds in Spain. Detection of tst-Carrying S. sciuri Isolates

“…In our work, 24% of the CoNS isolates showed methicillin resistance, which is far higher than the rate observed in mammals (2.5%) and in birds of prey (0%) [ 25 , 26 ]. Methicillin resistance was mediated in all cases by the mecA gene, which was not surprising, as mecC -carrying MRCoNS isolates are still scarce [ 30 ], and, as far as we know, the mecB gene has not been previously reported in CoNS species. However, in the previous study that characterized the CoPS isolates of these samples, mecC -positive methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were detected [ 19 ].…”

Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus sp. (MRS) in Different Companion Animals and Determination of Risk Factors for Colonization with MRS

“…Isolation of MRS was performed as previously described [31,32]. Methicillin resistance was confirmed by agar disk diffusion as well as PCRs for mecA and mecC [32].…”

“…Isolation of MRS was performed as previously described [31,32]. Methicillin resistance was confirmed by agar disk diffusion as well as PCRs for mecA and mecC [32]. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by agar disk diffusion according to CLSI standards [33] for the following antimicrobial agents (µg/disk): cefoxitin (30), oxacillin (1), ciprofloxacin (5), amikacin (30), gentamicin (10), tetracycline (30), erythromycin (15), clindamycin (2), chloramphenicol (30), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (1.25 + 23.75), nitrofurantoin (300), rifampicin (5), and linezolid (30) (Beckton Dickinson (BD); Heidelberg, Germany).…”