Characterization of Staphylococcus intermedius Group Isolates Associated with Animals from Antarctica and Emended Description of Staphylococcus delphini

Abstract

Members of the genus Staphylococcus are widespread in nature and occupy a variety of niches, however, staphylococcal colonization of animals in the Antarctic environment has not been adequately studied. Here, we describe the first isolation and characterization of two Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) members, Staphylococcus delphini and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, in Antarctic wildlife. Staphylococcus delphini were found exclusively in Adélie penguins. The report of S. pseudintermedius from Weddell seals confirmed its occurrence in all families of the suborder Caniformia. Partial RNA polymerase beta-subunit (rpoB) gene sequencing, repetitive PCR fingerprinting with the (GTG)5 primer, and matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry gave consistent identification results and proved to be suitable for identifying SIG members. Comparative genomics of S. delphini isolates revealed variable genomic elements, including new prophages, a novel phage-inducible chromosomal island, and numerous putative virulence factors. Surface and extracellular protein distribution were compared between genomes and showed strain-specific profiles. The pathogenic potential of S. delphini was enhanced by a novel type of exfoliative toxin, trypsin-like serine protease cluster, and enterotoxin C. Detailed analysis of phenotypic characteristics performed on six Antarctic isolates of S. delphini and eight reference strains from different animal sources enabled us to emend the species description of S. delphini.

Determination of the frequency, species distribution and antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci isolated from dogs and their owners in Trinidad

“…intermedius is mainly associated with pigeons [ 46 ], while S . delphini has been isolated from dolphins [ 47 ], penguins [ 48 ], horses [ 49 ], mink, foxes, badgers and ferrets [ 50 ]. Further testing is necessary to differentiate the species of the SIG group.…”

“…However, it can be inferred that most of the canine isolates of the SIG would be S. pseudintermedius as it is typically associated with dogs [45]. S. intermedius is mainly associated with pigeons [46], while S. delphini has been isolated from dolphins [47], penguins [48], horses [49], mink, foxes, badgers and ferrets [50]. Further testing is necessary to differentiate the species of the SIG group.…”

Isolation and genome sequencing of Staphylococcus schleiferi subspecies coagulans from Antarctic and North Sea seals

“…schleiferi ssp. coagulans has been isolated from Antarctic seals previously [28], those isolates have not been characterized further than identification using partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing and to the best of our knowledge this study represents the first isolation of S. schleiferi from Antarctic fur seal and grey seal.…”

“…schleiferi ssp. coagulans has been isolated in Antarctica from the cloaca and beaks of Adélie penguins ( Pygoscelis adeliae ), from South Polar skua ( Stercorarius maccormicki ) droppings, and the anus of two species of seals from the family Phocidae : Weddell seals ( Leptonychotes weddellii ) and southern elephant seals ( Mirounga leonina ) [28]. Thus the host range of S.…”

Presence and Characterization of a Novel cfr-Carrying Tn558 Transposon Derivative in Staphylococcus delphini Isolated From Retail Food

“…Members of the genus Staphylococcus are widespread in nature and play vital roles in disease causation in humans and animals ( McGavin and Heinrichs, 2012 ; Vrbovská et al, 2020 ). Among these species, Staphylococcus delphini is a pathogen that causes animal and human infections ( Magleby et al, 2019 ; Ruiz-Ripa et al, 2019 ).…”