Human-associated Staphylococcus aureus strains within great ape populations in Central Africa (Gabon)

Abstract

The risk of serious infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus is well-known. However, most studies regarding the distribution of (clinically relevant) S. aureus among humans and animals took place in the western hemisphere and only limited data are available from (Central) Africa. In this context, recent studies focused on S. aureus strains in humans and primates, but the question of whether humans and monkeys share related S. aureus strains or may interchange strains remained largely unsolved. In this study we aimed to evaluate the distribution and spread of human-like S. aureus strains among great apes living in captivity. Therefore, a primate facility at the International Centre for Medical Research of Franceville (Gabon) was screened. We detected among the primates a common human S. aureus strain, belonging to the spa-type t148. It was isolated from three different individuals of the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), of which one individual showed a large necrotizing wound. This animal died, most probably of a staphylococcal sepsis. Additionally, we discovered the t148 type among chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) that were settled in the immediate neighbourhood of the infected gorillas. A detailed analysis by pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed that the gorilla and chimpanzee isolates represented two closely related strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a human-associated S. aureus strain causing disease in great apes. The simultaneous detection in gorillas and chimpanzees indicated an interspecies transmission of this S. aureus strain. Our results recommend that protection of wild animals must not only be based on habitat conservation, but also on the assessment of the risk of contact with human pathogens.

Evaluation of Non-Invasive Biological Samples to Monitor Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Great Apes and Lemurs

“…Recently, it has been demonstrated, that drug-resistant human Staphylococcus aureus can be transmitted from care workers and veterinarians to chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ) and gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla ), as shown in two sanctuaries in Uganda and Zambia [2] or in a research center in Gabon [3]. Apart from colonization, it was reported that transmitted S. aureus has led to severe and even lethal infection of one gorilla in the Gabonese center [3] highlighting the threat of this “humanosis” in apes. It has been reported that S. aureus can cause sepsis, skin and soft tissue infection, visceral abscess, air sacculitis and meningitis in monkeys and apes [3–5].…”

Gorilla gorilla gorilla gut: a potential reservoir of pathogenic bacteria as revealed using culturomics and molecular tools

“…The presence of these pathogens in samples from different sources collected at different periods as well as their high prevalence indicate that they are part of the commensal microbiota of the gorilla gut (Table 2)1215. It is important to consider whether these opportunistic human pathogens are virulent under certain conditions in gorillas.…”

“…It is important to consider whether these opportunistic human pathogens are virulent under certain conditions in gorillas. The pathogenicity of certain bacteria in gorillas and chimpanzees has been observed; these bacteria include B. anthracis -like bacteria, S. aureus , M. leprae and Pasteurella multocida 11121338.…”

“…These bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , Rickettsia felis , Bacillus anthracis -like bacteria, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Shigella spp 9101112…”

Nasal Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among Children in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

“…Staphylococcus aureus contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide, causing a broad spectrum of diseases [1,2]. S .…”