MRSA Variant in Companion Animals

• DOI: 10.3201/eid1812.120238
• Publication Date: 2012-10-26T16:28:47Z
• Authors: Birgit Walther; Lothar H. Wieler; Szilvia Vincze; Esther-Maria Antão; Anja Brandenburg; Ivonne Stamm; Peter A. Kopp; Barbara Kohn; Torsten Semmler; Antina Lübke-Becker
• Keywords: Companion animal; Zoonosis

Abstract Methicillin-resistant Staphylocoocus aureus (MRSA) harboring mecALGA251 has been isolated from humans and ruminants. Database screening identified this MRSA variant in cats, dogs, a guinea pig Germany during 2008–2011. The novel is not restricted to ruminants or humans, contact with companion animals might pose zoonotic risk.