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Real-time PCR to distinguish livestock-associated (ST398) from non-livestock-associated (methicillin-resistant) Staphylococcus aureus

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Abstract

Background

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with extensive livestock of pigs. In 2005, the emergence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) was a fact, with a relatively high MRSA colonisation among pig farmers. These MRSA isolates mostly belonged to sequence type 398 (ST398). Compared to hospital-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA), severe infections due to LA-MRSA and transmission between individuals are still relatively rare. Therefore, LA-MRSA may warrant less stringent containment measures than HA-MRSA in hospital settings.

Results

The aim of this study was to develop a rapid diagnostic tool to distinguish LA-MRSA from non-LA-MRSA in aid of infection control. Here, we show that ST398 strains can be readily detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Analysis of a large panel of related and unrelated microorganisms confirmed that the real-time ST398 PCR (ST398-qPCR) assay does not cross-react with other microorganisms or with non-LA-S. aureus strains. ST398-qPCR analysis of MRSA isolates collected in 2010, 2011 and 2012 at the Jeroen Bosch Hospital (n = 275) showed that an average of 78 % of MRSA belonged to sequence type ST398.

Conclusion

We conclude that the ST398 real-time PCR is a reliable assay to detect LA-S. aureus and anticipate that the use of this assay can prevent the unnecessary closing of hospital wards, which may lead to substantial savings for the health care system.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank G. Pluister of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), the Netherlands, for providing us with the non- and ST398 S. aureus strains. We thank Kathelijn Geraats-Peters for the grammar and spelling checks.

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All authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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Correspondence to M. H. A. Hermans.

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van Meurs, M.L.J.G.M., Schellekens, J.J.A., de Neeling, A.J. et al. Real-time PCR to distinguish livestock-associated (ST398) from non-livestock-associated (methicillin-resistant) Staphylococcus aureus . Infection 41, 339–346 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-012-0319-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-012-0319-5

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