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Imprint
Studies on the microevolution of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Project
Project code: BfR-BIOS-08-1329-512
Contract period: 01.10.2013
- 30.09.2014
Purpose of research: Applied research
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (S.) aureus are a challenge for human health, also due to the high prevalence of MRSA of the clonal complex CC398 in the food chain. MRSA are considered to be highly adaptive pathogens, mainly by the acquisition of new resistance and virulence determinants. The adaptation of the pathogen by improper use of disinfectants, and subsequent induction of resistance and possible co-induction of antibiotic resistances, has to be seen very critically. It lacks detailed studies of this phenomenon with MRSA strains isolated along the food chain up to now. Moreover, it is also unknown to which extent the adaptability of MRSA contributes to a genetic evolution of the pathogen. In-vivo studies indicated that strains can underwent a change in their so called spa type. This also has implications when epidemiological correlations are addressed. The frequency of the occurrence of this phenomenon and possible factors influencing these mutations will be investigated in this project. Hence, investigations on the adaptability of MRSA driven by selective pressure by use of antibiotics are scarce. E.g. the transfer of the resistance encoding element SCCmec between methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus seems to be likely, when both are co-cultivated. Therefore, the possibility of a de novo production of MRSA when targeting the presence of MRSA in sample material by use of selective detection methods with media containing antibiotics will also be determined.
Section overview
Subjects
- Food microbiology
- Toxicology
