Abstract
Methicillin-Resistant<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>in Marine Mammals
Highlights
In November 2006, a 20-yearold, male, captive, bottlenose dolphin, suspected of having pneumonia, was treated empirically with ciprofloxacin and itraconazole
In January 2007, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was not isolated from personnel (0/22), sea lions (0/12), harbor seals (0/2), gray seals (0/2), orcas (0/4), or beluga whales (0/23); it was isolated from dolphins (2/6, 33.3%) and a walrus (1/6, 16.7%)
Because we knew from our observations of other animal species that natural decolonization with MRSA is common, as well as lacking information about antimicrobial drug efficacy for MRSA decolonization in marine mammals, and had concerns regarding the emergence of further antimicrobial drug resistance, we recommended that no attempt be made to decolonize the animals with antimicrobial agents
Summary
In November 2006, a 20-yearold, male, captive, bottlenose dolphin, suspected of having pneumonia, was treated empirically with ciprofloxacin and itraconazole. In January 2007, MRSA was not isolated from personnel (0/22), sea lions (0/12), harbor seals (0/2), gray seals (0/2), orcas (0/4), or beluga whales (0/23); it was isolated from dolphins (2/6, 33.3%) and a walrus (1/6, 16.7%). To reduce the risk for MRSA transmission among the marine mammals and to personnel, the following steps were recommended: colonized animals were isolated, contact with colonized animals was restricted, all park personnel were required to wear gloves and masks when handling colonized animals, and routine hand hygiene was emphasized.
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