Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunist pathogen that is responsible for numerous types of infections. S. aureus is known for its ability to easily acquire antibiotic resistance determinants. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of infections both in humans and animals and is usually associated with a multidrug-resistant profile. MRSA dissemination is increasing due to its capability of establishing new reservoirs and has been found in humans, animals and the environment. Despite the fact that the information on the incidence of MRSA in the environment and, in particular, in wild animals, is scarce, some studies have reported the presence of these strains among wildlife with no direct contact with antibiotics. This shows a possible transmission between species and, consequently, a public health concern. The aim of this review is to better understand the distribution, prevalence and molecular lineages of MRSA in European free-living animals.
Highlights
Since the discovery of antibiotics, millions of lives have been saved, which has contributed to the average life expectancy of human beings increasing by 23 years [1]
This study provided information of the soil resistome and the antibiotic resistance burden outside the clinic [115]
This study shows that MSSA and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from wildlife have a great diversity, with clonal lineages associated with humans and animals, while others appear to be less common and unique, such as CC692
Summary
Since the discovery of antibiotics, millions of lives have been saved, which has contributed to the average life expectancy of human beings increasing by 23 years [1]. The efficiency of these drugs has been surpassed by the resistance acquired by microorganisms, which leads the pathogen to cease to be susceptible to the antimicrobial agent. Antibiotic resistance can occur through a natural selection process, in which resistant bacteria remain, even in the presence of the antibiotic, reproducing and thriving [2]. The problem of antibiotic resistance was first discussed in public in the early 1940s, where overuse of antibiotics was discouraged [3]. Still according to ECDC, 33,000 deaths occur in the European Union due to antibiotic resistant bacterial infections every year [5]. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has always existed, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have triggered an increase of antibiotic resistance strains. The enzyme penicillinase was detected in Staphylococcus aureus strains shortly after the introduction of penicillin, Antibiotics 2020, 9, 122; doi:10.3390/antibiotics9030122 www.mdpi.com/journal/antibiotics
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