Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7-13
14163 Berlin
+49 30 838 51843 / 66949
mikrobiologie@vetmed.fu-berlin.de
Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-SA) causes severe skin abscesses in humans. We report on an affected family experiencing recurrent PVL-SA infections despite multiple decolonization events. The family-cats were found to be colonized by S. aureus (SA). A protocol for outpatient decolonization using systemic antibiotic treatment of cats was developed. Bacteriological investigation of samples from both cats revealed methicillin-susceptible SA in the oral cavity and nose of both cats. PCR testing for the presence of lukF-lukS identified a PVL-SA in one cat, while the second cat carried a PVL-negative SA. Comparative analysis of human and feline SA, performed by whole genome sequencing, demonstrated close clonal relationships of both the PVL-SA (ST8) and the PVL-negative SA (ST45). Results of AST were used to develop a ecolonization protocol based on oral therapy with amoxicillin-clavulanate for 10 d and 20 d, which resulted in a significant reduction of SA. The samples of the SA-carrying cat were negative after 10 days, but the PVL-SA-positive cat required a second course of antibiotics. Control examinations after 3 and 7 weeks were negative for SA. The decolonization of cats was achieved by systemic antibiotic therapy and hygiene measures. The close relationship of human and feline isolates suggests transmission events in the household and underscores the importance of potentially colonized pets for the success of decolonization measures.