Is methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) ST398 a true animal-independent pathogen?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) belonging to the ST398 has been widely described in animals. In parallel, methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) ST398 isolates causing severe infections in humans have recently emerged as animal-independent pathogens. This study aimed at detecting and characterizing MSSA ST398 from different animal species.