Dissemination of methicillin-resistant Mammaliicoccus sciuri in animals

Mammaliicoccus (formerly Staphylococcus) sciuri is part of the commensal flora of diverse animals, has been isolated from the environment and has been reported to cause severe infections in animals and humans. However, very little information exists on its molecular epidemiology, as well as the extent of dissemination and the clinical significance of mecC-carrying M. sciuri isolates. In this study, we aimed to assess the extent of dissemination of methicillin-resistant M. sciuri in animal farms in Tunisia and evaluate the distribution of virulence and methicillin-resistance genes in the M. sciuri population.