Elephant, zoo staff traded MRSA infections

An African elephant calf that developed a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection may have infected 20 of its caretakers.

The elephant was born in captivity at a zoo in San Diego County, Calif. on Nov. 28, 2007. It had a low birth weight and was consequently administered 24-hour individual care by zoo caretakers. The caretakers attempted a central venous nutrition line to compensate for poor weight gain. Cellulitis followed by pustules developed at the sutured surgical site, according to findings published in the report. The calf recovered after being given topical, oral and intravenous antibiotics. However, it was ultimately euthanized due to a failure to thrive.

Between Jan. 7 and Feb. 4, 2007, investigators identified 20 MRSA cases among 55 staff members who came in contact with the elephant either directly or indirectly. There were five confirmed cases and 15 suspected infections. Three of the caretakers were colonized with MRSA. None of the infections required surgical incision and drainage, IV antibiotics or hospitalization.

The investigators believe that the elephant contracted the infection from one of the caretakers who was colonized with MRSA.

Two wound isolates and one rectal isolate from the elephant, wound isolates from three of the caretakers and nasal isolates from two caretakers were identified as the USA300 strain. A nasal isolate from another employee was identified as the USA500 strain.

MMWR. 2009; 58:194-198.