Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in a veterinary teaching hospital

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

• Methicillin-resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci (MRCPS) pose a significant threat in veterinary settings.
• Coagulase-positive staphylococci are common causes of infections in dogs.
• Surveillance for resistant strains is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of MRCPS in dogs and veterinary staff at a veterinary teaching hospital.
• To identify the species of MRCPS and determine their antimicrobial resistance profiles.
• To analyze the genetic relatedness of MRSP strains to understand transmission dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Swabs were collected from 57 dogs (inpatient and outpatient) and 20 veterinary staff.
• MRCPS isolates were identified using direct sequencing of sodA and hsp60 genes.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and DNA fingerprinting (PFGE) were performed.

Main Results:

• Eighteen MRCPS strains were isolated from dogs (12 inpatient, 6 outpatient), and 3 from staff.
• 17 dog isolates and 1 staff isolate were identified as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP).
• MRSP strains exhibited multidrug resistance and high-level oxacillin resistance, with 10 carrying type III SCCmec. Eight distinct MRSP clones were identified, with three major clones shared between staff and dogs.

Conclusions:

• This is the first report of MRSP in dogs and humans in a veterinary institution.
• MRSP strains in the hospital likely originated from both within the institution and community veterinary clinics.
• The findings highlight the need for vigilant surveillance and control measures for MRSP in veterinary environments.