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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Cluster of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in a small animal intensive care unit
J Scott Weese1, Meredith Faires, Joyce Rousseau
1Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
Case Description:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated from the tracheostomy tube of an 18-month-old castrated male Golden Retriever in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Ontario Veterinary College. This prompted an investigation of MRSA colonization in other animals in the ICU.
Clinical Findings:
On day 1 of the investigation, MRSA was isolated from nasal swabs obtained from 2 of 10 animals (2/7 dogs and 0/3 cats), including the index case. Subsequently, MRSA was isolated from 3 of 12 animals on day 9; 3 of 9 animals on day 13; and none of 14, 5, and 6 animals on day 20, 27, and 78, respectively. Overall, MRSA was isolated from 6 of 26 (23%) animals during the outbreak period (4/22 dogs and 2/4 cats). The apparent incidence of MRSA acquisition in the ICU from days 1 through 13 was 20% (5/25 animals). No clinical signs of MRSA infections developed. All isolates were indistinguishable from one another.
Treatment And Outcome:
Infection-control measures including active surveillance of all animals in the ICU, barrier precautions, and hand hygiene were used to control the apparent outbreak.
Clinical Relevance:
Methicillin-resistant S aureus is an emerging problem in veterinary medicine. Intensive care units may be at particular risk for periodic outbreaks of colonization and disease. The outbreak of this report highlights the potential for clinically inapparent transmission of MRSA within a facility; infection-control measures that might facilitate MRSA eradication should be considered in ICU settings.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can colonize animals in veterinary intensive care units (ICUs). Strict infection control measures are crucial to prevent MRSA outbreaks and transmission in these high-risk settings.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing concern in veterinary medicine.
- Intensive care units (ICUs) in veterinary settings may be susceptible to MRSA colonization outbreaks.
- A case of MRSA isolation from a dog in a veterinary ICU prompted further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent of MRSA colonization in animals within a veterinary ICU.
- To identify potential transmission patterns of MRSA in this setting.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of infection control measures against MRSA.
Main Methods:
- Active surveillance of MRSA colonization through nasal swabs in ICU animals.
- Monitoring MRSA isolation rates over a period of 78 days.
- Implementation of infection-control measures including barrier precautions and hand hygiene.
Main Results:
- MRSA was isolated from 23% (6/26) of animals during the outbreak period.
- The apparent incidence of MRSA acquisition in the ICU was 20% within the first 13 days.
- No clinical signs of MRSA infection were observed in any of the colonized animals.
- All MRSA isolates were indistinguishable, suggesting a common source or transmission event.
Conclusions:
- MRSA poses an emerging threat in veterinary medicine, particularly in ICUs.
- Clinically inapparent transmission of MRSA can occur within veterinary facilities.
- Enhanced infection-control strategies are essential for MRSA eradication in veterinary ICUs.
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