Selection of antibiotics for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: time to revisit some old drugs?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) infections are increasingly problematic in small animals, especially dogs.
• Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing often yields limited treatment options due to widespread resistance.
• MRSP resistance extends to beta-lactam antibiotics and commonly used antimicrobials like fluoroquinolones and macrolides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available systemic antimicrobial therapies for MRSP infections in veterinary medicine.
• To highlight the properties, advantages, and disadvantages of less commonly used antibiotics for MRSP.
• To inform veterinarians about potential treatment options and considerations for MRSP.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of systemic therapy options for MRSP.
• Analysis of antibiotic classes effective against MRSP based on susceptibility data.
• Consideration of established and emerging antimicrobial agents.

Main Results:

• Systemic treatment options for MRSP are limited, often requiring older drugs like rifampicin, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and vancomycin.
• These drugs require careful consideration of adverse effects, limitations, and specific usage guidelines.
• Newer human-approved drugs for MRSA, such as linezolid and daptomycin, may offer future possibilities but are rarely used in veterinary practice.

Conclusions:

• Veterinarians must be knowledgeable about a range of systemic drugs for MRSP, including those not routinely encountered.
• Careful interpretation of susceptibility testing and understanding drug-specific profiles are crucial for successful MRSP treatment.
• Awareness of emerging antimicrobial agents is important for future therapeutic strategies against resistant bacteria.