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Rifampicin treatment of canine pyoderma due to multidrug-resistant meticillin-resistant staphylococci: a
Michela De Lucia1, Mar Bardagi2, Elisabetta Fabbri3
1Clinica Veterinaria Privata San Marco, Via Sorio 114/C, 35141, Padova, Italy.
Background:
Rifampicin has received increased interest in veterinary dermatology because of its activity against multidrug-resistant meticillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS). There is limited knowledge about the efficacy and safety of rifampicin in dogs.
Hypothesis/Objective:
To provide information on response to treatment and adverse effects in dogs treated with rifampicin for multidrug-resistant MRS pyoderma.
Animals:
Thirty two dogs treated with rifampicin for rifampicin-susceptible multidrug-resistant MRS pyoderma.
Methods:
Retrospective review of medical records, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) serum activity levels and total bilirubin concentrations, obtained before and throughout the treatment, was performed.
Results:
Oral rifampicin as sole systemic antimicrobial therapy (median dose 5 mg/kg twice daily) was effective in 71.88% of cases. Topical antimicrobials were used in most cases. Median duration of rifampicin treatment was five weeks for superficial pyoderma and four weeks for deep pyoderma. Gastrointestinal signs were reported in 15% of treated dogs. Statistically significant increases of ALT (P = 0.045) and ALP (P = 0.0002) values after 3-4 weeks of treatment was observed. The median increase was equal to 0.3 and ×1.5 the upper limit of the reference ranges for ALT and ALP, respectively.
Conclusions/Clinical Importance:
Oral rifampicin combined with topical antimicrobials can be considered an effective therapeutic option for canine superficial and deep pyoderma caused by rifampicin-susceptible multidrug-resistant MRS. Liver enzyme induction might be the most important cause of ALT and ALP increase associated with rifampicin therapy in dogs.
Insights
Rifampicin effectively treats canine pyoderma caused by multidrug-resistant meticillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS). While generally safe, monitor liver enzymes as increases in ALT and ALP were observed during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Antimicrobial Therapy
- Canine Health
Background:
- Rifampicin shows promise against multidrug-resistant meticillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) in veterinary dermatology.
- Limited data exists on rifampicin's efficacy and safety in dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the treatment response and adverse effects of rifampicin in dogs with MRS pyoderma.
- Assess rifampicin's utility as a therapeutic option for canine staphylococcal infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 32 dogs treated with rifampicin for rifampicin-susceptible MRS pyoderma.
- Analysis of medical records, including liver enzyme (ALT, ALP) and bilirubin levels before and during treatment.
Main Results:
- Oral rifampicin, often with topical antimicrobials, was effective in 71.88% of cases.
- Treatment duration averaged five weeks for superficial and four weeks for deep pyoderma.
- Gastrointestinal signs occurred in 15% of dogs; significant increases in ALT and ALP were noted after 3-4 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Rifampicin combined with topical therapy is effective for canine pyoderma caused by susceptible MRS.
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT, ALP) are a potential side effect of rifampicin therapy in dogs, likely due to enzyme induction.
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