Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 25, 2025
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci in nares and affected sites of pet dogs with superficial pyoderma
Hidemasa Nakaminami1, Yuu Okamura1, Satomi Tanaka1
1Department of Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan.
Abstract:
Currently, antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), are frequently isolated from canine superficial pyoderma in Japan. However, little is known regarding the nasal prevalence of MRSP in pet dogs. Here, we determined the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci in nares and affected sites of pet dogs with superficial pyoderma. Of the 125 nares and 108 affected sites of pet dogs with superficial pyoderma, 107 (13 species) and 110 (eight species) staphylococci strains, respectively, were isolated. The isolation rate of S. pseudintermedius from pyoderma sites (82/110 strains, 74.5%) was significantly higher than that from nares (57/107 strains, 53.3%) (P<0.01). Notably, the prevalence of MRSP (18/57 strains, 31.6%) in nares was equivalent to that in pyoderma sites (28/82 strains, 34.1%). Furthermore, the phenotypes and genotypes of antimicrobial resistance in MRSP strains from nares were similar to those from pyoderma sites. Our findings revealed that the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci in the nares of pet dogs with superficial pyoderma is the same level as that in affected sites. Therefore, considerable attention should be paid to the antimicrobial resistance of commensal staphylococci in companion animals.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is common in canine skin infections. This study found MRSP nasal prevalence in pet dogs equals that of skin lesions, highlighting the need to monitor companion animal bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Canine Health
Background:
- Antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), are prevalent in canine superficial pyoderma in Japan.
- Limited data exists on the nasal carriage of MRSP in pet dogs, a potential reservoir for infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci, including MRSP, in the nares and pyoderma lesions of pet dogs.
- To compare the isolation rates and resistance profiles of staphylococci between nasal and skin samples.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolation and identification from nasal swabs and skin lesions of pet dogs diagnosed with superficial pyoderma.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genotypic analysis of isolated staphylococci strains, focusing on MRSP.
Main Results:
- Staphylococci were isolated from 107/125 nares (13 species) and 110/108 affected sites (eight species).
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was more frequently isolated from pyoderma sites (74.5%) than nares (53.3%).
- The prevalence of MRSP in nares (31.6%) was comparable to that in pyoderma sites (34.1%), with similar resistance phenotypes and genotypes.
Conclusions:
- Pet dog nares harbor antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci, including MRSP, at levels similar to infected skin lesions.
- Commensal staphylococci in companion animals represent a significant reservoir for antimicrobial resistance, warranting increased attention and surveillance.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management