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Published on: May 5, 2016
Antibiotic Resistance Profile and Biofilm Production of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolated from Dogs in
Pavarish Jantorn1, Hawaree Heemmamad2, Tanawan Soimala3
1Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a zoonotic pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections in animals and humans. The study of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and its ability to produce biofilms is important to select the most suitable treatment. The prevalence and characteristics of S. pseudintermedius isolated from dogs admitted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand were assessed. Results showed that 28.30% (15/53) of the isolates were MRSP. Amplification of the mecA gene was observed in 93.33% (14/15) MRSP. Methicillin-resistant strains revealed co-resistant patterns against other antibiotics, including chloramphenicol, clindamycin, tetracycline, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim. In this study, all bacterial isolates produced biofilms, while 90.55% of S. pseudintermedius isolates were strong or moderate biofilm producers. Most (45-60%) of the resistant strains were strong biofilm producers, while the correlation between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance was not statistically significant. This is the first study in southern Thailand to investigate the drug-resistant profile of S. pseudintermedius and its ability to form biofilm. The results will contribute to a better understanding of the emergence and prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in S. pseudintermedius.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is prevalent in dogs in Thailand, with most strains forming biofilms. This finding is crucial for understanding antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a significant zoonotic pathogen causing severe infections in animals and humans.
- Methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) poses a therapeutic challenge, necessitating research into its characteristics, including biofilm formation.
- Understanding the prevalence and resistance patterns of MRSP is vital for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and characteristics of S. pseudintermedius, particularly MRSP, in dogs in southern Thailand.
- To investigate the biofilm production capabilities of S. pseudintermedius isolates.
- To determine the antibiotic resistance profiles and potential correlations with biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of S. pseudintermedius from dogs at a veterinary teaching hospital.
- Detection of the mecA gene to confirm methicillin resistance.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing against various antimicrobial agents.
- Assessment of biofilm production using standard laboratory methods.
Main Results:
- 28.30% of S. pseudintermedius isolates were identified as MRSP, with 93.33% of these harboring the mecA gene.
- MRSP strains exhibited co-resistance to multiple antibiotics, including chloramphenicol, clindamycin, tetracycline, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim.
- All isolates produced biofilms, with 90.55% classified as strong or moderate producers. A significant portion (45-60%) of resistant strains were strong biofilm producers, though the correlation was not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- This study highlights the considerable prevalence of MRSP in dogs in southern Thailand.
- The high capacity for biofilm production among S. pseudintermedius isolates, including resistant strains, suggests a potential role in persistent infections.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of antimicrobial resistance emergence and spread in S. pseudintermedius, informing veterinary clinical practices.

