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Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci in canine pyoderma in Thailand
Putu Ayu Sisyawati Putriningsih1,2, Patchara Phuektes3, Suphattra Jittimanee3
1Graduate School, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
Background And Aims:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci (MRS) seriously threatens animal and human health. Repeated antibiotic use allows the bacteria to develop resistance to several antibiotic classes and become multidrug-resistant (MDR). Canine pyoderma, a common skin condition in dogs, is mainly caused by Staphylococci, including MRS. Detecting this infection in all canine populations is crucial to develop a proper preventive plan. This study estimated the prevalence, antibiogram, and risk factors of MRS in canine patients at a referral animal hospital in Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Materials And Methods:
Skin swabs and relevant information were collected from 56 client-owned dogs that visited the hospital from September 2019 to September 2020. Staphylococci colonies were subjected to molecular identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests using an automated system (VITEK® 2). These colonies were also genetically identified using multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The mecA gene, encoding methicillin resistance, was detected using simplex-PCR. The risk factors of MRS infection and their association with MRS infection were analyzed using logistic regression and the Chi-square test, respectively.
Results:
The prevalence of MRS was found to be 35.7% (20/56 dogs). By species, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was found in 24 of 104 isolates (23.1%), and all samples were MDR. Receiving systemic antibiotics in the past 6 months was a major risk factor associated with MRS infection (p < 0.05; odds ratio (OR) > 1). In addition to the MRS isolates, the mecA gene was also detected in methicillin-susceptible Staphylococci isolates. This might be because of the high expression of blaI, and mutations in c-di-AMP cyclase DacA, RelA, and Fem proteins.
Conclusion:
A high prevalence of MRS and MDR was observed in the studied population, which might be potentially due to improper antibiotic use by the owners and horizontal transfer of drug-resistance genes.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci (MRS) are common in dogs with pyoderma, with over a third of cases showing resistance. Previous antibiotic use is a significant risk factor for this multidrug-resistant infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococci (MRS) pose a significant threat to animal and human health.
- Canine pyoderma, a common skin condition in dogs, is frequently caused by Staphylococci, including MRS.
- Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains emerge due to repeated antibiotic use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of MRS in canine patients.
- To determine the antibiogram of MRS isolates.
- To identify risk factors associated with MRS infection in dogs.
Main Methods:
- Collected skin swabs and clinical data from 56 dogs over one year.
- Identified Staphylococci species using molecular methods (PCR, sequencing).
- Assessed antibiotic susceptibility using VITEK® 2 and detected the mecA gene.
Main Results:
- MRS prevalence was 35.7% (20/56 dogs).
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was prevalent (23.1% of isolates), and all were MDR.
- Recent systemic antibiotic use was a significant risk factor for MRS infection (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of MRS and MDR strains observed in canine patients.
- Improper antibiotic use and gene transfer may contribute to the spread of resistance.
- Effective preventive strategies are crucial for controlling MRS in canine populations.
Related Concept Videos
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The Skin Microbiota
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
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Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

