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Published on: November 4, 2016
Comparative Phenotypic and PCR-Based Methicillin Resistance Characterization of Clinical Canine Staphylococcus
Patrik Mag1,2, Enikő Fehér2,3,4, Eszter Kaszab2,3,5
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary.
Abstract:
Background: Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an increasing concern in small animal medicine, particularly due to methicillin-resistant strains and associated multidrug resistance. This study aimed to characterize antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in clinical canine isolates, determine the prevalence of methicillin resistance, and assess the presence of mecA and mecC genes. Methods: A total of 243 clinical isolates from canine skin samples collected in Hungary between 2023 and 2025 were analyzed. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for 24 antimicrobial agents were determined using broth microdilution in accordance with CLSI guidelines. Isolates were classified as methicillin-resistant or susceptible based on oxacillin MIC values. PCR assays targeting mecA and mecC were performed on oxacillin-resistant isolates. Results: Of the 243 isolates, 47 (19.3%) were methicillin-resistant. High resistance rates were observed for β-lactams, tetracyclines, macrolides, and lincosamides, while rifampicin, amikacin and florfenicol retained good to excellent activity. Methicillin-resistant isolates exhibited substantially higher resistance across multiple antimicrobial classes. Overall, 50.6% of all isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 17.3% as extensively drug-resistant (XDR), while no pandrug-resistant (PDR) isolates were detected; all methicillin-resistant isolates were at least MDR. The mecA gene was detected in 80.9% of oxacillin-resistant isolates, while mecC was not identified. Conclusions: Methicillin resistance in canine S. pseudintermedius is closely associated with multidrug resistance, limiting therapeutic options. However, selected agents, including rifampicin, amikacin and florfenicol, retained in vitro activity. Partial discordance between phenotypic resistance and mecA detection highlights the importance of combined phenotypic and molecular approaches. These findings have direct implications for empirical antimicrobial therapy and support targeted treatment strategies, while emphasizing the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in small animal practice.
Insights
Methicillin resistance in canine Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is linked to multidrug resistance, limiting treatment options. However, rifampicin, amikacin, and florfenicol show effectiveness against these resistant bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Canine Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rising antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius poses a significant threat in veterinary medicine.
- Methicillin-resistant strains and associated multidrug resistance are of particular concern in companion animals.
- Characterizing resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of clinical canine Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates.
- To determine the prevalence of methicillin resistance and identify the presence of mecA and mecC genes.
- To assess the correlation between methicillin resistance and multidrug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 243 canine skin isolates from Hungary (2023-2025).
- Broth microdilution method to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for 24 antimicrobial agents.
- Oxacillin MICs for methicillin resistance classification and PCR for mecA/mecC gene detection.
Main Results:
- 19.3% of isolates were methicillin-resistant, showing high resistance to beta-lactams, tetracyclines, macrolides, and lincosamides.
- Rifampicin, amikacin, and florfenicol demonstrated significant in vitro activity.
- 50.6% of isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR), and 17.3% were extensively drug-resistant (XDR); mecA gene found in 80.9% of resistant isolates.
Conclusions:
- Methicillin resistance in canine S. pseudintermedius is strongly associated with multidrug resistance, narrowing therapeutic choices.
- Rifampicin, amikacin, and florfenicol remain viable treatment options.
- Combined phenotypic and molecular testing is essential due to partial discordance between resistance and gene detection, informing antimicrobial stewardship.
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