Emerging threats and zoonotic implications of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus spp. in domesticated cats: a review

The popularity of domestic cats (Felis catus) as companion animals is undisputed. However, the human-feline proximity poses potential health risks due to zoonotic disease transmission as well as physical injuries from bites and scratches. It is alarming to note that epidemiological data supports the prevalence and colonisation of Staphylococcus spp., including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the oral cavity of cats. Considering the problem of antibiotic resistance globally, this review collates recent findings on the role of cats as reservoirs of antibiotic resistant pathogenic Staphylococcus spp. and examines the clinical implications of staphylococcal infections in cats. It provides an in-depth study into the link between pathogenesis and antibiotic resistance. In the context of "one health" the pathogenesis mechanisms enabling persistence and virulence such as colonisation, invasion, toxin and enzyme production, and immune evasion are also discussed. A mechanistic overview of promotion of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is provided, focusing on genetic adaptations such as target modification, efflux pumps, and gene acquisition. Patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among cat-derived isolates are critically assessed, outlining emerging trends and their implications for therapeutic strategies. Zoonotic concerns, vis-a-vis the impact of resistant Staphylococcus spp. on human health are addressed. The threats posed by rising antibiotic resistance, such as compromised treatment outcomes and the heightened risk of transmission across species are reviewed and strategies for mitigation, including preventive methods, ongoing surveillance, and the adoption of alternative non-antibiotic measures such as probiotics, bacteriophage therapy, and antimicrobial peptides, are suggested herein.