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Identification and characterization of staphylococci isolated from cats
Veterinary Microbiology
|July 1, 1984
Summary
Staphylococcus simulans commonly inhabits healthy cats, while Staphylococcus aureus, often from human sources, is linked to feline skin lesions. These findings suggest cats acquire staphylococci externally, rather than being endogenous carriers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcal infections are common in domestic animals.
- Understanding the source of staphylococci in cats is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify Staphylococcus species on healthy and diseased cats.
- To determine the origin of staphylococci found in feline lesions.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolation and identification from feline skin and nares.
- Species identification using microbiological and potentially molecular techniques.
- Analysis of Staphylococcus aureus ecovars.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus simulans was the most prevalent species on healthy cat skin and nares.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent staphylococcal species isolated from feline lesions.
- Many S. aureus strains exhibited characteristics of the human ecovar.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis was predominantly found in lesions.
- A diverse collection of at least 13 other staphylococcal species was identified.
Conclusions:
- Coagulase-positive staphylococci are not naturally occurring (endogenous) in cats.
- Staphylococci found in feline lesions frequently originate from external sources, particularly humans.
- Human-to-cat transmission of staphylococci plays a significant role in feline dermatological conditions.