Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
MRSA antibiotic-resistant infections found in Swiss dogs and cats
By Wipf, J R & Perreten, V·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2016·Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from dogs and cats in Switzerland.
Plain-English summary
A study found that 22 dogs and cats in Switzerland had infections caused by a type of bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which is resistant to many antibiotics. These pets showed various signs of infection, and the bacteria were found to have several harmful traits that make them more dangerous. The research highlighted the importance of keeping MRSA infections low in pets to prevent spreading these resistant bacteria to humans. This emphasizes the need for pet owners to be aware of MRSA and consult their veterinarian if they notice any unusual symptoms in their pets.
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Abstract
Twenty-two methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from various infected locations in domestic cats and dogs between June 2008 and September 2014 were analyzed for their genotype, genetic fingerprint, virulence and antibiotic resistance profile. Eighteen strains belonged to the clonal complex (CC) 22 [ST22(MLST)-A(PFGE)-t032(spa)-IV(SCCmec) and ST22-A-t1214-IV], 2 strains to the livestock associated MRSA ST398-t011-IV and two were individual strains of ST5-t002-II and ST1-t001-IV. They contained virulence factors such as γ-hemolysins, β-hemolysin converting phage genes, leukocidins and enterotoxins. Most widespread resistances were observed against β-lactams, trimethoprim and fluoroquinolones, but single strains also exhibited resistance to macrolides, lincosamides, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and/or mupirocin. The predominant presence of CC22 MRSA strongly indicates clonal spread of a human associated lineage in Swiss companion animals. It is therefore of public health importance to maintain a low level of MRSA infections in animals to avoid uncontrolled dissemination of MRSA clones in humans and animals.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27504839/