Prevalence, identification and antimicrobial sensitivity profile of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus colonizing dogs, cats and humans in a veterinary hospital, Brazil.

Abstract

The presence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) is not limited to humans and sick animals but can also colonize healthy animals and professionals working in veterinary hospitals. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of MRS in hospitalized animals and staff at a university veterinary hospital, as well as to identify the main species of Staphylococcus and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Nasal swabs were collected from 106 animals upon admission to the Veterinary Clinical Hospital and another swab after the patients were discharged from hospital. 20 nasal swabs were collected from staff involved in the routine of the Hospital. Strains identified as MRS were tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility profile and identification of Staphylococcus species by the multiplex PCR. It was found that 48.11 % of the animals were positive for MRS. Of these, 38.7 % were dogs and 10.4 % were cats. From the 76 MRS isolated from animals, 52.63 % were identified as MRSA, 40.76 % as MRSP, and 6.58 % as MRSS. All phenotypically identified MRS carried the mecA gene. As for the individuals, 90 % were colonized by MRS, with 66,67 % by MRSA and 33.33 % by MRSP. The presence of MRS in the staff and, animals highlights the widespread dissemination of these pathogens within a veterinary hospital, contributes to the spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms.