How common is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus in pets and risk

Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus</i> sp. (MRS) in populations of companion animals that either have previously been exposed or have not been exposed to antibiotic therapy or veterinary facilities, and if owners&#8217; healthcare profession had an influence on colonization with MRS. In addition, the antimicrobial resistance pheno- and genotype were investigated and risks for colonization with MRS were assessed. During this study, 347 nasal swabs (dogs <i>n</i> = 152; cats <i>n</i> = 107; rabbits <i>n</i> = 88) were investigated for the presence of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA). In addition, 131 nasal swabs (dogs <i>n</i> = 79; cats <i>n</i> = 47; rabbits = 3; guinea pigs = 2) were examined for the presence of MRSA but also other MRS. In total, 23 MRS isolates belonged to nine staphylococcal species: <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> (<i>n</i> = 11), <i>Staphylococcus warneri</i> (<i>n</i> = 3), <i>Staphylococcus hominis</i> (<i>n</i> = 2), <i>Staphylococcus pseudintermedius</i> (<i>n</i> = 2), and singletons <i>Staphylococcus cohnii</i>, <i>Staphylococcus sciuri</i>, <i>Staphylococcus fleurettii</i>, <i>Staphylococcus lentus</i>, and <i>Staphylococcus haemolyticus</i>. Twenty isolates displayed a multidrug-resistant phenotype. Various resistance and biocide resistance genes were detected among the examined staphylococci. Risk assessment for MRS colonization was conducted using a number of factors, including animal species, breed, age, gender, recent veterinary health care hospitalization, and antibiotic prescription, resulting in recent veterinary health care hospitalization being a significant risk factor. The detection of multidrug-resistant MRS in healthy animals is of importance due to their zoonotic potential.