Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors for MRSA infection in dogs and cats in UK clinics
By Soares Magalhães, Ricardo Jorge et al.·Published in Veterinary research·2010·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in dogs and cats: a case-control study.
Plain-English summary
A study looked at factors that could lead to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in dogs and cats. Researchers found that pets who had multiple courses of antibiotics, spent more time in veterinary clinics, or had surgical implants were at a higher risk for MRSA. Additionally, pets that had contact with humans who were sick and hospitalized also showed increased odds of infection. These findings suggest that pet owners and veterinarians should be cautious about antibiotic use and monitor pets who may be at risk for MRSA infections.
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Abstract
Risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in dogs and cats were investigated in an unmatched case-control study. A total of 197 animals from 150 veterinary practices across the United Kingdom was enrolled, including 105 MRSA cases and 92 controls with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) infection. The association of owners and veterinarian staff with the human healthcare sector (HCS) and animal-related characteristics such as signalment, antimicrobial and immunosuppressive therapy, and surgery were evaluated as putative risk factors using logistic regression. We found that significant risk factors for MRSA infection were the number of antimicrobial courses (p=0.005), number of days admitted to veterinary clinics (p=0.003) and having received surgical implants (p=0.001). In addition, the odds of contact with humans which had been ill and admitted to hospital (p=0.062) were higher in MRSA infected pets than in MSSA controls. The risk factors identified in this study highlight the need to increase vigilance towards identification of companion animal groups at risk and to advocate responsible and judicious use of antimicrobials in small animal practice.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20423695/