Colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus species in healthy and sick pets: prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

Background The characterization of staphylococcal species that colonize pets is important to maintain animal health and to minimize the risk of transmission to owners. Here, the prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. and methicillin resistance was investigated in canine and feline isolates, and risk factors of staphylococcal colonization were determined. Pets were examined and separated into four groups: (1) healthy dogs, (2) healthy cats, and (3) dogs and (4) cats with clinical signs of bacterial infections of skin, mucous membranes, or wounds. Specimens were collected by a veterinary physician from six anatomic sites (external ear canal, conjunctival sacs, nares, mouth, skin [groin], and anus). In total, 274 animals (cats n = 161, dogs n = 113) were enrolled. Results Staphylococcus species were highly diverse (23 species; 3 coagulase-positive and 20 coagulase-negative species), with the highest variety in healthy cats (19 species). The most frequent feline isolates were S. felis and S. epidermidis, while S. pseudintermedius was the most prevalent isolate in dogs. Risk factors of staphylococcal colonization included the presence of other animals in the same household, medical treatment within the last year, and a medical profession of at least one owner. Methicillin resistance was higher in coagulase-negative (17.86%) compared to coagulase-positive (1.95%) staphylococci. The highest prevalence of methicillin-resistant CoNS colonization was observed in animals kept in homes as the most common (dogs and cats). Conclusions The association of methicillin-resistant CoNS colonization with animals most often chosen as pets, represents a high risk of transmission between them and owners. The importance of nosocomial transmission of CoNS was also confirmed. This information could guide clinical decisions during the treatment of veterinary bacterial infections. In conclusion, the epidemiologic characteristics of CoNS and their pathogenicity in pets and humans require further research.

Multidrug-Resistant Commensal and Infection-Causing Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Companion Animals in the Valencia Region

“…and Mammaliicoccus sciuri in our study (69%) aligns with that reported in previous studies [42,43]. In line with this, it has also been seen that both healthy and diseased companion animals harbor both CoPS and CoNS, although certain species showed a stronger association with each animal species [43]. In this study, CoPS, such as S. pseudintermedius, were more frequently isolated from dogs, while CoNS, including S. felis, were more commonly isolated from cats, as reported previously [42][43][44][45].…”

“…The overall observed prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. and Mammaliicoccus sciuri in our study (69%) aligns with that reported in previous studies [ 42 , 43 ]. In line with this, it has also been seen that both healthy and diseased companion animals harbor both CoPS and CoNS, although certain species showed a stronger association with each animal species [ 43 ].…”

“…In this study, CoPS, such as S. pseudintermedius, were more frequently isolated from dogs, while CoNS, including S. felis, were more commonly isolated from cats, as reported previously [42][43][44][45]. This finding is significant, given the widespread observation of methicillin resistance not only in CoPS but also in CoNS, as both groups are now acknowledged as important pathogens [43,46,47]. Nevertheless, the pathogenic potential of CoNS has not been as well studied as the virulence factors involved in CoPS, although it has been recognised that they cause some important diseases, such as endocarditis or urinary tract infections in at-risk populations, and that they are important reservoirs of AMR genes [48,49].…”

“…In line with this, it has also been seen that both healthy and diseased companion animals harbor both CoPS and CoNS, although certain species showed a stronger association with each animal species [43]. In this study, CoPS, such as S. pseudintermedius, were more frequently isolated from dogs, while CoNS, including S. felis, were more commonly isolated from cats, as reported previously [42][43][44][45]. This finding is significant, given the widespread observation of methicillin resistance not only in CoPS but also in CoNS, as both groups are now acknowledged as important pathogens [43,46,47].…”