Molecular evaluation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from dogs

Background and Aim : The dog is the main host of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. This is the leading cause of otitis, pyoderma, and urinary tract infections; although as an opportunist, any site with compromised host defenses is susceptible. The high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) within such infections is a growing concern. The goal of this study was detection of the frequency of genes encoding different antibiotic resistance (blaZ, mecA) ‚hemolysins (hIa and hId) and leucosidines (lukF and lukS) in each of the isolates of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius isolated from the studied dogs.Methods : The samples (۴۳ canine Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) were collected by sterile swabs from vertical part of the outer ear of ۶۵ dogs referring to the Small animal Veterinary Hospital, University of Tehran. The mecA and blaZ which are genes related to resistance to methicillin and penicillin respectively, also toxin production related genes such as hIa and hId for hemolysis and lukF, LukS for leukocidins were investigated by PCR.Results : ۴۰ of the ۴۳ isolates were considered methicillin-resistant and carried mecA gene. ۳۵\۴۰ MRSP isolates were positive for blaZ while۱۵\۴۰ harbored hla whereas, in ۱۴\۴۰ MRSP isolates hld existed. However, ۳۴ of the ۴۰ MRSP isolates contained both lukF and lukS genes.Conclusion : These results highlight the importance of risk and prevalence of MRSP as well as intercepting overuse of antibiotics.

Keywords:

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius , Methicillin resistance , Antimicrobial resistance , Dog