Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant staphylococci, which are commonly found worldwide, known as one of the
most important hospital infections and it is a problem in our country. The aim of the study was to
examine the distribution of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) from dogs and cats with
dermatologic problems. Pre-moistened swab samples were collected from skin lesions of 69 dogs
and 23 cats, which were brought to the Microbiology Department for mycological examination
during one year. Swabs were cultured onto Mannitol Salt Agar (supplemented with 5 g/ml
oxacillin) plates and incubated at 37 C for 24 hours. After incubation, identification of the
methicillin-resistant isolates was performed by conventional methods and API Staph-Ident
system. Methicillin resistance was detected phenotypically by the disc diffusion method and
following genotypically by PCR for the detection of the mecA gene. Antibiotic susceptibility test
was made according to CLSI standard by using penicillin G, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid,
erythromycin, chloramphenicol, cephalothin, azithromycin, trimethoprim /sulphamethoxazole.
4.35 % of dogs with skin problems and 4.35 % of cats with skin problems are MRS positive.
66.7% of MRS positive dogs have methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius. Using empirical
antimicrobials should be avoided, and veterinarians should consider MRS not only for the patient
but also for epidemiological implications. |
