Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus (pseud)intermedius (MRS(P)I in the dog and cat - imminent danger?

Staphylococci have been well known for causing purulent infections for more than 120 years. Almost simultaneously with the use of penicillin, problems with bacterial resistance started. Not only has MRSA, which is the most-feared germ in human medicine, become a problem also in veterinary medicine. In veterinary medicine, methicillin-resistant S. (pseud)intermedius were detected with increasing incidence which is a challenge for the practicing veterinarian due to multiple resistance to antibiotics. This study gives an overview about the current status of methicillin-resistant S. (pseud)intermedius in Germany based on findings of specific tests performed in 2008 showing the continuing increase of multiresistant strains. The resistance of 3623 S. (pseud)intermedius strains (dogs 3467, cats 156) was analyzed with PCR and microdilution. Furthermore differences in the frequency of MRS(P) I between both species or different sites of disease were examined. Another focus was the comparison of frequency of MRS(P)I in dogs and cats with regard to antibiotic pre-treatment. In dogs, 9,3 % (n = 322) and in cats 33,3 % (n = 52) MRS(P)I were found. Great differences between dogs and cats were seen concerning different localisations. Animals with mecA-positive S. (pseud)intermedius had more often received pretreatment with antibiotics than animals with mecA-negative S. (pseud)intermedius.