[Investigation of Skin Adherent Bacterial Flora in Dogs by MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA Gene Analysis].

Due to the increase in the number of companion animal breeders in Japan, there are more opportunities for companion animals to come into contact with humans than before. Therefore, we investigated the bacterial flora adhering to the skin of dogs and the bacterial flora was analyzed for the presence of zoonotic bacteria that infect humans from companion animals. With the cooperation of students enrolled in the Department of Medical Technology and Science, Faculty of Fukuoka Health Care, International University of Health and Welfare. 39 samples were collected from the abdomen, back and paws of 13 healthy dogs using sterile swabs by the scraping method. The isolation culture was carried out only for facultative anaerobic bacteria to obligate aerobic bacteria and Bacterial identification was determined by MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA gene analysis. Among the identified strains were Pasteurella canis, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus intermedius, which were difficult to detect in humans. The overall ratio of detected bacteria was 35% for coagulasenegative staphylococci, 14% for coagulase-positive staphylococci, 5% for Enterobacteriaceae, and 45% for natural environment. In the future, it is expected that extended-spectrum ß-lactamase producing bacteria and drug-resistant bacteria such as Carbapenem-resistant enterobacterales will also be transmitted to humans through contact with companion animals.

Subclinical mastitis in Lacaune sheep: Causative agents, impacts on milk production, milk quality , oxidative profiles and treatment efficacy of ceftiofur.

Mastitis is a major disease affecting dairy sheep. It is caused by microorganisms that generate inflammation of the mammary gland in response to tissue invasion. This syndrome affects the welfare of ewes, as well as the production and quality of the milk, thereby reducing its productive efficiency. Because mastitis causes inflammation process, it also increases the production of free radicals that cause lesions via lipoperoxidation, causing damage to proteins, cells and tissues. One way to minimize the impact of the disease is antimicrobial treatment. Nevertheless, the continuous use of antimicrobials contributes to microbial resistance, in addition to producing residues in the milk and derivatives if not given during the grace period. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the consequences of subclinical mastitis on ewe health, milk production, milk composition and quality. We also evaluated the susceptibility of the bacteria in vitro using disk diffusion antibiograms. Finally, we performed two-way testing of efficacy of treatment in Lacaune ewes using the same agents. In the first stage of the study, 30 lactating ewes (±90 days) were used, 10 of which were negative on the CMT (California Mastitis Test) used as control group (CG) and 20 sheep with subclinical mastitis diagnosed by CMT (MG). Samples were collected and several analyses were performed on the milk and blood. We found that ewes in the MG had higher lipid peroxidation in serum and milk, as well as lower production, with reduction of the total dry extract in milk. There were 15 isolates of Staphylococcus hyicus, four isolates of each S. epidermidis and S. intermedius, and two isolates of Corynebacterium spp. The primary hematological result was leukocytosis in ewes with mastitis. Based on the antibiogram, we chose ceftiofur for in vivo tests. In this stage, we divided the sheep with subclinical mastitis into two subgroups of 10 ewes each, to receive drug by two routes: intramuscular (IM) and intramammary (IMM). In the IMM group, of the 10 CMT-positive ewes at the beginning of the experiment, seven were already negative by the racket test 120 h after the last application (70% efficacy). In the IM group, of the 10 positive ewes, only four were negative after 120 h of the final application, a low efficacy treatment (40%). We evaluated antimicrobial residues in the milk of treated animals. We found this material within 5 days after treatment in the two forms used; despite the fact that the product's stated withholding period is 3 days. We conclude that ewes with mastitis produce less milk of lower quality. We also conclude that, although ceftiofur is 100% effective in vitro, when used in ewes with mastitis, the efficacy did not exceed 70%, and was more efficient when administered via the intramammary route.

Performance of Five Commercial Identification Platforms for Identification of Staphylococcus delphini.

The Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) is a collection of coagulase-positive staphylococci consisting of four distinct species, namely, Staphylococcus cornubiensis, Staphylococcus delphini, Staphylococcus intermedius, and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius SIG members are animal pathogens and rare causes of human infection. Accurate identification of S. pseudintermedius has important implications for interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing data and may be important for other members of the group. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the performance of five commercially available identification platforms with 21 S. delphini isolates obtained from a variety of animal and geographic sources. Here, we show that automated biochemical platforms were unable to identify S. delphini to the species level, a function of its omission from their databases, but could identify isolates to the SIG level with various degrees of success. However, all automated systems misidentified at least one isolate as Staphylococcus aureus One matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system was able to identify S. delphini to the species level, suggesting that MALDI-TOF MS is the best option for distinguishing members of the SIG. With the exception of S. pseudintermedius, it is unclear if other SIG members should be routinely identified to the species level; however, as our understanding of their role in animal and human diseases increases, it may be necessary and important to do so.

Reduced rates of antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus intermedius group and Escherichia coli isolated from diseased companion animals in an animal hospital after restriction of antimicrobial use.

The 2016 National Action Plan aims for reduction in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to tetracyclines, third-generation cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones in Escherichia coli isolates from livestock: to lower the tetracycline resistance of E. coli to 33% or less; to maintain the third-generation cephalosporin resistance of E. coli at the same level as in the other G7 countries as of 2020; and to maintain the fluoroquinolone resistance of E. coli at the same level as in the other G7 countries as of 2020. A relatively unexplored facet of reducing AMR is the impact of minimizing transmission of AMR strains by companion animals. In this study we compared AMR rates in Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) and E. coli isolated from diseased companion animals in an animal hospital before and after restriction of antimicrobial use. Our study spanned a 4.5-year period from 2014 to June 2018 during which antimicrobial use was restricted in 2016. During this period, abundance of methicillin-resistant SIG isolates from the hospital dropped from 41.5% to 9.3%, and that of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli isolates dropped from 29.5% to 9.5%. Tests for antimicrobial susceptibility revealed significantly reduced rates of AMR to enrofloxacin and levofloxacin in SIG isolates, and to cefazolin in E. coli isolates after antimicrobial use was restricted. Our observations suggest that restriction of antimicrobial use, especially that of third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, is an effective method for reducing AMR rates. These findings will be relevant in guiding antimicrobial restriction approaches in other animal hospitals and clinics.

Correct species identification (reclassification in CNCTC) of strains of Staphylococcus intermedius-group can improve an insight into their evolutionary history.

A group of 59 putative strains of Staphylococcus intermedius/Staphylococcus pseudintermedius deposited in the Czech National Collection of Type Cultures (CNCTC, National Institute for Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic) and the National Reference Laboratory for Staphylococci (NRL for Staphylococci, National Institute for Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic) was reclassified using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). There the biggest human collection of S. pseudintermedius in Europe was analysed; 44 samples (75%) were of human origin. Twenty-two percent (n = 13) of the strains were isolated from animals, and two staphylococci were of unknown origin. This study revealed the prevalence of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (94%, n = 53) vs. Staphylococcus intermedius (6%, n = 6) in the collection of human and veterinary staphylococci after reclassification. Results of PCR-RFLP analysis were verified by comparison with a repetitive element sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (Rep-PCR) analysis on 26 (44%) randomly selected strains. Due to a low-resolution ability of PCR-RFLP to separate Staphylococcus intermedius from Staphylococcus delphini, four isolates of Staphylococcus intermedius were biochemically verified further to exclude the presence of Staphylococcus delphini in the collection. Our results indicate that S. intermedius and S. pseudintermedius have occurred independently over an age-long period of their co-evolution.

Bacteria isolated from companion animals in Japan (2014-2016) by blood culture.

We aimed to identify microorganisms isolated by blood culture (BC) from companion animals and to determine antimicrobial resistance of these isolates during 2014-2016 at veterinary laboratory, in comparison with those during 2010-2013, in Japan. Clinical data (animal species, visiting animals/hospitalized animals, and others except for disease type and clinical course including history of antimicrobial agent use) on ill animals at veterinary clinics or hospitals were obtained. We retrospectively analyzed animal-origin BC results extracted from the database in 2014-2016 and those obtained in 2010-2013. BC-positive samples were from most of dogs (n = 174 in 2014-2016 and n = 86 in 2010-2013). Escherichia coli (n = 50, 25.1%) and Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) bacteria (n = 23, 11.6%) were most prevalent in 2014-2016, while the percentages of E. coli (n = 22, 25.3%) and SIG (n = 9, 10.3%) in 2010-2013 were similar to those in 2014-2016. Percentages of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli and methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) rate of SIG bacteria isolated in 2014-2016 were 28.0% and 69.6% (vs. 22.7% and 44.4% in 2010-2013), respectively. Fourteen ESBL-producing E. coli in 2014-2016 were isolated from 7 visiting animals and 7 hospitalized ones, whereas the sixteen MRS of SIG were from 7 visiting animals and 9 hospitalized ones. Our observations support the prevalent microorganisms isolated by BC and their antimicrobial resistance patterns for two study periods.

Treatment of a perforating thoracic bite wound in a dog with negative pressure wound therapy.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 4-year-old male Dachshund was examined following a bite attack that had occurred 5 days previously. The dog had acutely deteriorated despite IV antimicrobial treatment and fluid therapy. CLINICAL FINDINGS On initial examination, the patient was recumbent with signs of septic shock and a flail chest. Three penetrating wounds in the left thoracic wall with malodorous discharge were evident. The animal trauma triage score was 8 out of 18. Thoracic and abdominal radiography revealed displaced fractures of the left seventh, eighth, and ninth ribs and extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Additionally, a marked diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern, areas of alveolar pattern, and pneumothorax were present bilaterally. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Open surgical debridement with left lateral lung lobectomy and resection of portions of the left thoracic wall were performed. Extensive soft tissue loss precluded primary reconstruction. The defect was stabilized with a polypropylene mesh implant, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) at -100 mm Hg was initiated. Microbial culture and susceptibility testing of tissue samples indicated the presence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. The NPWT dressing was changed 2, 5, and 7 days after surgery. Treatment was well tolerated, and the mesh was completely covered with granulation tissue 10 days after surgery. On follow-up 5, 7, 12, and 19 months after surgery, the dog was clinically normal with no apparent complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that NPWT may be a valuable adjunct when treating small animal patients with severe thoracic trauma.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor as entry port for S. intermedius causing bacteremia and multiple liver abscesses. Case report and review of literature.

We report a case of a previously healthy 52-year-old man who presented with fever and liver lesions suspicious for metastatic disease, which proved subsequently to be abscesses. Further workup revealed a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the gastric corpus as entry port to Streptococcus intermedius-associated bacteremia and liver abscesses. After antibiotic treatment and surgical resection of the tumor, the patient recovered well. This unusual case indicates that gastrointestinal stromal tumors can remain undetected until they cause a life threatening infection. A review of recent literature pertaining to GIST and liver abscesses follows.

Biofilm-Associated Gene Expression in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on a Variety of Implant Materials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of biofilm-associated genes in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on multiple clinically relevant surfaces. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Two strains of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius isolated from clinical infections representing the most common international isolates. METHODS: A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for expression of genes related to biofilm initial adhesion, formation/maturation, antimicrobial resistance, and intracellular communication was developed and validated. S. pseudintermedius biofilms were grown on 8 clinically relevant surfaces (polymethylmethacrylate, stainless steel, titanium, latex, silicone, polydioxanone, polystyrene, and glass) and samples of logarithmic and stationary growth phases were collected. Gene expression in samples was measured by qPCR. RESULTS: Significant differences in gene expression were identified between surfaces and between bacterial strains for most gene/strain/surface combinations studied. Expression of genes responsible for production of extracellular matrix were increased in biofilms. Expression of genes responsible for initial adhesion and intracellular communication was markedly variable. Antimicrobial resistance gene expression was increased on multiple surfaces, including stainless steel and titanium. CONCLUSION: A method for evaluation of expression of multiple biofilm-associated genes in S. pseudintermedius was successfully developed and applied to the study of biofilms on multiple surfaces. Variations in expression of these genes have a bearing on understanding the development and treatment of implant-associated biofilm infections and will inform future clinical research.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolates of Human and Animal Origin.

MIC results for 115 Staphylococcus intermedius group isolates are presented. Of these, 33% were methicillin resistant, among which 51.4% were susceptible to doxycycline, 29.7% to clindamycin, and 21.6% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. All of the isolates were susceptible to ceftaroline, daptomycin, linezolid, nitrofurantoin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, rifampin, tigecycline, and vancomycin. Of all the isolates, 82.6%, 67.8%, and 23.5% were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and penicillin, respectively. No isolates harbored mupA or qacA/B genes, which suggested a lack of resistance to mupirocin or chlorhexidine.

Evaluation of an Immunochromatographic Assay for Rapid Detection of Penicillin-Binding Protein 2a in Human and Animal Staphylococcus intermedius Group, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, and Staphylococcus schleiferi Clinical Isolates.

The performance of a rapid penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) detection assay, the Alere PBP2a culture colony test, was evaluated for identification of PBP2a-mediated beta-lactam resistance in human and animal clinical isolates of Staphylococcus intermedius group, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, and Staphylococcus schleiferi. The assay was sensitive and specific, with all PBP2a-negative and PBP2a-positive strains testing negative and positive, respectively.

Nasal carriage of coagulase positive staphylococci in patients of a Primary-Healthcare-Center: genetic lineages and resistance and virulence genes / / Staphylococcus coagulasa positiva en muestras nasales de pacientes de un centro de atención primaria: líneas genéticas y contenido en genes de resistencia y de virulencia

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius are highly important due to their capacity for producing diseases in humans and animals, respectively. The aim of the study was to investigate and characterize the coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CoPS) carriage in a Primary Healthcare Center population. METHODS: Nasal swabs were obtained from 281 non-infectious patients. The CoPS isolates recovered were typed, and their resistance phenotype and genotype, as well as their virulence profiles, were analyzed. RESULTS: CoPS isolates were recovered from 56/281 patients (19.9%). Fifty-five were S. aureus (19.6%), 54 were methicillin susceptible (MSSA) and one was methicillin resistant (MRSA). The remaining isolate was S. pseudintermedius (0.4%). A high diversity of spa-types (n = 40) was detected, with 6 of them being new ones. The multi-locus-sequence-typing of 13 MSSA and one MRSA selected isolates was performed and the STs detected were: ST8, ST15, ST30, ST34, ST121, ST146, ST398, ST554, ST942, ST2499, and ST2500 (the last two STs being new). One MSSA isolate was typed as t1197-ST398-(Clonal complex)CC398. The MRSA isolate was typed as t002-ST146-CC5-SCCmec-IVc, and exhibited a multiresistance phenotype. The detected resistances were: penicillin (76%), macrolides (7%), tetracycline (7%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (7%), quinolones (7%), and lincosamides (5%). Five isolates contained lukF/lukS-PV genes, 17 tst gene, one eta gene, and two etb gene. The S. pseudintermedius isolate presented a new spa-type (t57) (belonging to a new ST180) and the geneslukS/F-I, siet, se-int, and expB. CONCLUSIONS: A high genetic diversity of S. aureus was detected. Mention must be made of the identification of MSSA CC398 and S. pseudintermedius isolates in two patients, one of them with animal contact. The detection of the genes lukF/lukS-PV and tst should be noted

INTRODUCCIÓN: Staphylococcus aureus y Staphylococcus pseudintermedius son 2 especies de gran importancia que pueden producir enfermedades tanto en personas como en animales. El objetivo del trabajo fue estudiar el estado de portador nasal de aislados de Staphylococcus coagulasa positiva (SCoP) en pacientes de un centro de atención primaria. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron muestras nasales de 281 pacientes sin patología infecciosa. Se tiparon los aislados SCoP y se estudiaron sus fenotipos y genotipos de resistencia y sus perfiles de virulencia. RESULTADOS: Se aislaron SCoP en 56/281 pacientes (19,9%): 55 de los aislados fueron S. aureus (19,6%), 54 sensibles a la meticilina (SASM) y uno resistente a la meticilina (SARM). El aislado restante correspondió a S. pseudintermedius (0,4%). Se detectó una alta diversidad de tipos de spa (n = 40), identificándose 6 nuevos tipos. Se realizó el multi-locus-sequence-typing de 13 cepas SASM y una cepa SARM seleccionadas y se detectaron los siguientes STs: ST8, ST15, ST30, ST34, ST121, ST146, ST398, ST554, ST942, ST2499 y ST2500 (los 2 últimos nuevos). Una de las cepas SASM se tipó como t1197-ST398-(Clonal Complex)CC398. La cepa SARM se tipó como t002-ST146-CC5-SCCmec-IVc y mostró un fenotipo de multirresistencia. Se detectó resistencia a: penicilina (76%), macrólidos (7%), tetraciclina (7%), trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol (7%), quinolonas (7%) y lincosamidas (5%). Se identificaron los genes (número de cepas): lukF/lukS-PV (5), tst (17), eta (1) y etb (2). La cepa de S. pseudintermedius presentó un spa nuevo (t057), una secuencia tipo nueva (ST180), y contenía los genes lukS/F-I, siet, se-int y expB. CONCLUSIONES: Se detectó una alta diversidad genética entre los aislados de SASM. Destaca la identificación de una cepa SASM CC398 (en un veterinario) y otra de S. pseudintermedius, y la frecuente detección de los genes lukF/lukS-PV, tst, eta o etb entre las cepas SASM

An evaluation of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the identification of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from canine infections.

It has been proposed, based on taxonomic and molecular studies, that all canine isolates belonging to Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) should be renamed Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. However, isolates of SIG and other coagulase-positive staphylococci share many phenotypic characteristics, which could lead to misidentification. The accuracy of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for identifying S. pseudintermedius isolates obtained from canine infections was evaluated, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based identification as the gold standard. In addition, MALDI-TOF MS was compared with conventional biochemical tests. A central problem was the incorrect identification of S. pseudintermedius isolates as S. intermedius by either MALDI-TOF MS or biochemical identification. From the 49 S. pseudintermedius isolates identified by the molecular method, only 21 could be assigned to this species by the biochemical approach and only 12 by MALDI-TOF MS. The 6 S. aureus isolates were correctly identified by all 3 techniques. However, using biochemical tests, 9 S. pseudintermedius were mistakenly classified as S. aureus, indicating a reduced specificity relative to the MALDI-TOF MS system. Analysis with the MALDI-TOF MS platform allowed rapid and accurate identification of the 49 isolates to the S. intermedius group but the approach was very limited in identifying S. pseudintermedius isolates, as only 12 of 49 isolates were correctly identified, a sensitivity of 0.24 (95% confidence interval: 0.13-0.39).

Increasing antimicrobial resistance in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus intermedius group bacteria and emergence of MRSP in the UK.

Frequencies of antimicrobial resistance were determined amongst 14,555 clinical Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) isolates from UK dogs and cats to estimate resistance trends and quantify the occurrence of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). Reports from two diagnostic laboratories (13,313 general submissions, 1242 referral centre only submissions) were analysed retrospectively (2003/2006-2012). MRSP were defined by phenotypic resistance to meticillin and concurrent broad ß-lactam resistance; a subset was confirmed genetically (SIG-specific nuc and mecA). Trends were analysed by Cochran-Armitage test. Resistance remained below 10 per cent for cefalexin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and the fluoroquinolones. Increasing resistance trends were seen in both laboratories for ampicillin/amoxicillin (both P<0.001), cefovecin (both P<0.046) and enrofloxacin (both P<0.02). Resistance to cefalexin increased over time in referral hospital isolates (P<0.001) to clindamycin (P=0.01) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (P=0.001) amongst general laboratory submissions. Overall, 106 MRSP were isolated (0.7 per cent of submissions) including 32 (2.6 per cent of submissions, all genetically confirmed) from the referral centre population (inter-laboratory difference P<0.001). Against a background of widely susceptible SIG isolates, a new trend of increasing resistance to important antimicrobials was identified overtime and the emergence of MRSP from UK clinical cases was confirmed. Attention to responsible use of antibacterial therapy in small animal practice is urgently needed.

Improved detection of Staphylococcus intermedius group in a routine diagnostic laboratory.

The Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) includes zoonotic pathogens traditionally associated with dog bites. We describe a simple scheme for improved detection of SIG using routine laboratory methods, report its effect on isolation rates, and use sequencing to confirm that, apart from one atypical SIG strain, most isolates are Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

[Distal ventriculoatrial shunt catheter implantation under fluoroscopy guidance throught the left internal jugular vein as a rescue technique - a case report]. / Wszczepienie drenu dystalnego zastawki komorowo-przedsionkowej poprzez lewa zyle szyjna wewnetrzna z wykorzystaniem fluoroskopii jako technika ratunkowa - opis przypadku.

Revision of the distal ventriculoatrial shunt catheter is a rare challenge for the neurosurgeon. Its dysfunction associated with inflammation also binds to systemic complications. The paper presents a case report of a patient with bacterial colonisation of distal ventriculoatrial shunt catheter caused by separation of the layers of a old surgical wound. Catheter was removed by revision of the right internal jugular vein. Out of necessity, the distal catheter has been implanted back into the right atrium through.the left internal jugular vein under fluoroscopy guidance. The paper consist of course of treatment, data from the literature and own description of the implantation way of the catheter through the veins on the left side of the neck.

Species differentiation within the Staphylococcus intermedius group using a refined MALDI-TOF MS database.

Among coagulase-positive staphylococci of animal origin, the members of the Staphylococcus intermedius-group (SIG: S. intermedius, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus delphini) are important opportunistic pathogens in different animal hosts and occasionally in humans. However, the unambiguous species diagnosis of SIG is often challenging. Therefore, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) -based SIG-identification with Bruker Microflex LT in combination with Biotyper 3.0 software (Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany) was evaluated using (i) the original database content and (ii) the database after extension with distinct hierarchical clustered reference spectra for 60 SIG. A convenience sample comprising 200 isolates was used to compare both database performances. As a result, 17 isolates initially diagnosed as S. intermedius with the current content of the Bruker database were identified as S. pseudintermedius by applying the in-house reference spectra extended version. Furthermore, a significant improvement (average rise of log score value: 0.24) of the SIG identification score values was achieved, emphasizing that further sequence-based refinement of the Bruker database content allows improvement of MALDI-TOF MS-based identification.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcal contamination of clothing worn by personnel in a veterinary teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) contamination rate of white coats (WC) and surgical scrubs (SS) worn by personnel at the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre (OVCHSC) and to identify risk factors associated with clothing contamination. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Personnel including clinical faculty, house officers, technicians, and veterinary students working at the OVCHSC. METHODS: Electrostatic cloths were used to sample WC and SS of hospital personnel. Samples were tested for MRSA and MRSP and isolates were typed. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and data was evaluated for risk factors. RESULTS: Of 114 specimens, MRS were isolated from 20 (17.5%), MRSA from 4 (3.5%), and MRSP from 16 (14.0%). Technicians were 9.5× (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 1.2-∞, P = .03) more likely than students to have clothing contaminated with MRSA. No risk factors were identified for MRSP or for overall MRS contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Standard hospital clothing was found to have a high prevalence of MRS contamination in a veterinary teaching hospital and could be a source of hospital-acquired infections.

A case of antibacterial-responsive mucocutaneous disease in a seven-year-old dwarf lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) resembling mucocutaneous pyoderma of dogs.

A seven-year-old, ovariohysterectomised female dwarf lop rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was referred with severe swelling and erythema of the mucocutaneous junctions of the lips, nares and vulva. Bilateral, severe periocular dermatitis was also present. Heavy pure growths of a member of the Staphylococcus intermedius group were cultured from nasal and aural swabs and skin biopsies. Other possible differential diagnoses were eliminated by standard tests. The clinical features and histopathological characteristics of the biopsies were most consistent with mucocutaneous pyoderma, a dermatosis previously reported in dogs but not in rabbits. Treatment of the bacterial infection with oral marbofloxacin and topical ofloxacin eye drops together with supportive therapy resulted in resolution of the lesions. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of mucocutaneous bacterial pyoderma, similar to mucocutaneous pyoderma of dogs, in a rabbit.