Veterinary Research Forum
Vet Res Forum

Prevalence and anti-microbial resistance of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the environment and veterinary personnel in a Spanish veterinary teaching hospital

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ana-María Ríos 1
Silvia Penelo 2
María Rosario Barquero 3
Tania Ayllón 3, 4
Gustavo Ortiz-Díez 5

1 Veterinary Service, Puchol Veterinary Hospital, Madrid, Spain

2 Emergency, Hospitalization and ICU Service, Complutense Veterinary Clinical Hospital, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

3 Faculty of Health Sciences, Alfonso X el Sabio University, Madrid, Spain

4 Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, School of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

5 Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2024.2016107.4086
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) bacteria, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), pose a significant threat in veterinary medicine, given their potential for zoonotic transmission and their implications for companion animals and humans’ health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MRS and anti-microbial resistance patterns at a university clinical hospital in Madrid, Spain. Samples were collected from both the environment and hospital staff at Veterinary Clinical Hospital of Alfonso X el Sabio University. Anti-microbial susceptibility assays, molecular detection of mecA gene and genetic relationships among the identified bacterial strains were performed. The study revealed an MRS prevalence of 1.50% in environmental samples, with MRSP accounting for 0.75% of the cases. Genetically related MRSP strains were found in different hospital areas. Among hospital staff, there was a MRS prevalence of 14.03%, including S. pseudintermedius and S. epidermidis strains. Antibiogram tests revealed multi-drug resistance among MRSP strains. Additionally, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated, suggesting potential cross-species transmission. This study underscores the presence of MRS in a veterinary clinical hospital, highlighting the significance of infection control through the implementation of protective measures, stringent hygiene practices among personnel and in the environment and responsible use of antibiotics. Further research is necessary to assess MRS incidence in animal patients and explore geographical variations, enhancing our understanding of MRS in veterinary medicine and addressing its challenges.

Keywords

Anti-microbial resistance
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
Veterinary hospital
Zoonoses

Subjects

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Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 15, Issue 7
July 2024
Pages 325-334

  • Receive Date 30 November 2023
  • Revise Date 14 January 2024
  • Accept Date 04 March 2024

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