Background: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) are an emerging global problem with serious public health concern.Aims: This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Staphylococcus species isolated from healthy and clinical cats and dogs.Methods: Nasal swab samples were collected from animals and processed using selective and semi-selective mediums. Presumptive isolates were subjected to biochemical testing and analyzed using the Phoenix automated identification and susceptibility testing system. PCRs protocols were used to screen for mecA and pvl genes.Results: In total, 151 pets (103 cats and 48 dogs) were enrolled, of which 14 dogs (29%) and 24 cats (23%) were colonized with various Staphylococcus species mainly originated from healthy animals. A total of 38 staphylococci isolates were collected and distributed between 24 coagulase-negative and 14 coagulase-positive staphylococci. Only 13 staphylococci strains were identified as MRS, out of which only five isolates expressed that the mecA gene exclusively originated from healthy pets.Conclusion: This is the first study reporting the prevalence and colonization status of staphylococci species and MRS strains isolated from cats and dogs in Libya. The study reports important information of medical and clinical importance on antimicrobial and multidrug resistance of different staphylococci strains, particularly the coagulase negative species.

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<p>Recording and analysis of data are key elements to understand <br /> the epidemiology of various infectious and zoonotic diseases such as enteric pathogens and conditions. In this study, the clinical records of Alhelal Alazraq veterinary clinic in Tripoli were investigated for enteric diseases and illnesses in cats and dogs during the period of 2010–2015. The diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines within the Libyan veterinary system were also assessed and discussed based on the retrieved information and records. <br /> A total of 859 cases representing 528 (61%) from cats and 331 (39%) from dogs were retrieved and analysed using descriptive analysis. The cases were originated from five major areas from the center of Tripoli <br /> and the surrounding areas. Of these, 835/859 (97%) cases adopted antimicrobial based therapies and administered various antibiotic classes mainly and respectively using penicillin (652; 78%) and <br /> trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (229; 27%). The current study is the first retrospective investigation that analysed clinical and medical information from a major veterinary clinic in Libya. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines in the veterinary settings in Libya should be carefully reviewed and addressed. Retrospective studies and research programmes that monitor and investigate the occurrences of zoonotic and emerging pathogens particularly in relation to antimicrobial resistance are warranted in the Libyan health and medical systems</p>

Background/Aim: Veterinary medical personnel may carry important antibiotic-resistant organisms playing important role in their dissemination and emergence. The purpose of the study was to investigate nasal colonization and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus species isolated from veterinary personnel (VP). Methods: A total of 47 VP were sampled, whereby nasal samples were subjected to selective and typical laboratory protocols. Presumptive isolates were further confirmed and fully characterized by the Phoenix automated microbiological system then further tested by polymase chain reactions for mecA and panton-valentine leukocidin (pvl) genes. Results: A total of 34 (72%) VP were colonized with various species, mostly coagulase-negative staphylococci. A collection of 34 staphylococci isolates were collected of which 21% and 6% were, respectively, positive for mecA and pvl genes expressed exclusively by Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis. Conclusion: VP may carry various staphylococci species of public health importance expressing multidrug resistant and virulent traits. Preventative measures and continuous monitoring are required to control the spread of methicillin-resistant staphylococci in veterinary clinics.