The Complex Diseases of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in Canines: Where to Next?

Abstract

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a pathogenic bacterium of concern within the veterinary sector and is involved in numerous infections in canines, including topical infections such as canine pyoderma and otitis externa, as well as systemic infections within the urinary, respiratory and reproductive tract. The high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) within such infections is a growing concern. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the involvement of S. pseudintermedius in canine disease pathology to gain better insight into novel treatment avenues. Here, we review the literature focused on S. pseudintermedius infection in multiple anatomic locations in dogs and the role of MRSP in treatment outcomes at these niches. Multiple novel treatment avenues for MRSP have been pioneered in recent years and these are discussed with a specific focus on vaccines and phage therapy as potential therapeutic options. Whilst both undertakings are in their infancy, phage therapy is versatile and has shown high success in both animal and human medical use. It is clear that further research is required to combat the growing problems associated with MRSP in canines.

Ecology and Genetic Lineages of Nasal Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA Carriage in Healthy Persons with or without Animal-Related Occupational Risks of Colonization: A Review of Global Reports

“…Aside from the S. aureus nasal colonization in veterinarians, three studies reported the recovery of S. pseudintermedius from veterinarians of Denmark, Czech Republic, and Hong Kong, representing nasal colonization between 0.7–3.9%; interestingly, two of these studies recovered methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) isolates [ 138 , 139 ]. Dogs are frequently colonized and occasionally infected by this microorganism that could be transferred to in-contact humans, as is the case of veterinarians [ 209 ]. Several studies have isolated S. pseudintermedius from 46–92% of healthy dogs, with the highest prevalence at the perineum, followed by either the nasal or oral mucosa [ 210 , 211 ].…”

Determination of the frequency, species distribution and antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci isolated from dogs and their owners in Trinidad

“…In humans, the most clinically important species is S. aureus, which is responsible for various infections including soft tissue infections [9] and pneumonia [10]. In dogs, the most important species is S. pseudintermedius [11] which causes mainly otitis and skin infections [12,13].…”

“…In dogs, the most important species is S . pseudintermedius [ 11 ] which causes mainly otitis and skin infections [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Phage Therapy in Livestock and Companion Animals

“…Staphylococcus pseudointermedius causes several diseases in canines, such as urinary tract infections, otitis externa, pyodermal infections, respiratory infections, and reproductive tract infections. Given the high prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. pseudointermedius strains, phage therapy is presented as a potentially successful alternative to treat these infections in canines [ 85 ] also due to the promising data shown in humans [ 86 ]. Several phages have been isolated against S. pseudointermedius .…”

“…Several phages have been isolated against S. pseudointermedius . In addition, the potential use of staphylococcal endolysins against S. pseudointermedius to treat infections caused by this pathogen has also been proposed [ 85 ].…”