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Vol. 6, Issue 10 (2017)

Nasal colonization of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among dogs and dog handlers in Andhra Pradesh, India

Author(s):
M Soma Sekhar, T Srinivasa Rao and N Mohammad Sharif
Abstract:
The study was conducted to assess the nasal carriage rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among apparently healthy dogs (40), their owners (40) and veterinary students (40) attending canine wards in Andhra Pradesh. A total of 45 S. aureus isolates were recovered, of which 18 were found positive for coagulase enzyme production. Resistance to both oxacillin and cefoxitin was found to be high in coagulase positive S. aureus (CoPS) isolates of dog owners (15%) followed by dogs (12.5%) and veterinary students (10%). Bluish green colonies were observed on MeReSa CHROM agar supplemented with cefoxitin. Both mecA and blaZ genes were detected in 4 (10%), 4 (10%) and 6 (15%) of CoPS isolates of dogs, dog owners and veterinary students, respectively. Correlation between phenotypic resistance to oxacillin, cefoxitin and presence of mecA gene was not observed. The results suggest that healthy dogs may act as reservoirs of MRSA. Such carriage poses an underlying risk of infection, which should be considered during handling of healthy dogs by pet owners and veterinary personnel.
Pages: 86-90  |  1402 Views  121 Downloads


The Pharma Innovation Journal
How to cite this article:
M Soma Sekhar, T Srinivasa Rao, N Mohammad Sharif. Nasal colonization of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among dogs and dog handlers in Andhra Pradesh, India. Pharma Innovation 2017;6(10):86-90.

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