Detection of the mecA gene in Staphylococcus sp. isolated from dog skin with atopic dermatitis and recurrent pyoderma

Abstract

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a multifactorial, allergic and inflammatory skin disorder with a genetic predisposition manifested by clinical signs, and it is generally associated with the production of specific IgE antibodies, mainly against environmental allergens. The objective of this study was to report the occurrence of mecA gene in an isolate of Staphylococcus sp. from a dog with canine atopic dermatitis and recurrent pyoderma. Clinical specimen was collected for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility analysis. The isolate of Staphylococcus was then submitted to PCR for the detection of the mecA gene. The isolation of Staphylococcus sp. from this patient’s skin is worrisome, since the presence of such multi-resistant bacterium in such circumstance is a potentially grave risk for public health.