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What is MRSA? (Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus)
S. aureus
is a common bacterium that can be found on the skin or in nasal
passages of 30 % of healthy people. When the bacteria are present but
not causing disease the person or animal is said to be colonized.
If disease is present then the person is infected. S.
aureus is a major human pathogen causing skin and tissue infections,
pneumonia, septicemia, and device-associated infections. The emergence
of strains resistant to antibacterial agents (MRSA) has become a major
concern. Not only are they difficult to treat but they produce toxins
that are responsible for severe disease. Up to 1% of healthy people
are colonized with this strain of the bacteria. This bacterium may be
acquired in the community or in a health care setting. Historically
hospital acquired infection were much more common than community
acquired infections. During the last few years there has been an
increase in community acquired infections.
What are the main ways that MRSA is transmitted in the community?
The main mode of transmission of MRSA is via hands which may become
contaminated by contact with:
-
Colonized
or infected individuals
-
Devices,
items, or environmental surfaces contaminated with body fluids
containing MRSA.
Other factors contributing to transmission include skin-to-skin
contact, crowded conditions, and poor hygiene.
How are Cats involved?
When a cat is
exposed to MRSA they can be colonized and serve as a reservoir for the
organism or potentially develop an infection. Close contact between
colonized or infected people and pets may result in transmission of
organisms. Although the pets may be colonized, the primary source is
likely human.
Risk factors
for cat:
- Living with immune compromised
people
- Living with health care workers
- Living with veterinary
personnel
- Visiting hospitals and long
term care facilities
How is colonization of MRSA diagnosed in a cat?
If a person has
recurrent MRSA infection they may bring their cat to the clinic and
nasal swabs are collected and submitted for culture.
What is done if the cat is colonized with MRSA?
Cats are
usually transient carriers and generally will clear with no treatment
in two to three weeks. Isolating the cat from the person during this
time is likely to prevent infection.
How is infection with MRSA diagnosed in a cat?
Culture swabs
are collected from the site of the infection, most often a skin
lesion.
What is done if an infection is diagnosed in a cat?
Hand washing
and wound care is essential. An appropriate antibiotic will be
selected based on culture. Unfortunately sometimes the antibiotics
used to treat these infections are expensive, require frequent
administration and in many cases not well tolerated by cats.
What can be done to prevent infection?
- Keep hands clean with soap and
water or with hand sanitizer
- Keep skin wounds covered with a
bandage until healed
- Avoid contact with wounds
- Avoid sharing personal items
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