Staphylococcus

General information

Staphylococci are gram-positive and extremely resistant bacteria. They normally reside on the skin and the mucous membranes, where they are part of the physiological germ flora.

Inflammations caused by staphylococci are usually locally limited. Only in cases of decreased resistance, septicaemia and pyaemia can occur. In ruminants, staphylococci are of major importance as causative agents of mastitis.

Nowadays, special attention should be paid to whether methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or, in the small animal practice, of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) are present. If there is a corresponding resistance pattern, we detect the mecA gene by means of PCR. In case of repeated wound healing problems in patients visiting the practice, which are caused by MRSA or MRSP, it should be considered testing the practice's personnel, too, whether they carry this type of germ on their nasal mucosa.

Detection can be done through culture examination of clinical samples, e. g. swabs of pustules, mucosal swabs and other body secretions and excretions.