Diagnostic spectrum
Pathogen detection of staphylococci is done by culture (service ID 150 Bacteriology (aerobes)).
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 microbial 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. 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 staff of the practice, too, whether they carry this type of pathogen 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.