The global increase in bacterial resistance has pushed for changes in the management of pyoderma in order to combat the development of superbugs and their impact on animal and human health.
Superbugs: what they are.
These are antibiotic-resistant bacteria that acquire resistance mechanisms through genetic mutations or gene transfer between different species. There are also multidrug-resistant bacteria, which are resistant to two or more classes of antimicrobials.
Pyoderma and resistant bacteria
Canine and feline pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection, usually caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermediusa bacterium that resides in normal skin, but can proliferate and cause infection when there is an imbalance in the skin microbiome.
In recent decades, the global spread of S. pseudintermedius methicillin-resistant bacteria (MRSP) have been causing treatment limitations, as they are also resistant to the antibiotics most commonly used to treat pyoderma (e.g. cephalosporins).
3 main pillars in the fight against bacterial resistance
- Prevent recurrent pyoderma
Canine and feline pyoderma is often secondary to a underlying diseaseSuch as allergic diseases. Treatment of the primary condition is essential to prevent recurrent pyoderma and avoid excessive use of antibiotics.
- Reduce the use of antimicrobials
Single or adjuvant topical treatment systemic antibiotic therapy, with antiseptic products such as shampoo and chlorhexidine spray, helps to reduce the use of antibiotics and recovery time.
When choosing systemic antibioticsexams cytology, culture and antibiogramThis helps to identify the bacterium and the antibiotic to which it is sensitive.
- Optimizing treatment
Find out how you can help optimize treatment for pyoderma and reduce the risk of bacterial resistance:
- Follow the instructions, timetable and dosage prescribed by your veterinarian correctly.
- Do not stop treatment prematurely, even if the animal shows improvement.
- Don't share the antibiotic with other animals or reuse leftover medication.
- Tell your vet if the treatment is not effective, as resistant bacteria or another disease may be involved.
- Follow the Dermatological support in the daily routine, to keep the pet's skin moisturized and strengthened, contributing to faster recovery and preventing recurrences.
Is pyoderma a contagious disease?
Although it is not considered contagious, there can be a transfer of S. pseudintermedius to other animals, at home or in the clinical environment. For this reason, hand and environmental hygiene is recommended to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.
Does pyoderma pass to people?
Dogs and cats are preferentially colonized by Staphylococcus pseudintermediuswhile S. aureus is the predominant species in humans.
Despite the low risk of infection of healthy people by S. pseudintermediusThere is a potential impact on human health if genes related to antibiotic resistance are transferred between bacteria.
According to WHO (World Health Organization)The misuse of antimicrobials is one of the main factors in the development of bacterial resistance, which is considered a global threat to health and requires urgent action.
Literature consulted:
Hillier A, Lloyd DH, Weese JS, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and antimicrobial therapy of canine superficial bacterial folliculitis (Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases). Vet Dermatol 2014.
Morris DO, Loeffler A, Davis MF, et al. Recommendations for approaches to meticillin-resistant staphylococcal infections of small animals: diagnosis, therapeutic considerations and preventative measures: Clinical Consensus Guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology. Vet Dermatol 2017.
