Background and Aim:The genus Staphylococcus consists of a variety of opportunistic pathogens that causes a wide range of infections in humans and animals. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an important opportunistic pathogen that can cause infections of the skin and other tissues in animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) in pets and veterinary personnel. Methods:The samples were collected from companion animals (n=157), veterinary clinic environment (n=22), and veterinarians and veterinary healthcare personnel (n=98). Samples were immediately streaked onto manitol salt agar and sheep blood agar. These isolates were subjected to biochemical tests and then DNA was extracted and screened for mecA gene by PCR (n=277). All mecA+ isolates were subjected to molecular identification and finally the antibiotic susceptibility of MRSP were determined by disc-diffusion method. Results:Of 277 isolates tested, 82 isolates possessed the mecA gene; of which 20 were MRSP including 13 isolates from dogs (65%) and 7 from cats (35%). Antimicrobial susceptibility showed the highest resistance rate against tetracycline (90%), ceftriaxone (85%), erythromycin (80%), lincomycin (75%), and gentamicin (65%); all isolates were resistant to betalactams. Conclusion:Despite the fact that MRSP was not isolated from humans, the high carriage rate of this emerging pathogen in animals is of particular concern because infection due to MRSP is hard to treat and also can be transmitted to humans.

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