MRSA Infection - Are Pets at Risk?
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections in Pets
Apr 13, 2009
MRSA, or methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, infection is a bacterial infection which is increasingly becoming a concern because of the resistance these Staph aureus infections frequently exhibit to commonly used antibiotics.
How is MRSA, or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Spread?
MRSA, methicillin resistant Staph aureus, infection is spread through contact with infected individuals.
- Both people and pets may be carriers of MRSA (methicillin resistant Staph aureus) without showing any outward signs of disease. This is a state known as colonization.
- In a hospital setting, MRSA (or methicillin resistant Staph aureus) is most commonly spread on the hands and clothing of health-care workers.
- Direct contact with individuals who are colonized or infected with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can also be responsible for the spread.
- Pets can carry Staph aureus in their nose or around the anal region.
- It is thought that most pets are probably infected or colonized as a result of contact with affected people. However, once infected or colonized, pets can pass MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) to other pets or to people.
What are the Symptoms of MRSA or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus?
In people, MRSA or methicillin resistant Staph aureus can cause:
- skin infections
- soft tissue infections
- pneumonia
- joint and/or bone infections
- infections of the heart valve
- septicemia
Severe MRSA skin infections are sometimes called "flesh-eating disease". In rare cases, MRSA (methicillin resistant Staph aureus) infections can be fatal.
In pets, MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infections are more likely to cause skin and wound infections, although the Staph aureus organisms have been found in the urinary tract, ears, eyes and joints as well.
Dealing with Pets Infected with MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
If your pet is suffering from a MRSA, or methicillin resistant Staph aureus, infection:
- avoid contact with the infected area unless cleaning or changing bandages for your pet.
- wear gloves when cleaning or changing bandages.
- wash your hands thoroughly after any contact with your pet. This is especially important after cleaning the wound or changing the bandages.
- follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully in dealing with these MRSA infections and always finish any antibiotics prescribed for your pet.
Dealing with Pets Colonized with MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
If your pet is colonized with MRSA (methicillin resistant Staph aureus), it is not necessary to get rid of your pet.
- House MRSA-positive cats indoors only. MRSA-positive dogs should be walked on a leash only in low traffic areas where the risk of encountering other pets or people is low.
- Do not allow your pet to lick your face or skin.
- Do not allow your pet to sleep in your bed or on your pillows.
- Avoid handling your pet's nose or anal area.
- Pick up and dispose of feces promptly. Scoop litter boxes daily.
- Clean or replace animal bedding and toys regularly.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after handling your pet.
Most colonized pets are able to rid themselves of the Staph aureus organism through their bodies' normal response mechanisms.
MRSA and People with Compromised Immune Systems
Individuals with compromised immune systems are likely to be those infected with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients and those individuals which have undergone organ transplants. These people are more susceptible to infection because of the state of their immune system.
People with compromised immune systems should avoid contact with pets colonized by or infected with MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) organism. Though it is not necessary for these individuals to give up their pets altogether, it may be necessary to temporarily remove the pet from the household until the MRSA infection or colonization has been cleared from the pet.
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