Study finds substantial MRSP burden in pyodermic dogs in Asia

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A new systematic review and meta-analysis published May 1 in Veterinary Research Communications found that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is now a major part of the canine pyoderma picture in Asia, with a pooled prevalence of 30.7%, compared with 27.9% for methicillin-susceptible strains (MSSP). The review included 15 studies published from 2015 to 2024, with 14 used in prevalence analyses, and focused on dogs with pyoderma across multiple Asian countries. On resistance patterns, the authors reported that MSSP showed its lowest pooled resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, oxacillin, and trimethoprim-sulfonamide combinations, while MRSP showed notably higher resistance to clindamycin and other commonly used drugs. (link.springer.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the paper reinforces how risky empiric systemic antibiotic choices can be in canine pyoderma, especially in regions with meaningful MRSP burden. Recent ISCAID canine pyoderma guidelines recommend cytology before antimicrobials are used, topical therapy alone as the treatment of choice for surface and superficial pyoderma, and bacterial culture and susceptibility testing whenever systemic therapy is planned or resistance risk is elevated. The same guidelines also stress that pyoderma is secondary to an underlying cause, meaning recurrence control depends on finding and managing the trigger, not just clearing the infection. (amrvetcollective.com)

What to watch: Expect this paper to be cited in antimicrobial stewardship discussions, especially around earlier culture, less empiric systemic prescribing, and more emphasis on topical management in recurrent canine pyoderma cases. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)