Investigation on Antibiotic-Resistance Biofilm Formation and Virulence Factors in Multi Drug Resistant and Non Multi Drug Resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius

摘要

is a commensal bacterium frequently isolated from canine skin and recognized as a zoonotic agent especially for dog-owners. This study focused on (a) the antibiotic-resistance phenotypes; (b) the ability to produce biofilm (slime); and (c) the dissemination of virulence factors in strains. Seventy-three strains were screened for antibiotic-resistance against 22 different molecules by means of Kirby-Bauer assay. The ability to produce biofilm was investigated using the microtiter plate assay (MtP) and the amplification of and genes. Virulence factors such as cytotoxins ( ), enterotoxins ( ), and exfoliative toxins ( , , and ) were evaluated. The antibiotic-resistance profiles revealed 42/73 (57%) multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains and 31/73 (43%) not-MDR. All the MDR strains and 8/31 (27%) of not-MDR resulted in biofilm producers. Leukotoxin LukI was found in 70/73 (96%) of the isolates. Moreover, the enterotoxin gene was detected in 47/73 (64%) of the strains. All the isolates carried the gene, whereas and were found in 3/73 (4%) and 5/73 (7%), respectively. In conclusion, should be considered a potential zoonotic and human agent able to carry different virulence determinants and capable of producing biofilm which facilitates horizontal gene transfer.