Epidemiological surveillance of antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus spp. on dermatology sector of HOVET-FMVZ/USP and sensitivity to disinfectants.

• Grant number: 22/07898-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Natália Carrillo Gaeta
• Grantee: Lilian Xavier da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Contact between humans and animals through the tutor-pet relationship can be a risk factor for spreading resistant microorganisms. The risk analysis must consider the hospital environment as a source of resistant microorganisms since resistant strains have been reported in small animal veterinary hospitals, with a risk of animal-environment-human transmission. The dermatology sector of veterinary hospitals has already been described as a source of resistant Staphylococcus since these species are among the etiological agents most associated with dermatological infections. Therefore, this project aims to determine the frequency of Staphylococcus spp. Resistant to antibiotics, as well as the profile of susceptibility to disinfectants, of isolates obtained in the Dermatology sector of the Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo. Surface swab samples will be obtained from the HOVET-USP dermatology service: Patient examination tables, veterinarians' tables, Handle, Telephones, PC Keyboard, Sinks, Faucets, Switches, Cabinet handles and Equipment such as oxygen masks, stethoscopes, and thermometers. Surface samples will be seeded on salted mannitol agar to isolate Staphylococcus spp. The disk diffusion test will obtain the antibiotic sensitivity profile (CLSI, 2022). The microdilution in the broth will be used to study the sensitivity profile of the isolates against disinfectants used in hospitals (CLSI, 2022). PCR will detect the primary antibiotic resistance genes. Monitoring strains clinically relevant to human and animal health, such as strains resistant to methicillin and vancomycin, is essential for developing public policies to prevent this problem within the scope of One Health. In addition, the study of the sensitivity profile to hospital disinfectants will effectively contribute to the better functioning of the sector, with the correct disinfection of the environment, helping to reduce the spread of resistance genes.