Comprehensive Genomic Investigation and Phenotypic Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis from Canine Infections in Brazil: A Prospective Multicenter Study"

• Grant number: 24/07096-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Marita Vedovelli Cardozo
• Grantee: Mareliza Possa de Menezes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common opportunistic commensal pathogen in dogs and represents the leading cause of nosocomial infections in humans. The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) strains poses a significant challenge, as standard veterinary antimicrobial treatments may be ineffective against infections caused by these strains. Despite its high prevalence in human in Brazil, particularly in nosocomial infection in intensive care units, the epidemiology of MRSE remains largely unexplored in veterinary. We propose a prospective multicenter study aimed at providing the first comprehensive characterization of MRSE strains isolated from clinical infections in dogs across different regions of Brazil. A total of 50 MRSE isolates confirmed by PCR will undergo whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using Illumina technology to determine sequence types (ST), SCCmec types, and to identify resistance genes and virulence factors. The phenotypic profile of susceptibility to non-¿-lactam antimicrobial classes will be determined using the disk diffusion method. Additionally, a geospatial analysis will be conducted using data obtained from different regions of Brazil. Genomic data will be integrated into a global collection of MRSE strains to establish epidemiological connections between Brazilian and international strains, as well comparative studies among human and canine MRSE in Brazil. Correlation analyses between clonal complex groups and SCCmec types and the presence of resistance and virulence genes will be performed. By carrying out this project, we aim to provide valuable epidemiological data on the prevalence and characteristics of MRSE strains in veterinary clinics and hospitals in Brazil. (AU)