Characteristics of hospital-associated infections in horses caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-related illnesses have become more common in recent years, posing a significant problem for medical treatment. As typical commensals of the natural flora in equines, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) possess the ability to induce infections under specific circumstances, especially after surgical interventions. These opportunistic bacterial infections are prevalent within healthcare settings; the growth of multidrug-resistant organisms (MRE) and nosocomial infections is primarily attributed to the misuse of antibiotics and inadequate compliance to preventive hygiene protocols. The therapy for these infections has become increasingly challenging. While most S. aureus strains do not pose an immediate threat to the host after colonization, some of them have increased pathogenic potential and are resistant to a variety of antimicrobial agents.