Staphylococcus aureus in cats: diagnosis, treatment

Description of the microorganism

Staphylococcus is a group of bacteria. Currently, several varieties of these microorganisms are distinguished:

• saprophytic;
• epidermal;
• golden.

The most common type of bacteria is golden. It causes severe inflammation with suppuration.

Translated from ancient Greek, the word “staphylos” means “bunch of grapes”. This is where the name of the microorganism comes from. Staphylococci under a microscope look like spherical clusters of golden color.

Such bacteria are opportunistic microbes. Staphylococcus can stay in a cat’s body for a long time and not cause any damage. At this moment, the bacterium is in an inactive state. But under the influence of unfavorable external and internal factors, staphylococcus becomes pathogenic. This leads to painful manifestations. Most often, the emergence of pathogenicity is facilitated by a decrease in immunity.

Home laboratory

, which is characterized by multiple small ulcers filled with cloudy liquid.

They are localized in the groin and armpits. With superficial pyoderma, dermatitis can go unnoticed for a long time; shallow pyodermia is accompanied by severe scabies, and the hair follicles are involved in the process.

You can often observe a change in the color of the dermis, alopecia. The provocateur of deep pyodermii in most cases is the demodex mite.

An extremely important clinical manifestation of staphylococcosis is damage to the mucous membranes of the genital organs, with purulent discharge, and otitis media, which can be practically asymptomatic for a long time.

With a latent course of otitis, there is slight anxiety on the part of the animal, occasional shaking of the head and scratching of the sore ear.

If the owner suspects something is wrong and probes the ear with his fingers, he will probably discern a squelching sound characteristic of accumulated exudate. With severe otitis media, the ears become inflamed, swollen, and painful to touch.

Causes of pathology

There are certain factors that can contribute to the activation of staphylococcus in cats. Under their influence, bacteria become pathogenic and lead to the development of disease. The following reasons can be identified that contribute to the increased activity of microorganisms:

1. Excess carbohydrates in the body. If a cat's diet is dominated by cereals, potatoes, and bread products, then such an animal is especially susceptible to infections.
2. Poor state of the immune system. When the body's defenses are weakened, opportunistic bacteria become pathogenic. Immunodeficiency conditions can be congenital or occur after severe illness. In this case, Staphylococcus aureus is especially dangerous in cats. With weak immunity, this bacterium can cause severe purulent inflammation.
3. Endocrine disorders. Hormonal imbalances are most often observed in older pets.
4. Vitamin deficiencies. Deficiency of vitamins A, E and group B leads to malfunctions of the immune system.
5. Poisoning. Exposure to toxins leads to a deterioration in the general condition of the body and decreased immunity.
6. Allergic rashes, dermatitis and eczema. Skin diseases increase the risk of damage to the epidermis by staphylococcal infection. External parasites (fleas, ticks) are especially dangerous in cats. Their bites are accompanied by severe itching. Scratch marks form on the skin through which bacteria penetrate.
7. Diabetes. This pathology leads to disruption of carbohydrate metabolism, as a result of which staphylococcus is activated.

How is Staphylococcus aureus transmitted from humans: infection of children and adults

Let's try to answer the question that interests many owners - is it possible to become infected with staphylococcus from a cat?

Unfortunately, it is indeed possible to become infected, since microorganisms easily penetrate the human body after contact with a sick cat.

Did you know? Staphylococcus can live in a person’s body all his life, but never manifest itself.

Since infection can be transmitted through a bowl or tray, it is very important to wash them thoroughly and also disinfect the room. In addition, you will have to vacuum daily to collect animal hair.

Do not allow your cat to walk around your bed, table, or in places where you spend a lot of time. Ideally, the cat can be isolated during treatment.

After reading our article, you learned what staphylococcus is in cats, how it manifests itself in an animal and methods of treating it.

Monitor your pet, examine it regularly and contact your veterinarian promptly if suspicious signs appear.

We are surrounded by many bacteria. Staphylococci are one of them.

These microbes can remain on the mucous membranes of the body or in the gastrointestinal system for a long time and not manifest themselves, waiting for favorable conditions.

Gradually reducing a person's immunity, the bacterium spreads throughout the body, causing many diseases. It is important to know how Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted in order to be able to prevent infection.

Development of infection

Staphylococci are characterized by immunity to high and very low temperatures, as well as to many drugs. They cannot be killed by repeated freezing or hydrogen peroxide, and they can also live in salt for a long time.

To the question whether staphylococcus is transmitted, there is a clear answer: it can be infected from a carrier of the bacterium. Moreover, this person will not necessarily be sick.

The existence of staphylococci in the body for a long time can occur asymptomatically.

And if there are no signs, then treatment cannot be started, since bacteria can adapt to antibiotics, and if the disease manifests itself, the fight against the microorganism will be difficult.

People with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to infection with staphylococci. The infection can be transmitted in the following ways:

1. Infection with staphylococci occurs as a result of violation of personal hygiene rules and in medical institutions. The likelihood of infection is increased among injection drug users.
2. How else do you get infected with Staphylococcus aureus? By airborne droplets when interacting with a carrier of a bacteria that may not manifest itself in him. Staphylococci can be located on dirty surfaces, in dust, and are often transmitted through interaction with contaminated objects, for example, bus handrails.
3. The bacterium can be transmitted to an infant through mother's milk, and intrauterine infection is also possible.

The process of transmission of staphylococcus most often occurs in hospitals during intravenous procedures using medical equipment, for example, during intravenous feeding, insertion of catheters, hemodialysis.

The bacteria can enter the body through food. The bacterium develops well in stale milk, canned food, kefir and cakes.

Staphylococcus is also transmitted sexually. During intimate contact with an infected person, the bacteria can penetrate the mucous membranes into the genitourinary system.

The bacterium freely enters the body through cuts, wounds, and burns.

Treatment and prevention

Having understood how Staphylococcus aureus is transmitted, it is now important to learn methods to prevent possible infection, including:

• compliance with personal hygiene measures;
• timely cleaning of the premises;
• strengthening the immune system by taking vitamins and regular exercise;
• If wounds occur, be sure to treat them with brilliant green or iodine, and also cover them with a bandage or plaster.

The fight against staphylococcal infection is complicated by the fact that the bacterium can develop resistance to the action of antimicrobial and other drugs. It is important to complete the full course of treatment so as not to provoke adaptation in the virus. If the course has not been completed, then antibiotics will be powerless in the future.

Methods to combat staphylococci include:

• taking antibiotics and antimicrobial agents;
• removal of purulent formations;
• autohemotherapy (intramuscular injection of blood taken from a vein to the patient);
• taking metabolism-normalizing nutritional supplements, minerals and vitamins.

Which breeds are most susceptible to infection?

A cat of any breed can become infected with staphylococcus and get sick. However, hairless animals (different types of sphinxes) are more susceptible to infection. They easily form wounds on the skin through which bacteria penetrate. In addition, such animals are often hypothermic, which helps to reduce the body's resistance.

Staphylococcus is often found in Persian cats. This is especially true for animals that their owners let out on their own. Persian cats are often aggressive and get into fights with their stray relatives. As a result, pets receive wounds through which bacteria enter the body. In addition, in animals with long hair, skin damage by staphylococcus is more severe.

The enemy under the microscope

A microorganism in the shape of a ball with lush golden-lemon clusters -
It is a member of the genus Micrococcacea, which is divided into three species: golden (aureus), epidermidis (epidermidis), saprophytic (saprophyticus).

To date, scientists have identified 10 more species from this genus, which are not yet included in the official classification.

The insidiousness of staphylococcus lies in its secrecy. It can exist peacefully in the body for a long time until something provokes its aggressive attack. This does not have to be a serious illness; it is enough for the pet to survive stress or a common cold. More often, animals are affected by Staphylococcus aureus, which requires painstaking and lengthy treatment.

The ability to produce coagulase, an enzyme that causes blood clotting, divides staphylococci into coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative.

Is it possible to get infected from a cat?

Can a person become infected with staph bacteria from a sick cat? This route of infection is quite possible. A person can get staphylococcus from an animal in the following ways:

• contact;
• nutritional;
• airborne.

Most often, infection occurs through a bite. Even a small wound from a cat’s teeth is enough for bacteria to penetrate. The infection can also be transmitted if a person does not wash their hands after playing with a pet or cleaning the litter box. Also, you should not lean close to the animal’s nose. You should keep your face as far as possible from the sick cat's face.

Children and the elderly are especially likely to become infected with bacteria. Therefore, every person should be aware of the symptoms and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus in cats. This will help to identify the disease in time and protect yourself from infection.

Complications

It is very important to promptly treat Staphylococcus aureus in cats. In advanced cases, bacterial disease can lead to sepsis. This complication is often called blood poisoning. In this case, bacteria constantly circulate in the plasma. Microorganism toxins accumulate in the blood, which have an extremely negative effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Blood poisoning often leads to septic shock and death of the animal.

Symptoms

The incubation period can vary: from several days to several weeks. At this time, the pet looks quite healthy and his health remains normal.

Then the general symptoms of staphylococcus in cats appear:

• temperature increase;
• apathy;
• thirst;
• weakness;
• refusal to eat.

Skin damage occurs - pyoderma. The animal suffers from severe itching. Small ulcers can be seen on the epidermis. These are the initial signs of staphylococcus in cats. Photos of the manifestations of the disease can be seen below.

If treatment is not carried out at the initial stage, pyoderma turns into weeping dermatitis. Areas of baldness appear, and liquid (exudate) with an unpleasant odor is released from the skin. Dermatitis is especially severe in overweight animals, in cats of long-haired breeds, as well as in pets infected with fleas and ticks.

Subsequently, the inflammatory process affects the hair follicles. Bubbles with purulent contents form on the skin. Due to severe itching, the cat becomes aggressive and irritable. The animal cannot eat or sleep normally.

If left untreated, pyoderma spreads to the deep areas of the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. Boils form. The areas of baldness are increasing. You may notice crusts in your nose.

Staphylococcus in cats can affect not only the skin, but also other organs:

1. Reproductive system. In females, inflammation of the vagina occurs, and then the infection enters the uterus. This leads to endometritis. The cat is bothered by pain in the lower abdomen and exudate is released from the genital tract. In cats, the foreskin becomes inflamed and pus comes out of the penis.
2. Organ of hearing. Staphylococcus causes otitis media - inflammation of the middle ear. In this case, the cat often scratches its ears and shakes its head. Then pain occurs. The animal does not tolerate even light touches to the ears. The shells appear swollen and inflamed.
3. Eyes. Very rarely, staphylococcus can affect the organ of vision. In this case, purulent conjunctivitis occurs in cats.

How does the disease manifest itself?

The insidiousness of staphylococcus is that it can masquerade as other diseases. At the same time, body temperature rises, appetite worsens, and the cat becomes apathetic.

However, in addition to the general signs, the following symptoms of staphylococcus in cats are distinguished:

• Dermatitis appears on the skin. Over time, they develop into pustules. At first, the appearance of spots on the skin may not cause any suspicion to the owner, since they are small erosions that itch. If you notice that your cat is suffering from itching, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent the development of pyoderma. Most often, the cat’s inguinal and sub-thoracic area suffers from erosion, and if it is ignored, ulcers will appear on the tail and face.
• The pet's baldness is progressing. At the same time, exudative fluid begins to be released from hairless areas, which has an unpleasant odor. Most often, this symptom is pronounced in old overweight cats. If baldness is ignored, pyoderma will begin to develop, which will progress under the skin over time. Tissues will begin to break down and boils will appear under the skin.
• Problems arise in the functioning of the sexual sphere. The appearance of purulent vaginitis and endometrium is noted. Cats develop posthitis, a purulent inflammation of the gap that separates the foreskin and the head of the penis. In this case, urination is very painful and difficult.
• Otitis or conjunctivitis appears. If these diseases are ignored, they progress to the serous and purulent stage. If staphylococcus affects a kitten, it will most likely die.

Diagnostics

If staphylococcus is suspected, the veterinarian will prescribe a series of tests. The symptoms of this infection resemble those of many other diseases. Therefore, for differential diagnosis it is necessary to conduct the following studies:

• blood test for bacterial culture;
• microscopy of scrapings from the affected area of ​​skin;
• smears of discharge from the genital tract.

A general blood test for staphylococcal infection is not informative, since pronounced changes are noted only at the stage of sepsis.

Different Approaches to Healing

They approach the fight comprehensively. The owner should aim for long-term treatment; it will not be possible to defeat the disease in 2-3 days. Various types of therapy are used in veterinary practice:

• antimicrobial;
• symptomatic;
• pathogenetic;
• specific immunotherapy;
• nonspecific immunotherapy;
• antibiotics;
• bacteriophage

Specific immunotherapy can be active or passive. Passive is appropriate to use in the early stages of the disease and for minor lesions. When the disease becomes severe, active immunotherapy is used, which is based on the drug ASP, produced specifically for animals. Nonspecific immunotherapy involves stimulating the cellular component of immunity.

Traditionally, when treating staph, veterinarians prescribe antibiotics. Before this, the sensitivity of staphylococcus to the drug must be determined. Enroxil, Baytril, Cyflox are effective in the fight against staphylococcosis.

Bacteriophage is a lifesaver in the fight against staphylococcus. This is a molecular nanomechanism that nature created. It is imperceptibly introduced into the bacterium; the process can be compared to an injection.

The bacteriophage penetrates the shell and fills the bacterium with its genetic material, after which it begins to actively multiply inside. As soon as the bacterium is completely damaged, its gradual restructuring begins to meet the needs of the bacteriophage. Finally, the young phage cells completely break down the bacterial membrane.

Fermented preparations, such as lysozyme, are used to wash ulcers, erosions, the vagina, and the prepuce cavity. Drying and cauterizing drugs are used, which reduce the amount of contagion.

Treatment methods

How to treat staphylococcus in cats? This infection requires long-term complex therapy. It is impossible to get rid of bacterial infection in a few days.

A polyvalent antistaphylococcal toxoid (ASP drug) is prescribed. This medicine affects the cause of the disease. It can destroy bacteria. Anatoxin is administered intramuscularly.

Therapy is supplemented with the use of antibiotics:

• "Gentamicin."
• "Amikatsina".
• "Ciflox."
• "Baytrila."
• Azithromycin.

Local treatment of staphylococcus in cats is also necessary. For this purpose, antibacterial external agents are used:

• Streptocide ointment.
• Sulfacyl ointment.
• "Mafenid".

These medications are capable of destroying staphylococcus and also have a wound-healing effect.

"Antistaphylococcal bacteriophage" is an effective local remedy. The solution is applied to the lesions in the form of lotions or tampons. The drug is particles of special viruses that kill strains of staphylococci.

Small kittens with severe diarrhea and dehydration are given drips with saline solutions. The same therapy is also indicated for adult cats with severe intoxication.

Staphylococcus in kittens

Staphylococcus in kittens, just like in adult cats, can develop secondary to the underlying disease. If a mother cat is a carrier of certain staphylococci, then in the process of caring for the kittens she will pass them on to them. If kittens are healthy, staph infection will not pose a danger to them. Birth injuries, viral infections, artificial, unbalanced feeding, parasitic infestations - all this will be the reason for the development of staphylococcal infection in kittens.

Prevention

Staphylococcus in cats is easier to prevent than to cure. After all, such a bacterial infection requires long-term therapy. It is necessary to protect your pet from infection. To do this, it is necessary to exclude contact of the pet with stray cats and dogs. You need to carefully ensure that your cat's diet is complete. Vitamin deficiency and excess carbohydrates in food can cause a decrease in immunity and activation of bacteria.

It is necessary to carefully treat chronic diseases of cats. Particular attention should be paid to antiparasitic treatment of animal fur. The presence of ticks and fleas can trigger the activation of staphylococcus and lead to more severe skin lesions. Therefore, you need to get rid of cat parasites in a timely manner.

Preventive actions

In order to protect your pet from infection with staphylococcus, we recommend using the following tips:

• warn the cat from damaging the skin;
• after walking the animal, you need to thoroughly wash the fur and wash it;
• limit your cat’s contact with stray animals, do not let them go for walks in places where staphylococcus may be present;
• Avoid the appearance of ticks and fleas on your cat - use special preparations.

By taking preventive measures, you significantly reduce the risk of contracting a dangerous disease to your pet.