AVA Conference Adelaide 2016

Resistance to antimicrobial agents and biocides in Staphylococcus species causes increased morbidity and mortality in animals and humans but their prevalence in the Australian veterinary setting is unknown. Australia is in a unique position globally due to differences in regulation of antimicrobial agents so analysis of the Australian context is important. Our studies have characterised staphylococcal infections in Australian companion animals, with a focus on resistant infections. Sample populations included clinical isolates submitted to 1) Australian veterinary diagnostic laboratories during 2013, 2) Veterinary Pathology Diagnostic Service, University of Sydney(USYD)(2010 onward); and 3) an historical freeze dried collection in USYD since 1956. Isolates characterised to date show low numbers of MRSA isolates, many of which were clones commonly identified in human health care associated MRSA infections. MRSP isolates were a more important cause of disease in dogs with many demonstrating multidrug resistance. Further work is examining biocide resistance (genetic and phenotypic) of isolates to inform infection control practices and resistance epidemiology.