Jessica Melman Bhatia, VMD
Case Study: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius (MRSP) & Gly4Chlor Shampoo
December 2015
Emily, a 13-year female spayed Terrier Mix, presented for a chronic skin infection unresponsive to a 3-week course of Cefpoxidime and Hydroxyzine. She had a history of recurrent skin infection secondary to underlying allergies. The patient was on a hypoallergenic diet and the owner declined a further work-up for possible atopic dermatitis.
According to the owner, the Terrier was pruritic 8/10. On examination, she had epidermal collarettes and pustules on her ventral abdomen, ventral thorax and bilateral inguinal region. Cytology was performed and revealed 3++ cocci and no yeast. A skin scrape was negative. Blood work revealed no significant abnormalities, with only a mild increase in Alkaline Phophatase (ALKP). Finally, a skin culture was performed. The patient was sent home on Doxycycline and with instructions to bathe 2-3 times a week with DermaZoo’s Gly4Chlor Shampoo, pending the skin culture results.
The skin culture results revealed abundant growth of methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), sensitive to Amikacin, Azithromycin, Chloramphenicol, Clindamycin, Doxycline, Mupirocin and Potentiated Sulfonamide. Doxycycline was prescribed for a total of 6 weeks along with the continuation of 2-3 times weekly Gly4Chlor Shampoo baths. Topical Mupirocin was also dispensed for use on the skin lesions twice daily for 3 weeks.
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the most common species of bacteria found on dogs. Usually, this bacteria resides on the skin but does not cause any problems. However, some dogs develop a skin infection (pyoderma) that can usually be cleared with one of the common antibiotics. A small percentage of dogs may develop skin infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP), which means that more common antibiotics will not clear the infection. This bacteria is most common in pets with recurrent skin infections due to underlying causes such as allergies or endocrine disease. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius causes infections in pets and only rarely causes infections in people.
At a 4-week re-check, the Terrier no longer had epidermal collarettes or pustules, and the owner was instructed to finish the 6-week course of Doxycycline. A weekly bath with Gly4Chlor and oral Zyrtec as needed is currently been used to keep her comfortable. The patient has been free of infection for several months now.
DermaZoo’s Gly4Chlor Shampoo
DermaZoo’s Gly4Chlor Shampoo is a potent antimicrobial shampoo that contains 1% glycolic acid, 4% chlorhexidine gluconate and ceramides. Gly4Chlor aids in the topical treatment of conditions responsive to a broad spectrum shampoo with the rejuvenating benefits of Glycolic Acid and and antimicrobial benefits of Chlorhexidine. Ceramides aid in restoring moisture to dry and damaged skin. This is a potent antimicrobial shampoo as 4% Chlorhexidine is bactericidal against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. (1)
- Bactericidal activity of antiseptics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in ponies. C E Haley, M Marling-Cason, J W Smith, J P Luby, and P A Mackowiak; J Clin Microbiol. Jun 1985; 21(6): 991-2.