Skin Infections Linked to Cat Bite, Scratches

Frankly, I had never heard of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) until a friend emailed a related article today. According to MedPage Today, researches have found a link between cats and dogs to this infection, and staphylococcal infections in humans, which makes it another in the list of zoonotic diseases. Other diseases which can pass between cats and humans, include toxoplasmosis, which is feared, particularly during pregnancy, but greatly misunderstood.

The most surprising discovery for me is that the majority of cats with MRSA originally got it from humans, which sets it apart from many other zoonoses. The MedPage Today article says,

"In 2006, researchers isolated MRSA from the skin lesions of a three-year-old domestic shorthaired cat with flea allergy and pyoderma and -- for the first time in a household pet -- confirmed the pathogen as a USA300 clone. In 2006, researchers isolated MRSA from the skin lesions of a three-year-old domestic shorthaired cat with flea allergy and pyoderma and -- for the first time in a household pet -- confirmed the pathogen as a USA300 clone.

The USA300 clone is a major source of skin soft-tissue infection in community-acquired MRSA in the U.S. -- and the owner of the cat had indeed experienced repeated soft-tissue staphylococcal infections."

Dr. Janet Crosby, Veterinary Medicine Guide for About.com, has written a more detailed account of MRSA. She says in part,

"There are many zoonotic diseases and parasites that pet owners need to be aware of. For me, this news is a good caution and reminder to always use proper sanitation and hygiene with pets to prevent a variety of potential diseases."
"Hopefully this news about MRSA and pets won't send people into unnecessary panic about their pets."

Dogs in your home too? Jenna Stregowski, RVT and Guide to Dogs has also written a great article on Your Dog and MRSA. Check it out!

I fully agree that the last thing we need at this time is a wholesale panic. However, armed with this information it is important that any skin lesions found on cats should immediately be checked out by a veterinarian, and cat bites or scratches should be treated by a physician.