Molecular Identification and Colonization of Some Species of Staphylococcus in Apparently Healthy Dogs Referred to Veterinary Hospital of Ahvaz

The purpose of this study was molecular identification and colonization of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintemedius in apparently healthy dogs referred to Veterinary teaching Hospital in Ahvaz. Nasal swabs from 143 dogs referred to Veterinary Hospital were cultured and identified using routine biochemical and molecular (duplex PCR) methods. Based on biochemical methods, 13 isolates (40/19%) were identified as Staphylococcus aureus but a definite diagnosis of the remaining isolates (54 isolates) was not possible. Thermonuclease gene (nuc), specified for Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus was amplified by PCR. 13 (40/19%) and 54(59/80%) of coagulasepositive staphylococci, were identified as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius respectively by PCR. 7(44/10%) dogs showed mixed infection with Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Considering high prevalence of coagulase-positive staphylococci, especially Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in dogs and potential transmission to humans, health care is necessary by the owners in the face of these animals.