# Insights into Molecular Profiles, Resistance Patterns, and Virulence Traits of Staphylococci from Companion Dogs in Angola

## TL;DR

This study found that pet dogs in Angola carry staphylococci bacteria with high resistance to antibiotics and strong virulence traits, posing a public health risk.

## Contribution

The study provides the first insights into antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles of staphylococci in dogs from Angola.

## Key findings

- 30% of staphylococci isolates from dogs in Angola were multidrug-resistant.
- 93% of isolates could produce biofilm, a trait linked to persistent infections.
- Resistant staphylococci in dogs are associated with a One Health risk due to their virulence and resistance traits.

## Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, particularly in middle-income countries like Angola, where there is limited information on this issue. Therefore, resistant bacteria monitoring is crucial. This study analyzed the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence profiles of staphylococci of dogs from Angola. Several staphylococci were identified, with Mammaliicoccus sciuri and Staphylococcus xylosus being the most common species. Most isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, and 30% were classified as multidrug-resistant, which were more frequent in females, sick dogs, and vaccinated animals. In addition, 93% of the isolates were able to produce biofilm, 46% could produce lecithinase and gelatinase, and 23% could produce hemolysins. The results indicate that in Angola pet dogs can be reservoirs of resistant staphylococci, posing a risk to public health.

Staphylococci are prevalent in dogs’ microbiota, with commensal strains being able to exhibit resistance and virulence traits, complicating secondary infection management. As antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, particularly in middle-income countries like Angola, surveillance of resistant bacteria is crucial. We analyzed the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence profiles of staphylococci from dogs in Angola. Isolates were identified using VITEK® 2 Compact (bioMérieux© SA, Marcy l’Etoile, France), and their genetic diversity was assessed via PCR fingerprinting. Isolates’ susceptibility to relevant antimicrobials was determined by disk diffusion, and their virulence profiles were evaluated using plaque assays. The relationship between antibiotic resistance and animal-related factors was also assessed by statistical analysis. Isolates were identified as Mammaliicoccus sciuri (former Staphylococcus sciuri, 38%), Staphylococcus xylosus (30%), Staphylococcus equorum (13%), Mammaliicoccus vitulinus (former Staphylococcus vitulinus, 7%), Mammaliicoccus lentus (former Staphylococcus lentus, 5%), Staphylococcus aureus (2%), and Staphylococcus spp. (5%). Of these, 86% were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobials tested, and 30% were classified as multidrug-resistant, being more common in females, dogs with clinical signs of disease, and vaccinated animals. Moreover, 93% of the isolates were able to produce biofilm, 46% could produce lecithinase and gelatinase, and 23% could produce hemolysins. Companion dogs from Angola can carry resistant staphylococci able to express several virulence factors, potentially representing a One Health risk.