MRSA From Therapy Dogs to Beaches

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): It started a month or two ago as buzz in nursing homes where therapy dogs were initally thought to be passing this virulent bug from one patient to the next, and today it’s been found on beaches along the West coast of the US in both the sand, and the water.  This could get ugly, so follow suggested protocols of taking a shower after being on the beach, making sure all sand that is possible to remove, is. 

Staph was once a problem particular to hospitals and nursing homes, where the community-associated spread of bacteria would become a real but manageable problem. You can contract MSRA  just by touching an object that someone with it has touched, like the handle of a faucet or a door knob.  Probably why they intially thought therapy dogs could be  transporting germs from one patient to the next. Until recently, Staph infections could be controlled.  Now it’s MRSA, a superbug that is ever morphing, making this bacteria one that is very difficult to target.  MRSA often shows up as skin infections, and more seriously as pneumonia. 

The Journal of the American Veterinary Association (JAVMA) conducted an initial study in this regard, given that Veterinarians around the country had heard from clients that doctors were suggesting patients rid themselves of pets. I know, it’s just tiresome, isn’t it?  Anyway, Dr. Patty Khuly over at Dolittler has an excellent blog on the topic, and the findings, initial though they are, will surprise you.