Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Multidrug-Resistant and Isolated from Superficial Pyoderma in Dogs and Cats.

: Pyoderma is a superficial bacterial infection that is considered the formation of pus-containing lesions on the skin occurring in animals. Staphylococci, including and , that cause pyoderma in pet animals is a global health concern. The objectives of this study were to investigate antibiotic-resistant staphylococci isolated from pyoderma in dogs and cats and to analyse whole genome sequences of multidrug-resistant (MDR) staphylococci. : A total of 56 pyoderma swabbing samples from 42 dogs and 14 cats located in Southern Thailand was collected to isolate staphylococci. Antibiotic susceptibility and antibiotic-resistant genes of staphylococcal isolates were investigated. Furthermore, the representative MDR isolates were investigated using whole genome sequence analysis. : 61 isolates were identified as staphylococci, which can be classified into 12 different species, mostly including 13 (13.26%), 13 (13.26%), 8 (8.16%), and (8.16%). Remarkably, the main pyoderma-causing species that were isolated in this study were (5.10%) and (3.06%). Most staphylococci were resistant to penicillin G (30%), and the gene was found to be the highest prevalence of the resistance genes. Both MDR- WU1-1 and MDR- WU48-1 carried capsule-related genes as main virulence factor genes. Interestingly, MDR- WU48-1 was resistant to seven antibiotic classes, which simultaneously carried , , , , , and . Genes related to antibiotic efflux were the highest proportion of the mechanism found in both representatives. Remarkably, SCCmec cassette genes were found in both isolates; however, the gene was found only in MDR- WU48-1. In addition, these were mostly carried by macrolide- and tetracycline-resistance genes. Mobile gene transfer and horizontal gene transfer events frequently contain genes involved in the antibiotic target alteration mechanism. : This study found that MDR staphylococci, especially and , are important in animals and owners in terms of One Health concern. The information on whole genome sequences of these MDR staphylococci, particularly antimicrobial resistance genes, mobile genetic elements, and horizontal gene transfer events, can help to understand gene transmission and be applied for antibiotic resistance surveillance in veterinary medicine.