Genomic and clinical case characterisation of Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolated from dogs and cats in the United States, including strains with high-level mupirocin tolerance.

Staphylococcus haemolyticus may be an under-recognised pathogen in companion animals, and its demonstrated potential for multidrug-resistance, meticillin-resistance, and high-level mupirocin tolerance may create a therapeutic challenge. Further studies should evaluate the prior antimicrobial use and immunocompromised status as risk factors for infection with S. haemolyticus.