Healing of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected canine pyoderma by formulated neem oil: A case study

Abstract

Canine pyoderma, a common bacterial skin infection in dogs, often requires prolonged antibiotic therapy. However, the growing incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses significant therapeutic challenges, necessitating alternative treatment approaches. The present study assesses the efficacy of neem oil (Azadirachta indica), a traditional herbal remedy known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, in managing a chronic case of MRSA-induced canine pyoderma. A middle-aged canine (Labrador, F, 9Y) having recurrent skin ulceration and unresponsive to conventional antibiotics was treated topically with a standardized neem oil preparation. Clinical evaluation over two weeks showed marked improvement in the skin condition, reflected by reduced inflammation, and pruritus by the end of second week. This case supports the potential of neem oil as a natural, cost-effective alternative or adjunct in treating resistant bacterial skin infections in veterinary dermatology. Further studies are warranted to validate its broader clinical application and elucidate its mechanism of action.