Research

18 pages, 4050 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landscape, Socioeconomic, and Meteorological Risk Factors for Canine Leptospirosis in Urban Sydney (2017–2023): A Spatial and Temporal Study

by Xiao Lu, Christine Griebsch, Jacqueline M. Norris and Michael P. Ward

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(12), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10120697 - 09 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonotic disease caused by infection with pathogenic Leptospira spp. We described reported clinical cases of canine leptospirosis in the council areas of the Inner West and the City of Sydney, Australia, from December 2017 to January 2023 and [...] Read more.

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal zoonotic disease caused by infection with pathogenic Leptospira spp. We described reported clinical cases of canine leptospirosis in the council areas of the Inner West and the City of Sydney, Australia, from December 2017 to January 2023 and tested the association with urban spatial (landscape and socioeconomic factors, community seroprevalence, and urban heat island effect) and temporal (precipitation and minimum and maximum temperature) factors and the cases using log-transformed Poisson models, spatially stratified population-adjusted conditional logistic models, General Additive Models (GAMs), and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models. The results suggested that canine leptospirosis is now endemic in the study area. A longer distance to the nearest veterinary hospital (RR 0.118, 95% CI −4.205–−0.065, p < 0.05) and a mildly compromised Index of Economic Resources (IER) (RR 0.202, 95% CI −3.124–−0.079, p < 0.05) were significant protective factors against leptospirosis. In areas proximal to the clinical cases and seropositive samples, the presence of tree cover was a strong risk factor for higher odds of canine leptospirosis (OR 5.80, 95% CI 1.12–30.11, p < 0.05). As the first study exploring risk factors associated with canine leptospirosis in urban Sydney, our findings indicate a potential transmission from urban green spaces and the possibility of higher exposure to Leptospira—or increased case detection and reporting—in areas adjacent to veterinary hospitals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

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12 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, Satureja montana and Their Mixture against Clinical Isolates Responsible for Canine Otitis Externa

by Valentina Virginia Ebani, Ylenia Pieracci, Giulia Cagnoli, Fabrizio Bertelloni, Chiara Munafò, Simona Nardoni, Luisa Pistelli and Francesca Mancianti

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010030 - 01 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2016

Abstract

Otitis externa is a frequent inflammation among dogs, mainly caused by bacteria and yeasts that are often resistant to conventional drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of commercial essential oils (EOs) from [...] Read more.

Otitis externa is a frequent inflammation among dogs, mainly caused by bacteria and yeasts that are often resistant to conventional drugs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of commercial essential oils (EOs) from Origanum vulgare, Satureja montana, and Thymus vulgaris, as well as a mixture of these three components, against 47 clinical bacterial strains (Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens) and 5 Malassezia pachydermatis strains, previously cultured from the ears of dogs affected by otitis externa. The tested Gram-positive bacteria were sensible to the analysed EOs with MICs ranging from 1.25% (v/v) to <0.0195% (v/v); Gram-negative isolates, mainly P. aeruginosa, were less sensitive with MICs from >10% (v/v) to 0.039% (v/v). M. pachydermatis isolates were sensitive to all EOs with MICs from 4.25% (v/v) to 2% (v/v). However, the mixture was active against all bacterial (except one P. aeruginosa strain) and fungal tested isolates. The three EOs and their mixture seem to be an interesting alternative for treating canine otitis externa when conventional antimicrobials are not active. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

15 pages, 3394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recombinant Ehrlichia canis GP19 Protein as a Promising Vaccine Prototype Providing a Protective Immune Response in a Mouse Model

by Boondarika Nambooppha, Amarin Rittipornlertrak, Anucha Muenthaisong, Pongpisid Koonyosying, Paweena Chomjit, Kanokwan Sangkakam, Sahatchai Tangtrongsup, Saruda Tiwananthagorn and Nattawooti Sthitmatee

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(8), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9080386 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2783

Abstract

The intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis is the causative pathogen of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) in dogs. Despite its veterinary and medical importance, there is currently no available vaccine against this pathogen. In this study, the recombinant GP19 (rGP19) was produced and used as [...] Read more.

The intracellular bacterium Ehrlichia canis is the causative pathogen of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) in dogs. Despite its veterinary and medical importance, there is currently no available vaccine against this pathogen. In this study, the recombinant GP19 (rGP19) was produced and used as a recombinant vaccine prototype in a mouse model against experimental E. canis infection. The efficacy of the rGP19 vaccine prototype in the part of stimulating B and T cell responses and conferring protection in mice later challenged with E. canis pathogen were evaluated. The rGP19-specific antibody response was evaluated by ELISA after E. canis challenge exposure (on days 0, 7, and 14 post-challenge), and demonstrated significantly higher mean antibody levels in rGP19-immunized mice compared with adjuvant-immunized and naive mice. Significantly lower ehrlichial loads in blood, liver, and spleen DNA samples were detected in the immunized mice with rGP19 by qPCR. The up-regulation of IFNG and IL1 mRNA expression were observed in mice immunized with rGP19. In addition, this study detected IFN-γ-producing memory CD4+ T cells in the rGP19-immunized mice and later infected with E. canis on day 14 post-infection period using flow cytometry. The present study provided a piece of evidence that rGP19 may eliminate E. canis by manipulating Th1 and B cell roles and demonstrated a promising strategy in vaccine development against E. canis infection in the definitive host for further study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

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13 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urinary Cytology: Potential Role in Canine Urinary Tract Infections

by Ilaria Lippi, Verena Habermaass, Eleonora Gori, Valentina Virginia Ebani, Alessio Pierini and Veronica Marchetti

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(6), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9060304 - 20 Jun 2022

Viewed by 6815

Abstract

The diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) requires a concomitant evaluation of clinical signs and urine culture, which is of fundamental to start an appropriate antibiotic treatment. Several factors, such as subclinical bacteriuria or pre-analytical errors, may make the interpretation of urine culture [...] Read more.

The diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) requires a concomitant evaluation of clinical signs and urine culture, which is of fundamental to start an appropriate antibiotic treatment. Several factors, such as subclinical bacteriuria or pre-analytical errors, may make the interpretation of urine culture difficult. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the finding of neutrophils and bacteria in unstained and stained canine urine sediment and the presence of clinical signs and positive urine culture. Urine samples from 35 dogs with clinical signs of UTI and 55 asymptomatic dogs with risk factors for UTI were prospectively collected by cystocentesis, divided into three aliquots, and submitted for: (1) physical and chemical Dipstick analysis and unstained urinary sediment (casts, crystals, bacteria, leucocytes, cells, parasites); (2) stained urinary sediment (extra/intracellular bacteria, degenerated and non-degenerated neutrophils); (3) qualitative and quantitative urine culture and antimicrobial sensitivity-test. The association between unstained and stained findings of urinary sediment and urine culture was tested. Sensibility, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values in diagnosing positive urine cultures of bacteria at unstained and stained evaluation were compared. Both wet-mount bacteriuria and the cytological presence of intracellular and extracellular bacteria, neutrophils, and degenerated neutrophils were successively associated with positive urine culture (p < 0.001). The presence of intracellular bacteria was the only independent predictor of positive urine culture. Total bacterial count did not differ significantly between symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs. Detection of extracellular and intracellular bacteriuria at stained urinary sediment significantly improved the sensibility of predicting positive urine culture. Cytologic evaluation of urinary sediment may be helpful in detecting signs of active inflammation, thus enhancing the clinical relevance of a positive urine culture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

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12 pages, 2505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spreading of Pasteurella multocida Infection in a Pet Rabbit Breeding and Possible Implications on Healed Bunnies

by Francesco D’Amico, Gaia Casalino, Giancarlo Bozzo, Antonio Camarda, Roberto Lombardi, Michela Maria Dimuccio and Elena Circella

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(6), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9060301 - 18 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3652

Abstract

The number of pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and parrots has increased in European families. Social benefits to owners such as decreasing feelings of loneliness and anxiety are provided by pets which are also used in Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT). Nevertheless, human-animal interactions [...] Read more.

The number of pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and parrots has increased in European families. Social benefits to owners such as decreasing feelings of loneliness and anxiety are provided by pets which are also used in Animal-assisted Therapy (AAT). Nevertheless, human-animal interactions are also associated with health problems including allergies, asthma, and zoonosis. Rabbits may carry potential pathogens for humans. One of the most common bacteria that colonizes the oro-pharynx and the upper respiratory tract of rabbits is Pasteurella (P.) multocida. Transmission of the infection to humans results from scratches, licks, and bites but it also can occur from the inhalation of air particles containing the microorganism. Immunocompromised people or persons with pulmonary disorders are particularly susceptible to the infection. Infected rabbits may carry P. multocida with or without clinical signs. In this paper, the sensitivity to antibiotics and the invasiveness ability of P. multocida identified in a farm of pet rabbits affected by severe pasteurellosis were investigated. The strain was P. multocida belonging to capsular type A which is the type most often detected in humans. The identified strain was susceptible to the tested antibiotics, but it appeared equipped with several virulence genes which are responsible for fimbriae production, adhesion processes to host cells, enzyme production, and are involved in iron acquisition processes. These findings are of particular interest because rabbits recovered from pasteurellosis very often become carriers of the bacteria. Therefore, we suggest considering P. multocida screening in the routine medical checks of rabbits, especially if they are meant to be companion animals for children and elder people, given that the transmission of the pathogen cannot be excluded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

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9 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Escherichia coli in Dogs with Pyometra and the Influence of Diet on the Intestinal Colonization of Extraintestinal Pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC)

by Rafael Gariglio Clark Xavier, Paloma Helena Sanches da Silva, Hanna Dornelas Trindade, Gabriela Muniz Carvalho, Rafael Romero Nicolino, Patrícia Maria Coletto Freitas and Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(5), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9050245 - 22 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3722

Abstract

Despite its high frequency and clinical relevance, the pathogenesis of canine pyometra remains poorly understood. The most accepted hypothesis is that bacteria involved ascend from the intestinal tract, causing the uterine infection. Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is the most frequent pathogen in [...] Read more.

Despite its high frequency and clinical relevance, the pathogenesis of canine pyometra remains poorly understood. The most accepted hypothesis is that bacteria involved ascend from the intestinal tract, causing the uterine infection. Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) is the most frequent pathogen in canine pyometra, accounting for 57–100% of cases. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of phylogenetic groups and virulence factors in E. coli strains isolated from the uterine and rectal swabs of bitches with pyometra (n = 72) and from rectal swabs from healthy bitches fed commercial dry feed (n = 53) or a raw meat-based diet (RMBD; n = 38). A total of 512 strains of E. coli were isolated and divided into five categories according to the origin of the sample: 120 isolates from the uterine content of dogs with E. coli pyometra, 102 from the feces of bitches with E. coli pyometra, 75 from the feces of bitches without E. coli pyometra, 130 feces samples from healthy dogs fed commercial feed, and 85 feces samples from healthy dogs fed a raw meat-based diet. E. coli strains belonging to the B2 phylogroup and positive for virulence factor genes associated with adhesion (fimbriae type P [papC]) and production of toxins (α-hemolysin [hlyA] and uropathogenic specific protein [usp]) predominated in the uterine content and rectal swabs of bitches with E. coli pyometra. Interestingly, a lower growth rate of E. coli from the B2 phylogroup was observed in dogs fed a RMBD than in those fed commercial dry feed. The present study suggests that intestinal colonization by certain types of E. coli could be a risk factor for the occurrence of E. coli pyometra in bitches and that diet can influence intestinal colonization by such strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

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9 pages, 1105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Isolation and Multilocus Sequence Typing of Brucella canis from a Subclinically Infected Pet Dog in China

by Guangwen Yan, Zidong Pang, Yan Hu, Ziyao Zhou, Haifeng Liu, Yan Luo, Zhihua Ren, Xiaoping Ma, Suizhong Cao, Liuhong Shen, Ya Wang, Liping Gou, Dongjie Cai, Yanqiu Zhu, Yalin Zhong, Wei Li, Xianpeng Shi, Guangneng Peng and Zhijun Zhong

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9010022 - 10 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2072

Abstract

Canine brucellosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease, is mainly caused by Brucella canis. In the present study, we isolated a Brucella strain (CD3) from a subclinically infected pet dog in Sichuan Province, Southwestern China. Classical biotyping methods and molecular biological tests (BCSP31 and [...] Read more.

Canine brucellosis, a worldwide zoonotic disease, is mainly caused by Brucella canis. In the present study, we isolated a Brucella strain (CD3) from a subclinically infected pet dog in Sichuan Province, Southwestern China. Classical biotyping methods and molecular biological tests (BCSP31 and BcSS PCR) proved that the strain belonged to B. canis. Furthermore, B. canis CD3 and another two B. canis strains (WJ5 and YA4), which were all isolated from pet dogs in Sichuan, were genotyped using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Our results showed that the three B. canis strains were identified as the same sequence type (ST21). The present study is the first to report B. canis strain from a subclinically infected pet dog in China, indicating a potential threat to public health posed by subclinical infections in pet dogs. We suggest that screening for B. canis should be incorporated into routine medical examination of pet dogs and other companion animals in areas with a history of animal or human brucellosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

24 pages, 4885 KiB

Open AccessReview

Human and Animal Brucellosis in Nigeria: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis in the Last Twenty-One Years (2001–2021)

by Kabiru O. Akinyemi, Christopher O. Fakorede, Kehinde O. Amisu and Gamal Wareth

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(8), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9080384 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3270

Abstract

The global burden of human and animal brucellosis remains enormous. The disease, which is endemic in Nigeria, lacks appropriate attention and national data. This review estimated the burden and distribution of human and animal brucellosis in Nigeria in the last twenty-one years (2001–2021). [...] Read more.

The global burden of human and animal brucellosis remains enormous. The disease, which is endemic in Nigeria, lacks appropriate attention and national data. This review estimated the burden and distribution of human and animal brucellosis in Nigeria in the last twenty-one years (2001–2021). Publications reporting the detection of brucellosis in Nigeria were sorted from different search engines, including PubMed, ResearchGate, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to generate data on its prevalence, spatial distribution, and predisposing factors. The results of the national seroprevalence of human and animal brucellosis as revealed in this study were 17.6% (554/3144) and 13.3% (8547/64,435), respectively. Specifically, 15.8% (7178/45,363) seroprevalence of brucellosis was recorded in northern Nigeria as against 8.7% (1902/21,740) seroprevalence in the southern part. It also indicated that 78.7% of the detected brucellae were un-typed. The Brucella species detected were B. abortus (15.2%), B. melitensis (4%), B. suis (1.8%), and B. canis (0.4%). This study revealed that brucellosis is endemic in Nigeria. Culture and molecular methods for detecting brucellosis and reports on antimicrobial susceptibility testing remain a conjecture. This review will help researchers redirect their research focus and serve as a guide for policymakers on measures for managing brucellosis in Nigeria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

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Other

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11 pages, 3731 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Disseminated Nocardiosis Caused by Nocardia farcinica in Two Puppy Siblings

by Flavia Zendri, Peter Richards-Rios, Iuliana Maciuca, Emanuele Ricci and Dorina Timofte

Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10010028 - 30 Dec 2022

Viewed by 2238

Abstract

Systemic nocardiosis due to Nocardia farcinica has not been reported in canine outbreaks. Two 14-week-old female Dogue de Bordeaux siblings presented with fever and severe, acute onset limb lameness; traumatic lesions with evidence of infection were identified over the lame limbs of both [...] Read more.

Systemic nocardiosis due to Nocardia farcinica has not been reported in canine outbreaks. Two 14-week-old female Dogue de Bordeaux siblings presented with fever and severe, acute onset limb lameness; traumatic lesions with evidence of infection were identified over the lame limbs of both dogs. The patients were euthanised owing to lack of therapeutic response and rapid escalation to systemic infection with central nervous system manifestations. The post-mortem changes consisted of multiple disseminated abscesses, mainly affecting the skin and subcutis at the limb traumatic injuries, local and hilar lymph nodes, lung, kidney and brain. Bacterial culture and identification via MALDI-TOF and 16S rRNA sequencing revealed Nocardia farcinica from several of these sites in both dogs. Clinical significance of the isolate was supported by cytology of the post-mortem organs’ impression smears showing numerous branching filamentous bacteria associated with inflammation. The organism displayed marked multidrug-resistance. No history of immunosuppression was available, and immunohistochemistry ruled out viral pathogens as canine distemper and parvovirus. N. farcinica should be considered as a potential differential cause of sudden lameness and systemic infection in dogs with traumatic skin lesions over the limbs. This is the first reported small-scale outbreak of systemic nocardiosis in dogs due to N. farcinica. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

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8 pages, 1237 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Mixed Infection of Mycobacterium szulgai, M. lentiflavum, and Gram-Negative Bacteria as a Cause of Death in a Brown Caiman Caiman crocodylus: A Case Report

by Aleksandra Maluta, Magdalena Zając, Monika Krajewska-Wędzina, Dariusz Wasyl, Kim Heckers, Anna Didkowska and Krzysztof Anusz

Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(3), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9030133 - 13 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2408

Abstract

This paper describes a fatal case of nontuberculosis mycobacteriosis in a four-year-old brown caiman kept in captivity. Although the clinical signs were asymptomatic, severe gross lesions were observed, namely necrotic inflammation of the intestines and granulomatous hepatitis. Microbiological and histopathological examination performed on [...] Read more.

This paper describes a fatal case of nontuberculosis mycobacteriosis in a four-year-old brown caiman kept in captivity. Although the clinical signs were asymptomatic, severe gross lesions were observed, namely necrotic inflammation of the intestines and granulomatous hepatitis. Microbiological and histopathological examination performed on the tissues collected postmortem revealed a mixed infection of Mycobacterium lentiflavum and Mycobacterium szulgai, secondarily mimicked with Salmonella Coeln, Aeromonas hydrofila, Citrobacter freundii, and Providencia rettgeri. Those microorganisms are not only potentially pathogenic to reptiles, but also have a zoonotic importance for humans. Our findings clearly demonstrate the importance of educating owners and maintaining hygiene rules when handling reptiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals)

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