Diarrheic Dogs Research Articles

Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing- and Carbapenem–Resistant Escherichia coli Isolated from Diarrheic Dogs in Tunisia: First Report of blaIMP Gene in Companion Animals

Escherichia coli is an important opportunistic pathogen, causing several infections in dogs. The antimicrobial resistance of E. coli occurring in companion animals becomes an emerging problem. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in diarrheic dogs, investigate the occurrence and molecular characterization of carbapenem-resistant isolates, and determine their virulence genes. Fecal samples were collected from 150 diarrheic dogs in Tunisia. E. coli isolates were screened for antimicrobial resistance against 21 antibiotics by the disk diffusion method. The characterization of β-lactamase genes, associated resistance genes, and virulence genes was studied using PCR. Among 95 E. coli strains, 25 were ESBL-producing, and most of them were multidrug-resistant. The most prevalent β-lactamase genes were blaCTX-M1 (n = 14), blaTEM (n = 3), and blaCMY (n = 2). The blaIMP carbapenemase gene was found in two carbapenem-resistant isolates, which showed that carbapenemase-producing E. coli spread to companion animals in Tunisia. Different virulence genes associated with extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli were detected. This is the first report of the characterization of carbapenem resistance and virulence genes in dogs in North Africa. Our study showed that diarrheic dogs in Tunisia can be a potential reservoir of ESBL- or carbapenemase-producing E. coli with a possible risk of transmission to humans.

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of CPV-2 from Diarrheic Dogs in and Around Nagpur

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of CPV-2 from Diarrheic Dogs in and Around Nagpur

PREVALENCE OF TOXOCARA CANIS AND ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES OF THE COMMUNITY IN BISHOFTU TOWN, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

A cross-sectional study was conducted in order to determine the prevalence of Toxocara canis, potential risk factors, and knowledge, attitude, and practices in Bishoftu, central Ethiopia. Fecal samples were taken from 300 randomly selected dogs of different sex, age group, breeds, and diarrheal status. The samples were processed using a flotation technique to detect the eggs of Toxocara canis. The current result revealed an overall prevalence of 32.33% (95% CI: 27.07 - 37.95) of Toxocara canis. The prevalence of the disease was 30.30% (95% CI: 22.61 - 38.90), 31.06% (95% CI: 23.30 - 39.70), and 44.44% (95% CI: 27.94 - 61.90) in young, adult and older dogs, respectively. The prevalence of Toxocara canis was 32.43% (95% CI: 26.77 - 38.50) and 31.71% (95% CI: 18.08 - 48.09) in female and male dogs, respectively. The present findings indicated that there were statistically significant links between the prevalence of Toxocara canis regarding dog breeds and diarrheal status (p < 0.05). The prevalence was higher in German Shepherd breed dogs (56.52%; 95% CI: 34.49 - 76.81) than in local dog breeds (30.32%; 95% CI: 24.97 - 36.11). The prevalence of the disease was higher in diarrheic dogs (46.48%; 95% CI: 34.55 - 58.71) than in non-diarrheic dogs (27.95%; 95% CI: 22.24 - 34.24). The knowledge, attitude, and practice assessment in the present study indicated poor dog management practices and insufficient public awareness. Most dog owners (56.7%; 95% CI: 50.85 - 62.35) did not deworm their dogs regularly, while 90.67% (95% CI: 86.79 - 93.71) fed dogs raw animal products. The present finding indicated that most respondents were not aware of zoonotic canine parasites (83.7%; 95% CI: 81.18 - 89.43) and toxocariasis (80.7%; 95% CI: 75.74 - 84.98). This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of Toxocara canis and lower public awareness about the disease. Therefore, this study recommends strategic deworming of dogs, better dog management, and increased public awareness in order to control the impact of the disease on animal and human health.

Molecular analysis of partial VP-2 gene amplified from rectal swab samples of diarrheic dogs in Kerala confirms the circulation of canine parvovirus genetic variant CPV-2c

Molecular analysis of partial VP-2 gene amplified from rectal swab samples of diarrheic dogs in Kerala confirms the circulation of canine parvovirus genetic variant CPV-2c

Molecular Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Salmonella‎ species ‎Isolated from Diarrheal Children and Dogs in Baghdad Governorate, ‎Iraq‎

This work aimed to use conventional PCR to identify Salmonella‎ spp. that ‎were isolated from diarrheal children and healthy and diarrheic dogs based on four ‎virulence genes, hilA, stn, spvR‎, and marT. Sixteen Salmonella‎ isolates including: 9 ‎isolated from children's diarrhea from three species (S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. ‎Typhi) and seven isolated from dogs including (S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. ‎Muenchen), were identified primarily by several methods. The PCR products of the 16S ‎rRNA gene were sequenced and examined using BLAST analysis to find differences and ‎similarities between these Iraqi isolates and already-known global strains in order to ‎construct the phylogenetic tree of S. Muenchen which was detected for the first time in ‎dogs in Iraq. The results of the study revealed that all isolates of Salmonella‎ obtained ‎from children possess the hilA and stn genes. The marT gene was detected in 88% of the ‎Salmonella‎ serovars, and the spvR‎ gene was carried in 55% of the isolates. Among dog ‎Salmonella‎ isolates, the hilA gene was detected at 100%, the stn gene was at 85.7%, the ‎marT gene was present at 71.4%, while the spvR‎ gene was found at 57.1%. The result of ‎DNA sequencing and phylogenetic tree indicated that the local Iraqi S. Muenchen was ‎extremely close to the national strain and share the same ‎16S rRNA gene sequence, the ‎isolate was registered at NCBI and became a global reference with the accession number OQ999043.1. In conclusion, the presence of these important virulence genes among ‎Salmonella‎ serovars isolated from children and dogs alerted on the potential risk of ‎contamination of the environment and may lead to a community health crisis‎.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter species in shelter-housed healthy and diarrheic cats and dogs in Turkey.

Campylobacter spp. are among the leading foodborne bacterial pathogens. Pet animals may be an important reservoir for human infection. To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles and mechanisms of Campylobacter isolates recovered from shelter-housed healthy and diarrheic cats and dogs in Erzurum province in Turkey. A total of 250 rectal swabs (from 124 cats and 126 dogs) collected between 2020 and 2021 were included in this study. The samples were cultured using a Campylobacter-selective agar medium. A single suspect colony from each plate was purified and species identification was performed by PCR. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined against eight antibiotics. Specific antimicrobial resistance genes (tetO and aphA-3) and mutations (in gyrA) were screened by PCR and/or sequencing. A total of 26 (10.4%) isolates (25 Campylobacter jejuni and 1 Campylobacter coli) were obtained from the dogs; no Campylobacter was isolated from the cats. Of the C. jejuni isolates, 19.2% were resistant to nalidixic acid, 7.7% to ciprofloxacin and 3.8% to tetracycline and gentamicin per the CLSI interpretative criteria. The C. coli isolate was susceptible to all of the tested antibiotics. Thr-86-Ile mutation was the most common change detected in the gyrA gene in the quinolone-resistant isolates. While geographic and population differences exist, Campylobacter carriage and associated antibiotic resistance in dogs is common, emphasising the need for continuous surveillance in this species, particularly given its zoonotic potential.

Giardiasis and diarrhea in dogs: Does the microbiome matter?

Giardia duodenalis (Gd) causes intestinal parasitosis. The involvement of the intestinal microbiome in determining the infection's clinical phenotype is unknown. Investigate the fecal microbiome features in dogs with giardiasis. Cross-sectional study, including fecal samples of kenneled dogs with Gd diagnosed by fecal Giardia antigen dot ELISA. The fecal microbial compositional characteristics and dysbiosis index (DI) were compared between diarrheic and nondiarrheic dogs. Fecal samples of 38 Gd-infected dogs (diarrheic, 21; nondiarrheic, 17) were included. No differences were found in Faith's phylogenic diversity and beta diversity (weighted UniFrac distances) and in specific taxa abundances at the phylum, genus, and species levels, as well as in alpha and beta diversities between diarrheic and nondiarrheic dogs, and also when divided by sex or age. Among diarrheic dogs, alpha diversity was higher in males than in females (pairwise Kruskal-Wallis, q = 0.01). Among males, fecal abundances of the genus Clostridium (W = 19) and Clostridium spiroforme species (W = 33) were higher in diarrheic compared to nondiarrheic dogs. In diarrheic dog fecal samples, Proteobacteria were more prevalent (W = 1), whereas Verrucomicrobia were less prevalent in dogs <1 year of age than in older dogs. The fecal sample DI of 19 diarrheic and 19 nondiarrheic dogs was similar (median, -0.2; range, -4.3 to 4.5 and median, -1.0; range, -4.3 to 5.8, respectively). The fecal microbial composition of symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs with giardiasis is similar. Based on fecal DI, giardiasis is not characterized by prominent dysbiosis. Other host and parasite characteristics might determine the severity of giardiasis in dogs.

The prevalence, genetic diversity and evolutionary analysis of cachavirus firstly detected in northeastern China.

Canine cachavirus is a novel parvovirus belonging to the genus Chaphamaparvovirus that was first detected in dogs in the United States. However, our knowledge of the prevalence and genetic characteristics of cachavirus is relatively limited. In this study, 325 canine fecal specimens collected from healthy and diarrheic dogs in northeastern China were screened with PCR. Twenty-two of the 325 (6.8%) samples were positive for cachavirus. The diarrhea samples showed high viral coinfection rates, and we detected coinfections with canine astrovirus (CaAstV) and cachavirus for the first time. A sequence analysis revealed that the Chinese cachavirus strains have point mutations in four consecutive amino acid codons relative to the original American strain. A codon usage analysis of the VP1 gene showed that most preferred codons in cachavirus were A- or T-ending codons, as in traditional canine parvovirus 2. A co-evolutionary analysis showed that cachavirus has undergone cospeciation with its hosts and has been transmitted among different host species. Our findings extend the limited cachavirus sequences available, and provide detailed molecular characterization of the strains in northeastern China. Further epidemiological surveillance is required to determine the significance and evolution of cachavirus.

Occurrence of Major Human Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Sequence Types Among Diarrheic Pet Animals: A Potential Public Health Threat.

Background: Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) has become a mounting public health concern. The present study was conducted to address the role of diarrheic pet animals as potential reservoirs for major human ExPEC sequence types (STs). Materials and Methods: Rectal swabs were collected from 145 diarrheic pet animals (75 dogs and 70 cats). Samples were processed for isolation and identification of E. coli by culture methods. Afterward, ExPEC isolates were identified on a molecular basis through detection of ExPEC phylogroups (B2 and D) coupled with carriage of two or more of the virulence genes associated with ExPEC (papAH, papC, sfa/focDE, afa/draBC, iutA, and kpsMT II). ExPEC STs 131, 73, 69, and 95 were identified among ExPEC isolates by quadruplex PCR and tested for their antimicrobial susceptibility. Eventually, two isolates underwent gene sequencing for the phylogenetic analysis. Results: Of 145 pet animals, 16 (11%) E. coli strains were identified as ExPEC, in which 15 (10.3%) isolates belonged to phylogroup B2 and 1 (0.69%) strain belonged to phylogroup D. The major human ExPEC STs were detected in 13 (9%) isolates, whereas the prevalence rates were 5.3% and 12.9% for dogs and cats, respectively. The isolation rates of ExPEC STs were 4.8%, 2.8%, 0.69%, and 0.69% for ST73, ST131, ST95, and ST69, respectively. Regarding the prevalence of virulence genes among ExPEC STs, the most prevalent ones were papC and sfa/focDE (92.3%), followed by papAH (76.9%), iutA (53.8%), afa/draBC (30.8%), and kpsMT II (30.8%). Moreover, 38.5% of the obtained human ExPEC STs were multidrug resistant. The phylogenetic analysis of two ExPEC ST73 gene sequences showed high genetic relatedness to those isolated from humans in different countries. Conclusions: The fecal carriage of major human ExPEC STs among diarrheic dogs and cats poses a potential zoonotic hazard with serious public health implications.

DETECTION OF SOME VIRULENCE, ANTIBACTERIAL RESISTANCE GENES FOR SALMONELLA ISOLATED FROM DOGS IN BAGHDAD CITY

Two hundred and fifty (250) samples from both diarrheic and non-diarrheic dogs in both sex male and female multi breeds ( German shepherd and malinois ) in Academy for training police and military dogs for searching about drugs , explosives ,local dogs and pet dogs from different clinical cases in Baghdad city were tested. All samples are obtained in aseptically rectal swabs and transporting to the microbiology lab, for culturing and identification for salmonella species. The study gave 16 (6.4%) positive Salmonella. Virulent gene study gave us 16(6.4%) invA gene, invF 13(5.2%) and sit C 16 (6.4%).Antibiotic sensitivity test According to Bauer-Kirby method were done and gave 16 (6.4%) isolates resistance for ciprofloxacin which is the most clinical antibiotic drug of choice against Salmonella infection . Detection of gyrA gene resistance gene for ciprofloxacin using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) gave 16 (6.4%) for all positive isolates.

Prevalence of resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolates from diarrheic dogs

The current study was designed to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Escherichia coli isolated from canine diarrheal cases. Fecal samples were collected from 77 dogs with clinical diarrhea and 10 non-diarrheic dogs. Breed, age and sex, and clinical manifestations were recorded. Samples were plated on MacConkey and EMB agars, followed by standard isolation procedures and identification of E. coli. An antimicrobial susceptibility test using the disc diffusion method was performed against Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Trimethoprim, Gentamicin, and Streptomycin. PCR was used to determine if the isolates carry virulence intimin adherence protein (eaeA) and antimicrobial resistance genes. Body temperature, respiratory, and heart rates in dogs with diarrhea were significantly higher than in non-diarrheic dogs. PCR detected the eaeA virulence gene in 44(69.8%) of 63 isolates from diarrheic dogs. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin, and 55(87.3%), 47(74.6%), 29(46.0%), and 19(30.2%) of these were resistant to tetracycline, trimethoprim, gentamicin, and streptomycin, respectively. The frequency of antimicrobial resistance genes in the 63 isolates was 81.0, 52.4, 41.3, 33.3, 23.8 and 9.5% for CITM, tet (B), dfrA1, aac (3)-IV, aadA1 and tet (A), respectively. Overall, 6(9.4%), 16(25.4%), and 41(65.1%) were positive for one, two, three, or four resistance genes, respectively. In conclusion, the high prevalence of virulence (69.8%) and resistance 9.5-81.0% genes in E. coli isolates could be responsible for the diarrhea episodes, which may have posed therapeutic implications in affected dogs.

Carnivore chaphamaparvovirus-1 (CaChPV-1) infection in diarrheic dogs reveals viral endotheliotropism in intestine and lung

Background Carnivore chaphamaparvovirus-1 (CaChPV-1) is a parvovirus identified in dogs and association of infection with diarrhea is controversial. Information on whether tissue tropism persists is lacking. Objectives To determine the disease association of CaChPV-1 in dogs with diarrhea and to investigate viral tropism and genetic diversity. Animals and methods CaChPV-1 infection was investigated in five recently deceased puppies and designed a retrospective study to determine whether the presence of CaChPV-1 is associated with diarrhea. The retrospective study was conducted in 137 intestinal tissue samples and 168 fecal samples obtained from 305 dogs. CaChPV-1 tissue localization was determined using in situ hybridization, and CaChPV-1 complete genomes obtained from dead puppies and retrospective study were sequenced and analyzed. Results CaChPV-1 was detected in 6.56% (20/305) of tested dogs, including 14 diarrheic- and 6 non-diarrheic dogs, and was significant in puppies with diarrhea (p = 0.048). Among the CaChPV-1-positive diarrheic dogs, one sample was obtained from intestinal tissue and 13 samples were fecal samples. However, six CaChPV-1 positive non-diarrheic dogs were based on fecal samples but not on intestinal tissue. Within the age range, the presence of CaChPV-1 was significant in puppies (p < 0.00001) and was mainly localized in the stromal and endothelial cells of intestinal villi and pulmonary alveoli. Phylogenetic analysis indicated genetic diversity of CaChPV-1 Thai strains that were mostly clustered within the sequences found in China. Conclusions Although definitive pathogenesis of CaChPV-1 remains undetermined, this study provides evidence supporting that CaChPV-1 localizes in canine cells and could play a potential role as an enteric pathogen.

Transition of dominant canine parvovirus genotype from 2b to 2c in Vietnamese dogs.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is one of the most important pathogens causing enteritis in dogs. Although there have been a few reports of CPV in Vietnam, recent information on CPV infection in domestic dogs in Vietnam is limited. Faecal samples collected from 30 diarrheic and 50 healthy dogs were examined by PCR for detection of CPV DNA. The prevalence of CPV in diarrheic dogs (43.3%, 13/30) was significantly higher than in healthy dogs (4.0%, 2/50), indicating that CPV was a major cause of diarrhoea in domestic dogs. Genotyping of 15 CPV strains showed that both CPV‑2a and CPV‑2c were circulating and that CPV‑2c was a dominant CPV variant in Vietnam. Virus isolation was performed from faecal samples using A72/cSLAM cells, and nine CPV strains were successfully isolated. The dominant genotype spreading among Vietnamese dogs has changed from CPV‑2b to CPV‑2c.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) Producing Escherichia Coli from Dogs

The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize the Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli from faecal samples of dogs in Puducherry, India. In this study, 100 E. coli isolates were obtained from 50 healthy dogs and 50 diarrheic dogs, out of which 33 (33%) isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers by the combination disc method. All the E. coli isolates were genotypically confirmed for the presence of genes responsible for ESBL production. Out of 100 E. coli isolates, fourteen (14%), seven (7%) and three (3%) isolates were found to be positive for blaTEM, SHV and CTX-M genes, respectively. The present study highlighted ESBL-producing E. coli in dogs in Puducherry region.

Molecular characterization of canine and feline kobuvirus infections in Iran.

Kobuviruses are viral pathogens with broad host range presented in human gastroenteritis cases; but, the pathogenesis of these viruses in companion animals is not well described. In the present study, the presence of canine (CaKVs) and feline kobuviruses (FeKVs) was detected in the 100 fecal samples of diarrhoeic and healthy companion dogs and cats by polymerase chain reaction in Tehran, Iran. The prevalence of infection was estimated as 8.00% and 4.00% in dogs and cats, respectively. All positive samples were belonged to non-diarrhoeic animals except for a feline sample being co-infected with panleukopenia. Sequence analysis showed multiple point mutations in canine and feline Iranian strains and new feline strain was detected in the present study. This is the first detection of CaKVs and FeKVs in Iran; but, the exact role of these enteric viral pathogens and their zoonotic risks are better to be clarified in all endemic regions.

Salmonella Infection, Isolation and Antimicrobial Resistance in Diarrhoeic Dogs Presenting to Clinics in Northwestern Nigeria

Salmonella is one of the most common food-borne bacteria incriminated in gastroenteritis in dogs. The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) genes raises spectre of intractable disease and constitute significant public health risk. Already, there are various reports of resistance to several antimicrobials by Salmonella isolates from canine patients. This study was therefore conceived to investigate for the first time in the studied region, Salmonella isolates circulating in canine population in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria. Presenting canine out-patients and those admitted for emergencies with overt clinical signs for salmonellosis were recruited for the study. Salmonella was isolated from blood and faecal samples using standard laboratory techniques as required by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The Gram stain, Salmonella-Shigella agar (SS agar), Brilliant Green Salmonella agar (BGSA) and finally the xylose lysine deoxycholate agar (XLD) at specified temperatures and carbon dioxide adjustments were all applied on samples to isolate Salmonella as pure culture. The Kirby Bauer Disk diffusion method was used to test for antimicrobial resistance. Overall, a prevalence of 19.7% was recorded with pyrexia (18.5%) and diarrhea (13.7%) showing statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) non-random association with Salmonella isolation in patients. The puppy age groups (from day one to five months) recorded prevalence of 31(21.2%) followed by middle-age dogs (6-months to a year) recording prevalence of 24(22.2%). Male dogs presented preponderance of cases compared to the females with prevalence of 48(76.1%). The Nigerian local dog was the highest in the number of cases with a statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) prevalence of 23(36.5%), the German shepherd recorded isolation rate of 19(30.2%) that was also statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). Various antimicrobials used recorded varying degree of resistance patterns when tested with isolates. A total of 19 isolates accounting for 43.2% were resistant to tetracycline, 15(35.7%) isolates recorded resistance for ceftriaxone, 13 isolates accounting for 38.2% presented resistance for metronidazole and 11(27.5%) recorded resistance for amoxicillin. Conversely, isolates were 100% susceptible to chloramphenicol and cotrimoxazole. It is imperative for small animal clinicians, diagnosticians, researchers and public health policy makers to have credible time-tested data on resistance status of Salmonella isolates in dogs, as this is a roadmap to a healthy canine and human population.

Molecular characterization of Canine parvovirus type 2 from diarrheic dogs in Serbia from 2008 to 2020.

Canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2) is the causal agent of canine parvovirosis an infectious disease with the high fatality rate among dogs. However, in Serbia, it has never been investigated thoroughly. This study was conducted on samples collected from dogs with diarrhea in anamnesis, submitted for various reasons to the Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, and stored in the sample bank. In total, 50 rectal swab samples were collected from the period 2008 to 2020, and consequently tested. Out of 50 rectal swab samples, the CPV-2 genome was detected in 14 (28%). This retrospective study showed the presence of three different subtypes of CPV-2 in diarrheic dogs during the last 12years in Serbia. CPV-2a was the most prevalent subtype (60%) followed by CPV-2b (30%), and CPV-2c (10%). Interestingly, CPV-2a had been the predominantly detected subtype up until 2018. Nevertheless in 2019, there was the first detected occurrence of the CPV-2b, followed by the first detection of the CPV-2c in 2020. This study reports the evidence and distribution of CPV-2 from 2008 to 2020, providing new information about the presence of virus strains in Serbia.

Virulence determinant and antimicrobial resistance traits of Emerging MDR Shiga toxigenic E.coli in diarrheic dogs

Shiga-toxigenic Escherichiacoli (STEC) is incriminated in severe hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs, which is considered a veterinary and public health alarm. To investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, virulence determinants, and distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes in STEC strains isolated from dogs: 80 fecal samples were obtained from diseased dogs suffering from hemorrhagic diarrhea from pet animal clinics in Ismailia governorate, Egypt. The obtained samples were examined bacteriologically. Moreover, the retrieved isolates were tested for serogrouping, Congo-red binding, antimicrobial resistance, and PCR-based determination of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. The prevalence of E.coli in the examined diseased dogs was 23.75% (19/80). The serogrouping of the recovered isolates revealed that 84.2% of the tested isolates were distributed into three serogroups: O146 (36.8%), O111 (31.5%), and O26 (15.7%). Meanwhile, three isolates were untypable (15.8%). Moreover, all the tested E.coli serovars were positive for CR-binding. PCR revealed that the prevalence of stx1, eaeA, hlyA, and stx2 virulence genes was 100%, 100%, 100%, and 47.3%, respectively. Our findings revealed that 31.5% of the recovered isolates showed MDR to five antimicrobial classes and harbored blaTEM, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, and sul1 genes. Alarmingly, three isolates were carbapenem-resistant. Two strains harbored the blaKPC gene, while one strain carried the blaNDM-1 gene. Concisely, as far as we know, this is the first study that reported the existence of MDR-STEC in dogs in Egypt. The stx1 gene is the most predominant Shiga toxin gene that accompanied the STEC isolated from hemorrhagic enteritis in dogs. The emerging MDR-STEC in dogs commonly harbors blaTEM, blaCTX-M, sul1, tetA, tetB, and qnrA resistance genes. Meropenem, levofloxacin, and tigecycline exhibited talented antimicrobial activity against MDR-STEC isolated from dogs.

Isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and risk factors assessment of non-typhoidal Salmonella from apparently healthy and diarrheic dogs

BackgroundDogs are one of the important asymptomatic carriers of antimicrobial resistant and potentially pathogenic strains of Salmonella. They can harbor large bacterial load in the intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes which can be shed in their feces with the possibility of transmission to humans. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of non-typhoidal Salmonella, assessing the risk factors for dog’s Salmonella carriage, and profiling the antimicrobial resistance pattern of Salmonella isolates among housed dogs in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 415 rectal swab samples were collected from randomly selected dogs. Samples were examined for non-typhoidal Salmonella using standard bacteriologic culture and biochemical tests. The disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer test) was employed to evaluate the isolates for their susceptibility against five antimicrobials.ResultsNon-typhoidal Salmonella were isolated from 26 (6.3%) of the rectal swab samples, with significantly higher occurrence in diarrheic (15.2%) than non-diarrheic (5.5%) dogs. The risk of Salmonella harboring was significantly higher in female dogs than in male dogs (OR = 2.5, p = 0.027). Dogs fecal shedding of Salmonella was relatively higher in households who used offal as a main feed type for their dogs (23.1%; 95% CI = 5–53.8) than those who used leftover food (10.1%; 95% CI = 5.7–16.1) and practiced mixed feeding system (17%; 95% CI = 7.6–30.8). Salmonella isolates showed higher resistance to ampicillin (41.7%), while all isolates were fully susceptible to gentamicin. Moreover, 58.3% of Salmonella isolates showed resistance to at least one of the tested antimicrobials. Majorities (72.7%) of the dog owners had no awareness on the risk of zoonotic salmonellosis from dog and all of the respondents use bare hand to clean dog kennel.ConclusionOur study reveals the importance of both diarrheic and apparently healthy housed dogs in the harboring and shedding of antimicrobial resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella. The risk of non-typhoidal Salmonella spread among pet owners is not negligible, especially in households who use offal as main feed type. Therefore, an integrated approach such as: proper dog handling practices; continuous evaluation of antimicrobial resistance; and rational use of antimicrobials in the field of veterinary sector are necessary to tackle the problem.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cryptosporidium Infection Among Cats and Dogs in Qom Province, Iran

Cryptosporidiosis is an important parasitic disease that is a major health concern for animals and humans in most countries. This cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the factors associated with the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in cats and dogs in the urban and suburban regions of Qom province, Iran. Faecal samples of 220 dogs and 120 cats were examined for oocysts by formalin ether sedimentation method and Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. The prevalence was 3.18% for dogs and 10.83% for cats. The oocysts were found in 8.16% diarrhoeic dogs and 27.27% diarrhoeic cats compared to 1.75% and 4.59% non-diarrhoeic dogs (P = 0.024) and cats, respectively (p<0.001). Prevalence was significantly higher in cats below one-year of age (27.77%) than in older cats (7.84%, P = 0.012). There was a significant difference between prevalence of cryptosporidiosis between indoor or outdoor reared animals. Dogs in rural areas had a higher infection rate (5.66%) than dogs in urban regions (0.87%, P = 0.043). The results showed that cryptosporidiosis is an important infection to be considered in differential diagnosis for diarrhoea in cats and dogs in this region. As cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease, owners and veterinarians should be aware of its health considerations.