Infections In Companion Animals Research Articles

An update on rabies diagnosis

Ever since the dawn of human civilization, rabies has been recognized as one of the most dangerous and feared zoonotic disease of the world, as it affects different species of warm blooded animal and the disease fatal in clinical cases exhibiting characteristics neurological signs. There exists no satisfactory post exposure therapy. Control of the disease mainly relayed on the prevention of the viral infection in companion animals (Dog and cats) by vaccination in the enzootic areas. Author herein place on record the bird’s eye view on the latest development in identification of virus and its fragments, demonstrating of anti-rabies specific antibodies, molecular techniques and further projection for quick and reliable diagnosis of the disease.

Phylogenetic grouping, antibiotic resistance profile, fluoroquinolone susceptibility and ST131 status of canine extraintestinal Escherichia coli isolated from submissions to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory 2005-08

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are a recommended treatment for Escherichia coli infections in companion animals, particularly in cases of resistance to other drug classes. In a retrospective study, 162 canine clinical E. coli isolates, obtained from veterinary diagnostic submissions (January 2005 - June 2008), were analyzed for phylogenetic group and antibiogram phenotype, using nine antimicrobials and enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin and pradofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), either in the absence or presence of an efflux pump inhibitor. The isolate susceptibility distribution was bimodal; a high proportion (141/162;87%) showed a sensitivity equivalent to wildtype E. coli (enrofloxacin MIC 0.004 - 0.06 μg/mL), while a minority (4/162;2%) showed reduced susceptibility (enrofloxacin MICs of 0.125 - 0.5 μg/mL), and the remainder (17/162;10%) yielding enrofloxacin MICs in the highlevel resistance range of ≥16 μg/mL. All FQ-resistant isolates were also multidrug resistant. The majority of FQsensitive isolates belonged to phylogenetic group B2 (101/162;62%), and the majority of resistant isolates to group D (8/17;47%). A single resistant B2 isolate and three FQ-sensitive isolates were identified as ST131. Efflux pump activity contributed significantly to MICs for all FQs, except for ciprofloxacin, which may be attributable to its higher polarity compared to the other FQs. These findings confirm a low prevalence of FQ resistance in Australian canine E. coli isolates. Detection of a high moxifloxacin: low ciprofloxacin MIC efflux-associated phenotype (102/162;63%) amongst canine strains may indicate previous exposure to moxifloxacin selective pressure, providing more evidence of exchange of E. coli strains between humans and dogs. The presence of sensitive ST131 strains in the isolate collection does suggest, however, that resistant ST131 strains could potentially emerge under both human and veterinary antimicrobial selection pressure, a risk that could be mitigated by using the most active fluoroquinolone (i.e. pradofloxacin in dogs) against wild-type E. coli at mutant prevention concentrations.

Zoonotic Poxviruses Associated with Companion Animals.

Simple SummaryContemporary enthusiasm for the ownership of exotic animals and hobby livestock has created an opportunity for the movement of poxviruses—such as monkeypox, cowpox, and orf—outside their traditional geographic range bringing them into contact with atypical animal hosts and groups of people not normally considered at risk. It is important that pet owners and practitioners of human and animal medicine develop a heightened awareness for poxvirus infections and understand the risks that can be associated with companion animals and livestock. This article reviews the epidemiology and clinical features of zoonotic poxviruses that are most likely to affect companion animals.Understanding the zoonotic risk posed by poxviruses in companion animals is important for protecting both human and animal health. The outbreak of monkeypox in the United States, as well as current reports of cowpox in Europe, point to the fact that companion animals are increasingly serving as sources of poxvirus transmission to people. In addition, the trend among hobbyists to keep livestock (such as goats) in urban and semi-urban areas has contributed to increased parapoxvirus exposures among people not traditionally considered at high risk. Despite the historic notoriety of poxviruses and the diseases they cause, poxvirus infections are often missed. Delays in diagnosing poxvirus-associated infections in companion animals can lead to inadvertent human exposures. Delays in confirming human infections can result in inappropriate treatment or prolonged recovery. Early recognition of poxvirus-associated infections and application of appropriate preventive measures can reduce the spread of virus between companion animals and their owners. This review will discuss the epidemiology and clinical features associated with the zoonotic poxvirus infections most commonly associated with companion animals.

In vitro killing of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by enrofloxacin in combination with its active metabolite ciprofloxacin using clinically relevant drug concentrations in the dog and cat

Enrofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent used to treat infections in companion animals. Enrofloxacin's antimicrobial spectrum includes Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria and demonstrates concentration-dependent bacteriocidal activity. In dogs and cats, enrofloxacin is partially metabolized to ciprofloxacin and both active agents circulate simultaneously in treated animals at ratios of approximately 60–70% enrofloxacin to 30–40% ciprofloxacin. We were interested in determining the killing of companion animal isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin combined using clinically relevant drug concentrations and ratios. For E. coli isolates exposed to 2.1 and 4.1μg/ml of enrofloxacin/ciprofloxacin at 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30 ratios, a 1.7–2.5log10 reduction (94–99% kill) was seen following 20min of drug exposure; 0.89–1.7log10 (92–99% kill) of S. pseudintermedius following 180min of drug exposure; 0.85–3.4log10 (98–99% kill) of P. aeruginosa following 15min of drug exposure. Killing of S. pseudintermedius was enhanced in the presence of enrofloxacin whereas killing of P. aeruginosa was enhanced in the presence of ciprofloxacin. Antagonism was not seen when enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were used in kill assays. The unique feature of partial metabolism of enrofloxacin to ciprofloxacin expands the spectrum of enhanced killing of common companion animal pathogens.

Plague: Infections of Companion Animals and Opportunities for Intervention.

Plague is a zoonotic disease, normally circulating in rodent populations, transmitted to humans most commonly through the bite of an infected flea vector. Secondary infection of the lungs results in generation of infectious aerosols, which pose a significant hazard to close contacts. In enzootic areas, plague infections have been reported in owners and veterinarians who come into contact with infected pets. Dogs are relatively resistant, but can import infected fleas into the home. Cats are acutely susceptible, and can present a direct hazard to health. Reducing roaming and hunting behaviours, combined with flea control measures go some way to reducing the risk to humans. Various vaccine formulations have been developed which may be suitable to protect companion animals from contracting plague, and thus preventing onward transmission to man. Since transmission has resulted in a number of fatal cases of plague, the vaccination of domestic animals such as cats would seem a low cost strategy for reducing the risk of infection by this serious disease in enzootic regions.

Prevalence and Antimicrogram of Staphylococcus Intermedius Group Isolates from Veterinary Staff, Companion Animals, and the Environment in Veterinary Hospitals in Korea

The Staphylococcus intermedius bacterial group (SIG) includes 3 distinct genetically heterogenous species: S. intermedius, S. pseudintermedius, and S. delphini. This pathogen group is associated with many opportunistic skin and ear infections in companion animals. Human infections with S. intermedius and S. pseudintermedius isolates and the emergence of methicillin-resistant isolates have been recently reported, which emphasizes the importance of nationwide identification of SIG isolate prevalence and antibiotic resistance in veterinary clinics. In the present study, a total of 178 SIG isolates were obtained from veterinary staff (n = 40), companion animals (n = 115), and the local environment (n = 23) in 8 Korean veterinary hospitals. Isolates were differentiated into 167 S. pseudintermedius (93.8%) and 11 S. intermedius (6.2%) isolates; S. delphini isolates were not identified. The most effective antibiotics against these isolates included amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, amikacin, nitrofloxacin, imipenem, and vancomycin; whereas ampicillin, penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were not effective. Surprisingly, the 128 SIG isolates (71.9%) displayed multiple drug resistance (MDR) against 3 or more antibiotic classes. Out of 52 SIG isolates carrying the methicillin-resistance gene (mecA), only 34 (65.4%) were oxacillin-resistant, and 49 (94.2%) methicillin-resistant SIG were multidrug resistant. This finding suggests the presence of greater numbers of MDR phenotypes than other isolates (P < 0.05).

Antimicrobial Use Guidelines for Treatment of Urinary Tract Disease in Dogs and Cats: Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases

Urinary tract disease is a common reason for use (and likely misuse, improper use, and overuse) of antimicrobials in dogs and cats. There is a lack of comprehensive treatment guidelines such as those that are available for human medicine. Accordingly, guidelines for diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections were created by a Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases. While objective data are currently limited, these guidelines provide information to assist in the diagnosis and management of upper and lower urinary tract infections in dogs and cats.

Accidental infection of veterinary personnel with Mycobacterium tuberculosis at necropsy: A case study

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main cause of human tuberculosis. Infection in companion animals is mainly acquired from close contact to a diseased human patient and hence rarely diagnosed in countries with low tuberculosis incidence rates. Therefore the general awareness of the disease might be low. Here we report the potential risk of infection for veterinary personnel with M. tuberculosis during the clinical and pathological examination of a dog with unexpected disseminated tuberculosis. The dog had presented with symptoms of a central nervous system disease; rapid deterioration prevented a complete clinical workup, however. Post-mortem examination revealed systemic mycobacteriosis, and M. tuberculosis was identified by PCR amplification of DNA extracts from paraffin-embedded tissue sections and spoligotyping. Contact investigations among the owners and veterinary personnel using an IFN-γ release assay indicated that the index dog did not infect humans during its lifetime. Serological and IFN-γ release assay results of one of two cats in direct contact with the index dog, however, suggested that transmission of M. tuberculosis might have occurred. Importantly, all three pathologists performing the necropsy on the dog tested positive. Accidental infection was most likely due to inhalation of M. tuberculosis containing aerosols created by using an electric saw to open the brain cavity. As a consequence routine necropsy procedures have been adapted and a disease surveillance program, including tuberculosis, has been initiated. Our results highlight the importance of disease awareness and timely diagnosis of zoonotic infectious agents in optimizing work safety for veterinary personnel.

MecA Gene Transferrability and Antibiogram of zoonotic Staphylococcus intermedius from Animals, Staff and the Environment in Animal Hospitals in Korea

Staphylococcus intermedius is a common cause of otitis externa, pyoderma and wound infections in companion animals. Although S. intermedius infections are rare in humans, it is zoonotic, with several case reports describing fatal human infections. Presently, we sought to isolate S. intermedius strains from various sources at animal hospitals nationwide in Korea, examine their antibiotic susceptibilities, and determine the possibility of horizontal transmission between animals and humans. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to compare the mecA gene in S. intermedius strains from humans, animals and the environment in animal hospitals. A total of 119 S. intermedius strains were isolated from 529 samples. Using the disk-diffusion method over 90% of the isolates were susceptible to cephalothin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, vancomycin, imipenem, nitroflurantoin and amikacin, whereas 97.5% and 98.3% of the isolates were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, respectively. Among the 39 S. intermedius strains harbouring mecA, similar PFGE patterns were observed between seven isolates from an animal, two isolates from veterinary staff and the environment in one animal hospital, and single isolates from an animal and a veterinarian at another hospital. This result suggests the possibility of horizontal transmission of S. intermedius containing mecA between humans, animals and the environment in animal hospitals and also emphasizes on the importance of S. intermedius with mecA as a possible emerging threat to public health.

Identification of Qnr and AAC(6′)-1b-cr plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance determinants in multidrug-resistant Enterobacter spp. isolated from extraintestinal infections in companion animals

Fluoroquinolone resistance is becoming more common in veterinary medicine. Resistance is due to a combination of chromosomal and plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance (PMQR) mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to screen 17 multidrug-resistant Enterobacter isolates obtained from opportunistic infections in companion animals for chromosomal and plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance determinants and to determine if they are co-located with other antimicrobial resistance genes including β-lactamases. Phenotypic tests (biochemical identification, organic solvent tolerance testing) were combined with genotypic analysis (PCR, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, sequencing, plasmid isolation and southern blot hybridization) to characterize the molecular basis for fluoroquinolone resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution for fluoroquinolone antimicrobials (enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, marbofloxacin and pradofloxacin) and by disk diffusion for other antimicrobials. Sixteen isolates were resistant to at least one of the five fluoroquinolones tested. Fourteen isolates possessed PMQR determinants which were identified as qnrA1 ( n = 3) or qnrB2 ( n = 11), often in combination with aac(6′ )-1b-cr ( n = 6). The PMQR genes were localized to large, transferable MDR plasmids often associated with an extended-spectrum β-lactamase and quinolone resistance was co-transferred with bla SHV-12 for 10 of the 14 qnr-positive strains. Three isolates had wild-type topoisomerases, 11 had a single point mutation in gyrA (Ser83Phe or Tyr), and three had two mutations; one in gyrA (Ser83Ile) and one in parC (Ser80Ile). PMQR genes in clinical veterinary Enterobacter isolates are co-located with β-lactamases and other resistance genes on large transferable plasmids. PMQR genes contribute to fluoroquinolone resistance when combined with topoisomerase mutations and efflux.

Small Animal Zoonoses and Immuncompromised Pet Owners

This review is a general discussion of common zoonotic infections of companion animals in the United States. Microbes, routes of transmission, and risks to immunocompromised persons are discussed. The primary focus of this article is dogs and cats, although zoonoses of avian, rodent, and rabbit companion animals are discussed in brief. An awareness of zoonoses will allow veterinarians and physicians to collaboratively prevent transmission and treat clinical disease in both human and veterinary patients.

Systemic Candidiasis Due to Candida albicans in a Dog: First Case Reported from Taiwan

Dermatophytes and Malassezia are common pathogen in Taiwan. However, systemic Candida albicans (C. albicans) infection in animals has not yet been reported here and is rare elsewhere in the world. This report, describe a young dog, in which a submandibular pyogranulomatous lymphadenitis caused by C. albicans infection progressed to systemic candidiasis. The diagnosis was based on the fungal culture of aspirates from the submandibular lymph node and exudates around the lymph node. The dog did not respond to oral fluconazole therapy and required euthanasia because the dog appeared serious sign of seizure. At necropsy, multiple lymph nodes were also shown to be affected, and the fungal culture of cerebrospinal fluid was positive for C. albicans. In this first documented case of systemic C. albicans infection in a dog from Taiwan, we assess the possibility of candidiasis as a re-emerging infection in companion animals.

Detection of Medically Important Ehrlichia by Quantitative Multicolor TaqMan Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction of the dsb Gene

Ehrlichia species are the etiological agents of emerging and life-threatening tick-borne human zoonoses, in addition to causing serious and fatal infections in companion animals and livestock. We developed the first tricolor TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction assay capable of simultaneously detecting and discriminating medically important ehrlichiae in a single reaction. Analytical sensitivity of 50 copies per reaction was attained with templates from Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, and Ehrlichia canis by amplifying the genus-specific disulfide bond formation protein gene (dsb). Ehrlichia genus-specific dsb primers amplified DNA from all known Ehrlichia species but not from other rickettsial organisms including Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia conorii, or Rickettsia typhi. High species specificity was attained as each species-specific TaqMan probe (E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and E. canis) identified homologous templates but did not cross-hybridize with heterologous Ehrlichia templates at concentrations as high as 10(8) copies. Identification of E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and E. canis from natural and experimental infections, previously confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and serological or microscopic evidence, demonstrated the comparable specificity and sensitivity of the dsb real-time assay. This assay provides a powerful tool for prospective medical diagnosis for human and canine ehrlichioses and for ecologic and epidemiological studies involving arthropod and mammalian hosts.

Investigation of MRSA in small animal practice

SIR, – We are conducting a study to identify risk factors associated with methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in companion animals. This study is funded by DEFRA and is being conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in collaboration with IDEXX Laboratories, Wetherby

Antimicrobial Drug Consumption in Companion Animals

To the Editor: During the last decade, use of antimicrobial drugs for growth promotion and therapeutic treatment in food animals has received much attention. The reservoir of resistant bacteria in food animals implies a potential risk for transfer of resistant bacteria, or resistance genes, from food animals to humans. Subsequent emergence of infections in humans, caused by resistant bacteria originating from the animal reservoir, is of great concern. These unintended consequences of antimicrobial drug use in animals led to termination of antimicrobial growth promoters in food animals in countries in the European Union, including Denmark, where the consumption of antimicrobial drugs by production animals was reduced by 50% from 1994 to 2003 (1). In Denmark, the VetStat program monitors all veterinary use of medicines for animals. VetStat is based on reporting from the pharmacies and from veterinary practitioners and contains detailed information, such as animal species, reason for prescription, and dosage on each prescription. In Denmark, antimicrobial drugs can be obtained only by prescription and only at pharmacies. So far, use of antimicrobial drugs in companion animals has received little attention; monitoring programs have focused on antimicrobial drug consumption in food animals. According to data generated by the VetStat program in 2003, consumption of fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins in companion animals was substantial when compared to consumption in food animals (1). Fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins are antimicrobial drugs ranked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as critically important in human medicine, and for which emergence of resistant bacteria is especially undesirable (2). Considering the shared environment of humans and companion animals, transfer of resistant bacteria or mobile resistance determinants from companion animals to humans would be possible, and emergence of resistance to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins in companion animals should be a matter of concern. Several scientific publications have reported the occurrence of the same resistance genes in companion animals and in humans (3–6) and the possible transfer of bacteria between companion animals and humans (3–9). Companion animal owners and their families are likely in close contact with their animals daily, which provides the opportunity for transfer of bacteria between companion animals and humans. A large proportion of the human population presumably has daily contact with companion animals, not only in Denmark but also in other countries. In Denmark, 20% of families own dogs and 16% own cats (10). In 2002, legal restrictions aimed to reduce the usage of fluoroquinolones in food animals were imposed in Denmark. The total annual consumption of fluoroquinolones in animals (companion and food animals) in Denmark was reduced from 183 kg in 2001 to 53 kg in 2003 (1). Of these 53 kg of fluoroquinolones, almost half (24 kg) was used in companion animals (data based on reporting on use in veterinary practice and sales from pharmacies on prescription). These data document that fluoroquinolones remain widely used for infections in companion animals, even though the emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance in bacteria is especially undesirable and regarded as a human health hazard. A similar situation exists with cephalosporins. The total consumption of cephalosporins in animals (companion and food animals) in Denmark in 2003 was 461 kg, of which more than half (254 kg) was consumed by companion animals (1). Thus, a comparatively small number of companion animals (550,000 dogs and 650,000 cats) (10) consume approximately the same amount of fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins as consumed annually in the much larger population of food animals in Denmark (23 million slaughter pigs, 130 million broiler chickens, and 1.2 million cattle and dairy cows) (10). We do not believe that antimicrobial drugs are more generously prescribed for companion animals in Denmark than in other industrialized countries. Rather, the data presented here reflect the apparent contrast between policies of antimicrobial drug use for food animals and policies for companion animals. The use of these antimicrobial drugs is avoided or restricted in food animals to minimize spread of resistance, while in companion animals prescription continues unimpeded. This situation may create undesirable antimicrobial drug resistance in bacteria, which may subsequently spread to humans from the previously neglected reservoir in companion animals.

VapB-positive Rhodococcus equi infection in an HIV-infected patient in Japan

Rhodococcus equi, a bacterium present in soil, is a common cause of pneumonia in foals. This organism has been recognized as an opportunistic pathogen in humans, typically causing infection in immunocompromised hosts such as HIV-infected patients and organ transplant recipients. However, human infection with R. equi has not been reported in Japan except in a case involving a laboratory worker. We report the first human case of VapB-positive R. equi pneumonia, which involved an HIV-infected patient living in an urban area in Japan. The patient was treated successfully with 450 mg rifampicin and 600 mg tosufloxacin, even though his CD4+ lymphocyte count at the time of diagnosis was 10/microl. The patient's dogs were suspected in the epidemiology of this infection, but unfortunately we could not isolate the organism from canine-associated specimens in this case. R. equi infections in companion animals have been thought to be very rare, but they may be increasing in dogs. Therefore, further epidemiological research may clarify the prevalence of R. equi infection and the factors predisposing dogs to this infection.

Biological Response Modifiers in the Management of Viral Infection

The rapid evolution of immunopharmacology as a recognized scientific discipline dedicated to unraveling complex interrelationships between immunologic responsiveness and disease states in general supports the importance of the potential role biological response modifiers have in clinical medicine. To administer a drug, or combination of drugs, that safely, effectively, and favorably alter the course of infection, cancer, autoimmune disease, and allergy is within grasp. Although the greatest emphasis on therapeutic application of BRMs is placed on cancer, many of these immunomodulating agents have well-documented effects on the course of infectious disease. By either restoring immune responses or by enhancing the response of a normal immune system, it is conceivable that BRM therapy will someday be used routinely as adjunct therapy in the management of viral infections in companion animals.