Oral Cavity Of Cats Research Articles

Antifungal susceptibility profile of yeasts isolated from the oral cavity of cats.

Microorganisms living in the oral cavity play an important role in health and disease of the host. Cats are susceptible to oral infections, and it is documented that fungi in the oral cavity could impact these infections. Antifungal resistance has been increasing in recent years. This study was designed to identify yeast isolates from the oral cavity of healthy cats and to evaluate their antifungal susceptibility pattern. Oral specimens were collected from 60 cats and cultured at 37°C for 10 days. Yeasts were isolated and identified. Their antifungal susceptibility pattern was determined according to CLSI M44-A. Three yeast genera were isolated, including Candida spp (55.5%), Rhodotorula spp (33.3%) and Hanseniaspora spp (11.1%). Antifungal susceptibility profiling showed that, apart from a dose-dependent effect of itraconazole, Hanseniaspora spp was susceptible to all seven drugs studied. The Candida species were susceptible to all drugs except ketoconazole (sensitivity 80%) and caspofungin (sensitivity 40%). In R. glutinis and R. minuta, 100% sensitivity was observed for amphotericin B, posaconazole, ketoconazole and voriconazole. The results suggest that, in comparison with humans and other animals, cats have a different oral mycoflora in terms of species, number and diversity. However, these isolates have similar susceptibility patterns to those seen in isolates from other animals and humans. More studies should be done to further characterize the oral mycobiota of cats and its role in oral infections.

Capnocytophaga catalasegens sp. nov., isolated from feline oral cavities.

Three bacterial strains, KC07075, KC07079 and KC07084T, were isolated from the oral cavity of cats in 2007 in Japan. These strains were Gram-negative rods, exhibited gliding motility, grew in air with 5 % CO2, and showed oxidase activity, but not catalase activity. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the three strains were 100 % identical. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain KC07084T showed 92.1 and 91.9% identity to the type strains of Capnocytophaga canis and Capnocytophaga felis, respectively, and showed 89.3-91.6% identity to other Capnocytophaga species. The major cellular fatty acids of strain KC07084T were iso-C15 : 0 (58.4 %) and summed feature 11 (13.1 %). The G+C content of DNA from strain KC07084T was 33.7 mol%, and the genome size was 2.92 Mbp. Strains KC07075, KC07079 and KC07084T showed digital DNA-DNA hybridization values (dDDH) values of 99.9 % and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 99.98 % with each other, strain KC07084T had dDDH values of 18.7-28.2 % and ANI values of 67.12-72.30 % to the type strains of other Capnocytophaga species. All known species of the genus Capnocytophaga inhabiting the oral cavity of dogs and cats have catalase activity, but the three strains, including type strain KC07084T, lacked catalase activity. These results of the phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, biochemical characteristics, and dDDH and ANI values suggest that strain KC07084T represents a novel species. We propose the name Capnocytophaga catalasegens sp. nov., with KC07084T as the type strain (=JCM 32682T=DSM 107252T).

Oral flora of domestic cats in Hong Kong: Identification of antibiotic‐resistant strains

As the clinical outcome of bite-associated infection is related to the oral commensals, evaluating their composition and antibiotic susceptibility pattern can provide more information for the antibiotic treatment of wound infections and increase the awareness of the multidrug-resistant bacteria in cat oral flora. This study was conducted to identify the various bacterial species in the oral cavity of cats. It aimed to identify the composition of cat oral flora and antibiotic resistant bacterial stains. Twenty-two cats were sampled for bacterial evaluation. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry was used to provide rapid and reliable detection and identification of the bacterial species. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed in the identified isolates to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern and to detect the multidrug-resistant bacteria in the cat oral cavities. A total of 54 isolates were identified, Pasteurella was the genus most commonly isolated from the oral cavity of cats (19/54, 35.19%), followed by Neisseria spp. (8/54, 14.81%) and Staphylococcus spp. (7/54, 12.96%). Uncommon oral flora were isolated from the samples, including Pasteurella canis, Inquilinus limosus and the Enterobacteriaceae family of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens. Fourteen different multidrug-resistant bacteria were detected, including Pasteurella species (4/14), Bacillus species (2/14), Neisseria species (3/14), Escherichia species (1/14) and Staphylococcus species (4/14). This study's findings will increase the understanding of the composition of cat oral flora in Hong Kong, which can provide more evidence-based information for the prophylactic treatment of patients with cat bite infections. Moreover, the study identified and detected the antibiotic resistance pattern and multidrug-resistant bacteria in the cat oral cavity, which can help cat owners increase their awareness of maintaining regular oral hygiene for their cats to prevent the spread of pathogens from cats to humans.

Antibacterial Properties of Biodegradable Silver Nanoparticle Foils Based on Various Strains of Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from the Oral Cavity of Cats, Dogs and Horses.

Frequent occurrence of microbial resistance to biocides makes it necessary to find alternative antimicrobial substances for modern veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to obtain biodegradable silver nanoparticle-containing (AgNPs) foils synthesized using non-toxic chemicals and evaluation of their activity against bacterial pathogens isolated from oral cavities of cats, dogs and horses. Silver nanoparticle foils were synthesized using sodium alginate, and glucose, maltose and xylose were used as reducing agents. The sizes of AgNPs differed depending on the reducing agent used (xylose < maltose < glucose). Foil without silver nanoparticles was used as control. Bacterial strains were isolated from cats, dogs and horses by swabbing their oral cavities. Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli were isolated on selective chromogenic microbiological media. The bactericidal effect of AgNPs foils obtained using non-toxic chemical compounds against E. coli, ESBL, S. aureus and MRSA isolated from oral cavities of selected animals was confirmed in this study. No statistically significant differences were observed between the foils obtained with different reducing agents. Therefore, all types of examined foils proved to be effective against the isolated bacteria.

Occurrence of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in the Oral Cavity of Cats with Chronic Gingivostomatitis.

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a severe immune-mediated inflammatory disease with concurrent oral dysbiosis (bacterial and fungal). Broad-spectrum antibiotics are used empirically in FCGS. Still, neither the occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria nor potential patterns of co-occurrence between AMR genes and fungi have been documented in FCGS. This study explored the differential occurrence of AMR genes and the co-occurrence of AMR genes with oral fungal species. Briefly, 14 clinically healthy (CH) cats and 14 cats with FCGS were included. Using a sterile swab, oral tissue surfaces were sampled and submitted for 16S rRNA and ITS-2 next-generation DNA sequencing. Microbial DNA was analyzed using a proprietary curated database targeting AMR genes found in bacterial pathogens. The co-occurrence of AMR genes and fungi was tested using point biserial correlation. A total of 21 and 23 different AMR genes were detected in CH and FCGS cats, respectively. A comparison of AMR-gene frequencies between groups revealed statistically significant differences in the occurrence of genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (ant4Ib), beta-lactam (mecA), and macrolides (mphD and mphC). Two AMR genes (mecA and mphD) showed statistically significant co-occurrence with Malassezia restricta. In conclusion, resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics, such as beta-lactams and macrolides, is a significant cause for concern in the context of both feline and human medicine.

CAPNOCYTOPHAGA CANIMORSUS CAUSING SEPTIC SHOCK IN AN ASPLENIC PATIENT

TOPIC: Critical Care TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: The Capnocytophaga spp. are fusiform, gram-negative rods with gliding motility and grow best in capnophilic environments. There has been concern for antimicrobial resistance among the Capnocytophaga spp. The purpose of this case is to present a patient with isolated C. canimorsus bacteremia causing septic shock and to discuss antimicrobial treatments. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient is a 63-year-old male with a past medical history of Epstein Barr Virus infection resulting in a splenectomy however, his vaccinations were up to date. The patient presented with fatigue for one day and had petechiae on his abdomen, lower extremities and nose. He was febrile at 38.9 degrees Celsius and was started on vancomycin, azithromycin and piperacillin-tazobactam. He then became hypotensive and received the sepsis fluid bolus with no change in his blood pressure. The patient required vasopressor support and then became hypoxic requiring endotracheal intubation. Due to worsening acidosis and vasopressor support the patient was started on continuous renal replacement therapy. The patient's initial blood cultures revealed gram negative rods however, the Biofire BCID (Biomérieux) molecular probe was negative. C. canimorsus was isolated from blood cultures. The antibiotic was then de-escalated to ceftriaxone. Literature review showed the possibility of beta-lactamase production in this bacterium. Given the overall critical illness of the patient, his antibiotic was changed to a combination of ampicillin-sulbactam and clindamycin. He finished a 7-day course of clindamycin and 14-day course of ampicillin-sulbactam. He received a total of 21 days of antibiotic therapy. DISCUSSION: The Capnocytophaga spp. found in the oral cavity of cats and dogs can cause wound infections, endocarditis, sepsis and meningitis. Capnocytophaga spp. have been known to cause more severe infections in immunocompromised patients. The Capnocytophaga spp. have been susceptible to many different classes of antibiotics including penicillins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins and clindamycin. Recent literature has shown that there are strains of Capnocytophaga that produce beta-lactamase. Other literature has shown some Capnocytophaga spp. to be resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. There was one report of a strain of C. sputigena with production of an extended spectrum beta-lactamase. CONCLUSIONS: The patient presented had C. canimorsus bacteremia. Sensitivities were unable to be done as there are no clear Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute breakpoints for this organism. Literature had shown that C. canimorsus to be sensitive to penicillins. However, there have also been reports of beta-lactam production among other Capnocytophaga spp. Since the patient was critically ill and, sensitivities were unable to be done, the patient was switched to ampicillin-sulbactam and clindamycin. REFERENCE #1: Jolivet-Gougeon, A., Sixou, J., Tamanai-Shacoori, Z., & Bonnaure-Mallet, M. (2007). Antimicrobial treatment of Capnocytophaga infections. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 29(4), 367-373. doi:10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2006.10.005 REFERENCE #2: Zangenah, S., Andersson, A. F., Özenci, V., & Bergman, P. (2017). Genomic analysis reveals the presence of a class D beta-lactamase with broad substrate specificity in animal bite associated Capnocytophaga species. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases?: Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology, 36(4), 657–662. https://doi-org.cuhsl.creighton.edu/10.1007/s10096-016-2842-2 REFERENCE #3: Gomez-Garces, J. L., Alos, J. I., Sanchez, J., & Cogollos, R. (1994). Bacteremia by multidrug-resistant Capnocytophaga sputigena. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 32(4), 1067-1069. doi:10.1128/jcm.32.4.1067-1069.1994 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Muhammad Khan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Kenneth Mueller, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by David Quimby, source=Web Response

Differences in the Composition of Cultivable Aerobic and Facultative Anaerobic Oral Microbiota in Cats of Various Age Groups

Abstract The feline oral cavity is naturally inhabited by various microorganisms contributing to the maintenance of its oral health. The imbalance of oral microbiota or the presence of pathogenic agents can lead to secondary oral diseases. Various factors such as sex, diet, breed, environment and even age, affect the composition of a healthy oral microbiota during the life of cats. The purpose of this study was to compare the composition of culturable aerobic and facultative anaerobic micro-biota in cats in terms of different age categories. We used conventional cultivation methods in conjunction with microscopic and biochemical methods to isolate and identify the micro organisms found in the oral cavity of cats. The examination of 76 samples confirmed the dominance of the phylum Proteobacteria in almost all groups. Commonly occurring bacteria have been identified, i. e. Streptococcus spp., Neisseria spp. and Pasteurella spp. Although aerobic and facultative anaerobic oral micro biota were examined, differences between age groups were noted. The microbial diversity of the oral microbiota significantly increased with age.

Characterization of Pasteurella multocida isolates recovered from the oral flora of cats

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the presence of Pasteurella multocida in the swab samples taken from the oral cavity of cats, and to determine the capsular type and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. For this purpose, swab samples taken from 300 cats were inoculated onto Knight's selective enriched medium and blood agar for isolation of P. multocida. Followingafter capsular typing of the isolates by PCR, the susceptibilities of the isolates to ceftiofur, clindamycin, erythromycin, enrofloxacin, amoxicillin+clavulanic acid, trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol were examined by the disk diffusion method. The relationships between oral colonization and various physiological and behavioral variables were evaluated, statistically. P. multocida was isolated from 48 (16%) of the samples and all strains were typed as capsular type A. While all of the isolates were resistant to clindamycin and susceptible to enrofloxacin, 8,33% tetracycline resistance was also remarkable. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MDR) was detected in 27% of the isolates. The colonization of P. multocida was found to be statistically significant in cats under the age of 1 and in cats living outdoors. The importance of antibiotic resistance observed in bacteria with a zoonotic character such as P. multocida should not be ignored since it poses a threat to public health. It was concluded that, in this study determination of tetracycline resistance, which has started to be reported in feline Pasterurella multocida isolates in recent years, and detection of multiple antibiotic resistance in 27% of isolates, was extremely important for public health.

Capnocytophaga felis sp. nov. isolated from the feline oral cavity.

Four strains, KC07070T, KC07105, 11 025B-8C and 11 026B-8-C, were isolated from the oral cavity of cats in 2007 or 2011 in Japan. These strains were Gram-stain-negative rods, exhibited gliding motility, grew in air with 5 % CO2 and showed catalase and oxidase activity. The sequences of 16S rRNA genes of the four strains were 100 % identical. Additionally, the sequences of 16S rRNA genes of KC07070T had identity to those of the type strains of Capnocytophaga canimorsus (97.7 %), Capnocytophaga cynodegmi (97.8 %) and Capnocytophaga canis (97.4 %) and 91.2-93.8% identity to those of other species of the genus Capnocytophaga. The major cellular fatty acids of KC07070T were iso-C15 : 0 (56.2 %) and summed feature 11 (14.9 %). The G+C content of the DNA from KC07070T was 35.6 mol%, and the genome size was 2.88 Mbp. KC07070T had digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of 26.2-27.6% and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values of 75.4-83.3 % to the type strains of the closest relatives, C. canimorsus, C. cynodegmi and C. canis. These results of phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, cellular fatty acids compositions and dDDH and ANI values indicate that strain KC07070T represents a novel species, for which we propose the name Capnocytophaga felis sp. nov., with type strain KC07070T (=JCM 32681T=DSM 107251T).

Epidemiologic and Pathologic Aspects of Feline Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex

Background: The feline eosinophilic granuloma complex (FEGC) includes a group of lesions that affect the skin, mucocutaneous junctions, and oral cavity of cats. It comprises three distinct clinical entities: the eosinophilic ulcer (EU), the eosinophilic plaque (EP) and the eosinophilic granuloma (EG). The EU is usually found in the upper lip. Lesions of EP occur most commonly on the abdomen and medial thigh. The EG lesions usually appear on the tongue and hard palate. The aim of this study is to describe the localization and pathological findings of FEGC through a retrospective study and testing by immunohistochemistry if feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) infection may be associated.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The records of biopsy specimens from the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul were recovered and cats diagnosed with FEGC were selected since January 2006 to December 2017. General data, such as age, sex, breed and distribution lesions, were analyzed and compiled. The histological slides were reviewed by optical microscopy and the microscopic findings were detailed. Sections of tissue were used in immunohistochemistry to investigate the presence of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) using anti-FHV-1 antibody. In this study, 30 cats were diagnosed with FEGC. Most part of the cats were mixed breed (27/30), and there were no sex predisposition. The age of the cats ranged from seven months to 13 years old, and the median was three years. The lesion distribution of FEGC was 40% in oral cavity, 33.3% in skin and 26.6% in mucocutaneous junction. Histologically, the main lesion of all distributions was characterized by diffuse dermal/submucosa inflammatory infiltrate composed of eosinophils. Within the inflammation there were large irregular foci of collagen fibers and degranulated and degenerating eosinophil (“flame figures”). Oftentimes these foci were surrounded by macrophages and fewer multinucleated histiocytic giant cells. There were mild to moderate inflammatory infiltrate of mast cells, lymphocytes and plasm cells in dermis and submucosa. Ulceration of epidermis and mucosa were observed in majority of FEGC lesions with inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils. All cases were negative for FHV-1 in the immunohistochemical evaluation.Discussion: In this study, feline eosinophilic granuloma complex was uncommon, accounting 0.96% of the feline cases diagnosticated in 15 years. Agreeing with the other authors, there was no sex and breed predilection. The median of age were three years old, some authors report higher occurrence in young animals and associated with genetic predisposition. Histologically, the most frequent findings were submucous and dermal inflammatory infiltrate composed primarily of eosinophils associated with areas of “flame figures”. Surrounded these areas, there were intense inflammatory infiltrate composed of macrophages, palisading macrophages and fewer multinucleated histiocytic giant cells as previously described by other authors. The ulceration of epidermis and mucosa was a common finding of eosinophilic granuloma complex lesions especially in cases where the oral cavity was affected. In this study, we could not evaluate the presence of FHV-1 in feline cases of eosinophilic granuloma complex. The area commonly affected in cases of FEGC was the oral mucosa. It may be due to differentiate from other diseases that affect the same area. Feline eosinophilic granuloma complex are important differential diagnosis for other diseases that include neoplasms, especially squamous cell carcinoma.

Molecular detection of feline and canine periodontal pathogens

Periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease of cats and dogs which are strongly associated with periodontal pathogens. The primary etiologic factor in the formation of periodontal disease is microbial dental plaque accumulation on teeth. In our research, we aimed to investigate the presence of periodontal disease-related bacterial species in dental plaques of cats and dogs. Specimens collected from 50 cats and 51 dogs with periodontal disease examined in terms of periodontal pathogens by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers directed to 16S rRNA and tdpA genes. Our findings indicate the presence of periodontal disease-related pathogens, especially Porphyromonas gingivalis (cats 96%, dogs 88%), Prevotella nigrescens (cats 90%, dogs 57%) and, Porphyromonas gulae (cats 70%, dogs 39%). In addition, the prevalence of Tannerella forthysia (cats 2%, dogs 4%) well-known pathogen in cats and dogs were isolated with an extremely low percentage.Furthermore, our results suggest that the feline oral cavity microbiota has considerably more diversity than dogs. Consequently, daily oral hygiene practices may become essential for controlling the pathogenic bacteria which have clinical importance and in preventing the propagation of microorganisms in the oral cavity of cats and dogs.

Investigation of some gastric Helicobacter species in saliva and dental plaque of stray cats by cultural and PCR methods

The purpose of this study was to explore the presence of gastric Helicobacter species in the oral cavity of stray cats in the Kars region. Saliva and dental plaque samples collected from 100 stray cats were evaluated by culture and PCR methods in terms of gastric Helicobacter species. For culture, samples were plated on 5% defibrinated-horse blood and 5% defibrinated-sheep blood enriched selective agar plates supplemented with Vancomycin (6 μg/ml), Polymyxine B (2.500 IU/l), Trimethoprim (20 μg/ml) and Amphotericin B (2.5 μg/ml). Molecular methods were also included to study by using the PCR targeting amplification of the 16S rRNA gene sequence for Helicobactergenus and urease B gene sequence for each Helicobacter species. As the results of cultural examination, Helicobacter spp. were isolated from 10 (10%) cats (10 saliva and 5 dental plaque samples) and these were further identified as H. heilmannii by PCR. Direct analysis of samples by genus-specific PCR revealed that a total of 70 (50 saliva and 20 dental plaques) samples from 65 cats were positive in terms of Helicobacter DNA. As the results of species – specific PCR analysis of these samples 34 (48.57%) (24 saliva and 10 dental plaque samples) were identified as H. heilmannii, while the remaining 36 (51.42%) were found to be negative in terms of related species (H. heilmannii, H. pylori and H. felis). It has been concluded that these bacteria, identified in the oral cavity of the cats, may play a role in transmission of infection to humans.

Diagnostic value of cytological analysis of tumours and tumour-like lesions of the oral cavity in dogs and cats: A prospective study on 114 cases

Neoplastic or non-neoplastic masses are common findings in the oral cavity of cats and dogs. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the results of cytological examinations of lesions of the oral cavity following fine-needle aspiration (FNA), fine-needle insertion (FNI), and impression smear (IS) with histopathological results being considered as the diagnostic gold standard.In total, 85 dogs and 29 cats were included in the study. Cases were included when histology and cytology (FNA, FNI, and/or IS) were available from the same lesion; κ-agreement and accuracy between cytological and histopathological results were calculated. Eighteen cytological specimens were excluded, with a retrieval rate of 84.2%. Of the 96 samples analysed, FNA, FNI, and IS were available from 80, 76, and 73 animals, respectively. Overall, 60/67 (89.6%) and 21/29 (72.4%) lesions were neoplastic in dogs and cats, respectively, with the remaining being non-neoplastic. For all lesions, κ-values obtained by FNA, FNI, and IS were in dogs 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77–0.90), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.81–0.93) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.67–0.84), respectively, and in cats 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87–0.96), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88–0.97) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.79–0.92), respectively. The diagnostic accuracies of FNA, FNI, and IS in dogs with neoplasia were 98.2%, 98.1%, and 91.8%, respectively, and in cats with neoplasia were 95.6%, 95.6% and 95.8%, respectively. In conclusion, the high agreement with histopathology suggests that cytological examinations by FNI, FNA, and IS are all appropriate methods to correctly diagnose lesions of the oral cavity in dogs and cats.

Genomic characterisation of Felis catus papillomavirus 4, a novel papillomavirus detected in the oral cavity of a domestic cat

Three papillomaviruses (PVs) from the domestic cat have been fully sequenced so far including Felis domesticus PV-1 (FdPV-1), FdPV-2, and a recently described Felis catus PV-3 (FcaPV-4). In the current article, we describe the full genomic sequence of a fourth PV from the domestic cat. This PV was amplified from the oral cavity of a cat with severe gingivitis. However, the aetiological involvement of FcaPV-4 in development of lesions observed in this cat remains uncertain. The complete genome of the novel virus comprised 7,616 bp and was predicted to encode five early (E1, E2, E4, E6 and E7) and two late (L1 and L2) genes, with the organisation typical for PVs. The L1 showed 65.1 % nucleotide sequence identity to L1 of FcaPV-3 and approximately 60 % identity to L1 of canine tau-papillomaviruses CPV-2 and CPV-7. The novel virus clustered with FcaPV-3, CPV-2 and CPV-7 on a phylogenetic tree constructed from a concatenated alignment of 3,013 bp from E1, E2, L1 and L2. Based on the genomic and phylogenetic data, we propose that the novel virus is classified as a distinct species within the same genus as FcaPV-3. We also propose that both viruses are classified within the genus Taupapillomavirus, although this classification may need to be re-visited after more tau-PV genomes become available.

Novel bacterial phylotypes associated with the healthy feline oral cavity and feline chronic gingivostomatitis

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a painful inflammatory disease of the oral cavity. Treatment options for FCGS are very limited and little is known regarding its aetiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of putative novel species in the oral cavity of cats with and without FCGS. Bacterial DNA was extracted from oral swabs and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The 16S rRNA genes of 54 clones representing distinct potentially novel species were sequenced (1202–1325 base pairs). Obtained sequences were compared to the BLAST database, aligned using the ClustalW2 alignment tool and a phylogenetic tree created. Twenty-two clones (18 from control and four from FCGS samples) had a similarity of less than 97% and were considered novel. The proportion of novel phylotypes in each group was 19.6% (control) and 2.3% (FCGS). In the derived phylogenetic tree, 15 novel phylotypes clustered together and branched away from known species and phyla. This suggests the presence of a group of novel, previously unidentified bacteria that are associated with the feline oral cavity in both health and disease.

Molecular Detection of Pasteurella multocida Strains from Oral Swabs in Pets

The molecular detection by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) represents a much more sensitive, specific and fast detection method of Pasteurella and confirms the infection. Although the isolation and identification of the pathogenic agent represent the most reliable method of demonstration of its existence, the results of the bacteriologic examination are frequently false negative, owing to the fact that P. multodica is either rather easily destroyed during the transportation or eliminated from the culture medium by the bacteriological suprainfection germs (nasal flora or contaminants).Pasteurellae were identified both in clinically healthy cats and in ill cats. These dates suggest that the contaminated cats, regardless of their clinical state, may transmit de bacteria to humans by bite or scratch. In this work, cats kept as pets from Bucharest were studied with suspect to their contamination with Pasteurella. Of 44 samples taken from the oral cavity of cats, 22 Pasteurella spp. strains could be isolated, 18 of which belonged to the Pasteurella multocida. The organisms were isolated both from healthy and from infected cats.

Comparison of periodontal pathogens between cats and their owners

The periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia are strongly associated with periodontal disease and are highly prevalent in humans with periodontitis. Porphyromonas and Tannerella spp. have also been isolated from the oral cavity of cats. The oral microflora in animals was compared with those in humans in earlier studies, but no studies are available on the comparison of the oral microflora from pets and their respective owners. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of these bacteria in the oral microflora of cats and their owners, since animal to human transmission, or vice versa, of oral pathogens could have public health implications. This study investigated the prevalence of Porphyromonas gulae, P. gingivalis, and T. forsythia in the oral microflora of cats and their owners, using culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All Porphyromonas isolates from cats ( n = 64) were catalase positive, whereas the Porphyromonas isolates from owners ( n = 7) were catalase negative, suggesting that the isolates from cats were P. gulae whereas those from the owners were P. gingivalis. T. forsythia was recovered from both cats ( n = 63) and owners ( n = 31); the proportion of T. forsythia relative to the total CFU was higher in cats with periodontitis than in cats without periodontal disease. Genotyping of T. forsythia isolates ( n = 54) in six cat/owner couples showed that in one cat/owner couple the T. forsythia isolates ( n = 6) were identical. These T. forsythia isolates were all catalase positive, which led us to hypothesize that transmission from cats to owners had occurred and that cats may be a reservoir of T. forsythia.

The Distribution of Genus Streptococcus in the Oral Cavities of Cats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the microflora and identify streptococci from the oral cavity of cats. Oral samples from 15 cats were cultured on BHI-YE agar for total organisms, and selective media for streptococci and mutans streptococci. The distribution and characterization of the isolates were studied. The predominant bacteria were gram-positive and -negative rods, accounting for approximately 46.8% and 44.6% on BHI-YE plates, respectively. On MS medium, commonly used for the detection of oral streptococci in humans, the cultivable bacteria comprised 36% of those on BHI-YE medium. The predominant bacteria were gram-negative rods on MS plates. Gram-positive cocci were detected at low levels of less than 1% on both media. The genus Streptococcus was found in 5 cats, at 0.0002-0.0082% of total cultured bacteria. The most isolates were identified as Streptococcus minor. As one isolate could not be identified by biochemical and genetic methods, it was suggested that it might be a new species. Mutans streptococci were not detected from the oral cavity of the cats.

The Distribution of Genus Staphylococcus in the Oral Cavities of Cats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the microflora and identify staphylococci in the oral cavity of cats. Oral swab samples from 20 cats were cultured on BHI-YE agar for total organisms, and selective media for staphylococci. The distribution and characterization of the isolates were studied. The predominant bacteria were gram-negative and -positive rods, accounting for approximately 53.4 and 41.9% on BHI-YE plates, respectively. Gram-negative and -positive cocci were detected at low levels on the medium. The genus Staphylococcus was identified in all examined cats, comprising 0.4-5.7% of the total cultured bacteria. The majority of isolates were identified as Staphylococcus intermedius, from 16 cats. The next most common strains were Staphylococcus simulans and Staphylococcus sciuri, from 13 and 9 cats, respectively. Minor strains, Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Staphylococcus aureus were also detected. The co-existence of at least two staphylococcal species was noted in 18 subjects. Only isolates identified as S. sciuri had the mecA gene. However, they were sensitive to methicillin and did not possess other mec-accociated genes. Methicillin -resistant S. sciuri was obtained by several transfer cultures on methicillin (20 μg/ml)-containing medium. MICs were 128-1,024 μg/ml. They still did not induce other mec-associated genes. These results suggest that methicillin-sensitive staphylococci that have the mecA gene tend to become drug-resistant strains when repeatedly exposed to methicillin.

Fusobacterium canifelinum sp. nov., from the Oral Cavity of Cats and Dogs

Fourteen strains of Gram-negative, anaerobic, fluoroquinolone-resistant, non-sporulating rods were isolated from various infections in cats and dogs, as well as from wounds in humans after cat- or dog-bites. These strains were characterized by sequencing of the 16S-23S rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, 16S rDNA, DNA-DNA hybridization, phylogenetic analysis, and phenotypic tests. The results indicate that the novel strains belong to a distinct species, closely related to Fusobacterium nucleatum. The species Fusobacterium canifelinum sp. nov. is proposed, with strain ATCC BAA 689T as the type strain.