Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in dogs given antibiotics for chronic dermatological disorders, compared with non-treated control dogs

   

The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial resistance in canine staphylococci, Escherichia coli and enterococci, which were isolated from 22 dogs with pyoderma and a history of previous antibiotic treatment, compared to bacterial isolates from 56 non-treated control dogs. Two isolates of each bacterial species per dog were investigated, if detected. Staphylococcal isolates from dogs with pyoderma (35 isolates) were more resistant to sulphatrimethoprim than the isolates from controls (56 isolates) (57% vs. 25%, p < 0.004). Multiresistance in staphylococci was also more common in dogs with pyoderma (29% vs. 9%, p = 0.02). A similar trend among isolates of E. coli was detected (24 and 74 isolates from treated and control dogs, respectively), but the differences were not significant. Resistance for macrolide-lincosamides was approximately 20% among staphylococci in both groups. Resistance to ampicillin among enterococci was 4%–7%. The age of the dogs might have an impact on resistance: multiresistance among staphylococcal isolates from younger dogs (≤5 years) was more common than in older dogs (≥6 years) (24%, vs. 0%, 63 and 27 isolates, respectively, p = 0.02). Staphylococci in younger dogs were more resistant to tetracycline (48% vs. 11%, p < 0.001) and sulphatrimethoprim (48% vs. 15%, p < 0.01) than those in older dogs. In contrast, the isolates of E. coli from older dogs tended to be more resistant, although a significant difference was detected only in resistance to tetracycline (13% vs. 2% of 40 and 50 isolates respecthely, p = 0.04)). The results of this small study indicate that resistance in canine staphylococci in the capital area of Finland is comparable with many other countries in Europe. Resistance in indicator bacteria, E. coli and enterococci, was low.     

Antimicrobial Susceptibility and rRNA Gene Restriction Patterns among Staphylococcus intermedins from Healthy Dogs and from Dogs Suffering from Pyoderma or Otitis Externa

A total of 60 Staphylococcus intermedins strains from dogs were investigated by their sensitivity to various antibiotics (50 strains) and by their rRNA gene restriction patterns (ribotyping) (60 strains). Fifteen isolates were from healthy dogs, 9 with otitis externa, and 36 with pyoderma, including 10 strains from a previous study. Sixty per cent of the 50 strains tested for antibiotic susceptibility demonstrated resistance to penicillin, 24% to spiramycin, 20% to tetracycline, 16% to chloramphenicol, and 2% to fucidic acid. All isolates were susceptible to amoxycillin with clavulanic acid, enrofloxacin, and sulphonamides with trimethoprim. There were no significant differences in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns observed among isolates from pyoderma, otitis externa or healthy dogs. Among the 60 strains studied by ribotyping, 10 different ribotypes were identified: 6 different ribotypes among isolates from otitis externa, 8 among isolates from pyoderma, and 5 among isolates from healthy dogs. One ribotype (profile C) was dominant among the isolates from healthy dogs while another ribotype (profile A) was dominant among strains from dogs suffering from pyoderma. This profile was not demonstrated in any of the strains from healthy dogs. From 5 different dogs suffering from pyoderma, 2 different clones were demonstrated based on their plasmid profile and antibiogram. In these dogs 1 of the clones always belonged to ribotype A. The results concerning strains of S. intermedins isolated from furunculosis suggest the existence of distinct subpopulations with different pathogenicity to dogs.     

Nasal Staphylococcus aureus and S. pseudintermedius carriage in healthy dogs and cats: a systematic review of their antibiotic resistance,virulence and genetic lineages of zoonotic relevance

The molecular ecology of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and their methicillin-resistant strains in healthy dogs and cats could serve as good models to understand the concept of bacterial zoonosis due to animal companionship. This study aims to provide insights into pooled prevalence, genetic lineages, virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among healthy dogs and cats. Original research and brief communication articles published from 2001 to 2021 that reported the nasal detection of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius in healthy dogs and cats in the community, homes and outside veterinary clinics were examined and analysed. Forty-nine studies were eligible and included in this systematic review. The pooled prevalence of nasal carriage of S. aureus/methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in healthy dogs and cats were 10.9% (95% CI: 10.1–11.9)/2.8% (95% CI: 2.4–3.2) and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.9–4.8)/0.5% (95% CI: 0.0–1.1), respectively. Conversely, the pooled prevalence of S. pseudintermedius/methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) in healthy dogs and cats were 18.3% (95% CI: 17.1–19.7)/3.1% (95% CI: 2.5–3.7) and 1.3% (95% CI: 0.6–2.4)/1.2% (95% CI: 0.6–2.3), respectively. Although highly diverse genetic lineages of S. aureus were detected in healthy dogs and cats, MSSA-CC1/CC5/CC22/CC45/CC121/CC398 and MRSA-CC5/CC93/CC22/CC30 were mostly reported in dogs; and MSSA-CC5/CC8/CC15/CC48 and MRSA-CC22/CC30/CC80 in cats. Of note, MSSA-CC398 isolates (spa-types t034 and t5883) were detected in dogs. Genetic lineages often associated with MSSP/MRSP were ST20/ST71, highlighting the frequent detection of the epidemic European MRSP-ST71 clone in dogs. S. aureus isolates carrying the luk-S/F-PV, tst, eta, etb and etd genes were seldomly detected in dogs, and luk-S/F-PV was the unique virulence factor reported in isolates of cats. S. pseudintermedius isolates harbouring the luk-S/F-I, seint and expA genes were frequently found, especially in dogs. High and diverse rates of AMR were noted, especially among MRSA/MRSP isolates. There is a need for additional studies on the molecular characterization of isolates from countries with under-studied nasal staphylococci isolates.     

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from canine pyoderma in North China

Aims: To determine the prevalence of carriage of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) among dogs with pyoderma from two small animal hospitals in North China during a 21‐month period and to characterize these isolates. Methods and Results: Swabs were taken from 260 dogs with pyoderma, and the staphylococcal species isolated and methicillin resistance were confirmed phenotypically and genotypically. The identified MRSP isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing, staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec typing, testing for susceptibility to nine antimicrobial agents and SmaI‐digested pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. Thirty‐three (12·7%) dogs were positive for MRSP. The most prevalent genotypes detected among MRSP were ST71(MLST)‐t06(spa)‐II‐III(SCCmec) (n = 22, 66·7%), followed by ST5‐t19 (n = 8, 24·2%), ST126‐III(n = 2, 6·1%) and ST6‐t02‐V (3·0%). All MRSP isolates showed extended resistance to tested antimicrobial agents. Eight different SmaI patterns were observed in 21 typeable MRSP isolates. Conclusions: Clinical isolates of MSRP isolated from dogs in North China belonged to two major clonal lineages ST71 and ST5. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study is the first report on MRSP from canine pyoderma in China. Further surveillance study is needed to gain more detailed data concerning this major clinical challenge in veterinary medicine.     

Seasonal study of the fungal biota of the fur of dogs

During a one year period, 944 dogs from the Municipal kennel of Barcelona were examined to detect animals with suspected dermatophytosis. Only a few animals (1.8%) presented skin lesions but none of them had dermatophytosis. A representative number of dogs without visible skin lesions (n=172), selected at random, were used to carry out a seasonal study of the mycobiota of their fur. Fifteen isolates belonging to the genera Microsporum and Trichophyton were isolated from 14 of the 172 (8.1%) dogs without lesions. The identity of these fungi was Microsporum gypseum (6/15), Trichophyton terrestre (4/15), M. canis (2/15), M. cookei (2/15) and Trichophyton ajelloi (1/15) (one strain each of M. gypseum and T. ajelloi were isolated from one dog). Species of Penicillium (% prevalence=89.5%), Alternaria (86.6%), Cladosporium (84.9%), Aspergillus (77.3%), Scopulariopsis (65.7%) and Chrysosporium (64.5%) were the most prevalent. No significant differences in the fungal biota were observed with respect to age, gender, hair length or between mixed and pure breed dogs. A large number of isolates, including species belonging to the genera Beauveria, Chrysosporium, Malbranchea and Scopulariopsis, that macroscopically and/or microscopically resemble dermatophytes and may be mistaken for them, produced a red color change in Dermatophyte Test Medium. No significant seasonal difference was detected among the isolates belonging to the the most frequently encountered genera, with the exception of Scopulariopsis (higher in summer and autumn) and Chrysosporium (higher in summer). Species from other genera, with lower occurrence also presented significant differences in their seasonal distribution. Arthrinium, Aureobasidium, Chaetomium and Phoma spp. presented maximum prevalence peaks in spring, Fusarium, Paecilomyces, Phoma and Rhizopus spp. in summer and Geotrichum and Mucor spp. in autumn. The Microsporum and Trichophyton species were more frequently isolated in summer.     

Molecular prevalence and zoonotic potential of trichomonads from oral cavities in household dogs

This study investigated the molecular prevalence of oral trichomonads in household dogs. Of the 144 dogs, 21 (14.6%, 21/144) tested positive for oral trichomonads. The prevalence was significantly higher in dogs with severe gingivitis (gingival index 3: 30.0%, 8/26) than that in normal dogs (gingival index 0: 2.7%, 1/37). Therefore, an interaction between oral trichomonads and the development of periodontal disease is suggested. Of the 21 positive samples, 16 isolates were T. brixi, four isolates were T. tenax, and one was Tetratrichomonas sp. Considering T. tenax is recognized as a zoonotic agent, transmission between dogs and humans cannot be neglected.     

Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and genetic relatedness among enterococci isolated from dogs and cats in the United States

Aims: In this study, mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and genetic relatedness among resistant enterococci from dogs and cats in the United States were determined. Methods and Results: Enterococci resistant to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, streptomycin, lincomycin, quinupristin/dalfopristin and tetracycline were screened for the presence of 15 antimicrobial resistance genes. Five tetracycline resistance genes [tet(M), tet(O), tet(L), tet(S) and tet(U)] were detected with tet(M) accounting for approx. 60% (130/216) of tetracycline resistance; erm(B) was also widely distributed among 96% (43/45) of the erythromycin‐resistant enterococci. Five aminoglycoside resistance genes were also detected among the kanamycin‐resistant isolates with the majority of isolates (25/36; 69%) containing aph(3′)‐IIIa. The bifunctional aminoglycoside resistance gene, aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2″)‐Ia, was detected in gentamicin‐resistant isolates and ant(6)‐Ia in streptomycin‐resistant isolates. The most common gene combination among enterococci from dogs (n = 11) was erm(B), aac(6′)‐Ie‐aph(2″)‐Ia, aph(3′)‐IIIa, tet(M), while tet(O), tet(L) were most common among cats (n = 18). Using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), isolates clustered according to enterococcal species, source and antimicrobial gene content and indistinguishable patterns were observed for some isolates from dogs and cats. Conclusion: Enterococci from dogs and cats may be a source of antimicrobial resistance genes. Significance and Impact of the Study: Dogs and cats may act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes that can be transferred from pets to people. Although host‐specific ecovars of enterococcal species have been described, identical PFGE patterns suggest that enterococcal strains may be exchanged between these two animal species.     

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage among veterinary staff and dogs in private veterinary clinics in Hokkaido,Japan

To explore the prevalence and molecular characteristics of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in veterinary medical practices, MRSA carriage was tested among 96 veterinarians (Vets), 70 veterinary technicians (VTs) and 292 dogs with which they had contact at 71 private veterinary clinics (VCs) in Hokkaido, Japan. MRSA isolates were obtained from 22 Vets [22.9%] and 7 VTs [10%]. The prevalence of MRSA among Vets was as high as that found in an academic veterinary hospital in our previous study. In contrast, only two blood donor dogs and one dog with liver disease (1.0%, 3/292) yielded MRSA. All MRSA‐positive dogs were reared or treated in different VCs, in each of which at least one veterinary staff member carrying MRSA worked. Sequence types (ST) identified by multilocus sequence typing, spa types, and SCCmec types for canine MRSA isolates (ST5‐spa t002‐SCCmec II [from two dogs] or ST30‐spa t021‐SCCmec IV [from a dog]) were concordant with those from veterinary staff members in the same clinics as the MRSA‐positive dogs, with which they had potentially had contact. Most MRSA isolates from veterinary staff were the same genotype (SCCmec type II and spa type t002) as a major hospital‐acquired MRSA clone in Japan. The remaining MRSA was the same genotypes as domestic and foreign community‐associated MRSA. Measures against MRSA infection should be provided in private VCs.     

Molecular epidemiological characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates originating from food poisoning outbreaks that occurred in Tokyo,Japan

Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP), one of the commonest food‐borne diseases, results from the ingestion of one or more staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) produced in foods by Staphylococcus aureus. In the present study, 203 S. aureus strains originating from 83 outbreaks that had occurred in Tokyo were examined for their coagulase type and genotype of SEs to analyze their molecular epidemiological characteristics. The representative subsets of the 83 S. aureus isolates were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and S. aureus pathogenicity island (SaPI) scanning. The isolates were integrated into eight specific clonal complexes (CC) s; CC81, CC8, CC6, CC5, CC508, CC59, CC20 and CC30. The profiles of the coagulase type, SE/SEl genotype and the suspected type of enterotoxin‐encoding mobile genetic element (MGE) indicated a correlation with each CC. SaPI scanning showed fixed regularity between the distributions of genomic islands, including SaPIs, and the phylogenetic lineage based on MLST. These results indicate that the S. aureus isolates, which classified into eight CCs, have distinguishable properties concerning specific coagulase type, enterotoxin genotype and MGE type. Strains of S. aureus harboring these particular elements possess the potential to cause SFP.     

Selection of broad‐spectrum cephalosporin‐resistant Escherichia coli in the feces of healthy dogs after administration of first‐generation cephalosporins

Although antimicrobial products are essential for treating diseases caused by bacteria, antimicrobial treatment selects for antimicrobial‐resistant (AMR) bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of administration of first‐generation cephalosporins on development of resistant Escherichia coli in dog feces. The proportions of cephalexin (LEX)‐resistant E. coli in fecal samples of three healthy dogs treated i.v. with cefazolin before castration and then orally with LEX for 3 days post‐operation (PO) were examined using DHL agar with or without LEX (50 µg/mL). LEX‐resistant E. coli were found within 3 days PO, accounted for 100% of all identified E. coli 3–5 days PO in all dogs, and were predominantly found until 12 days PO. LEX‐resistant E. coli isolates on DHL agar containing LEX were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) genotyping, β‐lactamase typing and plasmid profiling. All isolates tested exhibited cefotaxime (CTX) resistance (CTX minimal inhibitory concentration ≥4 µg/mL). Seven PFGE profiles were classified into five groups and three β‐lactamase combinations (bla_CMY‐4‐bla_TEM‐1, bla_TEM‐1‐bla_CTX‐M‐15 and bla_TEM‐1‐bla_CTX‐M‐15‐bla_CMY‐4). All isolates exhibited identical PFGE profiles in all dogs on four days PO and subsequently showed divergent PFGE profiles. Our results indicate there are two selection periods for AMR bacteria resulting from the use of antimicrobials. Thus, continuing hygiene practices are necessary to prevent AMR bacteria transfer via dog feces after antimicrobial administration.     

Characterization of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from dogs and cats

The aim of this study was to explore the presence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) in a collection of S. pseudintermedius strains isolated from dogs and cats with dermatitis in Japan and to compare their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. Clonal relationships were determined by pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) typing, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Biofilm formation assay was performed using safranin staining in microplates. Three virulence genes coding for S. intermedius exfoliative toxin and Panton‐Valentine leukocidin (siet, lukS‐PV and lukF‐PV) were searched for in a collection of strains. Antimicrobial resistance against 15 antibiotics was studied by a disc diffusion method. Twenty‐seven MRSP were isolated. According to PFGE results the isolates were not closely related except for a few strains. MLST showed that the strains belonged to five groups, ST71 and ST26 being the two most prevalent. Three types of SCCmec (II, II–III and V) were identified. All isolates were siet‐positive but PVL‐negative. Most strains (except for two) produced strong biofilm in tryptic soy broth with glucose. Seventy‐eight percent of the isolates were resistant or intermediate to twelve or more antibiotics. Our study demonstrates that the ST71 lineage is widespread in Japan and that ST26 could represent an emerging lineage. Moreover, most of our strains are capable of forming strong biofilm and possess siet gene, two virulence characteristics that probably help the bacteria to persist and spread. Finally, our MRSP strains show a strong resistance profile to antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine.     

Anatomical distribution and genetic relatedness of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli from healthy companion animals

Aims: Escherichia coli have been targeted for studying antimicrobial resistance in companion animals because of opportunistic infections and as a surrogate for resistance patterns in zoonotic organisms. The aim of our study is to examine antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolated from various anatomical sites on healthy dogs and cats and identify genetic relatedness. Methods and Results: From May to August, 2007, healthy companion animals (155 dogs and 121 cats) from three veterinary clinics in the Athens, GA, USA, were sampled. Escherichia coli was isolated from swabs of nasal, oral, rectal, abdomen and hindquarter areas. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 16 antimicrobials was performed using broth microdilution with the Sensititre? system. Clonal types were determined by a standardized pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis protocol. Although rectal swabs yielded the most E. coli (165/317; 52%) from dogs and cats, the organism was distributed evenly among the other body sites sampled. Escherichia coli isolates from both dogs and cats exhibited resistance to all antimicrobials tested with the exception of amikacin, cephalothin and kanamycin. Resistance to ampicillin was the most prevalent resistance phenotype detected (dogs, 33/199; 17%; and cats, 27/118; 23%). Among the resistant isolates, 21 resistance patterns were observed, where 18 patterns represented multidrug resistance (MDR; resistance ≥2 antimicrobial classes). Also among the resistant isolates, 33 unique clonal types were detected, where each clonal type contained isolates from various sampling sites. Similar resistance phenotypes were exhibited among clonal types, and three clonal types were from both dogs and cats. Conclusions: Healthy companion animals can harbour antimicrobial‐resistant E. coli on body sites that routinely come in contact with human handlers. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study is the first report that demonstrates a diverse antimicrobial‐resistant E. coli population distributed over various sites of a companion animal’s body, thereby suggesting potential transfer of resistant microflora to human hosts during contact.     

Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Coxiella-like endosymbionts in dogs and ticks infesting dogs in Northeast India

An epidemiological study was performed to determine the role of dogs and ticks infesting dogs in the transmission of Q fever in humans and animals from April 2019 to March 2020 in the northeastern hill states of India. In total, 245 pet and stray dogs irrespective of age or sex were sampled, without specific inclusion or exclusion criteria. In total, 478 ticks belonging to three species were detected, namely Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum. The DNA extracted from blood and tick samples was assayed for molecular characterization of Coxiella burnetii targeting the 16S rRNA and superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes. Amplified PCR products were purified, cloned and custom sequenced. PCR assay showed 3.3% (8/245) of the dogs were positive for Coxiella-like bacteria. Coxiella-like bacterial DNA was detected in adult fully engorged females of R. sanguineus (7.7%, 13/168), R. (B.) microplus (3.3%, 4/123) and H. anatolicum (1.9%, 1/54). Coxiella-like bacterial DNA lacked in adult male or nymphal stage. The infection rate did not vary significantly between seasons, nor according to sex or age of the host. Six nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA and SOD genes are discussed.

     

Segregation for somatic embryogenesis on stem-internode explants from potato seedlings

Differences in productivity for somatic embryos (SEs) in vitro among 18 potato cultivars and three wild Solanum species in an earlier study led to the hypothesis that regeneration of SEs may be under genetic control. To examine this possibility, three test crosses were initiated; Coastal Russet×AF 186-2; Costal Russet×Lenape; AF 186-2×Lenape. True potato seedlings from these crosses were germinated in vitro. Five stem internode explants from each seedling were excised and cultured on two successive media to promote the formation of SEs. Seedling explants Costal Russet×AF 186-2 cross produced more SE than the other two crosses, and explants from the AF 186-2×Lenape cross generally only produced <10 SEs per explant. SEs were produced on the stem-internode explants from the three crosses at different rates. Data for the number of explants producing SEs and numbers of SEs per explant were highly significant. Regeneration of SEs is probably under nuclear control and the inheritance for regeneration may be quite straightforward. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Cryopreservation of somatic embryos from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Petiveria alliacea</Emphasis> L. by different techniques based on vitrification

Petiveria alliacea L. is a medicinal plant originating from the Amazon region. This study describes an efficient cryopreservation protocol for somatic embryos (SEs) produced from roots of P. alliacea based on the comparison of vitrification, encapsulation-dehydration, and D cryo-plate techniques. With the vitrification technique, SEs treated with PVS2 solution (0.4 M sucrose, 3.3 M glycerol, 2.4 M ethylene glycol, and 1.9 M DMSO) for 30 min displayed high viability (85%) and intermediate proliferation recovery (about 12 adventitious SEs produced from original SEs [SEs/SE] after 90 d of culture). With the encapsulation-dehydration technique, lower viability (70%) and very low proliferation recovery (about two SEs/SE) were achieved with cryopreserved SEs dehydrated for 10 min in a laminar air flow cabinet. The D cryo-plate technique led to high viability (85%) and proliferation recovery (19 SEs/SE) of cryopreserved SEs after 90 min dehydration. In the experimental conditions tested, the D cryo-plate method was the most efficient technique for cryopreservation of P. alliacea SEs.     

ThermotolerantCampylobacter with no or weak catalase activity isolated from dogs

ThermotolerantCampylobacter strains isolated from dog feces were characterized by phenotypical tests, DNA base composition, and DNA-DNA-hybridization. Out of 98 strains, 63 were catalase negative or weakly reacting (CNW); they were found in diarrheic as well as in healthy dogs. The CNW strains were all nalidixic-acid sensitive, hippurate negative, and grew at 42°C but not at 25°C. Seven strains were further investigated. They were sensitive to 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride, reduced nitrate, and produced H₂S in the lead acetate test but not in triple-sugar-iron agar. The mol% G+C for five CNW isolates ranged from 35.2–35.8, which is higher than reported for any thermotolerantCampylobacter species. The strains also formed a well-delimitated DNA homology group with 80% or more intragroup relatedness and about 40% related toC. coli andC. jejuni.     

Prevalence, species distribution and antimicrobial resistance of enterococci isolated from dogs and cats in the United States

Aims: The contribution of dogs and cats as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant enterococci remains largely undefined. This is increasingly important considering the possibility of transfer of bacteria from companion animals to the human host. In this study, dogs and cats from veterinary clinics were screened for the presence of enterococci. Methods and Results: A total of 420 enterococci were isolated from nasal, teeth, rectal, belly and hindquarters sites of 155 dogs and 121 cats from three clinics in Athens, GA. Eighty per cent (124 out of 155) of the dogs and 60% (72 out of 121) of the cats were positive for enterococci. From the total number of dog samples (n = 275), 32% (n = 87) were from hindquarter, 31% (n = 86) were rectal, and 29% (n = 79) were from the belly area. The majority of isolates originated from rectal samples (53 out of 145; 37%) from cats. The predominant species identified was Enterococcus faecalis (105 out of 155; 68%) from dogs and E. hirae (63 out of 121; 52%) from cats. Significantly more E. faecalis were isolated from rectal samples than any other enterococcal species (P < 0·05) for both dogs and cats suggesting site specific colonization of enterococcal species. The highest levels of resistance were to ciprofloxacin in E. faecium (9 out of 10; 90%), chloramphenicol resistance in E. faecalis (17 out of 20; 85%) and gentamicin resistance in E. faecalis (19 out of 24; 79%) from dog samples and nitrofurantoin resistance in E. faecium (15 out of 19; 79%) from cats. Multi‐drug resistance (MDR) (resistance ≥2 antimicrobials) was observed to as few as two and as many as eight antimicrobials regardless of class. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that dogs and cats are commonly colonized with antimicrobial resistant enterococci. Significance and Impact of the Study: Dogs and cats may act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance genes that can be transferred from pets to people.     

New categories designated as healthcare‐associated and community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in dogs

The incidence of MRSP has been increasing, and treatment options in veterinary medicine are limited. Few previous studies of MRSP have described the relationships between the genotypes, phenotypes, and clinical backgrounds of the isolates. To gain insight into the associations between the microbiological and clinical characteristics of MRSP, we analyzed 282 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from dogs. A total of 195 (69.1%) strains were identified as mecA‐positive MRSP and were classified into mainly two genotypes: SCCmec types III (II‐III) (52.8%) and V (37.4%). SCCmec type III MRSP strains were significantly correlated with hospital admission and antimicrobial therapy of the dogs, and exhibited a homogeneous genotype similar to sequence type 71‐MRSP, which is a globally endemic clone in dogs. In contrast, SCCmec type V MRSP strains were not highly correlated with hospital admission and antimicrobial therapy and exhibited genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Properties of MRSP strains SCCmec types III and V were similar to those of HA‐ and CA‐MRSA, respectively. Therefore, we designated these isolates carrying SCCmec types III and V as HA‐MRSP and CA‐MRSP, respectively. Discrimination between HA‐ and CA‐MRSP by oxacillin MIC will provide useful information for treatment and infection control measures for canine MRSP infections.     

Molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis isolates from police and farm dogs in China

To assess the potential zoonotic transmission of giardiasis from dogs in China, a total of 205 fecal specimens from dogs were screened for Giardia duodenalis using PCR and sequence analysis of the triosephosphate isomerase gene. The prevalence of G. duodenalis in dogs was 13.2% (27/205). The potentially zoonotic assemblage A and the dog-specific assemblage C was identified in 25 (12.2%) and two (1.0%) dogs, respectively. All assemblage A isolates belonged to sub-assemblage AI, genotype AI-1. Likewise, one subtype was found in assemblage C. The high occurrence of potentially zoonotic G. duodenalis subtype AI-1 in dogs that are in close contact with humans is of public health concern.     

In vivo assessment of subcutaneous fat in dogs by real-time ultrasonography and image analysis

Background

Systems for estimating body condition score (BCS) are currently used in canine practice to monitor fatness levels. These tools are cheap and easy to use but lack the necessary precision to monitor small changes in body fat, particularly during weight control treatments or in research. The present work aims to study the application of real-time ultrasonography (RTU) together with image analysis in the assessment of subcutaneous fat depots in dogs. Ultrasound images were collected from five anatomical locations (chest, flank, abdomen, thigh and lumbar) from 28 healthy dogs of different breeds and with a body weight (BW) ranging from 5.2 to 33.0 kg. BCS was collected by visual appraisal using a 5-point scale. Subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) was estimated from RTU images, using the average of three measurements taken in fat deposits located above the muscles represented in each image. Correlations were established between SFT and BW or BCS as well as a classification of BCS-based fatness [overweight (BCS = 4), ideal (BCS = 3) and lean (BCS = 2)].

Results

SFT was found to differ between the five regions considered (P < 0.001). Abdomen and thigh were the areas displaying the widest variation for the different dogs included in the study and also those correlating most with BW, in contrast to the chest, which showed the least variation. Overall, a strong correlation was found between BCS and SFT. The highest correlations were established for the flank, abdomen and lumbar areas. In every anatomical area, a decrease in SFT was observed across all three BCS classes, ranging from 48 to 65 % among overweight and ideal dogs, and from 46 to 83 % among ideal and lean dogs.

Conclusions

Preliminary data showed that within this population there was a strong correlation between BCS and SFT estimated from RTU images. It was also observed that RTU measurements for fat thickness differed among the anatomical points surveyed suggesting differences in their sensitivity to a change in BCS. The images displaying the best prediction value for fatness variations were those collected at the lumbar and abdomen areas.