Methicillin resistance of staphylococci isolated from the skin of dogs with pyoderma

OBJECTIVE: To determine the methicillin-resistant profile of staphylococcal isolates from the skin of dogs with pyoderma. ANIMALS: 90 dogs with pyoderma. PROCEDURE: Staphylococci isolated from dogs with pyoderma were tested for susceptibility to methicillin by use of a standard disk diffusion test with oxacillin disks. The DNA extracted from the isolates was tested for the mecA gene that encodes the penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) by use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The expression of PBP2a was determined with a commercial latex agglutination assay. Species of staphylococcal isolates were identified by use of morphologic, biochemical, and enzymatic tests. RESULTS: Most of the isolated staphylococci were methicillin-susceptible, coagulase-positive Staphylococcus intermedius isolates. Whereas only 2 of 57 S. intermedius isolates were resistant to methicillin, approximately half of the isolates had the mecA gene and produced PBP2a. Staphylococcus schleiferi was the second most common isolate. Widespread resistance to methicillin was found among S. schleiferi isolates. More coagulase-negative S. schleiferi isolates were identified with mecA gene-mediated resistance to methicillin, compared with coagulase-positive S. schleiferi isolates. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The latex agglutination assay for the detection of PBP2a expression coupled with the PCR assay for the mecA gene may provide new information about emerging antimicrobial resistance among staphylococcal isolates.     

Evaluation of clinical characteristics and bacterial isolates in dogs with bacterial keratitis: 97 cases (1993-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical characteristics and breeds affected with bacterial keratitis and compare patterns of resistance in bacterial isolates over time in dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 97 dogs with bacterial keratitis. PROCEDURE: Dogs with bacterial keratitis were identified from teaching hospital medical records at the Universities of Tennessee and Florida during the years 1993 to 2003. Data were collected pertaining to breed, Schirmer tear test results, treatments administered at the time of initial examination, bacterial species isolated, and resistance to selected antimicrobials. RESULTS: 66% of the dogs were brachycephalic, 54% had tear production < 15 mm/min, and 29% were receiving a corticosteroid at the time of initial examination. The most common bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus intermedius (29%), beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp (17%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21%). Staphylococcus intermedius isolates had limited resistance to certain antimicrobials. More than 80% of beta-hemolytic Streptococcus spp isolates were resistant to neomycin, polymyxin B, and tobramycin. Isolates of P aeruginosa were susceptible to tobramycin and gentamicin and had limited resistance to ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. Among bacterial species isolated, there was no evidence of development of antimicrobial resistance over time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Data suggested that administration of ciprofloxacin or a combination of a first-generation cephalosporin and tobramycin may be used in the treatment of bacterial keratitis while awaiting results of bacterial culture and susceptibility testing. Evidence suggests that current methods of medical management of bacterial keratitis are not associated with increased antimicrobial resistance.     

Evaluation of aerobic bacteriologic culture of epidermal collarette specimens in dogs with superficial pyoderma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a method of aerobic bacteriologic culture of epidermal collarette specimens from dogs with superficial pyoderma and compare results with those for aerobic bacteriologic culture of abdominal skin specimens in healthy dogs. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 22 dogs with epidermal collarettes and 24 healthy dogs. PROCEDURE: Dry sterile cotton swabs were rolled across epidermal collarettes or hairless areas of abdominal skin in healthy dogs and submitted for aerobic bacteriologic culture. Hemolytic colonies of gram-positive-staining cocci were tested for catalase production, and if results were positive, a coagulase test was performed. Colonies with coagulase activity were tested for the ability to ferment mannitol. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on all Staphylococcus spp that were isolated. RESULTS: S. intermedius was isolated from collarettes in 18 of 22 dogs with superficial pyoderma but not from healthy dogs. Estimated sensitivity and specificity of the culture method were 81.8% and 100%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the ability to culture S. intermedius, the number of S. intermedius isolates without resistance to antimicrobials, and the number of S. intermedius isolates resistant to penicillin G when comparing dogs with superficial pyoderma for the first time and dogs with recurrent pyoderma, dogs that did or did not receive concurrent antimicrobials, and dogs with and without underlying allergic disease. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacteriologic culture of epidermal collarette specimens was a simple and reliable method for identification of S. intermedius in dogs with superficial pyoderma, regardless of history of pyoderma or current antimicrobial use.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococci isolated from naturally occurring canine external ocular diseases

Objective  The purpose of this study was to describe the species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Staphylococci isolated from naturally occurring canine ocular diseases.
Samples and Procedures  Samples obtained from 68 dogs with signs of external eye disease were processed for isolation of bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus sp. Isolates were identified by biochemical reactions and tested for susceptibility to 11 antimicrobials of six classes.
Results  Forty (58.8%) samples yielded Staphylococcus sp. in pure culture. Coagulase-positive Staphylococci were most common and Staphylococcus intermedius was the most frequent (45%) species, followed by S . aureus (22.5%) and the coagulase-negative species S. epidermidis (20%), and S . simulans (12.5%). Resistance to at least one drug was observed in 92.5% of the isolates, and multidrug resistance was a common finding (72.5%). The most effective drugs against Staphylococcus strains isolated from extra-ocular canine ocular diseases were ceftiofur and cefalexin.
Conclusion  This study highlights the presence of Staphylococcus sp. genus in naturally occurring extra-ocular canine ocular disease and the emergence of resistant strains to common antimicrobial drugs. It also emphasizes the need for bacterial culture with species identification and susceptibility testing in order to choose the appropriate antimicrobial therapy.     

First report of multiresistant, mecA-positive Staphylococcus intermedius in Europe: 12 cases from a veterinary dermatology referral clinic in Germany

Resistance to cephalosporins and/or fluoroquinolones by Staphylococcus intermedius has remained low in Europe, with effective drugs generally available for systemic therapy in pets. However, multiresistant, mecA-positive S. intermedius isolated from dogs and cats is now emerging in Europe. Twelve S. intermedius isolates, highly resistant to at least five antimicrobial classes, were isolated from skin and ear infections in 11 dogs and a cat. The 12 isolates represented 23% of all S. intermedius submissions from one veterinary dermatology referral clinic in northern Germany to veterinary diagnostic laboratories during an 18-month period and resistance included cefalexin, methicillin and enrofloxacin. The animals had been referred to the clinic with recurrent superficial pyoderma, deep pyoderma, pododermatitis or chronic otitis, all unresponsive to systemic beta-lactam-antibiotics or fluoroquinolones. Infection resolved in 10 dogs and the cat on a combination of antimicrobial treatment and correction of underlying causes. Four dogs and a cat required systemic and topical therapy; in six dogs topical antimicrobial therapy alone was successful. Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the S. intermedius isolates were determined; species identification was confirmed by polymerase chain detection of thermonuclease genes (nuc) and the presence and expression of the gene conferring resistance to all beta-lactam antibiotics (mecA) were demonstrated in all; based on pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, six were indistinguishable, the others closely or possibly related. The emergence of multiresistant, mecA-positive S. intermedius in Europe is alarming. Zoonotic implications, awareness among veterinary laboratories and strategies for the use of antimicrobials in small animal practice need to be considered.     

Antimicrobial resistance and prevalence of canine uropathogens at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 2002–2007

Between January 2002 and June 2007, uropathogens were isolated from 473 of 1557 canine urine samples submitted to Prairie Diagnostic Services from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Culture and susceptibility results were analyzed, retrospectively, to estimate the prevalence of common bacterial uropathogens in dogs with urinary tract infections and to identify changes in antimicrobial resistance. The most common pathogens identified were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus intermedius, Enterococcus spp., and Proteus spp. Antimicrobial resistance increased during the study period, particularly among recurrent E. coli isolates. Using the formula to help select rational antimicrobial therapy (FRAT), bacterial isolates were most likely to be susceptible to gentamicin, fluoroquinolones, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and groups 4 and 5 (third generation) cephalosporins.     

Methicillin resistance among staphylococci isolated from dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether methicillin-resistant staphylococci from dogs expressed the mecA gene and to determine what proportion of canine staphylococcal isolates positive for the mecA gene were resistant to oxacillin and other antibiotics. SAMPLE POPULATION: 25 methicillin-resistant (10 coagulase-positive and 15 coagulase-negative) and 15 methicillin-susceptible (8 coagulase-positive and 7 coagulase-negative) staphylococci isolated from dogs. PROCEDURE: All strains were tested for methicillin resistance by use of oxacillin agar screening and identified by use of standard techniques. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 16 antibiotics were determined for all 40 isolates. A polymerase chain reaction method targeting a 533-basepair fragment of the mecA gene was used to detect mecA gene expression. RESULTS: 23 of the 25 methicillin-resistant isolates and none of the methicillin-susceptible isolates possessed the mecA gene. For 10 of 16 antibiotics, the proportion of mecA-positive isolates that were resistant or of intermediate susceptibility was significantly higher than the proportion of mecA-negative isolates that were resistant or of intermediate susceptibility. Only 1 methicillin-resistant coagulase-positive isolate was identified as Staphylococcus intermedius; the other 9 were identified as S. aureus. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results confirm that staphylococci isolated from dogs may have methicillin resistance mediated by the mecA gene. Isolates positive for the mecA gene were more likely to be resistant to various antibiotics than were isolates negative for the mecA gene. Results suggest that in dogs, infections caused by staphylococci that have the mecA gene may be difficult to treat because of resistance to antibiotics.     

Antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from dairy cow milk samples submitted for bacterial culture: 8,905 samples (1994-2001)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether antimicrobial resistance patterns of major mastitis pathogens isolated from milk samples from dairy cows have changed over time. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 8905 bacterial isolates obtained from milk samples submitted to the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between January 1994 and June 2001. PROCEDURE: Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by means of the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Logistic regression was used to determine whether percentages of isolates resistant to various antimicrobials changed over time. RESULTS: For the gram-positive mastitis pathogens, percentages of isolates resistant to various flactam antimicrobials did not increase over the course of the study. Percentage of Staphylococcus aureus isolates resistant to penicillin decreased from 49 to 30%; percentage of Streptococcus isolates resistant to penicillin decreased from 6 to 1%. Percentage of isolates resistant to erythromycin increased for S aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp, Enterococcus spp, and Pasteurella spp. Percentage of isolates resistant to lincomycin increased for S aureus and Staphylococcus spp. Percentage of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolates resistant to pirlimycin increased from 6 to 19%. For several pathogens, percentages of isolates resistant to sulfisoxazole and to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole decreased. No pathogens had a significant increase in the percentage of isolates resistant to novobiocin-penicillin. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results did not indicate a trend toward increased antimicrobial resistance among mastitis pathogens isolated from milk samples from dairy cows between 1994 and 2001. Reduced resistance to flactam antimicrobials was identified for several gram-positive mastitis pathogens.     

Temporal study of staphylococcal species on healthy dogs

During a 1-year period, specimens were obtained monthly from 5 hair coat and 7 mucous membrane sites of 11 healthy dogs. Among 804 isolates of staphylococci, 13 species were identified. Staphylococcus intermedius was the most frequently isolated (40.2% of total isolates) coagulase-positive species, and S xylosus was the most frequently isolated (17.3%) coagulase-negative species. Moreover, S intermedius was the most frequently isolated species from the 12 sites evaluated and was isolated persistently from 8 of the 9 dogs that completed the 1-year study. On the basis of a commercial identification system, 14 profile numbers were identified for isolates of S intermedius. However, 2 profile numbers accounted for a majority (70.9%) of the isolates. Specific S intermedius biotypes identified on the basis of hemolysis, coagulase production, beta-lactamase activity, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were found repeatedly in 3 dogs. Seemingly, S intermedius was a resident of the normal bacterial microflora of these dogs; however, the inability to isolate S intermedius from 1 dog during the study year indicated that not all dogs harbor S intermedius as a resident microorganism.     

Microbial flora and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from dogs with otitis media

This study evaluated the middle ear microbial flora and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns from dogs with otitis media. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were obtained on 164 micro-organisms from 107 ears of 82 dogs with otitis media that presented to Louisiana State University over a 12-year period. The most common micro-organisms isolated were Staphylococcus intermedius (26.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.2%), β-haemolytic streptococcus (12.8%), Proteus spp. (11.0%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (8.5%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on all isolates employing the disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was performed on 10 of the 18 P. aeruginosa isolates found to be resistant to enrofloxacin on Kirby-Bauer. Of these isolates, 6 (60%) were susceptible, 1 (10%) was intermediate and 3 (30%) were resistant to enrofloxacin. Eight of these isolates (80%) were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, 1 (10%) showed intermediate susceptibility and 1 (10%) was resistant.     

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria and yeasts isolated from healthy dogs and dogs with otitis externa

The bacterial and fungal flora of the external ear canal of dogs with otitis externa and of healthy dogs were studied. The most frequently isolated microorganism from otitic ears was Staphylococcus intermedius (58.8%), followed by Malassezia pachydermatis (30.9%), Streptococcus canis (29.9%), Proteus spp. (14.4%) and Escherichia coli (10.3%). A statistical analysis of our results showed that the prevalence of these microorganisms is significant in dogs with otitis externa. Furthermore, the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated strains were determined. Majority of all bacterial isolates were most susceptible to gentamicin. Malassezia pachydermatis, the most prevalent yeast in this study, showed an excellent level of susceptibility to all antifungal agents tested.     

The In Vitro Activity of 15 Antimicrobial Agents against Bacterial Isolates from Dogs

The in vitro activity of 15 antimicrobial agents against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella spp. and Streptococcus canis from dogs was investigated. For Staphylococcus spp., the highest frequency of resistance was observed for penicillin, followed by ampicillin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol. The highest frequency of resistance in E. coli isolates was recorded for tetracycline and streptomycin. Pasteurella spp. and S. canis had the highest resistance rate for tetracycline and chloramphenicol. Most isolates showed full susceptibility to low-level resistance to colistin, florfenicol and fluoroquinolones. Further studies using larger number of isolates from both healthy and diseased dogs would provide a broader picture of antimicrobial resistance at a national level and promote prudent use of antimicrobial agents in companion animals.     

The current antimicrobial resistance situation in Swiss veterinary medicine]

Antimicrobial susceptibility data (n = 1501) and bacterial isolates (n = 258) of important bacterial pathogens from animals were collected in collaboration with eight Swiss laboratories from May 1999 to February 2000. Using these data, the antimicrobial resistance situation could be assessed for the following bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Haemophilus parasuis, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Campylobacter jejuni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus intermedius, Streptococci, and enterococci. Differences in the distribution of resistance between animal species could be evidenced in E. coli and salmonella. Some resistance frequency data were compared with those obtained in 1980. A significant increase of resistance frequency was observed for several antibiotics. This includes in particular an increase of ampicillin, gentamicin, and cotrimoxazole resistance in E. coli. A similar increase was observed in salmonella for ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamides, and nalidixic acid. Staphylococci from dogs (S. intermedius and S. aureus) also presented a clear increase of resistance for penicillin, neomycin, sulfonamides, cotrimoxazole, and erythromycin. Finally, a comparison with data from abroad shows that the antibiotic resistance situation in Switzerland is relatively favorable.     

Microbiological and histopathological features of canine acral lick dermatitis

The purpose of this study was to investigate microbiological and histopathological features of canine acral lick dermatitis (ALD). Microbial characteristics of ALD are poorly described in current literature. If infection is recognized, antimicrobial selection is usually empirical, based on appearance, cytology or surface culture, rather than deep tissue culture. It was hypothesized that cultures obtained from deep tissue would yield different results than predicted by surface culture and cytology, and that isolates from ALD have unpredictable susceptibility patterns showing resistance to antibiotics routinely administered for canine pyoderma. Biopsies were obtained from 31 lesions and submitted for aerobic, anaerobic and fungal culture, and histopathological evaluation. Surface aerobic culture and susceptibility and cytology were obtained for comparison in 22 dogs. Skin scrapings and dermatophyte culture were performed. Bacteria were isolated in 30 of 31 cases. Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated in 58% of deep cultures. Twenty per cent of deep isolates were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus species. Forty-eight per cent of cases yielded organisms defined as multidrug resistant on deep culture. Only 57% and 55% of bacteria isolated from tissue culture were sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefazolin, respectively. Cytology and superficial cultures did not correlate well with deep cultures. Surface culture predicted deep tissue isolates in eight of 22 cases. Microsporum gypseum was isolated from one dog. Histopathological features included acanthosis, follicular elongation, lymphoplasmacytic dermal inflammation, folliculitis, furunculosis, perihidradenitis, hidradenitis and vertical streaking fibrosis. Lesions associated with ALD warrant tissue bacterial cultures as the majority of cases yielded positive growth of bacteria differing from superficial culture and often resistant to empirical drugs.     

Antimicrobial drug susceptibility of Staphylococcus intermedius clinical isolates from canine pyoderma

A total of 50 Staphylococcus intermedius strains isolated in France from canine pyodermas in 2002 were investigated for their susceptibility to various antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed using a 2-fold serial dilution method in Mueller-Hinton agar, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined. About 62% of the 50 strains tested were producers of beta-lactamase and categorized as penicillin-resistant. About 26% demonstrated resistance to sulphonamides, 46% to oxytetracycline, 30% to chloramphenicol, 28% to streptomycin, kanamycin, neomycin or erythromycin, 22% to clindamycin, 6% to doxycycline, 2% to gentamicin, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin or pradofloxacin. Acquired resistance was not observed to a clavulanic acid-amoxicillin combination, oxacillin, cephalosporins (cephalexin, ceftiofur and cefquinome), trimethoprim, a sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim combination and florfenicol. About 42% were simultaneously resistant to three or more antimicrobial classes (multiresistance). All isolates with acquired resistance to erythromycin were also resistant to streptomycin and neomycin/kanamycin. About 22% of isolates exhibited cross-resistance between erythromycin and clindamycin and all clindamycin-resistant isolates also exhibited resistance to erythromycin. Resistance to penicillin, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol was also positively associated with resistance to erythromycin and streptomycin.     

Frequency of urinary tract infection in catheterized dogs and comparison of bacterial culture and susceptibility testing results for catheterized and noncatheterized dogs with urinary tract infections

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in catheterized dogs that had intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) or disease other than IVDD and compare bacterial culture and susceptibility testing results for catheterized and noncatheterized dogs with UTIs. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: 147 catheterized dogs (105 with IVDD and 42 with other diseases) and 99 noncatheterized dogs with UTIs. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed for signalment, history, clinical problem, duration of urinary tract catheterization, administration of drugs, and urine bacterial culture and susceptibility testing results. RESULTS: Forty-two percent (44/105) of dogs with IVDD and 55% (23/42) of dogs with other diseases had UTIs; this difference was not significant. For catheterized dogs, the odds of UTI were increased by 20% for each year increase in age, 27% for each day increase in duration of catheterization, and 454% with antimicrobial administration. Escherichia coli and Proteus spp were more frequently isolated from noncatheterized dogs, whereas Enterobacter spp and Staphylococcus spp were more frequently isolated from catheterized dogs. There was no significant difference in frequency of 1, 2, or 3 isolates between groups. Proportions of antimicrobials to which the most frequently isolated bacteria were resistant were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that urinary tract catheterization is a reasonable alternative for management of dogs with urinary bladder dysfunction, but that duration of catheterization should be minimized and indiscriminate antimicrobial administration to dogs with indwelling urinary catheters should be avoided.     

Isolation of Staphylococcus schleiferi from dogs with pyoderma

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency with which Staphylococcus schleiferi could be isolated from dogs with pyoderma and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates that were obtained. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 54 dogs with a first (n = 14) or recurrent (40) episode of pyoderma. PROCEDURE: Specimens were obtained and submitted for bacterial culture. Isolates were identified as S schleiferi on the basis of growth and biochemical characteristics. Two isolates were submitted for DNA sequencing to confirm identification. Methicillin susceptibility was determined by means of disk diffusion with oxacillin-impregnated disks. RESULTS: 3 of 14 dogs examined because of a first episode of pyoderma and 12 of 40 dogs examined because of a recurrent episode of pyoderma were receiving antimicrobials at the time of specimen collection. Staphylococcus schleiferi was not isolated from any dog with first-time pyoderma but was isolated from 5 dogs with recurrent pyoderma that were not receiving antimicrobials at the time of specimen collection and 10 dogs with recurrent pyoderma that were receiving antimicrobials. Nine isolates were identified as S schleiferi subsp schleiferi, and 6 were identified as S schleiferi subsp coagulans. All S schleiferi subsp schleiferi isolates were resistant to methicillin, but only 2 S schleiferi subsp coagulans isolates were. Two methicillin-resistant isolates were also resistant to fluoroquinolones, and 1 isolate had intermediate susceptibility to fluoroquinolones. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that S schleiferi subsp schleiferi and S schleiferi subsp coagulans may be isolated from dogs with recurrent pyoderma. Although isolates from dogs with pyoderma were frequently resistant to methicillin, multiple drug resistance was uncommon.     

Molecular characterization of Staphylococcus intermedius carriage by healthy dogs and comparison of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to isolates from dogs with pyoderma

We conducted an epidemiological study of Staphylococcus intermedius using arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR) and antibiograms. One hundred and twenty-five S. intermedius isolates were recovered from the oral cavity and/or cranial hair coat of healthy dogs enrolled in a pet therapy program. Commensal S. intermedius was cultured from 32% of the oral cavity cultures and 13% of the cranial hair coat cultures. We characterized the colonization of the dogs as transient, intermittent, or persistent. For dogs characterized as persistently colonized, 73% of the isolates came from the oral cavity. These isolates were also genotyped by AP-PCR. A single major AP-PCR type was observed in 91% of the dogs (n=22); minor variations were frequently observed in these major types. Antibiograms of these commensal isolates were compared to antibiograms from 97 historical clinical isolates (1988-1992) obtained from cases of canine pyoderma. Resistance was most often observed to penicillin (64% and 55%) and tetracycline (38% and 38%) among the commensal and clinical isolates, respectively. The commensal isolates were significantly less resistant to erythromycin, clarithromycin, clindamycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Our data suggests that differences in both genotype and antimicrobial susceptibility phenotypes exist among S. intermedius strains isolated from different anatomic sites from the same dog and supports the opportunistic nature of S. intermedius in canine infections.     

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. in non-diarrhoeic dogs in Trinidad

The estimated prevalence and antimicrobial resistances of Salmonella spp. in non-diarrhoeic dogs across Trinidad was determined. The serotypes of Salmonella spp. isolated were also identified. Of a total of 1391 dogs sampled, 50 (3.6%) were positive for Salmonella spp. with 28 different serotypes, the predominant serotypes were Javiana (12), Newport (6), Arechavaleta (5) and Heidelberg (5). Fifty-seven (85.1%) of 67 isolates exhibited resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents. Of eight antimicrobial agents tested, resistance was exhibited to streptomycin (80.6%), cephalothin (37.3%), neomycin (38.8%) and gentamicin (9.0%). All isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, norfloxacin, choramphenicol and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim. It was concluded that the isolation of the Salmonella spp. from non-diarrhoeic dogs could pose health hazard to their owners as most serotypes are known to be virulent. Furthermore, the prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial agents amongst the Salmonella isolates from these animals indicates susceptibility testing may influence chemotherapeutic choices when treating these isolates.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius colonizing healthy dogs in Saskatoon,Canada

This study reports antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius carried by healthy dogs in Saskatoon, and describes changes in antimicrobial resistance since a 2008 study. One hundred healthy dogs presenting to the wellness service at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine were screened for S. pseudintermedius by culturing rectal and pharyngeal swabs. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was identified biochemically and antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth microdilution. Methicillin resistance was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the mecA gene. Of 221 S. pseudintermedius isolates from 78 dogs, 7 were methicillin resistant. No resistance to the fluoroquinolones, nitrofurantoin, tigecycline, vancomycin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, linezolid, or daptomycin was identified. Of the 78 positive dogs, isolates resistant to penicillin were found in 78%, to ampicillin in 61% and to tetracycline in 26%; resistance to oxacillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin was found in < 10% of dogs. Compared to the 2008 study, the frequency of resistance to all drugs increased, and the frequency of colonization with pan-susceptible isolates decreased from 46% to 30%.