Antibiotic Resistance in Salmonella Isolated from Tegus (Tupinambis spp.)

In recent years, an increase in human clinical cases of reptile-associated salmonellosis has been identified, and it has been attributed to the increased popularity of these animals as pets. Limited information is available regarding the distribution of Salmonella spp. serotypes in different reptile species and the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella spp. isolated from pet reptiles. This article describes the prevalence of Salmonella spp., distribution of serotypes, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns from isolates cultured from cloacal swabs obtained from 14 tegu lizards (Tupinambis spp.). Eighteen strains of Salmonella belonging to different serotypes were obtained from the 14 tegu lizards. Of the 18 Salmonella spp. isolates, 8 (44.4%) were from Salmonella subspecies I, with a majority of isolates belonging to the Eastbourne serotype (3 strains), Nottingham serotype (2 strains), and Brancaster serotype (2 strains), and only 1 belonging to the Apapa serotype. Less common serotypes were detected in 5 isolates, including 2 each belonging to Salmonella subspecies II and IIIb, respectively, and 1 to Salmonella subspecies IIIa. The serotype of 5 other Salmonella isolates could not be determined. All 18 isolates were resistant to at least 6 of the antimicrobial drugs tested. These results confirm the potential zoonotic risk from handling reptiles, suggesting that measures to educate the reptile-owning public are necessary.     

Salmonella Prevalence Among Reptiles in a Zoo Education Setting

Clinically healthy reptiles may shed Salmonella and therefore act as a potential zoonotic threat. Most people in Northern European countries are rarely exposed to reptiles, but many zoos have education departments where children have direct contact with this group of animals. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and serotype distribution of Salmonella among reptiles in the Education Department (n = 55) at Copenhagen Zoo and compare it to the Zoo’s main reptile collection (n = 145) to evaluate the zoonotic risk. Salmonella was isolated from cloacal swabs by selective enrichment, and a single isolate from each positive sample was further identified by biochemical tests and serotyped. The overall prevalence was 35% (69/200) with significant difference between the Education Department (64%, 35/55) and the main reptile collection (23%, 34/145). A total of 28 serotypes were detected. Ten serotypes were isolated from more than one specimen and four from more than one species. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Eastbourne was the predominant serotype (32%, 22/69) and was also the serotype isolated from most reptile species (n = 7). Transmission of serotypes from one department to another was very limited indicated by the serotype distribution. Despite the relative high prevalence observed among the reptiles in the Zoo’s Education Department compared to the reptiles in the Zoo’s main reptile collection, no Salmonella cases have been linked to the Zoo, and Salmonella ser. Eastbourne is very rarely isolated from humans in Denmark. Simple hygienic procedures such as hand washing which is consistently carried out following handling of reptiles at the Education Department may reduce the risk and therefore contribute to this low prevalence.     

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in reptiles: comparison of two coprological methods

Background

Exotic reptiles have become increasingly common domestic pets worldwide and are well known to be carriers of different parasites including some with zoonotic potential. The need of accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal endoparasite infections in domestic reptiles is therefore essential, not only for the well-being of captive reptiles but also for the owners. Here, two different approaches for the detection of parasite stages in reptile faeces were compared: a combination of native and iodine stained direct smears together with a flotation technique (CNF) versus the standard SAF-method.

Results

A total of 59 different reptile faeces (20 lizards, 22 snakes, 17 tortoises) were coprologically analyzed by the two methods for the presence of endoparasites. Analyzed reptile faecal samples contained a broad spectrum of parasites (total occurence 93.2%, n = 55) including different species of nematodes (55.9%, n = 33), trematodes (15.3%, n = 9), pentastomids (3.4%, n = 2) and protozoans (47.5%, n = 28). Associations between the performances of both methods to detect selected single parasite stages or groups of such were evaluated by Fisher''s exact test and marginal homogeneity was tested by the McNemar test. In 88.1% of all examined samples (n = 52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 77.1 - 95.1%) the two diagnostic methods rendered differing results, and the McNemar test for paired observations showed highly significant differences of the detection frequency (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The combination of direct smears/flotation proved superior in the detection of flagellates trophozoites, coccidian oocysts and nematode eggs, especially those of oxyurids. SAF-technique was superior in detecting larval stages and trematode eggs, but this advantage failed to be statistically significant (P = 0.13). Therefore, CNF is the recommended method for routine faecal examination of captive reptiles while the SAF-technique is advisable as additional measure particularly for wild caught animals and individuals which are to be introduced into captive collections.     

Salmonella enterica in reptiles of German and Austrian origin.

Captive reptiles are routinely identified as reservoirs of Salmonella spp. and the number of reports about reptile-associated salmonellosis is increasing. In the present study, Salmonella were detected in 86 of 159 (54.1%) faecal reptile samples cultured. The percentage of Salmonella positive samples was significantly lower in turtles as compared with lizards and snakes, as Salmonella were only detected in one sample from a single turtle out of 38 turtles investigated. In all, 42 different Salmonella serovars were found. All isolated Salmonella belonged to the species enterica, predominantly to the subspecies I (n=46) and IIIb (n=30), but also to subspecies II (n=3), IIIa (n=6) and IV (n=2). All isolates were sensitive to the antimicrobials examined. A comparison between the reptile owners indicated that either no Salmonella were found, or that Salmonella could be isolated from all or nearly all animals of the respective owners. A significantly higher percentage of Salmonella positive reptiles was detected in the group of owners who purchase reptiles in comparison with pure breeders. A total of 88.9% of Salmonella isolates were found in samples of reptiles bought in pet shops and 58.8% in samples from wild-caught animals. The high percentage of Salmonella in reptiles in our study confirms the risk for the transmission of the infection to humans.     

Clinical presentation and disease prevalence of captive central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) at veterinary clinics in Australia

Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are one of the most popular reptile pets in Australia and around the world. Diseases, including metabolic bone disease, periodontal disease, and gastrointestinal endoparasites commonly affect captive animals. To determine the common reasons these lizards were presented to the veterinarian and to establish the prevalence of disease seen in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, this retrospective study evaluated the clinical records of three exotic pet veterinary hospitals. Records from 724 P. vitticeps were analysed, with 70 reasons for presentation and 88 diseases identified across 1000 visits to the veterinarian. Lethargy was the most reported reason for presentation (n = 181). The gastrointestinal tract (18.25%) and skin (18.25%) were the equally most commonly affected organ systems, followed by the musculoskeletal system (15.17%). Endoparasites were the most common single disease process (n = 103), followed by metabolic bone disease (n = 65), skin wounds (n = 59) and periodontal disease (n = 48). Of the patients that presented for routine preventive health examinations (n = 159), 45.30% received some form of intervention to treat or prevent disease. Many of the conditions that were identified by the veterinarians in this study are traditionally correlated with suboptimal husbandry and may be easily prevented. This study identified the common reasons for presentation to the veterinarian and the prevalence of disease in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, providing the first extensive retrospective analysis of objective reference literature for central bearded dragon owners and aspiring reptile veterinarians.     

Clinical aspects of reptile behavior.

At first glance, the abstract world of reptile ethology may seem remote to clinicians dealing with the health and disease of captive animals. By delving a little deeper, however, veterinarians can learn to appreciate the reasons for certain behaviors and actually use these behaviors as indicators of various biologic states. Close scrutiny of subtle changes in behavior can further help assess reptile well-being and judge captive welfare. In the future, it is hoped that improved ethologic understanding will result in behavioral enrichment for reptiles, as is already promoted for many nondomestic mammals and birds.     

Pentastomiasis and other parasitic zoonoses from reptiles and amphibians

Reptiles are growing in popularity as pets.The colonization of reptiles and amphibians by parasites and the resulting disease conditions are the most common problems seen in captive animals.This review focuses on pentastomiasis and sparganosis, important parasitic zoonoses of reptiles and amphibians, respectively, and free living-amoebae. Humans are suitable accidental hosts for some pentastomid species (particularly Armillifer and Porocephalus). In geographical areas with special ethnics, such as in West and Central Africa, and East Asia, 8-45% of the human population can be affected. Usually the larvae are coincidentally found during abdominal surgeries. However, fatalities have been described. Extreme caution is necessary when handling infected reptiles. Ocular or cerebral sparganosis is not uncommonly found in humans in East Asia. This disease is caused by spargana, tapeworm larvae (plerocercoids) of Spirometra sp. The infection occurs when uncooked meat from reptiles or amphibians is applied to wounds or eyes and the parasites migrate directly to human tissue, or by consumption of contaminated food or water. As a consequence of the reptile's predatory behaviour, the full spectrum of endo- and ectoparasites from potential prey animals can be found as transiting parasites in the intestinal tract, e. g. Hymenolepis nana, Cryptosporidium (C.) muris, C parvum or Capillaria hepatica. Occasionally, free-living amoebae are also found in reptile faeces (Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Hartmanella, Vahlkampfia or Echinamoeba sp.).     

Genotypic identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infection

BackgroundNumerous nosocomial infections including urinary tract infection (UTI) have been reported to be linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). This bacterium is one of the most common pathogen colonized in the urinary tract. The main purpose of this study was to evaluated the presence of antibiotic resistance genes and also the most frequent genotype patterns of P. aeruginosa in the patients with UTI hospitalized in different wards of hospitals.Materials and methodsIn this study, 70 strains of P. aeruginosa isolated of urine samples from the patients with UTI were assessed. The isolated strains were genotyped using Multiple-Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) method. We have also analyzed the presence of TEM and SHV resistant genes in the isolates.ResultsA total of 70 P. aeruginosa strains was isolated from the UTI patients. Based on MLVA method, 61 various genotypes of P. aeruginosa were identified which grouped into two main clusters and 4 sub-clusters. Moreover, approximately 80% and 70% of isolated strains carried the TEM and SHV resistance genes, respectively.ConclusionOur findings showed that the majority of patients hospitalized in different wards of hospitals have experienced the urinary tract infection caused by P. aeruginosa. According to the genotyping results, a high diversity of the P. aeruginosa population was observed in the patients with UTI. Our results can provide a better understanding of the P. aeruginosa genotype distribution and epidemiology of infection, which can be applied as basic data for future antibiotic therapies.     

Identification of potentially virulent strains of Haemophilus parasuis using a multiplex PCR for virulence-associated autotransporters (vtaA)

Haemophilus parasuis is the aetiological agent of Glässer’s disease and is also a commensal of the upper respiratory tract of pigs. Trimeric autotransporter (vtaA) genes have been identified in H. parasuis and divided into three groups on the basis of the translocator domain sequence. In this study, group 3 vtaA genes were demonstrated by PCR in all 157 H. parasuis isolates tested. Group 1 vtaA genes were associated with virulent strains; 52/54 (96%) group 1 vtaA negative field isolates were isolated from the nasal passages of healthy animals, whereas no group 1 vtaA negative field isolates were isolated from cases of Glässer’s disease. There was an association between absence of group 1 vtaA, sensitivity to phagocytosis and serum and classification of isolates into nasal cluster C by multilocus sequence typing. A multiplex PCR was developed for diagnosis of H. parasuis at the species level (group 3 vtaA positive) and to differentiate putative non-virulent strains (group 1 vtaA negative). When applied to field samples, the PCR confirmed a high prevalence of H. parasuis in conventionally farmed pigs and demonstrated that almost half of the animals carried potentially virulent strains.     

Reptile respiratory medicine.

Respiratory tract disease is commonly diagnosed in captive collections of reptiles and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Improper environmental conditions are often contributing factors for the development of respiratory disease in reptiles. A detailed knowledge of the unique reptilian respiratory morphology and function is essential to successfully diagnose and treat respiratory disease. A variety of noninfectious and infectious causes have been identified in the etiology of reptile respiratory disease. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of reptilian diseases is increasing, and with the availability of new therapeutic agents and advanced diagnostic techniques, the diagnosis and treatment of reptile respiratory tract disease has become more successful.     

Reptile‐Associated Salmonellosis in Minnesota, 1996–2011

Reptile‐associated salmonellosis (RAS) occurs when Salmonella is transmitted from a reptile to a human. This study describes the epidemiology of RAS in Minnesota during 1996–2011. All Minnesotans with confirmed Salmonella infections are reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Case patients are interviewed about illness characteristics and risk factors, including foods eaten, drinking and recreational water exposures, contact with ill people, and animal contact. Willing RAS case patients can submit stool from the reptile for culture. Serotype and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) subtype of Salmonella isolates from reptiles and case patients are compared. Of 8389 sporadic (not associated with an outbreak) non‐typhoidal salmonellosis case patients in Minnesotans during 1996–2011, 290 (3.5%) reported reptile exposure. The median age of case patients with reptile exposure was 11 years, 31% were under the age of 5 years and 67% were under the age of 20 years; 50% were female. The median illness duration was 8 days; 23% required hospitalization. The most commonly reported reptile exposures were lizard (47%), snake (20%), turtle (19%) and a combination of reptile types (14%). Eighty‐four per cent of isolates from case patients who reported reptile exposure were Salmonella enterica subspecies I. The three most common serotypes were Typhimurium (15%), Enteritidis (7%) and subspecies IV serotypes (7%). Of 60 reptiles testing positive for Salmonella, 36 (60%) yielded the same Salmonella serotype as the human isolate. Twenty‐six of 27 reptile isolates that were subtyped by PFGE were indistinguishable from the human isolate. Of these, 88% were subspecies I; the most common serotypes were Enteritidis (12%), Typhimurium (8%), and Bareilly (8%). RAS accounts for approximately 3.5% of salmonellosis cases in Minnesota, primarily affecting children. The majority of isolates from case patients and reptiles belonged to Salmonella subspecies I, suggesting that reptiles are a source of human infection with serotypes not traditionally considered to be reptile‐associated.     

Prevalence of zoonotic Bartonella species among rodents and shrews in Thailand

We investigated the prevalence of Bartonella species in 10 rodent and one shrew species in Thailand. From February 2008 to May 2010, a total of 375 small animals were captured in 9 provinces in Thailand. Bartonella strains were isolated from 57 rodents (54 from Rattus species and 3 from Bandicota indica) and one shrew (Suncus murinus) in 7 of the 9 provinces, and identified to the species level. Sequence analysis of the citrate synthase and RNA polymerase β subunit genes identified the 58 isolates from each Bartonella-positive animal as B. tribocorum in 27 (46.6%) animals, B. rattimassiliensis in 17 (29.3%) animals, B. elizabethae in 10 (17.2%) animals and B. queenslandensis in 4 (6.9%) animals. R. norvegicus, R. rattus, and Suncus murinus carried B. elizabethae, which causes endocarditis in humans. The prevalence of Bartonella bacteremic animals by province was 42.9% of the animals collected in Phang Nga, 26.8% in Chiang Rai, 20.4% in Sa Kaeo, 16.7% in Nakhon Si Thammarat, 12.0% in Surat Thani, 9.1% in Mae Hong Son and Loei Provinces.     

The occurrence of cpb2-toxigenic Clostridium perfringens and the possible role of the β2-toxin in enteric disease of domestic animals,wild animals and humans

The virulence of Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium causing enteritis and enterotoxaemia in domestic and wild animals and humans, results largely from its ability to produce toxins. In 1997, an unknown toxin of C. perfringens, the β2-toxin, and its encoding gene cpb2 were described. Since that time numerous studies have been published dealing with a possible association of cpb2-harbouring strains of C. perfringens and the occurrence of enteric disease in domestic and wild animals and humans. This article offers an overview of the current literature on the spread and pathological significance of cpb2-harbouring C. perfringens. Unambiguous conclusions on the prevalence of cpb2 and the contribution of β2-toxin to the disease cannot be drawn from existing studies but in some animal species a strong correlation between the presence of cpb2-harbouring C. perfringens, the β2-toxin and enteric disease has been reported.     

First molecular identification and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. isolated from hooded crows (Corvus cornix) and pigeons (Columba livia) in Tehran Province,Iran

Blastocystis is a common intestinal parasite among humans and animals such as non-human primates, pigs, cattle, birds, amphibians, and less frequently, rats, reptiles and insects. Since Blastocystis is a widely transmissible parasite between humans and mammals or birds, it is prominent to determine whether newly secluded non-human isolates are zoonotic. There are no comprehensive studies in Iran assessing the prevalence and molecular identification of Blastocystis infection in birds, especially in pigeons and crows. So, the aim of this study was to identify Blastocystis subtypes (STs) in crows and pigeons in Tehran province, Iran, using Nested PCR-RFLP and sequencing. Overall, 300 Blastocystis isolates from birds (156 pigeons and 144 crows) were subtyped by PCR, and the homology among isolates was then confirmed by RFLP analysis of the 18S rRNA gene. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection was detected 42.9% in pigeons and 44.4% in crows. All positive pigeons were owned by ST13 (100%). Among crows, 46 samples (71.8%) like pigeons were ST13, and 13 samples (20.3%) were ST14. Five samples (7.9%) remained unknown. This study was the first report of ST13 and ST14 of Blastocystis from birds. In the present study, our data revealed a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in pigeon’s and crow’s samples and the isolates from these birds were classified into two genetically distinct STs. Therefore, birds appear to be infected with various STs. It is important to determine the phylogenetic relationships between unknown STs from these birds and the multiple STs of Blastocystis.     

Divergence of a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during an outbreak of ovine mastitis

Bacterial infections causing mastitis in sheep can result in severe economic losses for farmers. A large survey of milk samples from ewes with mastitis in Sardinia, Italy, indicated an increasing prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. It has been shown previously that during chronic, biofilm-associated infections P. aeruginosa populations diversify. We report the phenotypic and genomic characterisation of two clonal P. aeruginosa isolates (PSE305 and PSE306) from a mastitis infection outbreak, representing distinct colony morphology variants. In addition to pigment production, PSE305 and PSE306 differed in phenotypic characteristics including biofilm formation, utilisation of various carbon and nitrogen sources, twitching motility. We found higher levels of expression of genes associated with biofilm formation (pelB) and twitching motility (flgD) in PSE305, compared to the biofilm and twitching-defective PSE306. Comparative genomics analysis revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and minor insertion/deletion variations between PSE305 and PSE306, including a SNP mutation in the pilP gene of PSE306. By introducing a wild-type pilP gene we were able to partially complement the defective twitching motility of PSE306. There were also three larger regions of difference between the two genomes, indicating genomic instability. Hence, we have demonstrated that P. aeruginosa population divergence can occur during an outbreak of mastitis, leading to significant variations in phenotype and genotype, and resembling the behaviour of P. aeruginosa during chronic biofilm-associated infections.     

Characterization of Pasteurella multocida strains isolated from human infections

Isolates of Pasteurella multocida recovered from infected humans (n = 15) were characterized by traditional and molecular microbiological methods and were compared with cat-derived strains (n = 5). The most prevalent subspecies among strains from human infections was P. multocida subsp. septica (80%), and nearly all isolates showed a similar combination of virulence-associated genes. MLST analysis classified the 20 P. multocida strains into 16 different sequence types, and we assigned 11 new sequence types (ST), however, only one of those (ST 334) was shared by two human and one cat isolates. P. multocida subsp. septica strains formed a distinct phylogenetic group within the species. The strains showed resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin and sulfamethoxazole, and with two exceptions, resistance to tilmicosin was also detected. Each strain was susceptible to ampicillin, streptomycin, gentamycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, cefazolin, cefpodoxime, chloramphenicol, florfenicol and enrofloxacin. Common characteristics (virulence profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern) shared by strains isolated from humans and cats support the view that domestic cats may serve as a potential reservoir for P. multocida.     

Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species in Swedish dogs and characterization of C. jejuni isolates

Background

The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter species in Swedish dogs, to identify the species of the Campylobacter isolates and to genotype the C. jejuni isolates. Young and healthy dogs were targeted and the sampling was performed at 11 veterinary clinics throughout Sweden from October 2011 to October 2012. Faecal swab samples were collected and sent to the laboratory at the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) for isolation of Campylobacter, speciation and genotyping.

Results

Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 67 of the 180 sampled dogs which yields an overall prevalence of 37%. The most prevalent species of Campylobacter among the participating dogs was C. upsaliensis with 52 of the 67 identified isolates. A lower prevalence was observed for C. jejuni with seven identified isolates and one isolate was identified as C. helveticus. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was carried out on the seven C. jejuni isolates and all sequence types that were found are also commonly found in humans. The dogs were divided into three age groups; 1) under 12 months, 2) 12 to 23 months and 3) 24 months and older. The highest prevalence was found in the two younger age groups. Dogs shedding C. jejuni were between 3–12 months of age while dogs shedding C. upsaliensis were found in all ages.

Conclusions

The present investigation finds that Campylobacter spp. known to cause campylobacteriosis in humans are present in Swedish dogs. The results suggest an age predisposition where dogs under 2 years of age are more likely to shed Campylobacter spp. than older dogs. The most commonly isolated species was C. upsaliensis followed by C. jejuni, which was only detected in dogs up to 12 months of age. All C. jejuni isolates identified in the present study were of the same MLST types that have previously been described both in humans and in animals. The awareness of the Campylobacter risk of healthy young dogs may be an important way to reduce the transmission from dogs to infants, young children and immunocompromised adults.     

Tetracycline Resistance of Enterobacteriaceae Isolated From Feces of Synanthropic Birds

Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which is commonly used in humans and animals for treatment of bacterial infections. Therefore, tetracycline-resistant Enterobacteriaceae species found in the nature, humans, and animals are usually considered a serious health concern. The feces of birds that live with humans may be a source for of these antibiotic resistant bacteria. For this reason, presence of tetracycline-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in bird droppings collected from 18 different breeders and pet shops fed in Istanbul was investigated by cultural and molecular methods in terms of the presence of that a/b gene. In addition, susceptibilities of isolates to various antibiotics were also determined. The current study reported that Enterobacter cloacae, Citrobacter freundi, Escherichia coli, Edwardsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Escherichia vulneris, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pantoea agglomerans, Proteus mirabilis, Pantoe spp., Pseudomonas spp., Serratia marcescens, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. were isolated from the samples. Ninety-seven of the isolates (97/150) were resistant to tetracycline (65.2%). In addition, the isolates were resistant to other antibiotic medications and 114 of them (58%) evaluated as multi drug resistant. The tet (A) and tet (B) genes were found in bacteria isolated from synantrophic birds’ feces as 46.6% and 8%, respectively. Although working conditions are limited, the results obtained provide baseline information regarding antibiotic resistance to Enterocatericeae isolates obtained from captive birds’ feces. Thus, the results of the present study emphasize the necessity of genotypic resistance research in future studies to help maintain antibiotic treatment efficacy for Enterocatericeae infections.     

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Klebsiella species isolated from clinically ill companion animals

BackgroundKlebsiella spp. is an important conditional pathogen in humans and animals. However, due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, the incidence of antimicrobial resistance has increased.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate antimicrobial resistance in strains of Klebsiella strains and the phylogenetic relatedness of extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistance among Klebsiella strains isolated from clinically ill companion animals.MethodsA total of 336 clinical specimens were collected from animal hospitals. Identification of Klebsiella species, determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations, detection of ESC resistance genes, polymerase chain reaction-based replicon typing of plasmids by conjugation, and multilocus sequence typing were performed.ResultsForty-three Klebsiella strains were isolated and, subsequently, 28 were identified as K. pneumoniae, 11 as K. oxytoca, and 4 as K. aerogenes. Eleven strains were isolated from feces, followed by 10 from ear, 7 from the nasal cavity, 6 from urine, 5 from genitals, and 4 from skin. Klebsiella isolates showed more than 40% resistance to penicillin, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone, and aminoglycoside. ESCresistance genes, CTX-M groups (CTX-M-3, CTX-M-15, and CTX-M-65), and AmpC (CMY-2 and DHA-1) were most common in the K. pneumoniae strains. Some K. pneumoniae carrying CTX-M or AmpC were transferred via IncFII plasmids. Two sequence types, ST709 and ST307, from K. pneumoniae were most common.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this is the first report on the prevalence, ESCresistance genotypes, and sequence types of Klebsiella strains isolated from clinically ill companion animals. The combination of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance by Klebsiella in companion animals suggest that, in clinical veterinary, antibiotic selection should be made carefully and in conjunction with the disease diagnosis.     

An Overview of Pentastomiasis in Reptiles and Other Vertebrates

Pentastomes are wormlike arthropods uniquely adapted to an obligate endoparasitic lifestyle in the respiratory tract of terrestrial vertebrates. The overwhelming majority of pentastome species infect the lungs of reptiles. The life cycle of these arthropods usually involves at least one intermediate host. Pentastomes carry zoonotic potential, but among those parasitizing reptiles only Armillifer spp. have been unquestionably associated with accidental human infections. Recent evidence suggests that pentastomes are crustaceans closely related to branchiurans, therefore therapeutic agents targeting fish lice should be investigated for their use in treating pentastome-infected reptile patients.