The occurrence of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens strains in the feces of dogs and cats

A total of 147 faecal specimen of dogs and cats was examined with cultural method for the occurrence of Cl. perfringens and its enterotoxin by using a reversed passive latex agglutination test (Pet-RPLA). Cl. perfringens could be detected in 77.9% of the samples of dogs (n = 68) and 65.6% of cats (n = 32) with diarrhoea in germ counts of 10(4)-10(10) cfu/g faeces. In the group of non diarrhoeic dogs (n = 39) and cats (n = 8) Cl. perfringens was found in 53.9% and 50% of the samples, the germ counts revealed 10(4)-10(8) cfu/g faeces. The enterotoxin of Cl. perfringens was detected in 48.5% of the samples of dogs and 28.1% of cats with diarrhoea. On the other hand this toxin could not be detected in any faecal specimen of non diarrhoeic animals. The in vitro detection of Cl. perfringens enterotoxin was successful at 65% of 20 strains, that had been isolated from faecal samples with enterotoxin. Also 2 Cl. perfringens strains isolated from faeces of non diarrhoeic dogs proved to be enterotoxigenic. The present test results given reason to believe that enterotoxigenic Cl. perfringens strains are involved in the complex of enteric disease of dogs and cats.     

The occurrence of Treponema in fecal samples from dogs and cats with and without intestinal diseases

6 (6.9%) of 87 examined dogs without diarrhoea proved to be carriers of Treponema (1x T. hyodysenteriae, 5x T. innocens), whereas in fecal samples from 62 dogs with enteric symptoms no isolation of Treponema succeeded. 5 fecal samples (3.7%) of cats without signs of diarrhoea were found to contain Treponema (1x T. hyodysenteriae, 4x T. innocens), whereas the fecal samples of 31 cats with diarrhoea didn't show any growth of Treponema by cultural investigations. Due to the results of these investigations the conclusion can be drawn that Treponema belong to the usual bacteria of dogs' and cats' intestines and cannot be suspected to cause diarrhoea in these animals primarily.     

Outbreak of Clostridium difficile-associated disease in a small animal veterinary teaching hospital

An apparent outbreak of enteric disease occurred in dogs and cats at a veterinary teaching hospital. Clostridium difficile Toxin A or B or both were identified in 1 or more fecal samples from 48 of 93 (52%) dogs over a 5-month period, 30 of which were identified in the 1st 26 days, after which strict infection control measures, including closure to elective cases, were implemented. Affected animals included in-patients, out-patients that were housed temporarily in the wards, and resident blood donor dogs. Infection control measures, including partial depopulation, isolation, hospital and yard cleaning, and barrier precautions, were instituted, after which, the incidence of nosocomial diarrhea decreased from 19 cases per 1,000 admissions to 2.5 cases per 1,000 admissions (P < 0.001).     

Strain variation within Campylobacter species in fecal samples from dogs and cats

To investigate the incidence of co-colonization of different strains of Campylobacter species present in canine and feline stool samples, isolates were recovered by culture from 40 samples from dogs (n=34) and cats (n=6). Animals were of different ages, with diarrhoea or without clinical signs. Three isolation procedures were used: two selective agars and a filtration method. In each stool sample, multiple colonies were identified to the species level by PCR, subsequently genotyped by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) and pattern similarities (451 isolates) were calculated to investigate their phylogenetic relationships. Genetic heterogeneity of strains in individual stool samples was detected within the species Campylobacter jejuni, C. upsaliensis and C. helveticus, though to a different degree in dogs and cats. In 3 of the 34 (9%) canine samples, more than one genotype of the same Campylobacter species was present, while strain variation was detected in four of the six feline samples. The results show that preferably, multiple colonies should be analyzed in molecular epidemiological and aetiological studies.     

Isolation of Thermophilic Campylobacters from Norwegian Dogs and Cats

A total of 147 dogs and 85 cats was surveyed for faecal carriage of thermophilic Campylobacters. Isolates were obtained from 33 (22.4 %) of the dogs and from 10 (11.8 %) of the cats investigated. The isolation rates recorded for diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic dogs and cats were not significantly different. Likewise, Campylobacters were isolated with about equal frequencies from puppies and mature dogs as well as from bitches and male dogs. Nineteen canine and 7 feline strains were biotyped and serotyped. A large majority (88.5 %) of these 26 strains belonged to serotypes previously recovered from human G. coli and C. laridis constituted 7.7 % and 3.8 %, respectively. Three strains belonged to serotypes previously recovered from human patients in Norway.     

Suspected Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in two cats

Two adult cats from the same household developed acute diarrhea. Clostridium difficile toxins were detected in the feces of both cats, whereas other recognized causes of diarrhea were not identified. Supportive medical treatment and metronidazole were administered and both cats responded well. A fecal sample obtained from 1 of the affected cats after treatment and a fecal sample obtained from a clinically normal cat in the household did not contain C difficile toxins. The role of C difficile in enteric disease in cats has not been extensively studied and is unclear; however, our findings suggest that toxigenic strains of C difficile may cause diarrhea in cats.     

Thermotolerant Campylobacters in domestic animals in a defined population in Buenos Aires,Argentina

We assessed the prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in animals in a region of unsatisfied basic needs in the city of Buenos Aires and studied a few risk factors. First we conducted a census to identify all dwellings having pet animals (dogs, cats, and birds). Fecal samples were then taken for isolation and identification of strains. We observed 17% prevalence for dogs (95% CI: 13, 22), 16% for cats (95% CI: 8, 27) and 19% for birds (95% CI: 5, 42). In dogs, the highest prevalences were found in summer and in animals <1 year old; in cats, in autumn and those aged 3-5 years. Strains were identified as C. jejuni biotype II in 70% of isolates. In the population described here, dogs, cats and birds kept in households were potential sources of human Campylobacter infections.     

成都市区犬猫狂犬病病毒和弓形虫感染的调查

为了解四川省成都市区家养犬、猫狂犬病病毒及弓形虫的感染情况,采用商品化狂犬病病毒和弓形虫抗原快速检测试纸卡,对2010年8～10月间来自成都市区的103份家养犬以及75份家猫的唾液和血液样品进行检测;同时采用文献报道的PCR方法对家养犬血液样品中的弓形虫核酸进行检测。结果显示,103份家养犬唾液样品狂犬病病毒抗原均为阴性,而75份家猫唾液样品中,检出阳性样品5份(阳性率6.7%),可疑样品7份;103份家养犬血液样品弓形虫抗原阳性样品33份(32.0%),可疑样品22份,75份家猫血液样品中,检出阳性样品2份(阳性率2.7%),可疑样品3份。弓形虫核酸PCR检测结果显示,96份家养犬血液样品弓形虫核酸阳性样品57份(阳性率59.4%),与弓形虫抗原阳性和可疑样品总和所占比例基本一致(53.4%)。提示应重视源于家猫的狂犬病病毒和家养犬弓形虫对人的威胁。     

Prevalence of selected zoonotic and vector-borne agents in dogs and cats in Costa Rica

To estimate the prevalence of enteric parasites and selected vector-borne agents of dogs and cats in San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica, fecal and serum samples were collected from animals voluntarily undergoing sterilization. Each fecal sample was examined for parasites by microscopic examination after fecal flotation and for Giardia and Cryptosporidium using an immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Giardia and Cryptosporidium IFA positive samples were genotyped after PCR amplification of specific DNA if possible. The seroprevalence rates for the vector-borne agents (Dirofilaria immitis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum) were estimated based on results from a commercially available ELISA. Enteric parasites were detected in samples from 75% of the dogs; Ancylostoma caninum, Trichuris vulpis, Giardia, and Toxocara canis were detected. Of the cats, 67.5% harbored Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Ancylostoma tubaeforme, or Toxocara cati. Both Cryptosporidium spp. isolates that could be sequenced were Cryptosporidium parvum (one dog isolate and one cat isolate). Of the Giardia spp. isolates that were successfully sequenced, the 2 cat isolates were assemblage A and the 2 dog isolates were assemblage D. D. immitis antigen and E. canis antibodies were identified in 2.3% and 3.5% of the serum samples, respectively. The prevalence of enteric zoonotic parasites in San Isidro de El General in Costa Rica is high in companion animals and this information should be used to mitigate public health risks.     

Enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats: diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and control

This report offers a consensus opinion on the diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and control of the primary enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats, with an emphasis on Clostridium difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli associated with granulomatous colitis in Boxers. Veterinarians are challenged when attempting to diagnose animals with suspected bacterial-associated diarrhea because well-scrutinized practice guidelines that provide objective recommendations for implementing fecal testing are lacking. This problem is compounded by similar isolation rates for putative bacterial enteropathogens in animals with and without diarrhea, and by the lack of consensus among veterinary diagnostic laboratories as to which diagnostic assays should be utilized. Most bacterial enteropathogens are associated with self-limiting diarrhea, and injudicious administration of antimicrobials could be more harmful than beneficial. Salmonella and Campylobacter are well-documented zoonoses, but antimicrobial administration is not routinely advocated in uncomplicated cases and supportive therapy is recommended. Basic practices of isolation, use of appropriate protective equipment, and proper cleaning and disinfection are the mainstays of control. Handwashing with soap and water is preferred over use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers because spores of C. difficile and C. perfringens are alcohol-resistant, but susceptible to bleach (1:10 to 1:20 dilution of regular household bleach) and accelerated hydrogen peroxide. The implementation of practice guidelines in combination with the integration of validated molecular-based testing and conventional testing is pivotal if we are to optimize the identification and management of enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats.     

Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species in cats and dogs in two animal shelters in Ireland

Rectal swabs or faecal samples for the isolation of Campylobacter species were taken from 120 dogs and cats in an animal shelter in which only one kitten showed signs of gastrointestinal disease, and rectal swabs were taken from 46 dogs, 22 of which showed signs of gastrointestinal disease, in another shelter. At the first shelter, the swabs from 24 of 47 dogs (51.1 per cent) and 36 of 48 cats (75 per cent) yielded a Campylobacter species. The rate of isolation was significantly higher from dogs and cats less than six months old, and significantly higher from cats than from dogs (P< or =0.05). At the second shelter Campylobacter species were isolated from 40 of 46 dogs (87 per cent), but there was no significant difference between the age groups. Campylobacter species were isolated from 19 (86.4 per cent) of the 22 dogs with signs of gastrointestinal disease and from 21 (87.5 per cent) of the 24 unaffected dogs. Several culture methods were applied to the samples collected from both shelters, and the combination significantly increased the recovery of Campylobacter species.     

Escherichia coli as a pathogen in dogs and cats.

Certain strains of Escherichia coli behave as pathogens in dogs and cats causing gastro-intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. Among the five known groups of diarrhoeagenic E. coli, namely enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAggEC), only EPEC and ETEC were clearly associated with enteric disease in young dogs. ETEC isolates from diarrhoeic dogs were found to be positive for the heat-stable enterotoxins STa and STb but negative for heat-labile enterotoxin (LT). Canine ETEC were found to be different from those of other animals and humans by their serotypes, production of alpha-haemolysin and adhesive factors and by the production of uncharacterized types of enterotoxins by some ETEC. Canine EPEC could be distinguished from EPEC of humans or other animals by their serotypes and by the eae-protein intimin which mediates intimate adherence of EPEC to intestinal mucosa cells. STEC were occasionally isolated from faeces of healthy and diarrhoeic dogs but their role in canine diarrhoea is not yet well known. EIEC and EAggEC were not reported to occur in dogs or cats. Very little is known on diarrhoegenic E. coli in cats and further epidemiological investigations on this subject are needed. Besides its role in gastro-intestinal infections, E. coli can cause infections of the urogenital tract and systemic disease in dogs and cats. Extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli strains from dogs and cats belong to a limited number of serotypes and clonal groups and are frequently found as a part of the normal gut flora of these animals. Many of these E. coli strains carry P-fimbriae and produce alpha-haemolysin and a necrotizing cytotoxin (CNF1). Some of the frequently isolated types of extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli from dogs, cats and humans were found to be highly genetically related but showed differences in their P-fimbrial adhesins which determine host specificity. Transmission of extra-intestinal and enteral pathogenic E. coli between dogs and humans was reported. Further research is needed, however, to determine the role of dogs and cats as transmission vectors of pathogenic E. coli strains to other animals and humans.     

Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in intestinal contents of healthy animals in Japan.

A total of 1,705 fecal specimens or ileo-cecal contents of cattle, pigs, dogs, cats, chicken and rats were submitted for the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes by the use of the combination of Oxford-LPM agar plates after the cold enrichment in PBS at 4 degrees C for 4-6 weeks. Prevalence of L. monocytogenes was found to be 1.9% in cattle, 0.6% in pigs, 0.9% in dogs and 6.5% in rats. However, none of L. monocytogenes was isolated from chicken or cats. Among 26 isolates of L. monocytogenes, 13 strains (50%) were classified into types 1/2a (3 strains), 1/2b (5 strains) and 4b (5 strains) and were often associated with human listeriosis. The majority of the Listeria spp. other than L. monocytogenes isolated from these animals was found to be L. innocua.     

Thermophilic Campylobacter from fecal samples of animals and their behavior in the ganglioside (GM1)-ELISA, Vero cell test and salt aggregation test

From 397 fecal specimens from apparently healthy and from diarrheic pigs, dogs, cats and cattle 59 strains (= 15%) of thermophilic Campylobacter (C.) spp. were isolated by culture. 39 strains were identified as C. coli and 18 as C. jejuni whereas 2 isolates could not be classified. None of the strains was found to be positive for cytotoxic enterotoxin in the GM1-ELISA. In the Vero-cell test 5 isolates showed a cytotoxic effect. The salt aggregation test (SAT) for indicating cell surface hydrophobicity was positive with 24 strains (5 C. jejuni, 19 C. coli). A correlation of isolation results with clinical manifestation could not be observed.     

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile in diarrheic and healthy dogs

The objectives of this study were to examine the potential roles of Clostridium difficile and enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in diarrhea in dogs by comparison of isolation, determination of toxin status via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and application of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These techniques were used to evaluate fecal specimens in 132 healthy and diarrheic dogs. These dogs were prospectively evaluated by grouping them into the following 3 categories: hospitalized dogs with diarrhea (n = 32), hospitalized dogs without diarrhea (n = 42), and apparently healthy outpatient dogs without diarrhea (n = 58). All fecal specimens were cultured using selective media for C difficile, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. and selective media after heat shock for C perfringens. No significant difference was found in the isolation of C perfringens or C difficile among the 3 groups. A significant association was found between the presence of diarrhea and detection of C perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) or toxin A via ELISA for both C perfringens and C difficile, respectively. PCR performed on C difficile isolates for toxin A and toxin B genes revealed no significant differences among the 3 groups, but diarrheic dogs were significantly more likely to be positive for the enterotoxin gene of C perfringens. Based on the results of this study, the use of ELISA for detection of CPE in feces combined with the detection of enterotoxigenic fecal isolates obtained via heat shock provides the strongest evidence for the presence of C perfringens-associated diarrhea.     

Isolation of dermatophytes from dogs and cats with suspected dermatophytosis in Western Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the species of dermatophytes isolated from dogs and cats and their prevalence in the two big provinces of Western Turkey. A total of 362 animals (198 dogs and 164 cats) with skin lesions (alopecia and desquamation) were examined from March 2006 to February 2008. Of the 362 samples examined, 52 (14.4%) were positive for fungal elements by direct microscopic examination, and 70 (19.3%) were culture positive for dermatophytes. The isolation rates of dermatophyte species from dogs and cats were 18.7% and 20.1%, respectively. Microsporum canis (57.1%) was the most common species isolated from dogs and cats. The prevalence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes was five-fold greater in dogs than in cats (odds ratio=5.226; CI=1.152-23.696). No association was detected between prevalence of infection and provinces, and also sex of dogs and cats. The only risk factor found to be significantly associated with infection was age. Dogs and cats younger than one year of age showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of dermatophytes than other age groups (P<0.05). The isolation rate of dermatophytes was relatively high in the spring and winter for dogs, and in the spring, summer and autumn for cats. However, the association of season and prevalence was found not to be significant.     

Campylobacter species in cats and dogs in South Australia

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter enteritis was the most frequently notified infectious disease in Australia in 1996 and Campylobacter species have been associated with extra-intestinal infections such as purulent arthritis and Guillian-Barré syndrome. Dogs and cats are known to carry campylobacteria and contact with household pets have been implicated as possible sources of human infection. OBJECTIVE: To provide information on the species of campylobacter carried by cats and dogs in South Australia. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected from stray and owned cats and dogs and feral cats. Campylobacter-like organisms were isolated using selective media and filtration methods. They were then characterised by biochemical tests, antibiotic resistance and growth patterns under various conditions. Husbandry factors that could have influenced the carriage rates were examined both as single variables and in a multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Campylobacter upsaliensis and C jejuni were found in 11% and 4% of cats, respectively, whereas 34% dogs carried C upsaliensis, 7% C jejuni and 2% C coli. Intensive housing and open drains were found to be significant risk factors and increased the carriage rate by 2 and 2.6 times, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dogs and cats are a potential reservoir for human enteric infections with campylobacters.     

Detection frequency of haemoplasma infections of the domestic cat in Germany

We present epidemiological data on the frequency of infections with haemotrophic Mycoplasma spp. (feline haemoplasmas) in domestic cats in Germany. From November 2004 to October 2006 135 blood samples of anaemic patients and cats without clinical symptoms were examined with conventional and real-time PCR methods. In 15,6 % of the samples DNA of one or more haemoplasma species could be detected. 8,9 % of the samples (12 cats) were infected with "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum, whereas 7,4 % (10 cats) were infected with Mycoplasma haemofelis. Out of these, one cat harboured both species.The recently described species "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" was found in 2.2 % of all samples (3 cats) and was restricted to animals coinfected with M. haemofelis. No correlation could be detected between the infection with haemotrophic Mycoplasma spp. and clinical signs of anaemia or disease. Infections were significantly correlated with age, male gender or coinfections with retroviruses (FIV, FeLV). Our data indicate, that chronically infected carriers without clinical symptoms are frequent in the investigated cat populations in Germany and that the screening of blood-donors for the presence of Mycoplasma spp. infections is advisable before clinical use.     

The possibility of the serological differentiation of Clostridium species using enzyme immunoassays

A method for serotyping and diagnosis of 30 selected Clostridia strains of 12 different species by an enzyme-immuno-assay using polystyrene balls as a solid phase is described and tested for its efficiency. The reference strains and the homologous test strains could be differentiated from the heterologous in principle. A reliable detection of the several serotypes of Cl. perfringens was not perfectly to achieve with the conjugates used here, cross-reaction with Cl. chauvoei could be removed by absorption. The conjugate of Cl. bifermentans reacted with Cl. sordellii and Cl. difficile too, and must be absorbed prior any diagnostic applications with vegetative cells of the corresponding strains. Concerning the antigenic relationships between the Clostridia strains used here, the results of Ellner and Green (7, 8) as well as of Poxton and Byrne (14) could be reconfirmed. Moreover the applied technique offers the possibility to come to a more detailed result concerning the degree of antigenic relationship. The developed method is a valuable tool for the differentiation of pathogenic Clostridia and within the group Cl. bifermentans/Cl. sordellii/Cl. difficile a rapid diagnosis at the species level could be achieved. Some limitations by cross-reactions are given, but results can be improved by absorption of the conjugates.