In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of 183 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from dogs to selected antipseudomonal agents

During the years from 1993 to 2000, 183 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from different pathological specimens originating from dogs. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns against 10 antipseudomonal agents were obtained on 183 P. aeruginosa strains. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer). Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles showed that among beta-lactam antibiotics, imipenem was the most active compound. Out of the 183 strains tested, 96.7% were sensitive to imipenem. Cefoperazone showed good in vitro activity against 86.9% of the tested strains. Against ceftazidime, 77.0% of strains showed sensitivity. An old penicillin, carbenicillin, gave only 71.6% sensitive strains. Sensitivity to amikacin was 87.4% and it was 83.1% to gentamicin. Pipimedic acid, a first-generation quinolone, was the least active compound of all those tested, 47.0% were resistant. The in vitro sensitivity against enrofloxacin showed that 71.0% strains were sensitive and 26.2% showed resistance. Almost all strains tested, 93.4%, were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and marbofloxacin. Besides imipenem, the quinolone antibiotics, marbofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the most effective against P. aeruginosa strains isolated from dogs.     

Development of resistant bacteria isolated from dogs with otitis externa or urinary tract infections after exposure to enrofloxacin in vitro

Minimum inhibitory concentrations for enrofloxacin were determined for 63 bacterial isolates from dogs with otitis externa or urinary tract infections. Development of resistant mutants was determined after exposing the isolates to enrofloxacin in vitro for up to five serial passages. Results indicated that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus spp isolates exposed to enrofloxacin developed resistance rapidly, whereas Klebsiella, Proteus, and Streptococcus spp were less likely to develop resistance. Despite the presence of enrofloxacin pressure, no resistant bacteria developed in the Escherichia coli and staphylococcal isolates. In many isolates, susceptibility patterns changed from susceptible to intermediate.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from dogs with otitis externa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of otitis externa in dogs, and treatment of these infections is becoming problematic because of the increasing number of multiresistant strains. The aim of the present study was to compare the in vitro activities of cefepime, ceftazidime, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and ticarcillin/clavulanic acid against 104 strains of P aeruginosa isolated from dogs with otitis externa. Antimicrobial susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentrations, in μg/ml, were evaluated by the E test (bioMérieux). The most active compound was ceftazidime, with 100 per cent efficiency. The majority of tested strains were susceptible to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid (89.4 per cent), followed by ciprofloxacin (88.5 per cent) and cefepime (60.6 per cent). The highest resistance was observed to enrofloxacin (51.9 per cent) and gentamicin (43.3 per cent). Large numbers of strains were intermediately susceptible to antibiotics registered for use in veterinary medicine in Croatia--enrofloxacin (47.1 per cent) and gentamicin (41.3 per cent).     

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.     

Comparison of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic indices of efficacy for 5 fluoroquinolones toward pathogens of dogs and cats

BACKGROUND: Fluoroquinolones are often used interchangeably in dogs and cats. HYPOTHESIS: Predicted therapeutic efficacy differs among fluoroquinolones. ANIMALS: Bacterial pathogens isolated from dogs and cats. METHODS: Using microtube-dilution procedures, percent resistance and 2 pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic indices (maximum concentration/minimum inhibitory concentration [Cmax/MIC] [target 0.10] and area under curve/minimum inhibitory concentration [AUC/MIC] [target 0.125]) were compared prospectively at low and high doses (mg/kg) for ciprofloxacin (5 and 20), difloxacin (5 and 10), enrofloxacin (including enrofloxacin+ciprofloxacin) (5 and 20), marbofloxacin (2.5 and 5), and orbifloxacin (2.5 and 7.5). Indices were calculated for organisms represented by < or = 15 isolates. RESULTS: Percent resistance for all Gram-negative (n = 180; 20+/-3%; 39+/-5% for Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive isolates (n = 66; 18+/-3%) did not differ among drugs or organisms. The pattern of Cmax/MIC was generally enrofloxacin+ciprofloxacin > or = enrofloxacin or ciprofloxacin > or = marbofloxacin > or = orbifloxacin > or = difloxacin; and for AUIC/ MIC, enrofloxacin+ciprofloxacin > or = marbofloxacin > or = ciprofloxacin > or = enrofloxacin > difloxacin > orbifloxacin. Among susceptible Gram-negative isolates studied (n = 117), targeted Cmax/MIC or AUC/MIC were achieved in 88% of E. coli, 53% of Proteus mirabilis, and 35% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and for susceptible Gram-positive isolates studied (n = 49), 53% of Streptotoccus spp. and Staphylococcus intermedius and 27% of Staphylococcus spp. At the high dose, the proportion of isolates for which a target was reached was: ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin+ciprofloaxin, and marbofloxacin (77%), enrofloxacin (73%), orbifloxacin (51%), and difloxacin (40%); and at the low dose, enrofloxacin+ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin (43%), ciprofloxacin (40%), marbofloxacin (39%), orbifloxacin (29%), and difloxacin (28%). CONCLUSIONS: E. coli resistance to fluoroquinolones approximated 40%. For susceptible isolates, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin more consistently reached indices associated with predicted efficacy, but only at the high dose.     

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from dogs and cats as well as Arcanobacterium pyogenes from cattle and swine as determined in the BfT-GermVet monitoring program 2004-2006

During the BfT-GermVet monitoring program, Pseudomonas (P) aeruginosa from dogs and cats (n = 99) as well as Arcanobacterium (A.) pyogenes from cattle and swine (n = 90) were examined for their antimicrobial susceptibility. In general, P. aeruginosa is known to be resistant against many antimicrobial agents whereas A. pyogenes is thought to be susceptible to most agents in-vitro. However, representative and actual minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values are missing for both veterinary pathogens. In the present study, MIC values were determined and categorized according to the recommendations given in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) documents M31-A2 and M31-S1. For susceptibility testing of A. pyogenes, the CLSI methodology was slightly modified. Specific breakpoints were not available for most of the antimicrobial agents tested. P. aeruginosa isolates from infections of the skin, ear and mouth as well as the urinary and genital tract of dogs and cats were either resistant or exhibited high MIC values to most antimicrobial agents tested. However, gentamicin resistant isolates were observed in only 27% and 11% (intermediate isolates 29% and 39%), respectively. For the same bacterium/host animal/organ system combinations, enrofloxacin resistance was detected in only 24% and 11% of the isolates (intermediate isolates 49% and 61%). For A. pyogenes, resistance was most prevalent against tetracycline (33%-56%, bovine and porcine isolates) and sulfonamides (26%-40%, bovine isolates).     

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacteria causing otitis externa in dogs

Bacterial agents are considered important pathogens causing external otitis in dogs. It is essential to carry out bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test in the case of otitis externa, particularly for chronic or recurring cases. Sterile swab samples were obtained from terminal part of vertical ear canals of 74 dogs with otitis externa for cytology, bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test. Cytologic smears were stained using Gram and Giemsa staining methods. Aerobic bacterial culture performed on blood agar and MacConkey agar. Among total number of 92 isolated bacteria, 68 were Staphylococcus intermedius. Other isolated bacteria included: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella canis, and six other species of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed for all isolated bacteria using 14 antibiotics. Based on the results of this study, all isolated Staphylococcus spp. were sensitive to amikacin, enrofloxacin, and rifampin, and had low resistance to gentamicin, cephalothin and ceftriaxone. More than half of gram-positive isolates were resistant to penicillin and ampicillin. Generally, all isolated gram-negative bacteria, were sensitive to amikacin and enrofloxacin, and had low resistance to ceftriaxone and gentamicin. They were highly resistant to penicillin, eythromycin, and cephalothin. Regarding the results of this study, in cases of uncomplicated otitis externa, it is possible to select antimicrobial drugs merely based on cytology, but it is recommended to perform bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test. However, in complicated or refractory cases, antimicrobials should be selected based on bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test.     

Plasma and ear tissue concentrations of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in dogs with chronic end-stage otitis externa after intravenous administration of enrofloxacin

The purpose of this study was to measure the concentrations of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin following intravenous administration of enrofloxacin in the plasma and ear tissue of dogs with chronic end-stage otitis undergoing a total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. The goals were to determine the relationship between the dose of enrofloxacin and the concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, and determine appropriate doses of enrofloxacin for treatment of chronic otitis externa and media. Thirty dogs were randomized to an enrofloxacin-treatment group (5, 10, 15 or 20 mg kg⁻¹) or control group (no enrofloxacin). After surgical removal, ear tissue samples (skin, vertical ear canal, horizontal ear canal, middle ear) and a blood sample were collected. Concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in the plasma and ear tissue were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Repeated measures models were applied to log-transformed data to assess dosing trends and Pearson correlations were calculated to assess concentration associations. Ear tissue concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were significantly ( P  < 0.05) higher than plasma concentrations. Each 5 mg kg⁻¹ increase in the dose of enrofloxacin resulted in a 72% and 37% increase in enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations, respectively. For bacteria with an minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.12–0.15 or less, 0.19–0.24, 0.31–0.39 and 0.51–0.64 µg mL⁻¹, enrofloxacin should be dosed at 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Treatment with enrofloxacin would not be recommended for a bacterial organism intermediate or resistant in susceptibility to enrofloxacin since appropriate levels of enrofloxacin would not be attained.     

In vitro fluoroquinolone susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from dogs with ulcerative keratitis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the in vitro fluoroquinolone susceptibility profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from dogs with ulcerative keratitis. Animals-27 dogs with P. aeruginosa-associated ulcerative keratitis. PROCEDURES: P. aeruginosa isolates from dogs with ulcerative keratitis were collected during a 3-year period. Isolates were tested by use of the disk diffusion method for their susceptibility to 7 fluoroquinolones that are available as commercial ophthalmic preparations. The antimicrobials included second- (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and lomefloxacin), third- (levofloxacin), and fourth-generation (gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin) fluoroquinolones. Isolates were designated as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant to the various antimicrobials. The percentage of susceptible isolates was compared among individual fluoroquinolones and among fluoroquinolone generations. RESULTS: None of the dogs had received topical or systemic fluoroquinolone treatment prior to referral. Twenty-seven P. aeruginosa isolates were collected during the study period. In vitro, bacterial resistance to the tested fluoroquinolones was infrequently identified (24/ 27 isolates were susceptible to all fluoroquinolones evaluated); susceptibility percentages ranged from 88.9% to 100% for individual antimicrobials. There were no significant differences among isolate susceptibilities to the individual antimicrobials or among generations of fluoroquinolones. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of these in vitro data, none of the 7 evaluated fluoroquinolones (individually or collectively by generation) appeared to offer a clinically important advantage in the treatment of P. aeruginosa-associated ulcerative keratitis in dogs. Among the P. aeruginosa isolates collected from dogs with ulcerative keratitis in this study, the likelihood of susceptibility to the fluoroquinolones evaluated was high.     

Corynebacterium spp. in Dogs and Cats with Otitis Externa and/or Media: A Retrospective Study

The role of Corynebacterium spp. in the pathogenesis of canine and feline otitis externa/media and their appropriate antimicrobial therapy are unclear. The objectives of this study were to (1) better establish the pathogenicity of Corynebacterium spp. in otitis utilizing reported criteria and by assessing clinical response to antibiotic therapy and (2) to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Corynebacterium spp. associated with otitis. The study was retrospective, targeting cultures positive for Corynebacterium spp. Corynebacterium spp. were part of mixed microbial populations in 79/81 cultures. Corynebacterium spp. pathogenicity was highly questionable because of their almost invariable presence with other microbes and the observation that Corynebacterium spp. usually disappear from the ear with resolution of other infections, even when the Corynebacterium spp. are resistant to the prescribed antibiotic(s). However, 2/81 cultures came from two canine ears wherein Corynebacterium spp. may have been pathogenic. Antimicrobial sensitivities for Corynebacterium spp. were available for 54 isolates. Most isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol (53/54), amikacin (50/54), tetracycline (50/54), gentamicin (46/54), and enrofloxacin (32/54). Among those antibiotics available in otic products, gentamicin and enrofloxacin would be rational choices for the empirical, topical therapy of Corynebacterium spp.     

In vitro killing of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by enrofloxacin in combination with its active metabolite ciprofloxacin using clinically relevant drug concentrations in the dog and cat

Enrofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent used to treat infections in companion animals. Enrofloxacin's antimicrobial spectrum includes Gram positive and Gram-negative bacteria and demonstrates concentration-dependent bacteriocidal activity. In dogs and cats, enrofloxacin is partially metabolized to ciprofloxacin and both active agents circulate simultaneously in treated animals at ratios of approximately 60-70% enrofloxacin to 30-40% ciprofloxacin. We were interested in determining the killing of companion animal isolates of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin combined using clinically relevant drug concentrations and ratios. For E. coli isolates exposed to 2.1 and 4.1μg/ml of enrofloxacin/ciprofloxacin at 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30 ratios, a 1.7-2.5log(10) reduction (94-99% kill) was seen following 20min of drug exposure; 0.89-1.7log(10) (92-99% kill) of S. pseudintermedius following 180min of drug exposure; 0.85-3.4log(10) (98-99% kill) of P. aeruginosa following 15min of drug exposure. Killing of S. pseudintermedius was enhanced in the presence of enrofloxacin whereas killing of P. aeruginosa was enhanced in the presence of ciprofloxacin. Antagonism was not seen when enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were used in kill assays. The unique feature of partial metabolism of enrofloxacin to ciprofloxacin expands the spectrum of enhanced killing of common companion animal pathogens.     

Antimicrobial resistance and genetic characterization of fluoroquinolone resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from canine infections

Infections with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a great challenge in both human and veterinary medicine. The purpose of this study was to determine antimicrobial susceptibility of 106 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from dogs with otitis and pyoderma from 2003 to 2006 in the United States. Three antimicrobial panels, including 6 classes and 32 antimicrobial agents, were used. A wide range of susceptibility patterns were noted with some isolates being resistant to between 8 and 28 (mean 16) of the antimicrobials tested. Among the beta-lactams, all isolates were resistant to ampicillin, cefoxitin, cefpodoxime, cephalothin and cefazolin followed by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (99%), ceftiofur (97%), ceftriaxone (39%), cefotaxime (26%), and cefotaxime/clavulanic acid (20%), whereas less than 7% of isolates were resistant to ceftazidime/clavulanic acid, ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam or cefepime. Two isolates were resistant to the carbapenems. Among the quinolones and fluoroquinolones, the most isolates were resistant to naladixic acid (96%), followed by orbifloxacin (52%), difloxacin (43%), enrofloxacin (31%), marbofloxacin (27%), gatifloxacin (23%), levofloxacin (21%), and ciprofloxacin (16%). Among the aminoglycosides, the most resistance was seen to kanamycin (90%), followed by streptomycin (69%), gentamicin (7%), and amikacin (3%). Of the remaining antimicrobials 100% of the isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol followed by tetracycline (98%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (57%), and sulfisoxazole (51%). Point mutations were present in gyrA, gyrB, parC, and/or parE genes among 34 of the 102 naladixic acid-resistant isolates. Two isolates contained class 1 integrons carrying aadA gene conferring streptomycin and spectinomycin resistance. The findings suggest that many antimicrobial agents commonly used in companion animals may not constitute appropriate therapy for canine pseudomonas infections.     

Susceptibility of canine and feline Escherichia coli and canine Staphylococcus intermedius isolates to fluoroquinolones

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN: 1) A prospective study to determine in vitro concentrations for a range of fluoroquinolones, gentamicin and amoxycillin-clavulanate required to inhibit growth of recently collected, feline and canine Escherichia coli and canine Staphylococcus intermedius isolates. 2) A comparative retrospective study to compare the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin and amoxycillin-clavulanate for archived canine E coli and S intermedius isolates collected ten to twenty years earlier, with those for recently collected isolates. PROCEDURE: Susceptibility was assessed using disk diffusion, agar dilution susceptibility testing and Epsilometer tests (E-tests) for both recently collected and archived isolates. RESULTS: All feline E coli isolates and recently collected canine S intermedius isolates were susceptible to all fluoroquinolones. There was a statistically significant increase in the MIC range of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin for recently collected E coli, and in the MIC range of amoxycillin-clavulanate for recently collected S intermedius isolates compared to archived isolates. Twelve of 59 recently collected canine E coli isolates were resistant to both ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. Resistant canine E coli isolates were associated with complicating host or infection site factors. CONCLUSION: This is the first report comparing the MICs for all veterinary fluoroquinolones currently available in Australia for a representative sample of canine and feline E coli and canine S intermedius isolates. Importantly, this study identified 12 of 59 canine E coli isolates resistant to fluoroquinolones and identified the development of low level resistance in canine E coli to ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin and canine S intermedius to amoxycillin-clavulanate.     

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.     

Susceptibility of Pseudomonas isolates from the ears and skin of dogs to enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin

The purpose of this study was to compare susceptibilities of ear and skin Pseudomonas spp. isolates to enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. Specimens were obtained from dogs examined in a veterinary dermatology referral hospital. Susceptibilities of ear isolates to enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin were 46.9%, 66.7%, and 75.0%, respectively. Susceptibilities of skin isolates to the same drugs were 76.2%, 81.0%, and 80.0%, respectively. Ear isolates were significantly less susceptible to enrofloxacin than to ciprofloxacin (P=0.021), and ear isolates were significantly less susceptible to enrofloxacin than were skin isolates (P=0.034). When fluoroquinolone resistance was present, ear isolates were significantly less susceptible to enrofloxacin than to ciprofloxacin (P<0.001) and marbofloxacin (P=0.014).     

Ciprofloxacin as a representative of disk diffusion in vitro susceptibility of enrofloxacin for bacterial organisms from the middle-ear tissue of dogs with end-stage otitis externa

The purposes of this study were to determine whether ciprofloxacin disk diffusion susceptibility test (DDT) results could be used to assess the in vitro susceptibility of otic bacterial organisms to enrofloxacin and to determine the effect of concurrent enrofloxacin administration on the DDT results for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Thirty dogs with end-stage otitis externa undergoing unilateral total ear canal ablation were enrolled. The dogs were randomized to one of four enrofloxacin-treatment groups or to the control group. Each dog in the treatment groups received two intravenous doses of enrofloxacin prior to surgical removal of the middle-ear tissue while the control group did not receive any enrofloxacin. One dog was excluded from the study as no middle-ear tissue was removed during surgery. Twenty-four dogs were in the enrofloxacin-treatment groups and five dogs were in the control group. In 12 of 29 dogs (41.4%), 14 of 82 (17.1%) of bacteria had discrepancies in DDT results for enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Discrepancies between the control group and treatment groups were not significantly different even though the percentage of discrepancies for the combined treatment group was 19.4% compared to 6.7% for the control group. In this study, ciprofloxacin DDT results were not an accurate indicator of the in vitro susceptibility of enrofloxacin for bacteria isolated from the middle-ear tissue of dogs with end-stage otitis.     

猪链球菌Ⅱ型四川分离株对抗菌药的敏感性分析

对四川省不同地区链球菌病病死猪体内分离的7株链球菌Ⅱ型进行抗菌药敏感性试验,用链球菌兰氏D群C55914作为对照,比对菌为肺炎链球菌质控菌株ATCC49619.在32种抗菌药中,选择29种药物进行纸片法药敏试验.试验结果表明:7株链球菌耐药谱非常相似,对青霉素、氨苄西林、阿莫西林、奥格门丁、卡那霉素、红霉素、壮观霉素、氯霉素、氟苯尼考、头孢氨苄、头孢拉定、头孢他定、头孢呋辛、头孢曲松、环丙沙星、氧氟沙星、二氟沙星、沙拉沙星、达氟沙星、恩诺沙星、复方新诺明、万古霉素、亚安培南均敏感;对阿米卡星、新霉素、庆大霉素3株敏感,4株中敏;对四环素和多西环素2株中敏,5株耐药;对链霉素1株中敏,6株耐药.用21种药物进行最小抑菌浓度(MIC)测定,结果7株均对青霉素、氨苄西林、卡那霉素、红霉素、头孢他定、头孢呋辛、头孢曲松、头孢噻呋、环丙沙星、达氟沙星、氧氟沙星、二氟沙星、沙拉沙星、恩诺沙星、磺胺六甲氧嘧啶敏感,1株对新霉素和阿米卡星中敏,2株耐药;所有菌株对四环素、土霉素、多西环素、链霉素均耐药.两种方法总体结果一致.     

Bacteriology and mycology of otitis externa in dogs]

The bacterial and fungal flora of 1118 ears of dogs with otitis externa and 100 ears of healthy control dogs were studied in order to isolate the causative agents. The yeast Malassezia pachydermatis (56%) was by far the most common organism in otitic dogs followed by the bacteria Staphylococcus intermedius (23%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12%), Proteus spp. (6%) and Streptococcus canis (5%). A statistical analysis of observed results showed that the incidence of these organisms is significant in otitic dogs. Many strains of S.intermedius, P.aeruginosa and Proteus spp. are resistant to antimicrobial agents commonly used to treat otitis externa. Therefore an antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using "Cobas Bact" for these bacterias. Furthermore, 80 strains of M.pachydermatis were submitted to identification-kits (API 20 CAUX, API STAPH, Cobas Micro). The observed results showed that an identification with these tests was not possible.     

Antimicrobial testing of selected fluoroquinolones against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from canine otitis

A total of 100 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates were collected over a 1.5-year period from cases of canine otitis. Sensitivities to enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and orbifloxacin were determined using minimum inhibitory concentration testing (MICT). Isolates were also tested for sensitivities to enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin using disk-diffusion susceptibility testing (DDST). Isolates were significantly more sensitive to marbofloxacin than to enrofloxacin (z = -4.57; P<0.05) or orbifloxacin (z = -5.02; P<0.05). Agreement was 87% between MICT and DDST for marbofloxacin, with approximately equal numbers of overestimation and underestimation errors. Agreement was 74% between MICT and DDST for enrofloxacin, but DDST tended to overestimate the number of enrofloxacin-susceptible strains. These results suggest that marbofloxacin is more effective against P. aeruginosa than either enrofloxacin or orbifloxacin and that relying on DDST may lead to ineffective enrofloxacin treatment.     

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.