Common Causes for Veterinary Visits among Australian Wildlife.

Human activities in Australia frequently harm wildlife in their natural environments. Veterinary hospitals play an important role in treating individual animals and safeguarding threatened species. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of wildlife patients admitted to veterinary hospitals in Australia. Data from two wildlife hospitals situated in the southeast region of Australia was used to analyse the characteristics of wildlife patients. Avian species constitute the predominant category of wildlife patients admitted to these hospitals (54% and 60%, respectively). However, a large seasonal variation was observed for all types of animals. Traumatic injuries represent the foremost cause for admission for all types of animals; however, reptiles (62%) and birds (56%) were overrepresented in the category. Car collisions emerging as the most frequently encountered source of trauma. Moreover, the study reveals a notable mortality rate in admitted patients, approximately 50%, with an unfavourable prognosis for patients admitted due to trauma or disease. In conclusion, wildlife rehabilitation clearly presents a number of challenges. We recommend limiting rehabilitation patients, especially orphans and those not needing veterinary care, to focus resources on animals in real need. This could improve care quality, conserve resources, and enhance survival and release rates.

Prevalence and anti-microbial resistance of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the environment and veterinary personnel in a Spanish veterinary teaching hospital.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) bacteria, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), pose a significant threat in veterinary medicine, given their potential for zoonotic transmission and their implications for companion animals and humans' health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MRS and anti-microbial resistance patterns at a university clinical hospital in Madrid, Spain. Samples were collected from both the environment and hospital staff at Veterinary Clinical Hospital of Alfonso X el Sabio University. Anti-microbial susceptibility assays, molecular detection of mecA gene and genetic relationships among the identified bacterial strains were performed. The study revealed an MRS prevalence of 1.50% in environmental samples, with MRSP accounting for 0.75% of the cases. Genetically related MRSP strains were found in different hospital areas. Among hospital staff, there was a MRS prevalence of 14.03%, including S. pseudintermedius and S. epidermidis strains. Antibiogram tests revealed multi-drug resistance among MRSP strains. Additionally, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated, suggesting potential cross-species transmission. This study underscores the presence of MRS in a veterinary clinical hospital, highlighting the significance of infection control through the implementation of protective measures, stringent hygiene practices among personnel and in the environment and responsible use of antibiotics. Further research is necessary to assess MRS incidence in animal patients and explore geographical variations, enhancing our understanding of MRS in veterinary medicine and addressing its challenges.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from dogs presented at a veterinary academic hospital in South Africa.

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae are opportunistic bacterial pathogens responsible for hospital-acquired infections in veterinary medicine. Infection with these bacteria always requires urgent antimicrobial therapy. However, there is no evidence of studies that have investigated the antimicrobial drug resistance profile of these organisms in a veterinary setting in South Africa. This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae from clinical specimens obtained from dogs presented at a veterinary academic hospital. The findings of this study contribute to an improved understanding of the AMR profile of these bacteria in veterinary medicine. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data of clinical samples from dogs that were positive for A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae between 2007 and 2013 were used in this study. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined using the disk diffusion method following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. The A. baumannii isolates were subjected to a panel of 20 antibiotics, while K. pneumoniae isolates were subjected to a panel of 22 antibiotics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented using tables and figures. Results: Twenty (n = 20) A. baumannii isolates were isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage, foreign objects, bone, urine, skin, blood, ear, nasal, and oral cavity. Almost all A. baumannii (95%, 19/20) isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 60% (12/20) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 56) was isolated from urine, foreign objects, abscesses, ears, eyes, tracheal aspirations, bronchoalveolar lavages, eyes, abdominal aspirates, anal glands, bones, and intestinal and lung biopsies. All K. pneumoniae (100%, 56/56) isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 98% (55/56) were MDR. Conclusion: Both A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae were isolated in various clinical tissue samples and exhibited a high prevalence of resistance to multiple antibiotics. In addition, these bacteria exhibited a high prevalence of resistance to ß-lactam compared to other classes of antibiotics, which is likely to impact treatment options and patient prognosis.

Evaluation of RapidChek® SELECT™ for the detection of Salmonella spp. in environmental samples from a veterinary hospital.

Nosocomial salmonellosis in hospitalized animals is a recognized hazard, especially in large animal clinics. A standardized culture protocol (SCP) for detecting Salmonella spp. in environmental samples using a 48-h enrichment step results in a 5-day turnaround time for negative results. The RapidChek® SELECT™ Salmonella (RCSS) test system offers detection of organisms in 22-44 h through double enrichment followed by a lateral flow immunoassay. Negative results are reported within 48 h. To determine the most sensitive and rapid method for detecting Salmonella spp. from environmental samples collected at the large animal Purdue Veterinary Hospital (LA-PVH), a preliminary study compared the performance of RCSS and a SCP when testing artificially spiked and naturally contaminated samples. An expanded study analyzed results obtained using the RCSS method to test 872 environmental samples over a 12-month period. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was chosen as the confirmation method for RCSS-presumptive positive samples. A randomly selected subset of samples received additional confirmation by real-time PCR. Here, we reported the performance data of RCSS in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value using MALDI-TOF results as reference for comparison. We also provide guidelines for reporting results obtained using this system.

The Seroprevalence of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome: An Epidemiological Study of Korean Veterinary Hospital Workers.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a zoonotic tick-borne infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV). Few studies have assessed SFTS seroprevalence among veterinary hospital staff and their awareness of SFTS. From January to May 2021, serum samples from 103 veterinary hospital staff were tested for SFTS using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), an immunofluorescence assay, and a 50% plaque reduction neutralization antibody test, which yielded positive results in four (3.9%), three (2.9%), and two (1.9%) participants, respectively. A questionnaire was used for an epidemiological investigation. ELISA positivity was higher among those who lacked awareness of possible animal-to-human SFTS transmission (p = 0.029). SFTS awareness was significantly lower among veterinary hospital staff than among the veterinarians (p < 0.001). Providing staff with training concerning standard precautions and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment is important.

Improving infection control in a veterinary hospital: a detailed study on patterns of faecal contamination to inform changes in practice.

BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the cleanliness and microbial burden of a veterinary hospital to establish the extent of cross-contamination with faecal bacteria as an aid to reducing nosocomial infections. Enterococci and Escherichia coli were used as faecal indicator organisms as they can survive on inanimate surfaces for months and pose a threat to animal health. The study consisted of several elements: (i) a cross-sectional study to identify sites currently contaminated with faecal organisms that could be usefully included in a longitudinal study, (ii) a 3-week longitudinal study to identify sites from which faecal bacteria were repeatedly recovered, (iii) once-off monitoring of hand hygiene, (iv) a review of all hospitalised cases with confirmed E. coli or enterococcal infection during the 8-week study period to investigate possible hospital-acquired (HAI) infection and relationship with environmental contamination. Environmental surface and hand hygiene were assessed using 3M™ Clean-Trace™ ATP test, 3M™ Petrifilm™ plates and bacteriological culture of Enterococcus species and E. coli. Cross contamination was assessed using results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. RESULTS: In the cross-sectional study, 26 of 113 (24.5%) of sites sampled exceeded the accepted microbial threshold (2.5 CFU/cm2) and Enterococcus species were isolated from 31 (27.4%) and E. coli from 9 (7.9%) of 113 samples. Organic residue and microbial levels were high in the dog kennels even after cleaning and faecal organisms were also recovered from sites such as the dispensary, a student computer and staff common room. Four of 51 (7.8%) hand samples were contaminated with faecal bacteria. Nine sites were monitored on three occasions in the longitudinal study and a total of 23 Escherichia coli and 6 Enterococcus species were recovered. Seven of the nine sites were positive for faecal organisms on more than one occasion. There was no change in cleanliness or microbial burden over 3 weeks. Twenty-one of the 73 isolates (28.8%) recovered during all parts of the study were multi-drug resistant. Enterococci and E. coli isolates with similar resistance patterns were recovered from the environment in the large and small animal hospitals and from a small number of patients during the same timeframe, suggesting possible hospital acquired infections. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggested that movement between the small and large animal hospital areas may have been responsible for cross-contamination and possible hospital-acquired infections. The data show that cross-sectional and longitudinal monitoring of faecal contamination across all hospital areas can play an important role in informing review of infection control protocols in veterinary hospital settings. Changes in practices in the hospital based on results generated are outlined.

Prevalence, incidence and risk factors for acquisition and colonization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from dogs attended at a veterinary hospital in Spain.

The last 10 years have seen a progressive increase in antibiotic resistance rates in bacteria isolated from companion animals. Exposure of individuals to resistant bacteria from companion animals, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL) and carbapenemase- (CPE) producing Enterobacteriaceae, can be propitiated. Few studies evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with colonization by multidrug-resistant bacteria in dogs. This work aims to estimate the prevalence, incidence and risk factors associated with colonization of ESBL-E and CPE-E in 44 canine patients hospitalized in a veterinary hospital. The antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae strains was analyzed and the molecular detection of resistant genes was performed. A prevalence of 25.0% and an incidence of ESBL-E of 45.5% were observed in dogs colonized by Enterobacteriaceae at hospital admission and release, respectively. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter koseri and Morganella morganii were identified as ESBL-producing bacterial species. Resistance genes were detected for ESBL-producing strains. No CPE isolates were obtained on the CPE-selective medium. The administration of corticosteroids prior to hospitalization and the presence of concomitant diseases were associated with colonization by these bacteria in dogs. Considering that one-quarter of the patients evaluated were colonized by ESBL-E, companion animals should be considered as potential transmission vehicles and ESBL-E reservoirs for humans. Special care should be taken in animals attended at veterinary hospitals, as the length of stay in the hospital could increase the risks.

Molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a veterinary teaching hospital environment.

This study aimed to investigate sites for colonization and molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a veterinary teaching hospital. Bacterial specimens from surface and liquid samples (n = 165) located in five rooms were collected three times every 2 months, and antimicrobial susceptibility was subsequently determined by minimum inhibitory concentrations. The genomes of resistant strains were further analyzed using whole-genome sequencing. Among 19 P. aeruginosa isolates (11.5%, 19/165), sinks were the most frequent colonization site (53.3%), followed by rubber tubes (44.4%), and anesthesia-breathing circuit (33.3%). The highest resistance to gentamicin (47.4%), followed by piperacillin/tazobactam (36.8%), levofloxacin (36.8%), and ciprofloxacin (36.8%), was observed from 19 P. aeruginosa isolates, of which 10 were resistant strains. Of these 10 antimicrobial-resistant isolates, five were multidrug-resistant isolates, including carbapenem. From the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis, five sequence types (STs), including a high-risk clone of human ST235 (n = 3), and ST244 (n = 3), ST606 (n = 2), ST485 (n = 1), and ST3405 (n = 1) were identified in resistant strains. Multiresistant genes were identified consistent with STs, except ST235. The MLST approach and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed a link between resistant strains from ward rooms and those from examination, wound care, and operating rooms. The improvement of routine cleaning, especially of sink environments, and the continued monitoring of antimicrobial resistance of P. aeruginosa in veterinary hospitals are necessary to prevent the spread of resistant clones and ensure infection control.

A Mixed Methods Investigation of Stress and Wellbeing Factors Contributing to Burnout and Job Satisfaction in a Specialist Small Animal Hospital.

Occupational burnout is a critical issue affecting the welfare of veterinary care providers, their patients, and the sustainability of veterinary healthcare organizations. The current research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of and factors contributing to stress, wellbeing, burnout symptoms and job satisfaction among clinical and non-clinical staff at a large specialist small animal hospital in Australia. Participants completed an anonymous online survey including self-report measures of job satisfaction and symptoms of burnout, and open-text response questions probing sources of stress and wellbeing. Subsequently, participants rated how frequently they experienced commonly reported sources of veterinary stress, and a series of focus groups were conducted with clinical and non-clinical teams. The survey was completed by 249 participants (overall response rate = 70%; 67.1% "clinical;" 17.3% "non-clinical;" 5.6% "other"). Five focus groups (including 38 of the survey participants) were subsequently conducted with groups of clinical and non-clinical staff. The majority of respondents (80.7%) reported being satisfied, very satisfied, or extremely satisfied with their job. At the same time, 57.7% of respondents exceeded the threshold for burnout on at least one burnout dimension, with 48.1% reporting high levels of emotional exhaustion, 30.2% reported high levels of cynicism, and 16.3% reporting low levels of professional efficacy. Open text responses and focus group transcripts revealed three common sources of stress and wellbeing. Stressors included communication (conflict within teams), clients (dealing with client emotions and expectations), and heavy caseload. Wellbeing was enhanced by people (team cohesion, respect for colleagues), practice (variety, autonomy, challenge), and purpose (meaningful work and impact). Overall, for both clinical and non-clinical survey respondents, "heavy workload" was rated as the most frequent source of stress. Despite high levels of job satisfaction, approximately two thirds of respondents reported at least one symptom of burnout. Convergent results from the survey and focus groups indicated that strong relationships with colleagues and the intrinsic meaningfulness of the work were key sources of wellbeing and job satisfaction. On the other hand, challenging workplace interactions with colleagues and clients, as well as heavy workload, were identified as key stressors contributing to burnout symptoms.

Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius on the environmental surfaces of a recently constructed veterinary hospital in Southern Thailand.

Background and Aim: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a zoonotic bacterium commonly found in animals, especially dogs. These bacteria can survive on environmental surfaces for several months. The infection of S. pseudintermedius from the environment is possible, but properly cleaning surface objects can prevent it. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) in the environment of a recently constructed veterinary hospital in Southern Thailand, where we hypothesized that the prevalence of MRSP might be very low. Materials and Methods: At three different time points, 150 samples were collected from different environmental surfaces and wastewater across the veterinary hospital. The collection was done after the hospital's cleaning. Bacteria were purified in the culture before being identified as species by biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Next, the antimicrobial-resistant profile was performed using an automated system (Vitek 2). Finally, the antimicrobial resistance genes were identified using PCR. Results: Fifteen colonies of S. pseudintermedius were isolated from the surfaces of eight floors, four tables, two chairs, and one rebreathing tube. Fourteen colonies (93.3%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and carried the blaZ gene (93.3%). The majority of colonies were resistant to benzylpenicillin (93.3%), cefovecin (93.3%), ceftiofur (93.3%), kanamycin (93.3%), and neomycin (93.3%). Notably, only four colonies (26.7%) were methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius, whereas 11 colonies (73.3%) were MRSP and carried both the mecA and blaZ genes. Five MRSP (45.5%) were resistant to at least 14 antimicrobial drugs, represented as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria. Ten of eleven MRSP (90.9%) were Staphylococcal chromosomal mec type V, while another displayed untypeable. Despite the routine and extensive cleaning with detergent and disinfectant, MRSP isolates were still detectable. Conclusion: Many isolates of MRSP were found in this veterinary hospital. Almost all of them were MDR, and nearly half were XDR, posing a threat to animals and humans. In addition, the current hospital cleaning procedure proved ineffective. Future research should be conducted to determine the bacterial biofilm properties and bacterial sensitivity to certain detergents and disinfectants.

Longitudinal environmental Staphylococcus contamination in a new small animal veterinary hospital and utility of cleaning checklists.

Staphylococci are inhabitants of skin and mucous membranes with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) serving as important pathogens for animals and people, respectively. Previous research has identified the environment as potentially important in hospital-associated infections and zoonotic transmission in veterinary settings. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the longitudinal prevalence over repeated samplings of environmental coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CPS) in a new veterinary hospital and evaluate associations between contamination and environmental and clinical (caseload, cleaning checklists and staff numbers) factors. Cleaning and disinfection compliance, based on staff-completed checklists, were reviewed for the three shifts immediately prior to sampling. We hypothesized that over time, environmental contamination would increase as the clinic developed and caseload increased and compliance to cleaning checklists would decrease with increasing caseload. Over 18 months, 351 environmental samples were collected at five sampling times (sampling occurred before opening the hospital and every 3 to 6 months thereafter). Overall contamination with CPS was 30.8% (108/351), with SA (16.8%) and SP (13.1%) identified from the contaminated surfaces. Overall, methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA and MRSP) were infrequently recovered (combined n = 3; <1%). Point prevalence of CPS contamination was relatively stable over the study period (22.5%-28.4%), with the exception of an increase at the fourth sampling (52.9%). Cleaning compliance varied over the study period (57.9%-100%); the lowest reported cleaning coincided with the highest proportion of CPS contamination. The most commonly contaminated surfaces were chairs (7/15; 46.7%), examination tables (19/47; 40.4%) and computers (12/35; 34.3%); these items were infrequently included on cleaning lists. Surfaces not included in the checklist were 2.3 times more likely to be contaminated by CPS than those that were included (OR: 2.3, CI 95%: 1.02 -5.35, p-value=.04). MRSA and MRSP were rarely isolated from the environment in the newly opened hospital, indicating it may take time for resistant strains to enter the environment and persist on surfaces. This study identified the possible utility of cleaning checklists for directing cleaning practices and reducing the environmental contamination.

Assessment and Revision of the Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program Standardized Letter of Reference.

The Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) recently revised its electronic standardized letter of reference (SLOR) to improve the quality and usefulness of the data obtained from it and to enhance the relevance of non-cognitive and cognitive candidate attributes assessed. We used a stepwise process including a broad survey of SLOR readers and writers, analysis of past SLORs, and a multi-wave iterative revision that included key stakeholders, such as residency and internship program directors from academia and private practice. Data from the SLOR survey and analysis of past SLOR responses identified opportunities to improve applicant differentiation, mitigate positive bias, and encourage response consistency. The survey and other analytics identified and confirmed performance domains of high relevance. The revised SLOR assesses four performance domains: knowledge base and clinical skills, stress and time management, interpersonal skills, and personal characteristics. Ratings within the revised SLOR are predominantly criterion-referenced to enhance discernment of candidate attributes contained within each domain. Questions assessing areas of strength and targeted mentoring were replaced with free-text boxes, which allow writers to comment on positive and neutral/negative ratings of attributes within domains. Minor revisions were made to certain questions to enhance readability, streamline responses, or address targeted concerns identified in the SLOR survey or stakeholder review. The revised SLOR was deployed in the 2020 VIRMP; data from a survey of writers (n = 647) and readers (n = 378) indicate that the redesign objectives were achieved.

Identification and Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Bacteria from Healthy and Diseased Dogs and Cats Admitted to a Veterinary Hospital in Brazil.

The objective of this study was to identify the main extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria and to detect the frequency of the major genes responsible to trigger this resistance in hospitalized animals. We collected 106 rectal swabs from cats (n = 25) and dogs (n = 81) to detect ESBL-producing isolates. ESBL-positive samples were submitted to the antimicrobial susceptibility test, and polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect TEM, SHV, and CTX-M genes from different groups. We observed that 44.34% of these samples (11 cats and 36 dogs) were positive for ESBL-producing bacteria. Thirteen animals (27.66%-seven cats and six dogs) were hospitalized for elective castration (healthy animals). Only a single animal was positive for ESBL-producing bacteria at hospital admission (the animal also showed an ESBL-positive isolate after leaving the hospital), whereas 11 were positive only at the hospital discharge. Of the 73 ESBL-producing isolates, 13 were isolated from cats (8 sick and 7 healthy) and 60 from dogs (53 sick and 7 healthy). Escherichia coli was the major ESBL-producing bacterium isolated (53.42%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15.07%), Salmonella sp., and Proteus mirabilis (5.48% each one). Antimicrobial resistance profile of ESBL-producing isolates showed that 67 isolates (91.78%) were resistant to 3 or more antibiotic classes, while 13 of them (17.81%-2 healthy cats and 11 sick dogs) were resistant to all tested antimicrobial classes. The blaTEM gene exhibited the highest frequency in ESBL-producing isolates, followed by the blaCTX-M group 8/25, blaCTX-M group 1 and blaCTX-M group 9 genes. These results are useful to assess the predominance of ESBL-producing isolates recovered from dogs and in cats in Brazil. Consequently, we draw attention to these animals, as they can act as reservoirs for these microorganisms, which are the major pathogens of nosocomial infections worldwide.

Colonization of a hand washing sink in a veterinary hospital by an Enterobacter hormaechei strain carrying multiple resistances to high importance antimicrobials.

BACKGROUND: Hospital intensive care units (ICUs) are known reservoirs of multidrug resistant nosocomial bacteria. Targeted environmental monitoring of these organisms in health care facilities can strengthen infection control procedures. A routine surveillance of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers in a large Australian veterinary teaching hospital detected the opportunistic pathogen Enterobacter hormaechei in a hand washing sink of the ICU. The organism persisted for several weeks, despite two disinfection attempts. Four isolates were characterized in this study. METHODS: Brilliance-ESBL selective plates were inoculated from environmental swabs collected throughout the hospital. Presumptive identification was done by conventional biochemistry. Genomes of multidrug resistant Enterobacter were entirely sequenced with Illumina and Nanopore platforms. Phylogenetic markers, mobile genetic elements and antimicrobial resistance genes were identified in silico. Antibiograms of isolates and transconjugants were established with Sensititre microdilution plates. RESULTS: The isolates possessed a chromosomal Tn7-associated silver/copper resistance locus and a large IncH12 conjugative plasmid encoding resistance against tellurium, arsenic, mercury and nine classes of antimicrobials. Clusters of antimicrobial resistance genes were associated with class 1 integrons and IS26, IS903 and ISCR transposable elements. The blaSHV-12, qnrB2 and mcr-9.1 genes, respectively conferring resistance to cephalosporins, quinolones and colistin, were present in a locus flanked by two IS903 copies. ESBL production and enrofloxacin resistance were confirmed phenotypically. The isolates appeared susceptible to colistin, possibly reflecting the inducible nature of mcr-9.1. CONCLUSIONS: The persistence of this strain in the veterinary hospital represented a risk of further accumulation and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, prompting a thorough disinfection of the ICU. The organism was not recovered from subsequent environmental swabs, and nosocomial Enterobacter infections were not observed in the hospital during that period. This study shows that targeted routine environmental surveillance programs to track organisms with major resistance phenotypes, coupled with disinfection procedures and follow-up microbiological cultures are useful to control these risks in sensitive areas of large veterinary hospitals.

Epidemiology of the colonization and acquisition of methicillin-resistant staphylococci and vancomycin-resistant enterococci in dogs hospitalized in a clinic veterinary hospital in Spain.

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to human and animal health. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. (MRS) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE) are of increasing importance in hospital and/or nosocomial infections and represent a potential risk of transmission to humans from infected or colonized companion animals. Studies on the risk factors associated with colonization by multiresistant bacteria in animals are scarce. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of MRS and VRE in canine patients hospitalized in a veterinary hospital and to identify the risk factors for its acquisition and persistence. Nasal and perianal swabs were obtained from 72 dogs. Antimicrobial susceptibility assays and molecular detection of mecA and van genes were performed. A prevalence of 13.9% and incidence of 26.5% was observed in dogs colonized by MRS at hospital admission and release, respectively, higher values than those described in most veterinary studies. Thirty-five Staphylococcus isolates had mecA gene and showed higher resistance levels to most of the antimicrobials evaluated. Previous and concomitant use of antibiotics and corticosteroids has been associated with an increase in MRS colonization. The use of antibiotics in other animals living with the canine patients has also been identified as an associated factor, suggesting cross transmission. The presence of van-resistant genes from Enterococcus spp. was not detected. Pets should be considered possible vehicles of transmission and reservoirs for MRS bacteria and veterinary hospitals should be considered high-risk environments for the occurrence and spread of nosocomial infections and resistant bacteria.

Biofilm Production Ability, Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Staphylococcus aureus from Various Veterinary Hospitals.

: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most clinically important zoonotic pathogens, but an understanding of the prevalence, biofilm formulation ability, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance genes of S. aureus from veterinary hospitals is lacking. By characterizing S. aureus in different origins of veterinary hospitals in Guangzhou, China, in 2019, we identified with the presence of S. aureus in pets (17.1%), veterinarians (31.7%), airborne dust (19.1%), environmental surfaces (4.3%), and medical device surfaces (10.8%). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and Staphylococcus protein A (spa) typing analyses demonstrated methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) ST398-t571, MSSA ST188-t189, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) ST59-t437 were the most prevalent lineage. S. aureus with similar pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) types distributed widely in different kinds of samples. The crystal violet straining assays revealed 100% (3/3) of MRSA ST59 and 81.8% (9/11) of MSSA ST188 showed strong biofilm formulation ability, whereas other STs (ST1, ST5, ST7, ST15, ST88, ST398, ST3154 and ST5353) showed weak biofilm production ability. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the most prevalent leucocidin, staphylococcal enterotoxins, ica operon, and adhesion genes were lukD-lukE (49.0%), sec-sel (15.7%), icaA-icaB-icaC-icaR (100.0%), and fnbB-cidA-fib-ebps-eno (100.0%), respectively. Our study showed that the isolates with strong biofilm production ability had a higher prevalence in clfA, clfB, fnbA and sdrC genes compared to the isolates with weak biofilm production ability. Furthermore, 2 ST1-MRSA isolates with tst gene and 1 ST88-MSSA isolate with lukS/F-PV gene were detected. In conclusion, the clonal dissemination of S. aureus of different origins in veterinary hospitals may have occurred; the biofilm production capacity of S. aureus is strongly correlated with ST types; some adhesion genes such as clfA, clfB, fnbA, and sdrC may pose an influence on biofilm production ability and the emergence of lukS/F-PV and tst genes in S. aureus from veterinary hospitals should raise our vigilance.

Integrated management of blood-feeding arthropods in veterinary teaching facilities - Part 3: proposal for a coherent and affordable control plan.

As reviewed in Part 1 of this publication series, numerous haematophagous arthropods have negative direct effects and are involved in the transmission of pathogens to either animals and/or humans in Western Europe. Their control is therefore essential to prevent vector-borne infections. Different control methods, either general or arthropod-specific, were presented in Part 2 of this publication series. Part 3 focuses on integrated management of arthropods and proposes a coherent and affordable plan for facilities housing sick animals in a veterinary faculty, i.e. small animals and large animals, with an educational farm. Control of arthropods should be part of a biosecurity plan, the effectiveness of which requires awareness raising and education of the different actors, i.e. staff, students and animal owners. The originality of the review lies in its specificity to a veterinary faculty and animal housing facilities, from a One Health point of view. As far as it could be ascertained, this is the first review focusing on arthropod control in this specific at-risk environment.

Comme les auteurs l'ont montré dans le premier article de cette série, nombre d'arthropodes hématophages ont des effets néfastes directs et interviennent dans la transmission d'agents pathogènes aussi bien aux animaux qu'aux humains en Europe occidentale. Il est donc essentiel de les contrôler afin de prévenir les infections à transmission vectorielle. Le deuxième article de cette série était consacré aux différentes méthodes de contrôle envisageables, tant générales que ciblant spécifiquement les arthropodes. Dans cette troisième partie, les auteurs traitent de la gestion intégrée des arthropodes et proposent un plan cohérent et peu coüteux destiné aux installations où sont maintenus les animaux malades au sein des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire qui s'occupent aussi bien des petits animaux que des grands et qui sont donc dotés d'une ferme pédagogique. La lutte contre les arthropodes est une composante essentielle de tout plan de sécurité biologique, lequel sera d'autant plus efficace que l'ensemble des acteurs qui y participent (personnels, étudiants, propriétaires d'animaux) sont sensibilisés et formés. L'originalité de cette étude réside dans la spécificité, dans une perspective Une seule santé, des établissements d'enseignement vétérinaire et de leurs installations pour animaux. À la connaissance des auteurs, il s'agit de la première étude axée sur le contrôle des arthropodes dans cet environnement particulièrement à risque.

Como se explica en la primera parte de esta serie de artículos, numerosos artrópodos hematófagos tienen efectos negativos directos y participan en la transmisión de patógenos a animales y/o personas en Europa Occidental. De ahí que su control sea esencial para prevenir infecciones transmitidas por vectores. En la segunda parte de la serie se exponen diferentes métodos de lucha, que pueden ser genéricos o ir dirigidos selectivamente contra los artrópodos. En esta tercera parte dedicada a la lucha integrada contra los artrópodos se propone un plan coherente y asequible para las granjas pedagógicas de las facultades de veterinaria, esto es, aquellas instalaciones destinadas a alojar a animales enfermos, grandes o pequeños. El control de las poblaciones de artrópodos debería formar parte de todo plan de seguridad biológica, cuya eficacia pasa necesariamente por la sensibilización y formación de los principales interesados, a saber, personal, estudiantes y propietarios de los animales. La originalidad del estudio estriba en referirse específicamente, desde el punto de vista de Una sola salud, a las facultades de veterinaria y las instalaciones donde están alojados los animales. Hasta donde es posible saber, se trata del primer estudio centrado en la lucha contra los artrópodos en este entorno de riesgo en particular.

Shedding of OXA-181 carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli from companion animals after hospitalisation in Switzerland: an outbreak in 2018.

BackgroundCarbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae pose a serious threat to public health worldwide, and the role of companion animals as a reservoir is still unclear.AimsThis 4-month prospective observational study evaluated carriage of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae at admission and after hospitalisation in a large referral hospital for companion animals in Switzerland.MethodsRectal swabs of dogs and cats expected to be hospitalised for at least 48 h were taken from May to August 2018 and analysed for the presence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae using selective agar plates. Resistant isolates were further characterised analysing whole genome sequences for resistance gene and plasmid identification, and ad hoc core genome multilocus sequence typing.ResultsThis study revealed nosocomial acquisition of Escherichia coli harbouring the carbapenemase gene bla OXA-181, the pAmpC cephalosporinase gene bla CMY-42 as well as quinolone resistance associated with qnrS1 and mutations in the topoisomerases II (GyrA) and IV (ParC). The bla OXA-181 and qnrS1 genes were identified on a 51 kb IncX3 plasmid and bla CMY-42 on a 47 kb IncI1 plasmid. All isolates belonged to sequence type ST410 and were genetically highly related. This E. coli clone was detected in 17 of 100 dogs and four of 34 cats after hospitalisation (21.6%), only one of the tested animals having tested positive at admission (0.75%). Two positive animals were still carriers 4 months after hospital discharge, but were negative after 6 months.ConclusionsCompanion animals may acquire carbapenemase-producing E. coli during hospitalisation, posing the risk of further dissemination to the animal and human population and to the environment.

Aislamiento e identificación de bacterias con potencial nosocomial procedentes de ambientes y superficies de una clínica veterinaria Universitaria del Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia-Colombia / Isolation and identification of bacteria with nosocomial potential from environments and surfaces of a veterinary university clinic of Metropolitan area of Aburra Valley Antioquia-Colombia

Introducción: Las infecciones nosocomiales son aquellas adquiridas por los pacientes durante la hospitalización. Son de gran importancia en medicina humana pero aún se desconoce cuál es su papel en medicina veterinaria. Objetivo: Identificar la presencia de bacterias asociadas a infecciones hospitalarias en ambientes y superficies en una clínica veterinaria. Materiales y métodos: Se realizaron dos muestreos, se determinó a través de sedimentación y torunda la presencia de bacterias en el ambiente y las superficies de las 8 unidades de la clínica veterinaria. La presencia de nosocomiales se determinó por el crecimiento y purificación en medios diferenciales, la identificación se hizo por descripción macroscópica de las colonias y tinción de Gram y posteriormente se realizó una caracterización bioquímicamente por medio del API20E y API50 CH/E y un antibiograma en las cepas relacionadas con resistencia a antibióticos. Resultados: Se obtuvo 95 aislados y se logró determinar la presencia de 28 agentes potencialmente nosocomiales, donde se destaca la presencia de Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus sp. y Staphylococcus sp. microorganismos relacionados con infecciones asociadas a hospitales veterinarios. Conclusiones: Se realiza la primera aproximación a este tipo de infecciones en hospitales veterinarios en Antioquia, y se evidencia la circulación en ambiente y superficies de potenciales bacterias nosocomiales en la clínica veterinaria.

Introduction: Care associated infections are of importance in human medicine but few is known in veterinary medicine. Aims: To identify pathogenic bacteria in surfaces of veterinary clinics. Materials and methods: Two samples with cotton hissops were obtained in inert surfaces from 8 veterinary clinics. The presence of pathogenic bacteria was established by growth in agar media, identification of species was performed through colonies morphology and Gram stain and biochemistry identification with API20E and API50 CH/E system and antibiogram. Results: 95 isolates were characterized and within them 28 were pathogenic. The most prevalent were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. Conclusions: This is the first description of pathogenic microorganisms present in veterinary clinics in Antioquia that have potential for clinical consequences for personnel working at this veterinary centers.

Characterization of antimicrobial prescription frequency and diversity in a large animal veterinary medical teaching hospital.

Antimicrobials are commonly used in veterinary medicine for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, but little is known about the frequency with which they are prescribed or the quantity administered, especially in large animals. Furthermore, there are no standardized metrics for characterizing antimicrobial use, which can lead to confusion when comparing antimicrobial use among different units (institution, clinical service, clinician). Because there is no gold standard metric, the most comprehensive characterization of antimicrobial use will be achieved using a variety of metrics. The goal of this study was to characterize antimicrobial use from 2013 to 2018 at a tertiary care teaching hospital for large animals using different metrics, including novel ones. We found that at least one antimicrobial was prescribed in 42% of visits and that antimicrobials were prescribed at a rate of 919 animal-defined daily doses (ADDs) per 1000 animal days. A median of 3.6 ADDs and a mean of 2 different classes of antimicrobial were prescribed per patient, and penicillin was the most commonly used antimicrobial. The prescription diversity, a metric accounting for richness and evenness (similarity of frequencies) of different types of antimicrobials, was 0.82, with 1.0 representing maximal richness and diversity. Antimicrobial use differed significantly by species and by organ system affected for all metrics, though in general antimicrobials were prescribed most frequently and with the largest amounts in animals presenting with integumentary or respiratory signs. Many of our findings were consistent with those of other studies examining antimicrobial use in the species represented in our patient population, but more research is needed to determine how to best characterize antimicrobial use and assess appropriateness of prescribing.