Survey on pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Abstract We surveyed healthy captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) for Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Cloacal swabs were collected from 94 cockatiels kept in commercial breeders, private residencies and pet shops in the cities of São Paulo/SP and Niterói/RJ (Brazil). Three strains of E. coli from each individual were tested for the presence of ExPEC-, APEC- and DEC-related genes. We evaluated the blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA, blaCMY, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, aadA, aphA, strAB, sul1, sul2, sul3, qnrA, qnrD, qnrB, qnrS, oqxAB, aac (6)-Ib-cr, qepA resistance genes and markers for plasmid incompatibility groups. Salmonella spp. was not detected. E. coli was isolated in 10% of the animals (9/94). Four APEC genes (ironN, ompT, iss and hlyF) were detected in two strains (2/277%), and iss (1/274%) in one isolate. The highest resistance rates were observed with amoxicillin (22/2782%), ampicillin (21/2779%), streptomycin (18/2767%), tetracycline (11/2741%). Multiresistance was verified in 59% (16/27) of the isolates. We detected strAB, bla TEM, tetA, tetB, aadA, aphaA, sul1, sul2, sul3 resistance genes and plasmid Inc groups in 20 (74%) of the strains. E. coli isolated from these cockatiels are of epidemiological importance, since these pets could transmit pathogenic and multiresistant microorganisms to humans and other animals.

Survey on pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

We surveyed healthy captive cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) for Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Cloacal swabs were collected from 94 cockatiels kept in commercial breeders, private residencies and pet shops in the cities of São Paulo/SP and Niterói/RJ (Brazil). Three strains of E. coli from each individual were tested for the presence of ExPEC-, APEC- and DEC-related genes. We evaluated the blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA, blaCMY, blaCTX-M, tetA, tetB, aadA, aphA, strAB, sul1, sul2, sul3, qnrA, qnrD, qnrB, qnrS, oqxAB, aac (6)′-Ib-cr, qepA resistance genes and markers for plasmid incompatibility groups. Salmonella spp. was not detected. E. coli was isolated in 10% of the animals (9/94). Four APEC genes (ironN, ompT, iss and hlyF) were detected in two strains (2/27–7%), and iss (1/27–4%) in one isolate. The highest resistance rates were observed with amoxicillin (22/27–82%), ampicillin (21/27–79%), streptomycin (18/27–67%), tetracycline (11/27–41%). Multiresistance was verified in 59% (16/27) of the isolates. We detected strAB, bla TEM, tetA, tetB, aadA, aphaA, sul1, sul2, sul3 resistance genes and plasmid Inc groups in 20 (74%) of the strains. E. coli isolated from these cockatiels are of epidemiological importance, since these pets could transmit pathogenic and multiresistant microorganisms to humans and other animals.(AU)

Is Malassezia nana the main species in horses ear canal microbiome?

The objective of this study was to characterize genotypically Malassezia spp. isolated from the external ear canal of healthy horses. Fifty-five horses, 39 (70.9%) males and 16 (29.1%) females, from different breeds and adults were studied. External ear canals were cleaned and a sterile cotton swab was introduced to collect cerumen. A total of 110 samples were cultured into Dixon medium and were incubated at 32 °C for up to 15 days. Macro- and micromorphology and phenotypic identification were performed. DNA was extracted, strains were submitted to polymerase chain reaction technique, and the products obtained were submitted to Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism using the restriction enzymes BstCI and HhaI. Strains were sent off to genetic sequencing of the regions 26S rDNA D1/D2 and ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 rDNA. Malassezia spp. were isolated from 33/55 (60%) animals and 52/110 (47%) ear canals. No growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar was observed, confirming the lipid dependence of all strains. Polymerase chain reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism permitted the molecular identification of Malassezia nana - 42/52 (81%) and Malassezia slooffiae - 10/52 (19%). Sequencing confirmed RFLP identification. It was surprising that M. nana represented over 80% of the strains and no Malassezia equina was isolated in this study, differing from what was expected.(AU)

The use of singleplex and nested PCR to detect Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in free-living frogs

Many microorganisms are able to cause diseases in amphibians, and in the past few years one of the most reported has been Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. This fungus was first reported in Brazil in 2005; following this, other reports were made in specimens deposited in museum collections, captive and free-living frogs. The aim of this study was to compare singleplex and nested-PCR techniques to detect B. dendrobatidis in free-living and apparently healthy adult frogs from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The sample collection area was a protected government park, with no general entrance permitted and no management of the animals there. Swabs were taken from the skin of 107 animals without macroscopic lesions and they were maintained in ethanol p.a. Fungal DNA was extracted and identification of B. dendrobatidis was performed using singleplex and nested-PCR techniques, employing specific primers sequences. B. dendrobatidis was detected in 61/107 (57%) and 18/107 (17%) animals, respectively by nested and singleplex-PCR. Nested-PCR was statistically more sensible than the conventional for the detection of B. dendrobatidis (Chi-square = 37.1; α = 1%) and the agreement between both techniques was considered just fair (Kappa = 0.27). The high prevalence obtained confirms that these fungi occur in free-living frogs from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest with no macroscopic lesions, characterizing the state of asymptomatic carrier. We concluded that the nested-PCR technique, due to its ease of execution and reproducibility, can be recommended as one of the alternatives in epidemiological surveys to detect B. dendrobatidis in healthy free-living frog populations.(AU)

Susceptibility variation of Malassezia pachydermatis to antifungal agents according to isolate source

Malassezia pachydermatisis associated with dermatomycoses and otomycosis in dogs and cats. This study compared the susceptibility of M. pachydermatis isolates from sick (G1) and healthy (G2) animals to azole and polyene antifungals using the M27-A3 protocol. Isolates from G1 animals were less sensitive to amphotericin B, nystatin, fluconazole, clotrimazole and miconazole.(AU)

Dermatófitos isolados do pelame de animais selvagens / Dermatophytes isolated from the haircoat of wild animals / Aislamiento de dermatofitos del pelo de animales salvajes

Los dermatofitos son hongos filamentosos queratinofílicos, que pueden actuar como agentes zoonóticos; no obstante, aún se debe determinar el papel que cumplen los animales salvajes en la transmisión de las dermatofitosis. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la presencia de dermatofitos en los pelos de animales de la fauna brasileña. Fueron analizados treinta y dos mamíferos salvajes sanos – de varios taxones - de los cuales 17 se hallaban en cautiverio y 15 en vida libre. Las muestras se obtuvieron por fricción con trozos de alfombras estériles que, una vez pasados por el pelo de los animales, fueron sembrados en agar Mycobiotic e incubados a 25 "C. Las colonias se identificaron de acuerdo a sus características macro y microscópicas. Se aislaron dermatofitos del 9,5% de los animales estudiados: Microsporum gypseum de un aguará guazú (Chrysocyon brachyurus), Microsporum cookie de un coatí (Nasua nasua) y Trichophyton ajelloi de un perro del monte (Speothos venaticus). En relación a la salud pública, estos animales representan uma posible fuente de infección para el hombre y otros animales.

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that can cause zoonosis. However, the role wild animals play in the transmission of these infections is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of dermatophytes on the haircoat of Brazilian wild mammals. Thirty-two healthy wild mammals from several taxa were studied: 17 were captive and 15 were free-living individuals. Samples were obtained by rubbing the haircoat with sterile carpets. Samples were cultured on Mycobiotic agar, and the plates were incubated at 25 "C. Identification of the isolates was carried out on the basis of macro-and micromorphology. Dermatophytes were isolated from 9.5% of the animals: Microsporum gypseum from one maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), Microsporum cookie from one coati (Nasua nasua), and Trichophyton ajelloi from one bush dog (Speothos venaticus). These animals represent therefore sources of infection for both humans and other animals and are important for public health policies.

Dermatófitos são fungos filamentosos queratinofílicos e agentes de zoonoses; entretanto, o papel que os animais selvagens representam na transmissão das dermatofitoses ainda precisa ser determinado. O objetivo deste trabalho foi pesquisar dermatófitos no pelame de animais da fauna brasileira. Trinta e dois mamíferos selvagens sadios de vários táxons foram estudados, 17 de cativeiro e 15 de vida livre. As amostras foram obtidas por fricção de carpetes estéreis no pelame dos animais. As amostras foram semeadas em ágar Mycobiotic e incubadas a 25 "c, identificando-se as colônias por suas características macro e microscópicas. Isolaram-se dermatófitos de 9,5% dos animais pesquisados: Microsporum gypseum de um lobo-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus), Microsporum cookie de um quati (Nasua nasua) e Trichophyton ajelloi de um cachorro-do-mato-vinagre (Speothos venaticus). Esses animais representam fontes de infecção para homens e outros animais, sendo importantes para a saúde pública.

Alopecia por Malassezia pachydermatis em um lobo-marinhosubantártico(Arctocephalus tropicalis) - relato de caso / Alopecia due to Malassezia pachydermatis in a sub-antartic fur seal(Arctocephalus tropicalis) - case report / Alopecia por Malassezia pachydermatis en un lobo marino subantártico(Arctocephalus tropicalis) - relato de caso

Mamíferos marinhos em cativeiro são particularmente suscetíveis a infecções virais, bacterianas, fúngicas ou parasitárias que causam dermatite focal ou difusa, e que podem causar alopecias em pinípedes. Diversos tipos de lesões dermatológicas ocasionadas por fungos, incluindo lesão por Malassezia, já foram descritas nesses animais. Um lobo-marinho-subantártico (Arctocephalus tropicalis) mantido em cativeiro apresentou alopecia bilateral na região da nadadeira caudal e em região abaixo da nadadeira peitoral. Para diagnosticar a possível causa da alopecia foram realizados etograma (para avaliação do comportamento do animal), culturas bacteriana e micológica. Após confirmação da presença de Malassezia pachydermatis, foi estabelecido protocolo de tratamento, o qual se mostrou bastante eficaz para a resolução do quadro. O objetivo do presente trabalho é relatar um caso de alopecia em um lobo-marinho, abordando o diagnóstico e a terapêutica utilizados.

Marine mammals in captivity are particularly susceptible to viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections that can cause focal or diffuse dermatitis, and may cause alopecia in pinnipeds. Various types of skin lesions caused by fungi have been described in these animals, including lesions due to Malassezia. A subantartic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) kept in captivity presented bilateral alopecia on the caudal flipper and on the region below the pectoral flipper. To diagnose the possible cause of alopecia, bacterial and mycological cultures were performed, as well as an ethogram to assess the behavior of the animal. After confirmation of the presence of Malassezia pachydermatis in the affected regions, a treatment protocol was established, which proved to be effective for the resolution of the clinical case. The objective of this study is to report a case of alopecia in a fur seal, addressing the diagnosis and treatment that were performed.

Los mamíferos marinos en cautiverio son particularmente susceptibles a infecciones virales, bacterianas, fúngicas o parasitarias que provocan una dermatitis focal o difusa, y pueden causar alopecia en los pinnípedos. Varios tipos de lesiones de piel causadas por hongos, incluyendo lesiones por Malassezia, han sido descriptas en estos animales. Un lobo marino subantártico (Arctocephalus tropicalis) mantenido en cautiverio presentó una alopecia bilateral en la región de la aleta caudal y de la región por debajo de la aleta pectoral. Para diagnosticar la posible causa de la alopecia se realizó un etograma (para evaluar el comportamiento del animal), y cultivos bacterianos y micológicos. Después de confirmada la presencia de Malassezia pachydermatis, se estableció un protocolo de tratamiento que resultó muy eficaz para la resolución del cuadro. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso de alopecia en un lobo marino, abordando el diagnóstico y la conducta terapéutica utilizada.

Alopecia por Malassezia pachydermatis em um lobo-marinhosubantártico(Arctocephalus tropicalis) - relato de caso / Alopecia due to Malassezia pachydermatis in a sub-antartic fur seal(Arctocephalus tropicalis) - case report / Alopecia por Malassezia pachydermatis en un lobo marino subantártico(Arctocephalus tropicalis) - relato de caso

Mamíferos marinhos em cativeiro são particularmente suscetíveis a infecções virais, bacterianas, fúngicas ou parasitárias que causam dermatite focal ou difusa, e que podem causar alopecias em pinípedes. Diversos tipos de lesões dermatológicas ocasionadas por fungos, incluindo lesão por Malassezia, já foram descritas nesses animais. Um lobo-marinho-subantártico (Arctocephalus tropicalis) mantido em cativeiro apresentou alopecia bilateral na região da nadadeira caudal e em região abaixo da nadadeira peitoral. Para diagnosticar a possível causa da alopecia foram realizados etograma (para avaliação do comportamento do animal), culturas bacteriana e micológica. Após confirmação da presença de Malassezia pachydermatis, foi estabelecido protocolo de tratamento, o qual se mostrou bastante eficaz para a resolução do quadro. O objetivo do presente trabalho é relatar um caso de alopecia em um lobo-marinho, abordando o diagnóstico e a terapêutica utilizados.(AU)

Marine mammals in captivity are particularly susceptible to viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections that can cause focal or diffuse dermatitis, and may cause alopecia in pinnipeds. Various types of skin lesions caused by fungi have been described in these animals, including lesions due to Malassezia. A subantartic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) kept in captivity presented bilateral alopecia on the caudal flipper and on the region below the pectoral flipper. To diagnose the possible cause of alopecia, bacterial and mycological cultures were performed, as well as an ethogram to assess the behavior of the animal. After confirmation of the presence of Malassezia pachydermatis in the affected regions, a treatment protocol was established, which proved to be effective for the resolution of the clinical case. The objective of this study is to report a case of alopecia in a fur seal, addressing the diagnosis and treatment that were performed.(AU)

Los mamíferos marinos en cautiverio son particularmente susceptibles a infecciones virales, bacterianas, fúngicas o parasitarias que provocan una dermatitis focal o difusa, y pueden causar alopecia en los pinnípedos. Varios tipos de lesiones de piel causadas por hongos, incluyendo lesiones por Malassezia, han sido descriptas en estos animales. Un lobo marino subantártico (Arctocephalus tropicalis) mantenido en cautiverio presentó una alopecia bilateral en la región de la aleta caudal y de la región por debajo de la aleta pectoral. Para diagnosticar la posible causa de la alopecia se realizó un etograma (para evaluar el comportamiento del animal), y cultivos bacterianos y micológicos. Después de confirmada la presencia de Malassezia pachydermatis, se estableció un protocolo de tratamiento que resultó muy eficaz para la resolución del cuadro. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso de alopecia en un lobo marino, abordando el diagnóstico y la conducta terapéutica utilizada.(AU)

Malasseziose: a necessidade de se pesquisar as espécies lipodepemdentes e, medicina veterinária / Malasseziosis: it is necessary to research the lipodependent species in veterinary samples

Esta revisão versa sobre a importância das leveduras do gênero Malassezia em Medicina Veterinária. Aceita-se que M. pachydermatis, embora constituinte da microbiota de animais, seja importante agente de otites e dermatites, principalmente em cães e gatos. Entretanto, trabalhos recentes apontam que outras espécies do gênero podem estar associadas a processos patológicos em pequenos animais. Ressalta-se portanto, como premente, a pesquisa de todas as espécies de Malassezia, mesmo as lipodependentes, no diagnóstico micológico veterinário, uma vez que a metodologia de rotina adotada pelos laboratórios só permite o isolamento de M. pachydermatitis(AU)

This is a review about malasseziosis in Veterinary Medicine. Malassezia pachydermatis is a part of the normal cutaneous and ear canal microflora, although this yeast may become pathogenic, causing otitis and dermatitis in dogs and cats. Recent papers show that the other species in that genre can be isolated from pathologic process in pets. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize the research of all species, including lipodependentes, for a mycological veterinary diagnosis(AU)

Malasseziose: a necessidade de se pesquisar as espécies lipodepemdentes e, medicina veterinária / Malasseziosis: it is necessary to research the lipodependent species in veterinary samples

Esta revisão versa sobre a importância das leveduras do gênero Malassezia em Medicina Veterinária. Aceita-se que M. pachydermatis, embora constituinte da microbiota de animais, seja importante agente de otites e dermatites, principalmente em cães e gatos. Entretanto, trabalhos recentes apontam que outras espécies do gênero podem estar associadas a processos patológicos em pequenos animais. Ressalta-se portanto, como premente, a pesquisa de todas as espécies de Malassezia, mesmo as lipodependentes, no diagnóstico micológico veterinário, uma vez que a metodologia de rotina adotada pelos laboratórios só permite o isolamento de M. pachydermatitis

This is a review about malasseziosis in Veterinary Medicine. Malassezia pachydermatis is a part of the normal cutaneous and ear canal microflora, although this yeast may become pathogenic, causing otitis and dermatitis in dogs and cats. Recent papers show that the other species in that genre can be isolated from pathologic process in pets. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize the research of all species, including lipodependentes, for a mycological veterinary diagnosis