Escherichia coli isolated from pyometra and cystitis in the same animal exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity.

AIMS: Pyometra and cystitis caused by Escherichia coli are common diseases identified in canine or feline females. The origin of pyometra infection remains uncertain, and effective prevention strategies for this disease are still unknown. This study aimed to provide a phenotypic characterization, including antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles, of endometrial pathogenic (EnPEC) and uropathogenic (UPEC) E. coli strains isolated simultaneously from the same animal. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen E. coli strains, from eight different animals, were analyzed in this study. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of EnPEC and UPEC strains was determined using the disc diffusion method, which showed a similar susceptibility profile among strains (EnPEC and UPEC) from the same animal. The virulence profile of the strains was assessed through biofilm formation, as well as serum resistance abilities. EnPEC and UPEC strains from the same animal exhibited slight variations in their virulence and antimicrobial resistance capabilities. Overall, most of the strain pairs showed a high similarity in their ability to establish biofilms and survive in serum complement activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, strains of E. coli isolated from both pyometra and cystitis in the same animal, despite presenting distinct clinical diseases, exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity, suggesting a common origin for the strains.

KC-like chemokine as a biomarker of sepsis in dogs with pyometra.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis, defined as a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection inducing organ dysfunction, is a common cause of mortality in both humans and animals. Early detection and treatment is essential for survival, but accurate diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers for sepsis. This study explored the potential of the keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC)-like protein in dogs as a biomarker of sepsis in dogs with bacterial uterine infection (pyometra). The aim was to compare KC-like concentrations in dogs with pyometra with or without sepsis and to assess associations between KC-like and clinical variables, including days of hospitalization as an outcome. RESULTS: A mouse KC ELISA was validated and used to determine the concentrations of KC-like in serum from 34 dogs with pyometra and 18 healthy controls. Dogs with pyometra were classified as having sepsis based on two different criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), resulting in 74% and 30% sepsis-positive, respectively. The concentration of KC-like protein was higher in pyometra dogs with sepsis than in pyometra dogs without sepsis (p < 0.05) and in healthy controls (p < 0.0001) when using either of the two SIRS criteria. Moreover, KC-like was slightly increased in dogs with pyometra without sepsis compared with healthy controls when using the more stringent SIRS criteria (p < 0.05). Analyses of all dogs showed that KC-like concentrations correlated positively with hospitalization days, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, white blood cells, and percentage of band neutrophils; however, KC-like correlated negatively with hemoglobin and did not correlate with circulating creatinine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that circulating KC-like protein increases in dogs with sepsis in pyometra and that KC-like is associated with more severe clinical illness. These findings support a potential role of KC-like as a biomarker of sepsis; however, the true identity of KC-like in dogs has yet to be uncovered.

Exploring oxidative stress, immunological and metabolic biomarkers in dairy cows with postpartum pyometra.

Pyometra is a prevalent and severe infectious disease that affects the reproductive systems of cattle worldwide. This study's main goal was to investigate the biomarkers for oxidative stress (OS), adiponectin, leptin and neopterin (NPT) in cows suffering from postpartum pyometra. The study also aimed to determine which bacteria were most commonly implicated in the development of the disease. A total of 74 cows with pyometra were examined and compared to a control group of healthy cows (n = 20). In comparison to the healthy control and post-treatment groups, the pyometra group showed higher mean values of leptin, adiponectin and malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, the glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) mean values were lower in the pyometra group as compared to the post-treatment and control groups. NPT levels in the post-treatment groups were lower than those in cows with pyometra but comparable to the healthy control group (p > .05). When compared to the other biomarkers, NPT, leptin and adiponectin showed higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying pyometra cases (AUC ≥0.99). The predominant bacterial isolates from the ptomtra-affected cows consisted of Escherichia coli (N = 29; 39.2%), Arcanobacterium pyogenes (N = 27; 36.5%) and Fusobacterium necrophorum (N = 13; 17.6%). Mixed infection was determined in nine samples (12.2%). Conclusively, OS, adiponectin, leptin and NPT play crucial roles in comprehending the development of postpartum pyometra in cows and have the potential to serve as biomarkers for the disease.

The presence of virulence factor genes downregulates uterine AQP3 and alters glutathione peroxidase activity and uterine histopathology in canine pyometra.

Present study was designed to evaluate the role of virulence factor genes (papG, cnf1 and hylA) in the pathogenesis of canine pyometra. Antimicrobial susceptibility test and detection of virulence genes were performed Escherichia coli (E. coli) detected in uterine swab samples. Animals were divided into two groups based on the presence (VF+, n:14) or absence (VF-, n:7) of the virulence factor genes papG, cnf1 and hylA. Blood and tissue glutathione peroxidase activity, uterine histopathologic analysis and AQP3, ESR1, PGR, OXTR gene expressions were determined in both groups. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 15.1. All E. coli isolates were susceptible to amikacin, whereas resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and lincomycin. None of the isolates were susceptible to cefotaxime. E. coli isolates had at least one virulence gene. The most prevalent gene was fimH (100%), followed by fyuA (95.8%), usp (83.3%), sfa (75%), cnf1 and hlyA (70.8%) genes. Blood GPx activity was greater in VF+ animals. On the other hand, uterine tissue GPx activity was lower in VF+ group compared to the control group. Expression levels of AQP3 were upregulated more than fivefold in VF-dogs compared to the control group. In addition, AQP3 expression levels were found approximately threefold higher in VF (-) than VF (+) group (p < .05). Varying degree of inflammation noted for all animals with pyometra, but the presence of bacteria noted only in VF+ animals. In conclusion, the presence of virulence factor genes does not play a role in the histopathological degree of inflammation, the presence of bacteria was found to vary. Serum GPx activity increased in VF+ animals. While the hormone receptor expressions were similar, AQP expression was upregulated in the absence of virulence factor genes.

Radiographic and ultrasonographic appearance of pyometra with unilateral uterine torsion in a domestic shorthair cat.

An 8-year-old female domestic shorthair, presenting for a 3-day history of lethargy and hyporexia, was obtunded, dehydrated, tachypneic, and had abdominal distension on physical exam with no vaginal discharge or pyrexia. Abdominal radiographs revealed a large, ovoid soft tissue mass and a tortuous, tubular soft tissue structure in the abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a severely fluid-distended uterus with a left uterine torsion, which was demonstrated by a "whirl sign." Emergency ovariohysterectomy surgically confirmed a 360° torsion of the left uterine horn with a fluid-distended right uterine horn. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of pyometra, and the cat recovered uneventfully.

Relationships between haptoglobin and inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 levels in local and peripheral blood and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in bitches with pyometra.

We aimed to assess the usefulness of monitoring inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4) and haptoglobin (Hp) in peripheral and local blood in canine pyometra, and evaluation the relationships among acute phase proteins (APPs), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and the presence of bacteria. The material was collected from bitches with pyometra and from healthy ones. Blood was taken from the cephalic and uterine veins. APPs levels were quantified by ELISA. In the peripheral circulation, the Hp was higher in animals with open-cervix pyometra (OCP) than in the closed-cervix pyometra (CCP) and the control group. The Hp concentration was not correlated with age, with the presence of SIRS or with the type of bacteria (Gram-negative, Gram-positive or mixed flora). The ITIH4 concentrations in the peripheral blood did not differ significantly in the cases of pyometra. The Hp concentration in the local circulation increased in the OCP but not in the CCP groups, although the histopathological changes in the endometrium were similar. Peripheral Hp concentrations may be a useful tool in differentiating between the types of pyometra.

Divergences between serum C-reactive protein and ferritin concentrations in canine pyometra.

The main aim of this report was to investigate and compare the response of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin, two positive acute phase proteins (APPs) which usually show an increase in inflammatory processes, in dogs with pyometra. For this purpose, two different studies were made. In the first one , both proteins were measured together in an APPs profile in 25 dogs with pyometra, 25 dogs with pancreatitis (as an example of a positive inflammatory control group), and in 25 healthy dogs. In the second study, to advance the knowledge of the changes and evolution of serum ferritin and CRP in dogs with pyometra after treatment, the concentrations of both APPs were analyzed in 30 dogs with pyometra at diagnosis and after ovariohysterectomy and in 10 clinically healthy female dogs before and after elective spaying. In both studies, bitches with pyometra showed significant increases in serum CRP, indicating an inflammatory condition, but not in serum ferritin despite being a moderate positive APP. This divergence between the dynamics of these APPs could be a useful tool for the suspicion of cases of canine pyometra.

A double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial protocol for postoperative infections associated with canine pyometra.

BACKGROUND: Pyometra is a common infectious condition, especially in elderly bitches. In addition to an infected uterus, dogs may have concurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). The preferred treatment is surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus, whereupon the general prognosis is excellent. In addition, antimicrobial therapy is frequently prescribed for postoperative treatment. However, no research exists on the benefit of postoperative antimicrobial treatment in uncomplicated canine pyometra. Antimicrobial resistance has become a major challenge in treatment of bacterial infections. Diminishing overuse of antimicrobial agents is essential for controlling the development of antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans. METHODS: This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled two-arm clinical trial is designed to compare the incidence of postoperative infections associated with surgical treatment of uncomplicated pyometra followed by two different treatment protocols. For the study, 150 dogs presenting with an uncomplicated pyometra and that are to undergo surgical treatment will be recruited. Dogs with body weight < 3 or > 93 kg, complicated pyometra, primary disease increasing the risk of infection, or immunosuppressive medication will be excluded. All dogs will receive one dose of sulfadoxine-trimethoprim intravenously as an antimicrobial prophylaxis. Postoperatively, dogs will be randomized to receive either a five-day course of placebo or an active drug, sulfadiazine-trimethoprim orally. During the surgery microbiological samples will be taken from urine and uterine content. The follow-up includes a control visit in 12 days and an interview of the owner 30 days after surgery. If bacteriuria is detected at the time of surgery, a urinary sample will be cultured for bacterial growth at the control visit. The primary outcome is the incidence of a postoperative surgical site infection (SSI), and the secondary outcome is the occurrence of clinical UTI with bacteriuria. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed to compare outcome incidences between the treatment groups. DISCUSSION: Research-based evidence is necessary to create treatment guidelines for judicious use of antimicrobials. The goals of this study are to provide evidence for reducing the use of antimicrobials and targeting the treatment to patients proven to benefit from it. Publishing the trial protocol will increase transparency and promote open science practices.

Serum concentrations of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor and IL6 can predict the onset of sepsis in pyometra bitches.

As onset of sepsis adversely affects the prognosis of canine pyometra, finding biomarkers that would distinguish sepsis status would be useful in the clinical management. Accordingly, we hypothesized that differential expression of endometrial transcripts and circulating concentration of certain inflammatory mediators would discriminate pyometra-led sepsis (P-sepsis+) from those of pyometra without sepsis (P-sepsis-). Bitches with pyometra (n = 52) were classified into P-sepsis+ (n = 28) and P-sepsis- (n = 24) based on vital clinical score and total leukocyte count. A group of non-pyometra bitches (n = 12) served as control. The relative fold changes in the transcripts of IL6, IL8, TNFα, IL10, PTGS2, mPGES1 and PGFS, SLPI, S100A8, S100A12 and eNOS were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the serum concentrations of IL6, IL8, IL10, SLPI and prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM) were assayed by ELISA. The relative fold changes in S100A12 and SLPI and mean concentrations of IL6 and SLPI were significantly (p < .05) higher in P-sepsis+ than that of P-sepsis- group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that serum IL6 had a diagnostic sensitivity of 78.6% and a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 2.09, at a cut-off value of 15.7 pg/mL to diagnose P-sepsis+ cases. Similarly, serum SLPI had a sensitivity of 84.6% and an LR+ of 2.23, at a cut-off value of 2.0 pg/mL. It was concluded that SLPI and IL6 would serve as putative biomarkers for pyometra-led sepsis in bitches. Monitoring SLPI and IL6 would be a useful adjunct to the established haemato-biochemical parameters in customizing the treatment strategies and arriving at the decision for management of pyometra bitches with critical illness.

Secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) as an adjunct prognostic biomarker for canine pyometra.

Pyometra is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects intact female dogs in their middle to advance age. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical for the survival of patients, especially when pyometra advances to sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic potential of certain haematology, serum biochemical and inflammatory biomarker, secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) for pyometra in bitches (n = 41). Blood samples were collected after clinical diagnosis of pyometra for haematology and serum biochemistry. Based on the prognosis following medical/surgical treatment, animals were retrospectively categorized into survivor (n = 29) and dead (n = 12). Endometrial tissue sections were obtained from the bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy (n = 21). Serum concentration of SLPI was quantified using sandwich ELISA and its expression in the endometrium was investigated using RT-qPCR. A marked increase in the total leucocyte count (TLC), neutrophils, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine was observed in the female dogs that did not survive. Significant elevation in the serum SLPI concentration (3.49 ± 0.44 vs. 2.38 ± 0.13 ng/mL) was observed in the bitches those died after the treatment, in comparison to those survived (p < .01). Additionally, there was a notable upregulation of SLPI in the endometrium in the bitches those died due to pyometra. Based on the ROC analysis results, it was observed that a cut-off concentration of 2.93 ng/mL for SLPI, 27.77 mg/dL for BUN and 16.3 × 103 /µL for TLC could effectively distinguish the prognosis of pyometra-affected dogs. From this study, it can be concluded that upregulation of SLPI in the endometrium and its elevated concentration in peripheral circulation along with TLC and BUN concentration could serve as valuable indicators for predicting the prognosis of pyometra in bitches.

Management of Pyometra Using a Novel Image-Guided Percutaneous Technique: A Case Report.

Pyometra is a uterine infection that causes pus to accumulate in the uterine cavity. Pyometra primarily affects postmenopausal women. Multiple aetiologies, including cervical stenosis, have been identified. Medical therapy using intravenous antibiotics and surgical evacuation are the conventional treatment options for pyometra. Here, we present a unique case of a novel therapy for pyometra in a geriatric patient; percutaneous alleviation of the causative cervical stenosis was performed using balloon dilatation, along with endometrial drainage of the infected fluid through her vagina, a natural route. This technique has overcome the need for other invasive therapies. The patient's clinical condition improved significantly after this minimally invasive treatment. Percutaneous balloon dilatation of the cervix for stenosis or occlusion in patients with pyometra facilitates drainage of the infected endometrial fluid. This alternative management technique ensured a satisfactory postoperative course and tolerance in the short-term follow-up. Furthermore, the technique ensured good aesthetic results, with its minimally invasive approach in selected patients, compared to other means of evacuation.

Lipid droplet dynamics in healthy and pyometra-affected canine endometrium.

BACKGROUND: Accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) was recently observed in pyometra-affected uteri. As data about their nature and function are missing we intended to compare the localization, quality and quantity of LDs in canine healthy and pyometra-affected tissues and in an in vitro model. METHODS AND RESULTS: We characterized LDs in healthy and pyometra uterine tissue samples as well as in canine endometrial epithelial cells (CEECs) in vitro by means of histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, western blot, and RT-qPCR. Oil Red O (ORO) staining and quantification as well as p-phenylenediamine staining showed a higher number of LDs in epithelial cells of pyometra samples. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the amount of LDs coated by perilipin2 (PLIN2) protein was also higher in pyometra samples. Transmission electron microscopy showed an increase of LD size in surface and glandular epithelial cells of pyometra samples. In cell culture experiments with CEECs, supplementation with oleic acid alone or in combination with cholesterol lead to an increased LD accumulation. The expression of PLIN2 at protein and mRNA level was also higher upon oleic acid supplementation. Most LDs were double positive for ORO and PLIN2. However, ORO positive LDs lacking PLIN2 coating or LDs positive for PLIN2 but containing a lipid class not detectable by ORO staining were identified. CONCLUSIONS: We found differences in the healthy and pyometra-affected endometrium with respect to LDs size. Moreover, several kinds of LDs seem to be present in the canine endometrium. In vitro studies with CEECs could show their responsiveness to external lipids. Since epithelial cells reacted only to oleic acid stimulation, we assume that the cyclic lipid accumulation in the canine endometrium is based mainly on triglycerides and might serve as energy provision for the developing early embryo. Further studies are necessary to verify the complex role of lipids in the healthy and pyometra-affected canine endometrium.

Pyometra: Atypical cause of pediatric abdominal pain following complicated appendicitis.

This case is significant to the practice of emergency medicine and describes a unique post-operative infection that to my knowledge has not been described in this age group or under this set of circumstances before. Pyometra is a rare disease that is classically seen in an older cohort, and not commonly on the differential for pediatric patients presenting to the ED with vaginal discharge and fever. While post operative complications such as abscesses may be common following a surgery, intrauterine infections in this context are rare and the treatment is unique. It is important for emergency physicians to have knowledge of pyometra to keep on their differential for abdominal pain and fever after surgery, as well as be familiar with its management and which consultants may need to get involved.

Endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra in captive lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris).

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a pathologic condition of the uterus with increased endometrial gland to stroma ratio compared to normal cyclic uterine proliferation. In domestic animals, EH often involves cystic distension of proliferating endometrial glands and may be concurrent with pyometra. In large captive nondomestic felids, an association between EH and pyometra is common; however, detailed species differences between the histological uterine findings in lions (Panthera leo) and tigers (Panthera tigris) and clinical manifestations have yet to be described. Uterine sections from 14 lions and 24 tigers with EH and/or pyometra were scored for several histological parameters and clinical histories were recorded. The percentage of endometrium affected by hyperplasia, endometrial gland to stroma ratio, and adenomyosis were significantly (P = .0385, P = .0008, and P = .0463, respectively) more severe in lions compared to tigers as univariate analytes. Although tubular complexity was not statistically significant (P = .3254), when combined as a proposed EH grading scheme, these 4 features confirmed lions had significantly (P = .0068) more severe EH compared to tigers. Endometrial hyperplasia severity significantly correlated with inflammation/pyometra severity when controlling for species (P = .0203). A significant correlation exists between pyometra-associated clinical sign severity and the presence of pyometra in tigers, (P = .0026) but not in lions (P = .1144). There was no statistical difference in the severity of clinical signs associated with pyometra between these species (P = .1986). This proposed grading scheme may have clinical utility in providing a more consistent and objective evaluation of EH in large captive felids.

Alterations in Toll-Like Receptor 7 and -9 mRNA Levels in Lungs after Ovariohysterectomy in a Pyometra Mouse Model.

BACKGROUND: Pyometra (P) leads to sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogens which can cause P. The aim of this study was to investigate TLR-7 and -9 via the MYD88 pathway and the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) response in the uterus of a P mouse model before and after ovariohysterectomy (RP) as well as potential lung injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into groups (N = 10/subgroup; sham 1, 2, 3, 7; P1, 2, 3, 7; 1RP1, 2, 3, 7; 2RP1, 2, 3, 7; 3RP1, 2, 3, 7) according to the day of euthanasia. Pathogens were administrated in the groups P and RP in order to induce P. RESULTS: Alterations in blood chemistry, histopathology, and RT-qPCT analysis before (P) and after RP were observed. Significant correlations were also found between MYD88, NFκB, and TLR9 in P and RP groups in the lungs and in RP groups in the uterus, suggesting that the immune system responded via the TLR9-MYD88 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of immunohistochemical TLR-7 and -9 localization and of TLR-7, -9, MYD88, and NFκB mRNA expression in the uterus causing lung injury in a P mouse model.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor expression in the canine endometrium with cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex.

The most common uterine diseases in bitches occurring during diestrus are cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra. These diseases can coexist as CEH-pyometra complex (CEH-P). Their pathogenesis has not been fully explained. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are important factors regulating mammalian reproductive function and inflammatory processes. Although there is a lack of data concerning the expression of PPARs in the canine endometrium during CEH and CEH-P, we hypothesized that they might be involved in the development of pathological disorders of the canine endometrium. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate and compare PPARα, PPARδ and PPARγ mRNA expression using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and their immunolocalization using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in the endometrium of clinically healthy bitches (control group; n = 8) and those with CEH (n = 8) or CEH-P (n = 8). For quantification, the arithmetic means of all intensities of immunostaining from the cells were measured with the optical density. PPARα, PPARδ and PPARγ were detected in the luminal epithelium, glandular epithelium and stromal cells. The mRNA transcription of PPARα was higher in the CEH group than in the control group (p < .05). Additionally, the mRNA expression and immunostaining intensities of PPARδ and PPARγ in the endometrium in the CEH-P group were downregulated relative to those in the control group (p < .05). Moreover, the serum progesterone concentration measured by direct radioimmunoassay was decreased in the CEH-P group compared to the control group (p < .001) and CEH group (p < .05). The obtained results indicate that PPARs are present in the canine endometrium and that their mRNA profile and intensity levels change under pathological conditions such as CEH and CEH-P. This finding may suggest a correlation between changes in the PPAR expression profile and hormonal disturbances, as well as the potential involvement of PPARs in signal transduction during inflammatory processes occurring in the endometrium during CEH-P. These results pave the way to further research into the role of PPARs in the pathogenesis of CEH and CEH-P in female dogs.

Analysis of the concentrations of some haematological parameters, C-reactive protein and anti-Müllerian hormone in bitches affected by pyometra.

The work was aimed to research into the vital signs, haematological and biochemical parameters, acute-phase protein concentrations (CRP, albumin), progesterone (PG) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in bitches with pyometra and their comparison with those in healthy bitches. In addition, the goal of this work was to assess if some of the tested parameters may be used as a biomarker in the diagnostics of pyometra and the monitoring of the postoperative recovery. Forty 3-6-year-old bitches of various breeds were included in the research and allotted to two groups: the control (C, n = 20) and the diseased - bitches diagnosed with pyometra (P, n = 20). Blood samples for the analyses were taken immediately before surgery (0 h), and 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after, excepting for AMH and PG concentrations, which were determined only at 0 h. Clinical examination detected significantly higher respiration rates in bitches with pyometra in comparison to healthy ones at all time points, higher heart rates before and 12 h after surgery, and higher body temperature before and 12 h, 48 h and 72 h post operation (p < .01). Significantly higher concentrations of CRP (p < .01) and lower concentrations of albumin were detected in bitches with pyometra in comparison to their healthy counterparts at all time points. Progesterone and AMH concentration analysis immediately before surgery detected significantly higher levels of the hormone in bitches with pyometra than in the control (p < .01). The inflammatory reaction of the endometrium resulted in a significant AMH concentration increase, whilst increased CRP concentrations and lower albumin concentrations throughout the research may be used as biomarkers of proinflammatory activities, that is of the acute-phase response.

Antimicrobial susceptibility and production of virulence factors by bacteria recovered from bitches with pyometra.

Pyometra is one of the most common diseases in adult female dogs, characterized by a suppurative bacterial infection of the uterus with accumulation of inflammatory exudate and a variety of local and systemic clinical manifestations. This study aimed to identify the bacteria within the uterine content and vaginal canal of bitches with pyometra and evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility and production of virulence factors. Uterine and vaginal content were collected with sterile swabs from 30 bitches diagnosed with pyometra. Bacteria were identified and assessed for their antimicrobial susceptibility and production of virulence factors, including biofilms, siderophores, proteases and hemolysins, both in planktonic and biofilm forms. A total of 82 bacterial isolates (35 uterus, 47 vagina), belonging to 21 species, were identified, with Escherichia coli as the most prevalent species (32/82, 39%). As for susceptibility, 39/79 (49.4%) isolates were resistant to one or more drugs, with resistance proportion among Gram-positive bacteria (87.5%) higher (p < .05) than that observed for Gram-negative bacteria (32.7%). Four coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species were resistant to methicillin. Regarding virulence, the isolates had low production of biofilms, siderophores, proteases and hemolysins, suggesting that the occurrence of pyometra might be more associated with host-related factors than bacterial virulence.

A case of Slackia exigua bacteremia associated with pyometra in a patient with poor dentition.

We report the first case of Slackia exigua bacteremia related to pyometra. Slackia exigua is an anaerobe that is usually found in the oral cavity and periodontal infections. After two months of treatment with antimicrobial agents, the patient recovered from infection.

Identification of Canine Pyometra-Associated Metabolites Using Untargeted Metabolomics.

Canine pyometra frequently occurs in middle-aged to older intact bitches, which seriously affects the life of dogs and brings an economic loss to their owners. Hence, finding a key metabolite is very important for the diagnosis and development of a new safe and effective therapy for the disease. In this study, dogs with pyometra were identified by blood examinations, laboratory analyses and diagnostic imaging, and fifteen endometrium tissues of sick dogs with pyometra and fifteen controls were collected and their metabolites were identified utilizing a UHPLC-qTOF-MS-based untargeted metabolomics approach. The results indicated that the elevated inflammatory cells were observed in dogs with pyometra, suggesting that sick dogs suffered systemic inflammation. In the untargeted metabolic profile, 705 ion features in the positive polarity mode and 414 ion features in the negative polarity mode were obtained in endometrium tissues of sick dogs with pyometra, with a total of 275 differential metabolites (173 in positive and 102 in negative polarity modes). Moreover, the multivariate statistical analyses such as PCA and PLS-DA also showed that the metabolites were significantly different between the two groups. Then, these differential metabolites were subjected to pathway analysis using Metaboanalyst 4.0, and Galactose metabolism, cAMP signaling pathway and Glycerophospholipid metabolism were enriched, proving some insights into the metabolic changes during pyometra. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curves further confirmed kynurenic acid was expected to be a candidate biomarker of canine pyometra. In conclusion, this study provided a new idea for exploring early diagnosis methods and a safe and effective therapy for canine pyometra.