Heartworms in Halichoerus grypus: first records of Acanthocheilonema spirocauda (Onchocercidae; Filarioidea) in 2 grey seals from the North Sea.

The assumed definitive host of the heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda (Onchocerdidae; Filarioidea) is the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). This filaroid nematode parasitizing in cardiac ventricles and blood vessel lumina of harbour seals (P. vitulina) has a low prevalence and seldom causes severe health impacts. The seal louse (Echinophthirius horridus) is the assumed intermediate host for transmission of A. spirocauda filariae between seals, comprising a unique parasite assembly conveyed from the terrestrial ancestors of pinnipeds. Although grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) are infected by seal lice, heartworm infection was not verified. Analysing a longterm dataset compiled over decades (1996­2021) of health monitoring seals along the German coasts comprising post mortem investigations and archived parasites, 2 cases of A. spirocauda infected male grey seals were detected. Tentative morphological identification was confirmed with molecular tools by sequencing a section of mtDNA COI and comparing nucleotide data with available heartworm sequence. This is the first record of heartworm individuals collected from the heart of grey seals at necropsy. It remains puzzling why heartworm infection occur much less frequently in grey than in harbour seals, although both species use the same habitat, share mixed haul-outs and consume similar prey species. If transmission occurs directly via seal louse vectors on haul-outs, increasing seal populations in the North- and Baltic Sea could have density dependent effects on prevalence of heartworm and seal louse infections. It remains to be shown how species-specificity of filarial nematodes as well as immune system traits of grey seals influence infection patterns of A. spirocauda.

European-wide antimicrobial resistance monitoring in commensal Escherichia coli isolated from healthy food animals between 2004 and 2018.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the susceptibility of Escherichia coli to medically important antibiotics, collected over four periods (2004-2006, 2008-2009, 2013-2014, 2017-2018), from food-producing animals at slaughter. METHODS: Intestinal contents from cattle, pigs and broilers were randomly sampled (5-6 countries/host; ≥4 abattoirs/country; one sample/animal/farm) for isolation of Escherichia coli; antimicrobial susceptibilities were centrally determined by CLSI agar dilution. Clinical breakpoints (CLSI) and epidemiological cut-off values (EUCAST) were applied for data interpretation. RESULTS: In total, 10 613 E. coli strains were recovered. In broilers, resistance percentages were the lowest (P ≤ 0.01) in the latest time period. A significant decrease in MDR over time was also observed for broilers and a tendency for a decrease for pigs. Resistance to meropenem and tigecycline was absent, and resistance to azithromycin was 0.2%-2.0%. Also, low resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (1.1%-7.4%) was detected in broilers. Resistance to colistin varied between 0.1%-4.8%. E. coli from broilers showed high resistance to ciprofloxacin (7.3%-23.3%), whereas for cattle and pigs this was 0.2%-2.5%. Low/moderate resistance to chloramphenicol (9.3%-21.3%) and gentamicin (0.9%-7.0%) was observed in pigs and broilers. The highest resistance was noted for ampicillin (32.7%-65.3%), tetracycline (41.3%-67.5%), trimethoprim (32.0%-35.7%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (27.5%-49.7%) from pigs and broilers, with marked country differences. MDR peaked in pigs and broilers with 24 and 26 phenotypes, with 21.9%-26.2% and 18.7%-34.1% resistance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this pan-EU survey antibiotic susceptibility of commensal E. coli varied largely between antibiotics, animal species and countries. Resistance to critically important antibiotics for human medicine was absent or low, except for ciprofloxacin in broilers and ampicillin in pigs and broilers.

Arcanobacterium buesumense sp. nov., isolated from an anal swab of a male harbour seal (Phoca vitulina).

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified previously described Arcanobacterium-like Gram-positive strain 2701T isolated from an anal swab of a dead male harbour seal. Comparative 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium in the family Arcanobacteriaceae. The genome sequence of the strain was obtained by Borowiak et al. [1]. The genome had a G+C content of 49 mol% and a total length of 1.94 Mb. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) supported the affiliation of the isolate with the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid as major components and two unidentified lipids, a further unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified phosphoglycolipids as well as phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1 and C18 : 0. Biochemical and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished the isolate from other members of the genus Arcanobacterium and closely related other species. Based on these results, it is proposed that the unknown Arcanobacterium sp. strain 2701T should be classified as representing a novel species with the name Arcanobacterium buesumense sp. nov. The type strain is 2701T (=DSM 112952T=LMG 32446T).

Streptobacillus canis sp. nov. isolated from a dog.

From a phlegmon in a dog an aerobic and facultatively anaerobic, indole-, oxidase- and catalase-negative, non-motile bacterium was isolated in 2019 in Germany that stained Gram-negative and showed a pleomorphic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming appearance. Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses, strain IHIT1603-19T was assigned to the genus Streptobacillus with sequence similarities of 98.6, 98.0, 97.9, 97.1 and 94.4 % to the type strains of Streptobacillus felis, Streptobacillus notomytis, Streptobacillus ratti, Streptobacillus moniliformis and Streptobacillus hongkongensis, respectively. Strain IHIT1603-19T could also clearly be differentiated from other Streptobacillus species by rpoB, groEL and recA gene, nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses as well as by core genome phylogeny. Regarding DNA-DNA relatedness, strain IHIT1603-19T demonstrated an average nucleotide identity of 83.00 and 82.28 % compared to S. felis 131000547T and S. moniliformis DSM 12112T, respectively. Chemotaxonomic and physiological data of strain IHIT1603-19T were in congruence with other closely related members of the family Leptotrichiaceae, represented by highly similar enzyme profiles and fatty acid patterns. MALDI-TOF MS analysis also proved suitable in unequivocally discriminating strain IHIT1603-19T from all currently described taxa of the genus Streptobacillus. On the basis of these data, we propose the novel species Streptobacillus canis sp. nov. with the type strain IHIT1603-19T (=DSM 110501T=CCUG 74118T=CIP 111795T). The G+C content of the DNA of the type strain is 26.6 mol%, genome size is 1.60 Mbp.

Arcanobacterium bovis sp. nov., isolated from the milk of a cow with mastitis.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium-like Gram-stain-positive bacterium designated strain C605018/01/1T isolated from a milk sample collected from the udder of a cow at post mortem. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was most closely related to the type strain of Arcanobacterium pluranimalium (99.76 %); sequence similarities to all other Arcanobacterium species were below 97 %. The wet-lab DNA-DNA hybridization values among strain C605018/01/1T and A. pluranimalium DSM 13483ᵀ were low, 16.9 % (reciprocal, 49.8 %). Pertaining to the whole genome sequence with a total length of 2.02 Mb and 1654 protein counts, the novel strain C605018/01/01T displayed a G+C content of 51.6 % mol%. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol-mannoside and unidentified glycolipid and aminophospholipids. Based on these results it is proposed that strain C605018/01/1T should be classified as representing a novel species, Arcanbacterium bovis sp. nov. The type strain C605018/01/1T (CCUG 45425T=DSM 107286T=BCCM/LMG 30783T).

Arcanobacterium wilhelmae sp. nov., isolated from the genital tract of a rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).

A taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium-like Gram-stain-positive bacterium isolated from the genital tract of a rhinoceros. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the bacterium belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was most closely related to the type strains of Arcanobacterium canis (98.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Arcanobacterium phocisimile (97.8 %), Arcanobacterium phocae (97.7 %), Arcanobacterium haemolyticum (97.4 %), Arcanobacterium hippocoleae (96.6 %), Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum (96.4 %) and Arcarnobacterium pluranimalium (95.4 %). DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 647T and Arcanobacterium canisDSM 25104T were very low, 13.4 % (reciprocal 15.9 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 647T was 58.7 mol%. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) supported the affiliation of this strain to the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile consisted of the major components diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and an unidentified phosphoglycolipid. The results of physiological and biochemical testing clearly distinguished the unknown bacterium from other species of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on these tests, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium should be classified as a representative of a novel species of the genus Arcanobacterium named Arcanobacterium wilhelmaesp. nov. The type strain is 647T (=DSM 102162T=LMG 29418T).

Fatal infection in three Grey Slender Lorises (Loris lydekkerianus nordicus) caused by clonally related Trueperella pyogenes.

BACKGROUND: Trueperella pyogenes is a worldwide known bacterium causing mastitis, abortion and various other pyogenic infections in domestic animals like ruminants and pigs. In this study we represent the first case report of three unusual fatal infections of Grey Slender Lorises caused by Trueperella pyogenes. Meanwhile, this study represents the first in-depth description of the multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) on T. pyogenes species. CASE PRESENTATION: Three Trueperella pyogenes were isolated from three different Grey Slender Lorises, which died within a period of two years at Frankfurt Zoo (Frankfurt am Main - Germany). The three Grey Slender Loris cases were suffering from severe sepsis and died from its complication. During the bacteriological investigation of the three cases, the T. pyogenes were isolated from different organisms in each case. The epidemiological relationship between the three isolates could be shown by four genomic DNA fingerprint methods (ERIC-PCR, BOX-PCR, (GTG)5-PCR, and RAPD-PCR) and by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) investigating four different housekeeping genes (fusA-tuf-metG-gyrA). CONCLUSION: In this study, we clearly showed by means of using three different rep-PCRs, by RAPD-PCR and by MLSA that the genomic fingerprinting of the investigated three T. pyogenes have the same clonal origin and are genetically identical. These results suggest that the same isolate contaminated the animal's facility and subsequently caused cross infection between the three different Grey Slender Lorises. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first epidemiological approach concentrating on T. pyogenes using MLSA.

Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum sp. nov., isolated from a harbour seal.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on an unidentified Arcanobacterium-like, Gram-stain-positive bacterium, strain 2710T, isolated from a harbour seal. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that this bacterial strain belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and was related most closely to the type strains of Arcanobacterium phocae (98.4 % similarity) and Arcanobacterium phocisimile (97.5 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type strains of other Arcanobacterium species were between 95.3 and 96.9 %. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 2710T and A. phocae DSM 10002T and A. phocisimile LMG 27073T were 4.7 % (reciprocal 56 %) and 23 % (reciprocal 7.7 %), respectively. The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) and a polar lipid profile with the major compounds diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside supported the affiliation of strain 2710T to the genus Arcanobacterium. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C18:1ω9c, C18:0 and C18:2ω6,9c/anteiso-C18:0. The peptidoglycan structure was of cross-linkage type A5α (l-Lys-l-Lys-d-Glu). Physiological and biochemical tests clearly distinguished the isolate from other members of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on these tests, it is proposed that this unknown bacterium should be classified as a novel species of the genus Arcanobacterium, with the name Arcanobacterium pinnipediorum sp. nov. The type strain is 2710T ( = DSM 28752T = LMG 28298T).

Vertebral Osteomyelitis and Septic Arthritis Associated With Staphylococcus hyicus in a Juvenile Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ).

A 6-week-old, parent-reared peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) was presented with spastic hypertonus of its hind limbs of unknown origin and duration. Radiologic examination revealed smooth periosteal reactions ventrally at thoracic vertebrae 5 to 7. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified the swelling as inflammation; antibiotic, antimycotic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic treatments were initiated, and vitamins and minerals were supplemented. Because the bird's condition did not improve after 10 days, it was euthanatized and submitted for postmortem examination. On histopathologic examination, chronic, active osteomyelitis was diagnosed in thoracic vertebrae 5 to 7, and chronic, active arthritis was present in both the right shoulder and left elbow joints. Staphylococcus hyicus was isolated from these 3 locations, as well as from lungs and liver, indicating a chronic septic staphylococcosis. Although infections with Staphylococcus species are occasional causes of vertebral osteomyelitis in juvenile poultry with active growth plates, it is only sporadically reported in raptors and companion birds. This case report is the first description of the clinical features and diagnostic and pathologic findings in a juvenile peregrine falcon with hematogenous osteomyelitis and arthritis associated with septicemia caused by S hyicus.

MICs of 32 antimicrobial agents for Rhodococcus equi isolates of animal origin.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the MICs of 32 antimicrobial agents for 200 isolates of Rhodococcus equi of animal origin by applying a recently described broth microdilution protocol, and to investigate isolates with distinctly elevated rifampicin MICs for the genetic basis of rifampicin resistance. METHODS: The study included 200 R. equi isolates, including 160 isolates from horses and 40 isolates from other animal sources, from the USA and Europe. MIC testing of 32 antimicrobial agents or combinations thereof followed a recently published protocol. A novel PCR protocol for the joint amplification of the three rpoB regions in which rifampicin resistance-mediating mutations have been reported was applied to isolates with elevated rifampicin MICs. The amplicons were sequenced and screened for mutations. RESULTS: Susceptibility testing revealed a rather uniform distribution of MICs for most of the antimicrobial agents tested. The lowest MICs were seen for clarithromycin, rifampicin and imipenem. Six isolates (3%) exhibited distinctly higher MICs of rifampicin than the remaining 194 isolates. In five of these six isolates, single bp exchanges, which resulted in the amino acid exchanges Gln513Leu, Asp516Val, His526Asp or Ser531Leu, were detected in the rifampicin resistance-determining region 1 of the rpoB gene, with Gln513Leu representing a novel substitution for R. equi. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the MIC distribution of 32 antimicrobial agents for a large collection of R. equi isolates of animal origin from two continents. Isolates that exhibited distinctly elevated MICs of rifampicin were only rarely detected.

Clonal spread of highly successful ST15-CTX-M-15 Klebsiella pneumoniae in companion animals and horses.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical relevance and molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella species in animals. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibilities and presence of ESBLs were examined among Klebsiella spp. (n = 1519) from clinical samples (>1200 senders from Germany and other European countries) mainly from companion animals and horses from October 2008 to March 2010. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and PFGE were performed including human isolates for comparative purposes. RESULTS: The overall ESBL rate was 8% for Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae. Most K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae ESBL producers were isolated from soft tissue infections (29.3%) and urinary tract infections (14.9%). The major ESBL type was CTX-M-15 (85.4%), located on different plasmid scaffolds (HI2, I1, FIA, FIB, FII, A/C, R and N). Other ESBL genes, such as bla(CTX-M-1) (5.6%), bla(CTX-M-3), bla(CTX-M-9), bla(SHV-2) and bla(SHV-12) (1.1% each), were also detected. Additional resistances, e.g. to fluoroquinolones (89.9%), were frequently present. ST15-CTX-M-15, a clonal group that recently emerged in humans, accounted for 75.8% of the strains analysed by MLST and there was evidence for nosocomial events in five veterinary clinics. Human ST15-CTX-M-15 strains shared PFGE clusters with animal isolates, suggesting the dissemination of this clonal group between both populations. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate a wide spread of ST15-CTX-M-15 K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, which should be considered as a zoonotic agent of high clinical relevance for humans and animals. Further research should be undertaken to unravel both microevolutionary and biological aspects probably contributing to this global success.

Multiresistant extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae from humans, companion animals and horses in central Hesse, Germany.

BACKGROUND: Multiresistant Gram-negative bacteria producing extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs) are an emerging problem in human and veterinary medicine. This study focused on comparative molecular characterization of ß-lactamase and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates from central Hesse in Germany. Isolates originated from humans, companion animals (dogs and cats) and horses. RESULTS: In this study 153 (83.6%) of the human isolates (n = 183) and 163 (91.6%) of the animal isolates (n = 178) were confirmed as ESBL producers by PCR and subsequent sequencing of the PCR amplicons. Predominant ESBL subtypes in human and animal samples were CTX-M-15 (49.3%) and CTX-M-1 (25.8%) respectively. Subtype blaCTX-M-2 was found almost exclusively in equine and was absent from human isolates. The carbapenemase OXA-48 was detected in 19 ertapenem-resistant companion animal isolates in this study. The Plasmid-encoded quinolone resistance (PMQR) gene aac('6)-Ib-cr was the most frequently detected antibiotic- resistance gene present in 27.9% of the human and 36.9% of the animal ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates. Combinations of two or up to six different resistance genes (penicillinases, ESBLs and PMQR) were detected in 70% of all isolates investigated. The most frequent species in this study was Escherichia coli (74%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5%), and Enterobacter cloacae (4.2%). Investigation of Escherichia coli phylogenetic groups revealed underrepresentation of group B2 within the animal isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Isolates from human, companion animals and horses shared several characteristics regarding presence of ESBL, PMQR and combination of different resistance genes. The results indicate active transmission and dissemination of multi-resistant Enterobacteriaceae among human and animal populations.

Arcanobacterium canis strain DSM 25104 isolated from an English bulldog suffering from otitis externa: complete genome sequence.

Many species of the genus Arcanobacterium are known as opportunistic pathogens and have been isolated in association with infectious diseases in humans and animals. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of another opportunistic pathogenic representative, namely Arcanobacterium canis, isolated from the otitis externa of an English bulldog.

Repeated Occurrence of Mobile Colistin Resistance Gene-Carrying Plasmids in Pathogenic Escherichia coli from German Pig Farms.

The global spread of plasmid-mediated mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes threatens the vital role of colistin as a drug of last resort. We investigated whether the recurrent occurrence of specific E. coli pathotypes and plasmids in individual pig farms resulted from the continued presence or repeated reintroduction of distinct E. coli strains. E. coli isolates (n = 154) obtained from three pig farms with at least four consecutive years of mcr detection positive for virulence-associated genes (VAGs) predicting an intestinal pathogenic pathotype via polymerase chain reaction were analyzed. Detailed investigation of VAGs, antimicrobial resistance genes and plasmid Inc types was conducted using whole genome sequencing for 87 selected isolates. Sixty-one E. coli isolates harbored mcr-1, and one isolate carried mcr-4. On Farm 1, mcr-positive isolates were either edema disease E. coli (EDEC; 77.3%) or enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC; 22.7%). On Farm 2, all mcr-positive strains were ETEC, while mcr-positive isolates from Farm 3 showed a wider range of pathotypes. The mcr-1.1 gene was located on IncHI2 (Farm 1), IncX4 (Farm 2) or IncX4 and IncI2 plasmids (Farm 3). These findings suggest that various pathogenic E. coli strains play an important role in maintaining plasmid-encoded colistin resistance genes in the pig environment over time.

Heartworm and seal louse: Trends in prevalence, characterisation of impact and transmission pathways in a unique parasite assembly on seals in the North and Baltic Sea.

The ectoparasitic seal louse, Echinophthirius horridus infects harbour (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the North and Baltic Sea. The endoparasitic heartworm Acanthocheilonema spirocauda parasitizes the right heart and blood vessels of harbour seals. The complete lifecycle of the heartworm is not entirely understood although the seal louse is assumed to serve as vector for its transmission. Knowledge about the impact of both parasite species on host health are scarce. In this study, necropsy data and archived parasites of harbour and grey seals in German waters were analysed to determine long-term seal louse (SLP) and heartworm prevalence (HWP) from 2014 to 2021. Histology, microbiology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied on seal louse infected and uninfected skin to investigate associated lesions and the health impact. During the study period, HWP in harbour seals was 13%, the SLP in harbour seals was 4% and in grey seals 10%. HWP of harbour seals was significantly higher during the winter months compared to the summer. SLP in adults was significantly higher in comparison to juvenile harbour seals. SLP varied significantly between grey seals from the North and Baltic Sea. Filarial nematodes were detected in the haemocoel, pharynx, and intestine of E. horridus highlighting the seal louse as vector for heartworms. Alopecia and folliculitis were associated with the attachment posture of E. horridus and microbiological investigations isolated bacteria commonly associated with folliculitis.

Emergence of OXA-48 carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the possible occurrence of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. strains in domestic animals. METHODS: Veterinary clinical E. coli (n = 1175) and Klebsiella spp. (n = 136) isolates consecutively collected from livestock and companion animals in Germany from June 2012 to October 2012 were screened for their susceptibility to carbapenems using the agar disc diffusion test. Carbapenemase genes were characterized by PCR and sequencing; conjugation assays were performed. Carbapenemase-positive isolates were assigned to phylogenetic lineages by multilocus sequence typing and the clonal relatedness was determined using macrorestriction analysis and subsequent PFGE. RESULTS: Carbapenem non-susceptible isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 5) and E. coli (n = 3) were obtained from six dogs hospitalized in a single veterinary clinic in Hessia, Germany, partly at the same time and consecutively over the study period. All isolates harboured carbapenemase gene blaOXA-48 located within Tn1999.2 transposons on conjugative ~60 kb plasmids. The K. pneumoniae isolates belonged to sequence type ST15, pulsotype 1, and coexpressed CTX-M-15, SHV-28, OXA-1 and TEM-1. Two E. coli isolates were assigned to ST1196 and pulsotype 2 and coproduced CMY-2, SHV-12 and TEM-1, while the third E. coli isolate was of ST1431 (pulsotype 3), and possessed blaCTX-M-1, blaOXA-2 and blaTEM-1. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first known report of OXA-48-producing bacteria from companion animals. The clonal nature of the K. pneumoniae and two E. coli isolates suggests a nosocomial dissemination rather than repeated introduction by individual patients into the clinic.

Arcanobacterium phocisimile sp. nov., isolated from harbour seals.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on two previously unidentified Arcanobacterium-like Gram-positive strains isolated from harbour seals. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that both bacteria belonged to the genus Arcanobacterium and were most closely related to Arcanobacterium haemolyticum CIP 103370(T) (98.4% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), A. canis P6775(T) (97.4%), A. phocae DSM 10002(T) (97.4%), A. pluranimalium M430/94/2(T) (95.7%) and A. hippocoleae CCUG 44697(T) (95.5%). The presence of the major menaquinone MK-9(H4) supported the affiliation of the isolates with the genus Arcanobacterium. The polar lipid profile consisted of major amounts of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, an unidentified phospholipid and two unidentified glycolipids. The major fatty acids were C16:0, C18:0, C18:1ω9c and summed feature 5 (comprising C18:2ω6,9c and/or anteiso-C18:0). Physiological and biochemical tests clearly distinguished the isolates from other members of the genus Arcanobacterium. Based on the common origin and various physiological properties comparable to those of A. phocae, it is proposed that the isolates are classified as members of a novel species with the name Arcanobacterium phocisimile sp. nov. The type strain is 2698(T) (=LMG 27073(T) =CCM 8430(T)).

Brucella suis biovar 1 infection in a dog with orchitis in Germany.

In 2021, a case of canine brucellosis diagnosed in a dog with orchitis was presented to a veterinary practice in Germany. Serological testing excluded Brucella (B.) canis as a causative agent, but molecular analysis revealed the presence of B. suis biovar 1. Since biovar 1 is not endemic in Europe and the dog had no history of travel to endemic areas, a comprehensive epidemiological investigation was conducted using whole genome sequence data to determine the source of infection. We describe the clinical progress of the animal and the potential infection of a veterinary clinic employee. The findings highlight the importance of considering less common Brucella species as possible causes of canine brucellosis. The data also emphasize that it is quite challenging to identify Brucella species in a routine diagnostic laboratory and to conduct epidemiological investigations to unveil possible transmission routes.

Genotypic Characterization of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli from Companion Animals: Predominance of ST372 in Dogs and Human-Related ST73 in Cats.

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) account for over 80% and 60% of bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) in humans and animals, respectively. As shared uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains have been previously reported among humans and pets, our study aimed to characterize E. coli lineages among UTI isolates from dogs and cats and to assess their overlaps with human UPEC lineages. We analysed 315 non-duplicate E. coli isolates from the UT of dogs (198) and cats (117) collected in central Germany in 2019 and 2020 utilizing whole genome sequencing and in silico methods. Phylogroup B2 (77.8%), dog-associated sequence type (ST) 372 (18.1%), and human-associated ST73 (16.6%), were predominant. Other STs included ST12 (8.6%), ST141 (5.1%), ST127 (4.8%), and ST131 (3.5%). Among these, 58.4% were assigned to the ExPEC group and 51.1% to the UPEC group based on their virulence associated gene (VAG) profile (ExPEC, presence of ≥VAGs: papAH and/or papC, sfa/focG, afaD/draBC, kpsMTII, and iutA; UPEC, additionally cnf1 or hlyD). Extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC) resistance mediated by extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBL) and AmpC-ß-lactamase was identified in 1.9% of the isolates, along with one carbapenemase-producing isolate and one isolate carrying a mcr gene. Low occurrence of ESC-resistant or multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates (2.9%) in the two most frequently detected STs implies that E. coli isolated from UTIs of companion animals are to a lesser extent associated with resistance, but possess virulence-associated genes enabling efficient UT colonization and carriage. Detection of human-related pandemic lineages suggests interspecies transmission and underscores the importance of monitoring companion animals.