Ecological determinants of leishmaniasis vector, Lutzomyia spp.: A scoping review.

Leishmania spp. are zoonotic parasites transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, including those of the Lutzomyia genus, which can cause leishmaniases in both humans and dogs. Lutzomyia spp. are established in many countries in South and Central America and some areas of the southern United States, with suspected potential of these vectors to undergo further range expansion due to climate change. A scoping review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extensions for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines to describe the current state of knowledge on the key ecological factors associated with Lutzomyia spp. survival, reproduction and establishment. The following electronic databases were searched for eligible studies published from 1 January 1990, to the date of search, 26 April 2023: CAB Direct (CABI), MEDLINE (via Ovid), Biological Sciences Database and Environmental Sciences Database. Primary research articles that were available in English and focused on ecological factors associated with Lutzomyia spp., such as climatic and habitat factors, geographic range, seasonality and temporality, and host abundance, were eligible for inclusion in the study. Following de-duplication, a total of 167 studies were included in Level 1 screening, 64 studies were included in Level 2 screening and 31 studies met the criteria for data extraction. Study locations included Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, the United States, Mexico and Canada, with some studies including multiple regions. A total of 31 different Lutzomyia spp. were assessed across these studies, with most (51.6%) of the studies focused on Lutzomyia longipalpis. Eligible studies investigated factors such as seasonality (n = 5), temperature (n = 19), precipitation (n = 13), humidity (n = 2), vegetation presence or requirements (n = 13), ecotypes (n = 7), and/or community type (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) (n = 5). Lutzomyia spp. activity was found to be higher during the rainy season, and peak when temperatures were between 20 and 25°C. Lutzomyia spp. were also found to preferentially reside in tropical or subtropical forests, which are characterised by their lack of a distinct dry season and high precipitation. This scoping review summarised the current state of the literature on the ecological factors associated with the survival, activity and reproduction of Lutzomyia spp. While there appears to be some consensus in the literature regarding some ecological requirements (such as seasonality, temperature and habitat features), overall, there is a lack of published research in this topic. This poses a significant challenge for future studies, which aim to predict the future distribution of Lutzomyia spp. in the context of climate and land use changes. Additional ecological research is urgently needed on Lutzomyia spp. given their relevance to both human and animal health.

Attitudes towards surgical safety checklists among American College of Veterinary Surgeons diplomates.

OBJECTIVE: To examine attitudes towards surgical safety checklists (SSCs) among American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and to identify barriers to implementation. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative online research survey. SAMPLE POPULATION: A total of 1282 current ACVS diplomates. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed to current ACVS diplomates via email. ACVS diplomates were identified using publicly available data through the ACVS website. A total of 1282 surveys were electronically distributed, and respondents were given 4 weeks to respond. The survey consisted of 34 questions examining (1) demographic information, (2) current use of SSCs, (3) knowledge and attitudes towards SSCs, (4) perceived advantages and disadvantages to use of SSCs, (5) implementation strategies, and (6) potential reasons for noncompletion of SSCs. RESULTS: Survey response rate was 20% (257/1282). A total of 169 of 249 (67.9%) respondents indicated using SSCs. Respondents generally agreed that SSCs were proven to reduce surgical complications (196/249 [78.7%]) and did not perceive any disadvantages to use (100/138 [75.2%]). Respondents not using SSCs were more likely to perceive them as a waste of time (p < .001). The most common reasons for noncompletion of SSCs were forgetfulness (21/52 [39.6%]) and time constraints (19/52 [36.5%]). Improved training (72/138 [52.2%]) and modifying the SSC based on staff feedback (69/138 [50%]) were suggested as methods to improve SSC uptake. CONCLUSION: Respondents currently using SSCs were generally satisfied. Time constraints and memory related issues were common causes for noncompletion of SSCs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Efforts to expand the implementation of SSCs in veterinary surgery should focus on improved engagement of relevant stakeholders and modification of the SSC to suit local conditions.

Isolation of Elizabethkingia spp. from Diagnostic Specimens from Dogs and Cats, United States, 2019-2021.

We retrospectively reviewed Elizabethkingia spp. culture and susceptibility results from 86 veterinary diagnostic laboratory results from US dogs and cats. We noted 26 E. menigoseptica, 1 E. miricola, and 59 unspeciated Elizabethkingia isolates from 9 US states (2-22 isolates per state). Elizabethkingia infections in animals might increase risks to humans.

Rat Hepatitis E Virus in Norway Rats, Ontario, Canada, 2018-2021.

We tested liver samples from 372 Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from southern Ontario, Canada, during 2018-2021 to investigate presence of hepatitis E virus infection. Overall, 21 (5.6%) rats tested positive for the virus. Sequence analysis demonstrated all infections to be rat hepatitis E virus (Rocahepevirus ratti genotype C1).

Backyard chickens - A cross-sectional survey of current and prospective backyard chicken owners in Ontario (2019-2021).

Objective: Chickens are a natural reservoir for zoonotic pathogens. Humans and pets may be at increased risk of illness due to contact with poultry, their eggs, and their environment. We aimed to identify any knowledge, attitude, or practice gaps among current and prospective backyard chicken owners. Animal: Backyard chickens. Procedure: Responses were collected through an anonymous online survey from December 2019 to March 2021. Respondents were asked questions regarding household demographics, previous, current, or future backyard chickens, primary reasons for having or wanting backyard chickens, and about animal handling practices and zoonotic disease awareness. Results: There were 279 respondents from Ontario (85.9%). Reported reasons for having or wanting backyard chickens included for eggs (94.0%), as pets (49.6%), and as a hobby (62.4%). Interestingly, 8.1% wanted chickens for their meat. Just over 1/5 (21.1%) of those with current or recent flocks allowed the birds to come into their house. Just over 7% incorrectly indicated rabies virus could be transmitted by backyard chickens. Conclusions: Reasons for having or wanting backyard chickens included food and companionship. Many owners reported allowing the chickens entry into their homes, highlighting increased opportunities for zoonotic pathogen transmission. There were misconceptions regarding pathogens transmissible by chickens.

Poulets urbains ­ Une enquête transversale auprès des propriétaires actuels et potentiels de poulets urbains en Ontario (2019-2021). Objectif: Les poulets sont un réservoir naturel pour des agents pathogènes zoonotiques. Les humains et les animaux de compagnie peuvent courir un risque accru de maladie en raison du contact avec la volaille, leurs oeufs et leur environnement. Notre objectif était d'identifier les lacunes en matière de connaissances, d'attitudes ou de pratiques chez les propriétaires actuels et potentiels de poulets urbains. Animal: Poulets urbains. Procédure: Les réponses ont été recueillies par le biais d'une enquête en ligne anonyme de décembre 2019 à mars 2021. Les répondants ont été interrogés sur la démographie des ménages, les poulets urbains précédents, actuels ou futurs, les principales raisons d'avoir ou de vouloir des poulets urbains, et sur les pratiques de manipulation des animaux et la sensibilisation aux maladies zoonotiques. Résultats: Il y avait 279 répondants de l'Ontario (85,9 %). Les raisons déclarées d'avoir ou de vouloir des poulets urbains incluaient pour les oeufs (94,0 %), comme animaux de compagnie (49,6 %) et comme passe-temps (62,4 %). Fait intéressant, 8,1 % voulaient des poulets pour leur viande. Un peu plus de 1/5 (21,1 %) de ceux qui ont des troupeaux actuels ou récents ont permis aux oiseaux d'entrer dans leur maison. Un peu plus de 7 % ont indiqué à tort que le virus de la rage pouvait être transmis par des poulets urbains. Conclusions: Les raisons d'avoir ou de vouloir des poulets urbains comprenaient la nourriture et la compagnie. De nombreux propriétaires ont déclaré autoriser l'entrée des poulets dans leurs maisons, soulignant les possibilités accrues de transmission d'agents pathogènes zoonotiques. Il y avait des idées fausses concernant les agents pathogènes transmissibles par les poulets.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Relationship between quantitative real-time PCR cycle threshold and culture for detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.

Objective: To compare PCR and culture results for the detection of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). Animals: Respiratory tract samples (N = 158) from horses being tested for S. equi. Procedure: Bacterial culture was carried out on samples from which S. equi was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: S. equi was isolated from 12 (7.6%) samples: 4/9 (44%) samples when the PCR cycle threshold (CT) was ≤ 30, 7/30 (23%) when the CT was 30.1 to 35, and 1/119 (0.8%) when the CT was 35.1 to 40. The highest CT sample from a sample that yielded a positive culture was 36.9. The optimal Youden's J value was at a CT of 34.2, the same value as determined by number needed to misdiagnose when the cost of a false negative is deemed to be either 5 or 10 × that of a false positive. Conclusions: Viable S. equi was only detected in a minority of quantitative PCR (qPCR) positive samples. A qPCR CT of 34.2 was a reasonable breakpoint for likelihood of the presence of culturable S. equi. Clinical relevance: Evaluation of CT values may be useful as a proxy to indicate the likelihood of cultivable S. equi being present and could be useful as part of risk assessments.

Relation entre le seuil du cycle de PCR quantitatif en temps réel et la culture pour la détection de Streptococcus equi sous-espèce equi. Objectif: Comparer les résultats de PCR et de culture pour la détection de Streptococcus equi sous-espèce equi (S. equi). Animaux: Échantillons des voies respiratoires (N = 158) de chevaux testés pour S. equi. Procédure: La culture bactérienne a été réalisée sur des échantillons à partir desquels S. equi a été détecté par PCR quantitatif en temps réel. Résultats: S. equi a été isolé à partir de 12 échantillons (7,6 %) : 4/9 (44 %) échantillons lorsque le seuil du cycle de PCR (CT) était ≤ 30, 7/30 (23 %) lorsque le CT était de 30,1 à 35 et 1/119 (0,8 %) lorsque le CT était de 35,1 à 40. L'échantillon CT le plus élevé d'un échantillon ayant donné une culture positive était de 36,9. La valeur J optimale de Youden était à un CT de 34,2, la même valeur que celle déterminée par le nombre nécessaire pour un mauvais diagnostic lorsque le coût d'un faux négatif est estimé à 5 ou 10 × celui d'un faux positif. Conclusion: Du S. equi viable n'a été détecté que dans une minorité d'échantillons positifs pour le PCR quantitatif (qPCR). Un CT qPCR de 34,2 était un seuil raisonnable pour la probabilité de la présence de S. equi cultivable. Pertinence clinique: L'évaluation des valeurs CT peut être utile comme approximation pour indiquer la probabilité de présence de S. equi cultivable et pourrait être utile dans le cadre d'une évaluation des risques.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Local outbreak of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to paragonimosis in southwestern Ontario dogs.

Three dogs were diagnosed with spontaneous pneumothorax and referred to the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre for management. The 3 dogs were diagnosed with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax due to paragonimosis. The diagnosis was made by visualization of adult trematodes during surgical exploration with histopathological confirmation in 1 dog, and detection of trematode eggs via fecal sedimentation in the other 2 dogs. Two of the dogs developed unusual additional lesions, including hemoabdomen, muscle abscess, and abdominal adhesions. These were suspected to be secondary to aberrant fluke larval migration. All 3 dogs lived within a relatively small geographical area of Ontario and were hospitalized between December 2021 and March 2022. Each dog survived to discharge with surgical or medical management of the pneumothorax and treatment with a prolonged course of fenbendazole. Key clinical message: Paragonimosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for canine spontaneous pneumothorax in areas where Paragonimus kellicotti is, or may be, endemic, or in dogs that have travelled to endemic areas - particularly if the patient has a history of cough or potential exposure to freshwater crayfish. Routine anthelmintic treatment does not prevent infection and standard fecal floatation methods may not detect the eggs. Therefore, diagnostic testing should include a fecal sedimentation test and thoracic radiographs to screen for P. kellicotti.

Éclosion locale de pneumothorax spontané secondaire à la paragonimose chez des chiens du sud-ouest de l'Ontario. Trois chiens ont reçu un diagnostic de pneumothorax spontané et ont été référés au Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre pour prise en charge. Les 3 chiens ont été diagnostiqués avec un pneumothorax spontané secondaire dû à la paragonimose. Le diagnostic a été posé par la visualisation des trématodes adultes lors de l'exploration chirurgicale avec confirmation histopathologique chez 1 chien, et la détection des oeufs de trématodes par sédimentation fécale chez les 2 autres chiens. Deux des chiens ont développé des lésions supplémentaires inhabituelles, notamment un hémoabdomen, un abcès musculaire et des adhérences abdominales. Ces lésions étaient soupçonnées d'être secondaires à une migration larvaire aberrante de la douve. Les 3 chiens vivaient dans une zone géographique relativement restreinte de l'Ontario et ont été hospitalisés entre décembre 2021 et mars 2022. Chaque chien a survécu jusqu'à sa sortie avec une prise en charge chirurgicale ou médicale du pneumothorax et un traitement avec un traitement prolongé au fenbendazole.Message clinique clé :La paragonimose doit être considérée comme un diagnostic différentiel du pneumothorax spontané canin dans les zones où Paragonimus kellicotti est, ou peut être, endémique, ou chez les chiens qui ont voyagé dans des zones endémiques ­ en particulier si le patient a des antécédents de toux ou une exposition potentielle aux écrevisses d'eau douce. Le traitement vermifuge de routine n'empêche pas l'infection et les méthodes de flottaison fécale standard peuvent ne pas détecter les oeufs. Par conséquent, les tests de diagnostic doivent inclure un test de sédimentation fécale et des radiographies thoraciques pour dépister P. kellicotti.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Risk Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Illness in Cats and Dogs1.

We tested swab specimens from pets in households in Ontario, Canada, with human COVID-19 cases by quantitative PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and surveyed pet owners for risk factors associated with infection and seropositivity. We tested serum samples for spike protein IgG and IgM in household pets and also in animals from shelters and low-cost neuter clinics. Among household pets, 2% (1/49) of swab specimens from dogs and 7.7% (5/65) from cats were PCR positive, but 41% of dog serum samples and 52% of cat serum samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG or IgM. The likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pet samples was higher for cats but not dogs that slept on owners' beds and for dogs and cats that contracted a new illness. Seropositivity in neuter-clinic samples was 16% (35/221); in shelter samples, 9.3% (7/75). Our findings indicate a high likelihood for pets in households of humans with COVID-19 to seroconvert and become ill.

Antibacterial treatment for exotic species, backyard ruminants and small flocks: a narrative review highlighting barriers to effective and appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

Antimicrobial resistance is a complex One Health issue that exists in both human and veterinary medicine. To mitigate this ever-growing problem, efforts have been made to develop guidelines for appropriate antimicrobial use (AMU) across sectors. In veterinary medicine, there are notable literature gaps for proper AMU in minor species. We conducted a structured narrative review covering the years of July 2006 - July 2021 to find antimicrobial treatments for common bacterial infections in exotic (birds, rodents, reptiles, and others), small flock (chickens, turkeys, and other fowl), and backyard small ruminant (sheep and goats) species. We retrieved a total of 4728 articles, of which 21 articles met the criteria for our review. Studies were grouped according to species, syndrome, and body system affected. Other data extracted included the bacterial pathogen(s), treatment (active ingredient), and geographical origin. Body systems reported included: intra-oral (n = 4), gastrointestinal (n = 1), respiratory (n = 2), reproductive (n = 1), skin (n = 3), aural (n = 1), ocular (n = 4), and other/multisystem (n = 5). By species, our search resulted in: rabbit (n = 5), rat (n = 2), guinea pig (n = 1), chinchilla (n = 1), guinea pig and chinchilla (n = 1), avian species (n = 1), psittacine birds (n = 2), loris and lorikeets (n = 1), turtles (n = 2), lizards (n = 1), goats (n = 2) and sheep (n = 2). The results of our findings identified a distinct gap in consistent antimicrobial treatment information for commonly encountered bacterial conditions within these species. There is a persisting need for clinical trials that focus on antibacterial treatment to strengthen the evidence base for AMU within exotic, small flock, and backyard small ruminant species.

Estimation of defined daily doses of antimicrobials for dogs and cats treated for bacterial cystitis.

Objective: To calculate prescribed daily doses (PDDs) for selected antimicrobials and evaluate application of defined daily doses (DDDs) using an antimicrobial purchasing dataset. Animals: Data from dogs and cats treated for bacterial cystitis at a veterinary practice network were evaluated. Procedure: A dataset containing antimicrobial prescriptions for dogs and cats diagnosed with bacterial cystitis was evaluated. Median dose and frequency and median weight of treated animals were used to calculate PDDs. To account for differences in use between dogs and cats, an adjusted DDD was calculated based on adjustment for proportional use in dogs versus cats. Results: PDDs for dogs and cats were determined and adjusted DDDs were calculated and applied to an antimicrobial purchasing dataset from 886 veterinary clinics, demonstrating the difference between mass-based and DDD data. Conclusions: DDDs can be estimated using prescription datasets, accounting for differences in weights (between and within species) and relative use between dogs and cats. These can be applied to broader (sales, purchase) datasets to provide a more detailed understanding of how antimicrobials are used. Clinical relevance: DDDs could be a useful measure for assessing mass-based antimicrobial use datasets as part of antimicrobial stewardship surveillance efforts.

Objectif: Calculer les doses quotidiennes prescrites (PDDs) pour certains antimicrobiens et évaluer l'application de doses quotidiennes définies (DDDs) à l'aide d'un ensemble de données d'achat d'antimicrobiens. Animaux: Les données de chiens et de chats traités pour une cystite bactérienne dans un réseau de pratiques vétérinaires ont été évaluées. Procédure: Un ensemble de données contenant des prescriptions d'antimicrobiens pour les chiens et les chats diagnostiqués avec une cystite bactérienne a été évalué. La dose et la fréquence médianes et le poids médian des animaux traités ont été utilisés pour calculer les PDDs. Pour tenir compte des différences d'utilisation entre les chiens et les chats, une DDD ajustée a été calculée sur la base d'un ajustement pour une utilisation proportionnelle chez les chiens par rapport aux chats. Résultats: Les PDDs pour les chiens et les chats ont été déterminées et les DDDs ajustées ont été calculés et appliqués à un ensemble de données d'achat d'antimicrobiens provenant de 886 cliniques vétérinaires, démontrant la différence entre les données basées sur la masse et les données DDD. Conclusions: Les DDD peuvent être estimées à l'aide d'ensembles de données de prescription, en tenant compte des différences de poids (entre et au sein des espèces) et de l'utilisation relative entre les chiens et les chats. Celles-ci peuvent être appliquées à des ensembles de données plus larges (ventes, achats) pour fournir une compréhension plus détaillée de la façon dont les antimicrobiens sont utilisés. Pertinence clinique: Les DDDs pourraient être une mesure utile pour évaluer les ensembles de données sur l'utilisation massive d'antimicrobiens dans le cadre des efforts de surveillance de la gestion des antimicrobiens.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Comprehensive skin microbiome analysis reveals the uniqueness of human skin and evidence for phylosymbiosis within the class Mammalia.

Skin is the largest organ of the body and represents the primary physical barrier between mammals and their external environment, yet the factors that govern skin microbial community composition among mammals are poorly understood. The objective of this research was to generate a skin microbiota baseline for members of the class Mammalia, testing the effects of host species, geographic location, body region, and biological sex. Skin from the back, torso, and inner thighs of 177 nonhuman mammals was sampled, representing individuals from 38 species and 10 mammalian orders. Animals were sampled from farms, zoos, households, and the wild. The DNA extracts from all skin swabs were amplified by PCR and sequenced, targeting the V3-V4 regions of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes. Previously published skin microbiome data from 20 human participants, sampled and sequenced using an identical protocol to the nonhuman mammals, were included to make this a comprehensive analysis. Human skin microbial communities were distinct and significantly less diverse than all other sampled mammalian orders. The factor most strongly associated with microbial community data for all samples was whether the host was a human. Within nonhuman samples, host taxonomic order was the most significant factor influencing skin microbiota, followed by the geographic location of the habitat. By comparing the congruence between host phylogeny and microbial community dendrograms, we observed that Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates) and Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates) had significant congruence, providing evidence of phylosymbiosis between skin microbial communities and their hosts.

Longitudinal study of the cutaneous microbiota of healthy horses.

BACKGROUND: Next-generation sequencing techniques have revealed that human and animal skin is colonised by a rich and diverse population of bacteria, and that microbial composition varies between different body sites and individuals. Very little is known about the normal microbiota of healthy equine skin. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To describe the taxonomic distributions of cutaneous bacterial microbiota in a population of healthy horses in Ontario, Canada, and to evaluate the effects of body site, individual and time of year on microbial diversity and community composition. ANIMALS: Samples were collected from four body sites (dorsum, ventral abdomen, pastern and groin) from 12 clinically healthy horses from the same farm. Samples were collected from all individuals at four time points (winter, spring, summer, autumn) within a calendar year. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Illumina sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was performed following DNA extraction. Data were analysed using mothur software. RESULTS: Bacteria from 38 phyla and 1,665 genera were identified. Alpha diversity was higher in the winter and summer than spring and autumn although this was not statistically significant. Community membership and structure clustered more based on season than skin site. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Healthy equine skin is inhabited by a marked diversity of microbiota. Individuals living in a similar environment share overlapping cutaneous microbial populations. These populations vary significantly over time and between body sites.

Use of a surgical safety checklist after implementation in an academic veterinary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the use and barriers to uptake of a surgical safety checklist (SSC) after implementation in a veterinary teaching hospital. STUDY DESIGN: Voluntary online survey and retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: All personnel actively involved in the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre small animal surgery service between October 2, 2018 and June 28, 2019. METHODS: Surgical case logs and electronically initiated SSC were reviewed to calculate checklist use. The sample population was surveyed to identify factors and barriers associated with use of the SSC. Participants were allowed 1 month to respond, and five reminder emails were sent. RESULTS: Forth-one of 50 (82%) participants completed the survey. The SSC was used in 374 of 784 (47.7%) surgeries. Use rates declined over sequential three-month intervals (P < .0001). Twenty-six of 41 (63%) respondents overestimated checklist use. Staff attitudes were largely supportive of the SSC, with 29 of 41 respondents suggesting mandatory application. Forgetfulness, hierarchal concerns, timing issues, perceived delays in care, lack of clarity regarding roles, and inadequate training were identified as obstacles to use of the SSC. CONCLUSION: The SCC tested in this study was used in approximately half of the surgical procedures performed after its implementation. Hospital personnel were supportive of the SSC; forgetting to use the SSC was the most common barrier identified by respondents (24/41 [59%]). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The SSC implementation experience and user feedback described here should be taken into consideration to improve design and implementation of future SSC.

Evaluation of changes in microbiota after fecal microbiota transplantation in 6 diarrheic horses.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the fecal microbiota of horses with acute and chronic diarrhea before and after fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Six client-owned horses with acute and chronic diarrhea received FMT from 2 healthy donor horses. Microbiota analysis using next-generation sequencing was performed on fecal samples collected before and 2 and 7 d after FMT. Signs of diarrhea improved in 4 horses, whereas the remaining 2 horses did not survive. There was a significant difference in the number of bacterial species between donors and recipients (P < 0.05). The Order Lactobacillales and the genera Lactobacillus, Intestinimonas, and Streptococcus were increased in the microbiota of diarrheic horses, and Saccharofermentans genus increased in healthy donors. The results suggest that FMT from the healthy donors was not effective over a 7-day period as it did not change the fecal microbiota of the diarrheic horses. Further research to improve the efficacy of FMT in horses is needed.

Évaluation des modifications du microbiote après une transplantation de microbiote fécal chez six chevaux avec la diarrhée. Le but de cette étude était de caractériser le microbiote fécal des chevaux souffrant de diarrhée aiguë et chronique avant et après la transplantation de microbiote fécal (FMT). Six chevaux souffrant de diarrhée aiguë et chronique et appartenant à des clients ont reçu des FMT provenant de deux chevaux donneurs en bonne santé. Une analyse du microbiote a été réalisée sur des échantillons fécaux prélevés avant et 2 et 7 jours après la FMT. Les signes de la diarrhée se sont améliorés chez 4 des 6 chevaux, tandis que les deux autres n'ont pas survécu. Il y avait une différence significative dans la richesse bactérienne entre les donneurs et les récipients (P < 0,05). L'ordre Lactobacillales, et les genres Lactobacillus, Intestinimonas et Streptococcus ont été associés au microbiote des chevaux diarrhéiques et le genre Saccharofermentanes à celui des donneurs sains. Les résultats suggèrent que la FMT n'a pas réussi à changer le microbiote fécal des chevaux diarrhéiques sur une période de 7 jours. Des recherches supplémentaires pour améliorer l'efficacité de la FMT chez les chevaux sont nécessaires.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Brucella canis in Commercial Dog Breeding Kennels, Ontario, Canada.

We evaluated the prevalence of Brucella canis seropositivity in a convenience sample of dogs from commercial breeding kennels in Ontario, Canada. Overall, 127/1,080 (11.8%) dogs from 23/63 (37%) kennels were seropositive. The prevalence of positive dogs within kennels with >1 positive dog ranged from 3.9% to 100% (median 33%).

Indications for the use of highest priority critically important antimicrobials in the veterinary sector.

BACKGROUND: Among the measures taken to preserve the clinical efficacy of highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HP-CIAs), the WHO has recommended avoiding their use in food-producing animals. Little is known regarding the indications for which different antimicrobial classes are used in animals, even in countries where data on antimicrobial use are available. OBJECTIVES: To outline, in a narrative review, the diseases for which HP-CIAs are used in veterinary medicine, highlighting incongruences with international guidelines and disease conditions where effective alternatives to HP-CIAs are missing. METHODS: Scientific literature, national reports and expert opinion were used to describe the indications for the use of HP-CIAs in the main food-producing (pigs, cattle and poultry) and companion (horses, dogs and cats) animal species. RESULTS: The most common indications for use of HP-CIAs are enteric and respiratory infections in pigs, cattle and poultry, urogenital infections in dogs and cats and respiratory infections in horses. In some instances, no valid and convenient alternatives to colistin and macrolides are available against certain porcine enteric and bovine respiratory pathogens. Effective, legal and convenient alternatives to HP-CIAs are also lacking for managing common infections in cats, for which oral administration is difficult, Rhodococcus equi infections in horses, some enteric and respiratory infections in poultry and MDR infections in all companion animal species. CONCLUSIONS: Future research and stewardship programmes should focus on the disease conditions identified by this review to reduce the use of HP-CIAs in the veterinary sector.

Bacterial fecal microbiota is only minimally affected by a standardized weight loss plan in obese cats.

BACKGROUND: Research in humans and mice suggests that obesity influences the abundance and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota, and that an "obese microbiome" influences energy metabolism and fat storage in the host. Microbiota membership and composition have been previously assessed in healthy cats. However, research investigating the effects of obesity and weight loss on the cat's fecal microbiota is limited. Therefore, this study's objective was to evaluate differences in fecal microbial abundance and biodiversity, as well as serum cobalamin and folate concentrations in obese cats, before and after weight loss, and compare to lean cats. Fourteen lean and 17 obese healthy client-owned cats were fed a veterinary therapeutic weight loss food at maintenance energy requirement for 4 weeks. At the end of week 4, lean cats finished the study, whereas obese cats continued with a 10-week weight loss period on the same food, fed at individually-tailored weight loss energy requirements. Body weight and body condition score were recorded every 2 weeks throughout the study. At the end of each period, a fecal sample and food-consumption records were obtained from the owners, and serum cobalamin and folate concentrations were analysed. DNA was extracted from fecal samples, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed, and products were sequenced using next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). RESULTS: No significant differences in the relative abundance of taxa and in biodiversity indices were observed between cats in either group (P > 0.05 for all tests). Nevertheless, some significantly enriched taxa, mainly belonging to Firmicutes, were noted in linear discriminant analysis effect size test in obese cats before weight loss compared to lean cats. Serum cobalamin concentrations were significantly higher in lean compared to obese cats both before and after weight loss. Serum folate concentrations were higher in obese cats before weight loss compared to after. CONCLUSIONS: The association between feline obesity and the fecal bacterial microbiota was demonstrated in enriched taxa in obese cats compared to lean cats, which may be related to enhanced efficiency of energy-harvesting. However, in obese cats, the fecal microbial abundance and biodiversity were only minimally affected during the early phase of a standardized weight loss plan.

Recovery of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus species from pet-grooming salons.

BACKGROUND: Meticillin-resistant (MR) staphylococcal species have been cultured from veterinary hospital environments and veterinary instruments. Pet-grooming salon environments and grooming tools may pose a risk for dissemination of MR staphylococcal bacteria into the pet population. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency of MR staphylococcal colonization of pet-grooming salons and to collect information regarding cleaning procedures in grooming salons. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A nonrandomized, observational study was performed in 2018. Locations inside 19 grooming salons near Tacoma, WA, USA, were sampled and selectively cultured for MR, coagulase-positive staphylococci. Sampled sites included clipper blades and handles, leashes, rims of bathtub drains, insides of shampoo caps, and bathtub spray hoses or faucet handles. Grooming salons were asked to complete surveys regarding their cleaning practices. RESULTS: Meticillin-resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from 12 of 19 grooming salons and 25 of 112 total samples. Meticillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus and S. schleiferi were isolated from multiple salons, most commonly from electric clipper blades, clipper handles and grooming leashes. No statistically significant correlations were identified between cleaning practices and the isolation of MR coagulase-positive staphylococci. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Clipper blades, clipper handles and leashes are potential fomites for MR staphylococci in a grooming salon; increased disinfection practices for these items are indicated. A prospective, controlled, large-scale study is warranted to examine the effect of grooming salon hygiene practices on the isolation of MR staphylococci in salons.

Retrospective assessment of perioperative antimicrobial use for elective arthroscopy in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe perioperative antimicrobial use in horses undergoing elective arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Horses that underwent elective arthroscopy at one institution between July 2016 and May 2018, excluding those with a suspected infectious orthopedic disease or with a comorbidity that may have impacted prophylactic antimicrobial use decisions. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed to evaluate preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative antimicrobial drug selection, dose, and timing. Associations between body weight and underdosing were evaluated by using analysis of variance, χ2 test was used for categorical comparisons, and least squares fit was used to evaluate factors associated with duration of postoperative antimicrobials. RESULTS: Among 150 horses, 149 (99.3%) received systemic preoperative antimicrobials. Only 53 (40.2%) horses were administered doses within 60 minutes of surgical incision. First incision was performed more than two half-lives after administration of sodium penicillin in 46 of 131 (35.1%) horses but in only 1 of 106 (0.8%) horses that received trimethoprim-sulfadoxine. Body weight was associated with underdosing for penicillin (P = .0075) and trimethoprim-sulfadoxine (P = .002) but not gentamicin (P = .92). Twenty-six (17%) horses received one postoperative antimicrobial dose, while antimicrobials were continued in hospital for a mean of 22.3 ± 4.4 hours after surgery in the other 123 horses. Among the 149 discharged horses, 115 (77.2%) were prescribed antimicrobials after discharge (range, 3-10 days; median, 3 days, interquartile range, 0 days). CONCLUSION: Deviations from common recommendations were apparent and provide evidence for the requirement to develop interventions to optimize perioperative prophylaxis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Perioperative antimicrobial use practices should be regularly assessed to provide a benchmark and identify areas for intervention.

Presence of Qac genes in clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and their impact on chlorhexidine digluconate susceptibility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) (resistance genes, qac A/B, smr, qacG, and qacJ, in clinical isolates of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MSSP) and methicillin-resistant S pseudintermedius (MRSP) from dogs and the impact on in vitro chlorhexidine susceptibility. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental in vitro study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Seventy isolates from dogs colonized or infected with MRSP (n = 50) or MSSP (n = 20). METHODS: Agar dilution was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of chlorhexidine digluconate. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of QAC resistance genes, qacA/B, smr, qacG, and qacJ genes. RESULTS: One or more qac genes were identified in 52 of 70 (74%) isolates. Overall, there was no association between chlorhexidine MIC and the presence of one or more qac genes (P = .85) or the presence of qacA/B (P = .31), smr (P = .72) or qacJ (P = .93) individually. There was an association between qacG and MIC (P = .012), with a median MIC of 1.5 µg/mL for isolates possessing this gene and 1 µg/mL for those not possessing it. CONCLUSION: Quaternary ammonium compound resistance genes were present in MRSP and MSSP isolates. With the exception of qacG, the presence of these genes was not associated with increased MIC. All isolates exhibited MIC 5000 to 80 000 times lower than the concentration recommended for use. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the presence of QAC genes, chlorhexidine digluconate should be effective against MRSP and MSSP if used correctly.