Successful phage-antibiotic therapy of P. aeruginosa implant-associated infection in a Siamese cat.

Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a growing global issue, leading to untreatable infectious diseases in both humans and animals. Personalized bacteriophage (phage) therapy, the use of specific anti-bacterial viruses, is currently a leading approach to combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The implementation of phage therapy has primarily been focused on humans, almost neglecting the impact of such infections on the health and welfare of companion animals. Pets also have the potential to spread resistant infections to their owners or the veterinary staff through zoonotic transmission. Here, we showcase personalized phage-antibiotic treatment of a cat with a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa implant-associated infection post-arthrodesis surgery. The treatment encompassed a tailored combination of an anti-P. aeruginosa phage and ceftazidime, precisely matched to the pathogen. The phage was topically applied to the surgical wound while the antibiotic was administered intramuscularly. After two treatment courses spanning 7 and 3 weeks, the surgical wound, which had previously remained open for five months, fully closed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of personalized phage therapy application in felines, which provides further evidence of the effectiveness of this approach. The successful outcome paves the way for personalized phage-antibiotic treatments against persistent infections therapy in veterinary practice.

Identification and florfenicol-treatment of pseudomonas putida infection in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fed on tilapia-trash-feed.

The present study aimed to determine the major cause of the high mortality affecting farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and controlling this disease condition. Fifteen diseased S. aurata were sampled from a private fish farm located at Eldeba Triangle, Damietta, fish showed external skin hemorrhages, and ulceration. Bacterial isolates retrieved from the diseased fish were identified biochemically as Pseudomonas putida and then confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the 16 S rRNA gene sequence. P. putida was also isolated from three batches of tilapia-trash feed given to S. aurata. Biofilm and hemolytic assay indicated that all P. putida isolates produced biofilm, but 61.11% can haemolyse red blood cells. Based on the antibiotic susceptibility test results, P. putida was sensitive to florfenicol with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging between 0.25 and 1.0 µg mL- 1, but all isolates were resistant to ampicillin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Pathogenicity test revealed that P. putida isolate (recovered from the tilapia-trash feed) was virulent for S. aurata with LD50 equal to 4.67 × 107 colony forming unit (CFU) fish- 1. After intraperitoneal (IP) challenge, fish treated with 10 mg kg- 1 of florfenicol showed 16.7% mortality, while no mortality was recorded for the fish group that received 20 mg kg- 1. The non-treated fish group showed 46.7% mortality after bacterial challenge. HPLC analysis of serum florfenicol levels reached 1.07 and 2.52 µg mL- 1 at the 5th -day post-drug administration in the fish groups received 10 and 20 mg kg- 1, respectively. In conclusion, P. putida was responsible for the high mortality affecting cultured S. aurata, in-feed administration of florfenicol (20 mg kg- 1) effectively protected the challenged fish.

Characterization of ß-lactamase and virulence genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical, environmental and poultry sources in Bangladesh.

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa are major concerns for public health worldwide. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in clinical, environmental, and poultry sources in Bangladesh, along with their antibiotic susceptibility and the profiling of ß-lactamase and virulence genes using standard molecular and microbiology techniques. We collected 110 samples from five different locations, viz., BAU residential area (BAURA; n = 15), BAU Healthcare Center (BAUHCC; n = 20), BAU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (BAUVTH; n = 22), Poultry Market (PM; n = 30) and Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MCCH; n = 23). After overnight enrichment in nutrient broth, 89 probable Pseudomonas isolates (80.90%) were screened through selective culture, gram-staining and biochemical tests. Using genus- and species-specific PCR, we confirmed 22 isolates (20.0%) as P. aeruginosa from these samples. Antibiogram profiling revealed that 100.0% P. aeruginosa isolates (n = 22) were multidrug-resistant isolates, showing resistance against Doripenem, Penicillin, Ceftazidime, Cefepime, and Imipenem. Furthermore, resistance to aztreonam was observed in 95.45% isolates. However, P. aeruginosa isolates showed a varying degree of sensitivity against Amikacin, Gentamicin, and Ciprofloxacin. The blaTEM gene was detected in 86.0% isolates, while blaCMY, blaSHV and blaOXA, were detected in 27.0%, 18.0% and 5.0% of the P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively. The algD gene was detected in 32.0% isolates, whereas lasB and exoA genes were identified in 9.0% and 5.0% P. aeruginosa isolates. However, none of the P. aeruginosa isolates harbored exoS gene. Hence, this study provides valuable and novel insights on the resistance and virulence of circulating P. aeruginosa within the clinical, environmental, and poultry environments of Bangladesh. These findings are crucial for understanding the emergence of ß-lactamase resistance in P. aeruginosa, highlighting its usefulness in the treatment and control of P. aeruginosa infections in both human and animal populations.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of resistance and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from poultry farms in Egypt using whole genome sequencing.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an ESKAPE pathogen that can quickly develop resistance to most antibiotics. This bacterium is a zoonotic pathogen that can be found in humans, animals, foods, and environmental samples, making it a One-Health concern. P. aeruginosa threatens the poultry industry in Egypt, leading to significant economic losses. However, the investigation of this bacterium using NGS technology is nearly non-existent in Egypt. In this study, 38 isolates obtained from broiler farms of the Delta region were phenotypically investigated, and their genomes were characterized using whole genome sequencing (WGS). The study found that 100% of the isolates were resistant to fosfomycin and harbored the fosA gene. They were also resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, although only one isolate harbored the sul1 gene. Non-susceptibility (resistant, susceptible with increased dose) of colistin was observed in all isolates. WGS analysis revealed a high level of diversity between isolates, and MLST analysis allocated the 38 P. aeruginosa isolates into 11 distinct sequence types. The most predominant sequence type was ST267, found in 13 isolates, followed by ST1395 in 8 isolates. The isolates were susceptible to almost all tested antibiotics carrying only few different antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. Various AMR genes that confer resistance mainly to ß-lactam, aminoglycoside, sulfonamide, and phenicol compounds were identified. Additionally, several virulence associated genes were found without any significant differences in number and distribution among isolates. The majority of the virulence genes was identified in almost all isolates. The fact that P. aeruginosa, which harbors several AMR and virulence-associated factors, is present in poultry farms is alarming and threatens public health. The misuse of antimicrobial compounds in poultry farms plays a significant role in resistance development. Thus, increasing awareness and implementing strict veterinary regulations to guide the use of veterinary antibiotics is required to reduce health and environmental risks. Further studies from a One-Health perspective using WGS are necessary to trace the potential transmission routes of resistance between animals and humans and clarify resistance mechanisms.

Evaluation of immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the outer membrane porin F (OprF) against Pseudomonas plecoglossicida in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) farming dominates the marine aquaculture industry in China. However, the epidemic outbreaks of visceral white nodules disease (VWND), caused by bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, have emerged as a significant concern within the large yellow croaker industry. Although vaccination is considered to be an effective method for preventing and controlling P. plecoglossicida infection, there is currently no commercially available vaccine targeting this bacterium. In the present study, the outer membrane porin F (OprF) of P. plecoglossicida was characterized and revealed a high sequence similarity with that of other Pseudomonas species. The recombinant OprF protein (rOprF) produced in Escherichia coli was then evaluated for its immunogenicity and protective role against P. plecoglossicida in large yellow croaker. The rOprF was identified to have immunogenicity by Western blot using large yellow croaker anti-P. plecoglossicida sera. Additionally, the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA) provided evidence indicating the surface exposure of OprF in P. plecoglossicida. Fish vaccinated twice via intraperitoneal (IP) injection with the purified rOprF combined with commercial adjuvant ISA 763A VG exhibited a relative percent survival (RPS) of 70.60% after challenge with virulent P. plecoglossicida strain through immersion. The administration of rOprF resulted in a notable increase in specific serum antibody levels and serum lysozyme activity compared to the control groups. The immune-related genes in the spleen and head kidney of rOprF-vaccinated fish were remarkably upregulated compared with the PBS-vaccinated sham group after the P. plecoglossicida challenge. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that rOprF exhibits considerable potential in inducing a robust immune response, making it a viable candidate for vaccination against P. plecoglossicida infection in large yellow croaker.

Dissemination of mcr-1 and ß-lactamase genes among Pseudomonas aeruginosa: molecular characterization of MDR strains in broiler chicks and dead-in-shell chicks infections.

OBJECTIVES: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is one of the most serious pathogens implicated in antimicrobial resistance, and it has been identified as an ESKAPE along with other extremely significant multidrug resistance pathogens. The present study was carried out to explore prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility phenotypes, virulence-associated genes, integron (int1), colistin (mcr-1), and ß-lactamase resistance' genes (ESBls), as well as biofilm profiling of P. aeruginosa isolated from broiler chicks and dead in-shell chicks. DESIGN: A total of 300 samples from broiler chicks (n = 200) and dead in-shell chicks (n = 100) collected from different farms and hatcheries located at Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt were included in this study. Bacteriological examination was performed by cultivation of the samples on the surface of both Cetrimide and MacConkey's agar. Presumptive colonies were then subjected to biochemical tests and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting 16S rRNA. The recovered isolates were tested for the presence of three selected virulence-associated genes (lasB, toxA, and exoS). Furthermore, the retrieved isolates were subjected to phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method as well as phenotypic detection of ESBLs by both Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST) and the Phenotypic Confirmatory Disc Diffusion Test (PCDDT). P. aeruginosa isolates were then tested for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs): int1, mcr-1, and ESBL genes (OXA-10, OXA-2, VEB-1, SHV, TEM, and CTX-M). Additionally, biofilm production was examined by the Tube Adherent method (TA) and Microtiter Plate assay (MTP). RESULTS: Fifty -five isolates were confirmed to be P. aeruginosa, including 35 isolates from broiler chicks and 20 isolates from dead in-shell chicks. The three tested virulence genes (lasB, toxA, and exoS) were detected in all isolates. Antibiogram results showed complete resistance against penicillin, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, streptomycin, erythromycin, spectinomycin, and doxycycline, while a higher sensitivity was observed against meropenem, imipenem, colistin sulfate, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. ESBL production was confirmed in 12 (21.8%) and 15 (27.3%) isolates by DDST and PCDDT, respectively. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs): int1, mcr-1, and ESBL genes (OXA-10, SHV, TEM, and CTX-M), were detected in 87.3%, 18.2%, 16.4%, 69.1%, 72.7%, and 54.5% of the examined isolates respectively, whereas no isolate harbored the OXA-2 or VEB-1 genes. Based on the results of both methods used for detection of biofilm formation, Kappa statistics [kappa 0.324] revealed a poor agreement between both methods. CONCLUSIONS: the emergence of mcr-1 and its coexistence with other resistance genes such as ß-lactamase genes, particularly blaOXA-10, for the first time in P. aeruginosa from young broiler chicks and dead in-shell chicks in Egypt pose a risk not only to the poultry industry but also to public health.

An aluminium adjuvant compound with ginseng stem leaf saponins enhances the potency of inactivated Pseudomonas plecoglossicida vaccine in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) farm industry in China suffered from huge economic loss caused by Pseudomonas plecoglossicida infection. Due to multi-antibiotic resistance, efficient vaccines are urgent to be developed to combat this pathogen. In this study, an inactivated vaccine was developed with an aluminium adjuvant (Alum) plus ginseng stem and leaf saponins (GSLS). As a result, the relative percentage survival (RPS) against P. plecoglossicida was up to 67.8 %. Comparatively, RPS of groups that vaccinated with only inactivated vaccine and vaccine containing Alum or Montanide™ 763A as adjuvant were 21.8 %, 32.2 % and 62.1 %, respectively. Assays for total serum protein and serum lysozyme activity in group vaccinated with inactivated vaccine plus Alum + GSLS adjuvant were significantly higher than that in control group. Moreover, specific antibody in serum elicited a rapid and persistent level. According to the expression of some immune related genes, inactivated vaccine plus Alum + GSLS adjuvant induced a stronger cellular immune response which was vital to defend against P. plecoglossicida. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the compound Alum and GSLS adjuvant is a potential adjuvant system to develop LYC vaccine.

Lactobacillus plantarum E2 regulates intestinal microbiota and alleviates Pseudomonas plecoglossicida induced inflammation and apoptosis in zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida infection is a highly contagious epidemic in aquaculture, causing significant mortality among teleost. Our previous research has demonstrated that Lactobacillus plantarum E2 is beneficial for large yellow croaker in resisting infections caused by P. plecoglossicida. However, the relevant mechanisms remain largely unclear. In the present study, we used zebrafish (Danio rerio) to further explore the function of L. plantarum E2 and its mechanisms for resisting P. plecoglossicida infection. E2 supplementation diet significantly improved the growth rates and α-amylase and trypsin activities of the liver in zebrafish. After challenge with P. plecoglossicida strain PQLYC4, the survival rates of zebrafish were improved, and immune-related genes expression (IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-8, Ig-Z, TLR-22 and IL-12α) were down-regulated. Histological analysis showed that E2 group had a longer intestinal villus and thicker intestinal walls after 30 days of feeding and healthier intestinal structure after challenge with P. plecoglossicida strain PQLYC4. Furthermore, co-incubation of zebrafish embryo fibroblast (ZF-4 cells) with L. plantarum E2 reduced apoptosis of ZF-4 cells after exposed to P. plecoglossicida. Intestinal microbiota analysis showed that E2 strain significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas, and PCoA analysis revealed a noticeable divergence in the intestinal microbial communities after E2 supplement. Together, our results suggested that E2 strain may promote zebrafish survival against P. plecoglossicida infection by regulating the intestinal microbiota and alleviating inflammatory response and apoptosis, thus exhibiting the potential as a probiotic.

Molecular detection of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa of different avian sources with pathogenicity testing and in vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a serious zoonotic pathogen threaten the poultry industry causing severe economic losses therefor, this study aimed to isolation, phenotypic, molecular identification of P. aeruginosa from different avian sources (chickens, turkey, pigeons, table eggs, and dead in shell chicken embryos), from different Egyptian governorates (Giza, Qalubia, Beheira, El-Minya, and Al-Sharqia) with applying of antibiotic sensitivity test on all P. aeruginosa isolates. Highly resistant isolates (n = 49) were subjected to molecular identification of P. aeruginosa with detection of resistant genes including carbapenemase-encoding genes blaKPC, blaOXA-48, and blaNDM. On the base of molecular results, a highly resistant P. aeruginosa strain was tested for its pathogenicity on day old specific pathogen free (SPF) chicks. Also, in vitro experiment was adopted to evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) against highly antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa strains. The overall isolation percentage was from all examined samples were 36.2% (571/1,576) representing 45.2% (532/1,176) from different birds' tissues and 39/400 (9.7%) from total egg samples. Some of isolated strains showed multidrug resistance (MDR) against kanamycin, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, neomycin, chloramphenicol, vancomycin, cefotaxime clavulanic acid, lincomycin-spectinomycin, co-trimoxazole, cefoxitin, gentamycin, and doxycycline. These MDR strains were also molecularly positive for ESBL and carbapenemase-encoding genes. MDR strain showed high pathogenicity with histopathological alterations in different organs in challenged birds. Main histopathological lesions were necrosis of hepatocytes, renal tubular epithelium, and heart muscle bundles. The MDR strain showed in vitro sensitivity to Ag-NPs. In conclusion, MDR P. aeruginosa is a serious pathogen causing high morbidity, mortality, and pathological tissue alterations. Ag NPs revealed a promising in vitro antimicrobial sensitivity against MDR P. aeruginosa and further in vivo studies were recommended.

Sustained release of alginate hydrogel containing antimicrobial peptide Chol-37(F34-R) in vitro and its effect on wound healing in murine model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health concern around the globe. Antimicrobial peptides exhibit broad-spectrum and efficient antibacterial activity with an added advantage of low drug resistance. The higher water content and 3D network structure of the hydrogels are beneficial for maintaining antimicrobial peptide activity and help to prevent degradation. The antimicrobial peptide released from hydrogels also hasten the local wound healing by promoting epithelial tissue regeneration and granulation tissue formation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at developing sodium alginate based hydrogel loaded with a novel antimicrobial peptide Chol-37(F34-R) and to investigate the characteristics in vitro and in vivo as an alternative antibacterial wound dressing to treat infectious wounds. METHODS: Hydrogels were developed and optimized by varying the concentrations of crosslinkers and subjected to various characterization tests like cross-sectional morphology, swelling index, percent water contents, water retention ratio, drug release and antibacterial activity in vitro, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected wound mice model in vivo. RESULTS: The results indicated that the hydrogel C proved superior in terms of cross-sectional morphology having uniformly sized interconnected pores, a good swelling index, with the capacity to retain a higher quantity of water. Furthermore, the optimized hydrogel has been found to exert a significant antimicrobial activity against bacteria and was also found to prevent bacterial infiltration into the wound site due to forming an impermeable barrier between the wound bed and external environment. The optimized hydrogel was found to significantly hasten skin regeneration in animal models when compared to other treatments in addition to strong inhibitory effect on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that sodium alginate -based hydrogels loaded with Chol-37(F34-R) hold the potential to be used as an alternative to conventional antibiotics in treating infectious skin wounds.

A nosocomial Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST3495 isolated from a wild Burmese python (Python bivittatus) with suppurative pneumonia and bacteremia in Hainan, China.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common infectious agent associated with respiratory diseases in boas and pythons, however, the histopathology, resistance and virulence are yet described for this species. In this study, we investigated a dying Burmese python rescued from tropical rainforest in Hainan. Clinical signs were open-mouthed breathing, abnormal shedding and anorexia. Abundant yellow mucopurulent secretions were observed in highly ectatic segmental bronchi by postmortem. Histopathological lesions included systemic pneumonia, enteritis, nephritis and carditis. P. aeruginosa was the only species isolated from heart blood, kidney, trachea and lung. The phenotype analysis demonstrated that the isolates had strong biofilm, and were sensitive to amikacin, spectinomycin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and polymyxin B, moreover, the LD50 of the most virulent isolate was 2.22×105 cfu/mL in a zebrafish model. Molecular epidemiological analysis revealed that the isolates belonged to sequence type 3495, the common gene patterns were toxA + exoSYT + phzIM + plcHN in virulence and catB + blaTEM + ant (3'')-I+ tetA in resistance. This study highlights that P. aeruginosa should be worth more attention in wildlife conservation and raise the public awareness for the cross infection and cross spread between animals and human.

The comparative effects of erythromycin and amikacin on acute respiratory Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common causes of pneumonia is Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). As with other microbial pathogens, this bacterium tends to develop resistance to various antibiotics. Amikacin and erythromycin, which are from the aminoglycoside and macrolide antibiotic families, are used to treat respiratory infections caused by P. aeruginosa. OBJECTIVES: This study explored whether amikacin, erythromycin or a combination of both works better against P. aeruginosa acute lung infection. METHODS: For this study, 32 rats were used. The trachea of rats was exposed aseptically and their lung was infected with P. aeruginosa through trachea. Then, according to the group, they received amikacin, erythromycin or a combination of both for 1 week. Finally, they were euthanised on the 3rd and 7th days post-infection. The macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the lungs, kidney and liver were performed. The right lung was collected for in vivo bacteriological analysis. RESULTS: The amikacin group (A group) had a statistically significantly lower macroscopic and microscopic scores than the other groups (p < 0.05). In vivo bacteriological test revealed that the A group had significantly lower lung bacterial load (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, it was concluded that amikacin could help alleviate the respiratory infection caused by P. aeruginosa solely, and it was more effective than erythromycin.

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

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

Transcriptomic and metabolomic insights into the role of the flgK gene in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida to orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides).

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida is the pathogen responsible for visceral white spot disease in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) and orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Previously, RNA sequencing showed that P. plecoglossicida flgK gene expression was significantly up-regulated in orange-spotted grouper spleens during infection. To explore the role of flgK in P. plecoglossicida pathogenicity, RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to silence the P. plecoglossicida flgK gene, and the mutant (flgK-RNAi strain) with the best silencing efficiency (89.40%) was chosen for further study. Results showed that flgK gene silencing significantly attenuated P. plecoglossicida motility, adhesion, and biofilm formation. Compared to those fish infected with the wild-type strain of P. plecoglossicida, orange-spotted grouper infected with the flgK-RNAi strain showed a 55% increase in the survival rate and a one-day delay in time of first death, with fewer pathogens in the spleen and fewer white spots on the spleen surface. RNAi of flgK significantly affected the transcriptome and metabolome of the spleen in infected orange-spotted grouper. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway was the most significantly changed immune-related pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was related to multiple immune-related pathways. Furthermore, arginine biosynthesis and glycerophospholipid metabolism were the most significantly changed metabolism-related pathways. These findings suggest that flgK is a virulence gene of P. plecoglossicida. Furthermore, flgK appears to be involved in the regulation of motility, adhesion, and biofilm formation in P. plecoglossicida, as well as in the regulation of inflammatory and immune responses of orange-spotted grouper to P. plecoglossicida infection.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility, antibiogram and clinical interpretation, and antimicrobial prescribing behaviors for dogs with otitis in the Midwestern United States.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) can cause otitis in dogs that is nonresponsive to empirical therapy. This study evaluated P. aeruginosa isolates (N = 216) from canine ear swabs submitted to the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 2018-2020 to create an antibiogram and minimum inhibitory concentration distributions using Clinical Laboratory Standards Institutes breakpoints. Multidrug resistance was defined as non-susceptibility to ≥1 drug from ≥3 antimicrobial classes. Submitting veterinarians (N = 83) were invited to complete a survey about antimicrobial use and otitis management. Susceptibility was higher for aminoglycosides [gentamicin (82%, 177/216) and amikacin (81%, 175/216)] than fluoroquinolones [marbofloxacin (67%, 145/216), enrofloxacin (32%, 70/216), and orbifloxacin (18%, 39/216)]. Most responding veterinarians (54%, 15/28) prescribe topical aminoglycosides as first-line therapy for canine otitis, but 71% (15/21) prescribe fluoroquinolones if rods are seen cytologically. Ceftazidime, imipenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam showed high susceptibility and are used rarely. Multidrug resistance was present in 13% (28/216) of isolates. Based on in vitro susceptibility, topical aminoglycosides might be more effective than fluoroquinolones for P. aeruginosa otitis, but efficacy studies are required. Susceptibility testing is encouraged for cases not responding to empirical therapy but has limitations because topical preparations have high concentrations and otic breakpoints are not available.

Characterization of 4 deletion mutants of Pseudomonas plecoglossicida and their potential for live attenuated vaccines in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

To search for live attenuated vaccines (LAV) candidates against Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, the causative agent of the visceral granulomas disease in farmed large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), two type Ⅵ secretion systems (T6SS) and a predicted α/ß fold family hydrolase encoding gene, ORF4885 were targeted to construct deletion mutants. The biological profiles of 4 mutants were characterized; LD50 to the croakers detected, in vivo survival post-infection investigated， relative percent of survival (RPS) of the croakers 28d post-vaccination determined, and transcription of five immunity-related genes of the treated fish was quantified. On comparison to the WT, the mutants revealed similar growth curves in 11h; swarming motility of Δ4885 declined significantly at 72h post-incubation (P < 0.05); ΔS1Δ4885 showed significantly poor biofilm formation and weak resistance to fish serum bactericidal activity (P < 0.05). LD50 of the mutants were much higher than the WT, indication of strong virulence attenuation; in vivo survival test showed the mutant ΔS1Δ4885 and ΔS1ΔS3 were eliminated by the host 10d post-infection, demonstration of the safety and potentiality to be LAV candidates. Immunization with the mutant ΔS1Δ4885 provided higher RPS than ΔS1ΔS3. Transcription of IgT was significant in all immunized groups while IgM increased only in intraperitoneally injected groups. This study successfully searched a quite safe and strong immunogenic LAV candidate to defeat P. plecoglossicida infection.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolation from dog grooming products used by private owners or by professional pet grooming salons: prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most commonly isolated bacterium from skin lesions of dogs with post-grooming furunculosis (PGF). It is frequently found in human hair and skin care products, and may pose a health risk to consumers. Information regarding the prevalence of P. aeruginosa contamination of dog grooming products is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of P. aeruginosa contamination in nonmedicated dog grooming products after either home or professional use in pet grooming salons, and to identify risk factors that may be associated with contamination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 117 bottles of grooming products sampled for bacterial culture, 97 were used by pet grooming salons and 20 were used by private individuals. The following suspected risk factors were recorded: bottle size, relative remaining volume, content dilution, expiration date and ingredient list. RESULTS: Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 14 of 117 samples [11.97%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.97-19.3%]. Diluted products were contaminated significantly more often compared to undiluted products (odds ratio = 15.5, 95%CI 2.05-117.23; P < 0.01). None of the other variables was significantly associated with P. aeruginosa contamination. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination of dog grooming shampoos and conditioners was significantly associated with product dilution. Contaminated grooming products may predispose dogs to severe bacterial skin infections such as PGF.

Contexte - Pseudomonas aeruginosa est la bactérie la plus couramment isolée des lésions cutanées des chiens atteints de furonculose post-toilettage (PGF). On la trouve fréquemment dans les cheveux humains et les produits de soin de la peau et peut présenter un risque pour la santé des consommateurs. Les informations concernant la prévalence de la contamination par P. aeruginosa des produits de toilettage pour chiens font défaut. Objectifs - Étudier la prévalence de la contamination par P. aeruginosa des produits de toilettage pour chiens non médicamenteux après un usage domestique ou professionnel dans les salons de toilettage pour animaux de compagnie, et identifier les facteurs de risque pouvant être associés à la contamination. Matériels et méthodes - Sur 117 flacons de produits de toilettage prélevés pour culture bactérienne, 97 étaient utilisés par des salons de toilettage et 20 par des particuliers. Les facteurs de risque suspectés suivants ont été enregistrés : taille de la bouteille, volume restant relatif, dilution du contenu, date de péremption et liste des ingrédients. Résultats - Pseudomonas aeruginosa a été isolé dans 14 des 117 échantillons [11,97 %, intervalle de confiance (IC) à 95 % 6,97-19,3 %]. Les produits dilués étaient significativement plus souvent contaminés que les produits non dilués (odds ratio = 15,5, IC à 95 % 2,05-117,23 ; P < 0,01). Aucune des autres variables n'était significativement associée à la contamination par P. aeruginosa. Conclusions et pertinence clinique - La contamination par Pseudomonas aeruginosa des shampoings et après shampoings pour chiens était significativement associée à la dilution du produit. Les produits de toilettage contaminés peuvent prédisposer les chiens à de graves infections cutanées bactériennes telles que la PGF.

Introducción- Pseudomonas aeruginosa es la bacteria más comúnmente aislada de las lesiones cutáneas de perros con furunculosis posterior al aseado (PGF). Se encuentra con frecuencia en productos para el cuidado de la piel y el cabello humano, y puede representar un riesgo para la salud de los consumidores. Falta información sobre la prevalencia de la contaminación por P. aeruginosa en los productos de aseo para perros. Objetivos- investigar la prevalencia de la contaminación por P. aeruginosa en productos de aseo canino no medicados después del uso doméstico o profesional en salones de aseo de mascotas, e identificar los factores de riesgo que pueden estar asociados con la contaminación. Materiales y métodos- de 117 botellas de productos de aseo muestreados para cultivo bacteriano, 97 fueron utilizados por salones de aseo de mascotas y 20 fueron utilizados por particulares. Se registraron los siguientes factores de riesgo sospechosos: tamaño de la botella, volumen restante relativo, dilución del contenido, fecha de caducidad y lista de ingredientes. Resultados- se aisló Pseudomonas aeruginosa en 14 de 117 muestras [11,97 %, intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95 %: 6,97-19,3 %]. Los productos diluidos se contaminaron significativamente más a menudo en comparación con los productos sin diluir (odds ratio = 15,5, IC del 95 %: 2,05-117,23; P < 0,01). Ninguna de las otras variables se asoció significativamente con la contaminación por P. aeruginosa. Conclusiones y relevancia clínica- la contaminación por Pseudomonas aeruginosa de los champús y acondicionadores de aseo para perros se asoció significativamente con la dilución del producto. Los productos de aseo contaminados pueden predisponer a los perros a infecciones cutáneas bacterianas graves como la PGF.

Contexto - Pseudomonas aeruginosa é a bactéria mais frequentemente isolada de lesões cutâneas de cães com furunculose pós-banho (FPB). É frequentemente encontrada em cabelos humanos e cosméticos e pode causar malefícios à saúde dos consumidores. Informações sobre a prevalência de contaminação de produtos de banho caninos por P. aeruginosa são escassas. Objetivos - Investigar a prevalência de contaminação de cosméticos de banho não medicamentosos para cães por P. aeruginosa após uso caseiro ou profissional em pet shops, e identificar os fatores de risco que podem estar associados à contaminação. Materiais e métodos - Dos 117 frascos de cosméticos testados por cultura bacteriana, 97 foram utilizados por pet shops e 20 foram de uso doméstico individual. Os seguintes fatores de risco foram registrados: tamanho do frasco, volume remanescente relativo, diluição do conteúdo, data de validade e lista de ingredientes. Resultados - Pseudomonas aeruginosa foi isolada de 14 das 117 amostras [11,97%, 95% intervalo de confiança (IC) 6,97-19,3%]. Produtos diluídos apresentaram contaminação significativamente mais frequentemente, comparado a produtos não diluídos (odds ratio = 15,5; 95% IC 2,05-117,23; P < 0,01). Nenhuma das outras variáveis foi significativamente associada à contaminação por P.aeruginosa. Conclusões e relevância clínica - A contaminação de shampoos e condicionadores caninos por Pseudomonas aeruginosa foi significativamente associada à diluição do produto. Cosméticos veterinários contaminados podem predispor cães a infecções cutâneas bacterianas como a FPB.

A high-risk carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone detected in red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Portugal.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous bacterium, successfully exploiting a variety of environmental niches due to its remarkable metabolic versatility. The World Health Organization classifies P. aeruginosa as a "priority pathogen" due to its a great ability to overcome the action of antimicrobials, including carbapenems. Hitherto, most studies have focused on clinical settings from humans, but much less on animal and environmental settings, particularly on wildlife. In this work, we report the isolation of a carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain recovered from the faeces of a red deer adult female sampled in a humanized area. This isolate was obtained during a nationwide survey on antimicrobial resistance in wildlife aimed to determine the occurrence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria among 181 widely distributed wild ungulates. This P. aeruginosa isolate was found to be a high-risk clone, belonging to the sequence type (ST) 274. The genomic analysis of P. aeruginosa isolate UP4, classified this isolate as belonging to serogroup O3, which was also found to harbour the genes blaPAO, blaPDC-24, blaOXA-486 (encoding resistance to beta-lactams), aph(3')-IIb (aminoglycosides resistance), fosA (fosfomycin resistance) and catB7 (chloramphenicol resistance). Antimicrobial susceptibility screening, according to EUCAST, showed resistance to imipenem and intermediate resistance to meropenem and doripenem. To our knowledge, this is the first description of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa in deer in Europe. Our results highlight the importance of wild ungulates either as victims of human activity or amplifiers of AMR, either way with potential impacts on animal, human and ecosystem health, since excretion of AMR bacteria might directly or indirectly contaminate other animals and the surrounding environment, perpetuating the spill-over and chain dissemination of AMR determinants.

Occurrence, virulence, carbapenem resistance, susceptibility to disinfectants and public health hazard of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from animals, humans and environment in intensive farms.

AIMS: This work aimed to determine the occurrence, virulence, antibiogram, carbapenem resistance genes and susceptibility to disinfectants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from animals, environment and workers in intensive farms. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 610 samples from intensive beef cattle and sheep farms in Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, Egypt were screened for the presence of P. aeruginosa using bacteriological assays. The isolates were characterized by PCR and tested for susceptibility to antibiotics using disk diffusion method and disinfectants by quantitative suspension test. In all, 60 P. aeruginosa isolates were recovered in this study and all isolates harboured at least one of the virulence genes tested. Human P. aeruginosa isolates were highly resistant to cephalosporins, fluroquinolones, aminoglycosides, carbapenems and penicillins+ß-lactamase inhibitors than non-human isolates. Colistin resistance was higher in non-human than human P. aeruginosa isolates, whereas low resistance to aztreonam was observed in non-human and human isolates. Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) strains were recovered from workers (56.5%), sheep (8.3%) and cattle (8.3%). All CRPA harboured at least one of the carbapenem resistance genes tested and most of them showed multidrug resistance (MDR) or extensive drug resistance (XDR) phenotypes. Glutaraldehyde 1% and hydrogen peroxide 3% eliminated P. aeruginosa completely in the absence and presence of organic matter within short contact time compared with other disinfectants. CONCLUSIONS: This study reported the occurrence of CRPA in animals and workers in intensive farms. Glutaraldehyde and hydrogen peroxide were the most effective disinfectants against P. aeruginosa. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The occurrence of CRPA in intensive livestock farms is a serious challenge that threatens animal and human health and increases the risk of P. aeruginosa infection in the community. Therefore, it is vital to control the spread of CRPA by banning or restricting the use of antibiotics and applying proper cleaning and disinfection protocols in livestock farms.