Microbiota insights into pet ownership and human health.

The relationship between pet and owner has already been studied in several studies. Reviewing and summarizing studies on human and pet microbiota and their effects due to keeping pets is the purpose of the current study. Microbiota of the gut, oral cavity, and skin are unique to each individual, and this is also true of their pets (cats and dogs). Microbiota homeostasis is essential for the health of pets and their owners. Dysbiosis or imbalances in the microbiota can increase the risk of disorder progressions such as IBD or Clostridium difficile infections, among others. The microbial communities of humans change as a result of various factors, such as keeping pets. Pet owners frequently contact domestic dogs and cats, which affects their microbiota. As a result of keeping pets, the microbiota of different areas of the human body has changed, which has been associated with a decrease in pathogenic bacteria and an increase in beneficial bacteria.

Wounds of Companion Animals as a Habitat of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria That Are Potentially Harmful to Humans-Phenotypic, Proteomic and Molecular Detection.

Skin wounds and their infections by antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are very common in small animals, posing the risk of acquiring ARB by pet owners or antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) transfer to the owners' microbiota. The aim of this study was to identify the most common pathogens infecting wounds of companion animals, assess their antibiotic resistance, and determine the ARGs using culture-based, molecular, and proteomic methods. A total of 136 bacterial strains were isolated from wound swabs. Their species was identified using chromogenic media, followed by MALDI-TOF spectrometry. Antibiotic resistance was tested using disc diffusion, and twelve ARGs were detected using PCRs. The dominant species included Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (9.56%), E. coli, and E. faecalis (both n = 11, 8.09%). Enterobacterales were mostly resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (68.3% strains), all Pseudomonas were resistant to ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, imipenem, and tylosin, Acinetobacter were mostly resistant to tylosin (55.5%), all Enterococcus were resistant to imipenem, and 39.2% of Staphylococci were resistant to clindamycin. Among ARGs, strA (streptomycin resistance), sul3 (sulfonamide resistance), and blaTEM, an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase determinant, were the most frequent. The risk of ARB and ARG transfer between animals and humans causes the need to search for new antimicrobial therapies in future veterinary medicine.

Prevalence and characterization of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from veterinary staff, pets, and pet owners in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Companion animals may act as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reservoirs. This study investigated the prevalence and AMR patterns of Escherichia coli in pets and people in close contact with pets. METHODS: A total of 955 samples were collected from veterinary clinics across Thailand by rectal and skin or ear swabs from dogs and cats and fecal swabs from veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and pet owners. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the obtained isolates were investigated using Sensititre™ MIC plates against 21 different antimicrobial drugs. RESULTS: Escherichia coli from pets was frequently resistant to ampicillin (100%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (100%), whereas E. coli from pet owners, veterinarians, and veterinary assistants was mostly resistant to tetracycline. The multiple antibiotic resistance index revealed that multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates were frequently found in dogs (34.92%), cats (62.12%), veterinarians (61.11%), veterinarian assistants (36.36%), and pet owners (47.62%). The most common AMR genes identified in this study were blaCTX-M, blaTEM, tetA, and tetB, which were associated with the antimicrobial susceptibility results. Additionally, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-associated genes (i.e., blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaSHV) were found in 21.69%, 71.97%, 27.78%, and 21.43% of E. coli isolated from dogs, cats, veterinarians, and pet owners, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated the presence of AMR genes, particularly ESBL-associated genes, in E. coli isolated from healthy pets and veterinarians. This implies that these sources of E. coli could potentially be reservoirs for antibiotic resistance, thereby increasing the risk of harm to both humans and animals. These findings highlight the importance of implementing effective AMR control measures in veterinary practices, as bacteria resistant to commonly used antimicrobials are present in humans and animals.

Colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus species in healthy and sick pets: prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The characterization of staphylococcal species that colonize pets is important to maintain animal health and to minimize the risk of transmission to owners. Here, the prevalence of Staphylococcus spp. and methicillin resistance was investigated in canine and feline isolates, and risk factors of staphylococcal colonization were determined. Pets were examined and separated into four groups: (1) healthy dogs, (2) healthy cats, and (3) dogs and (4) cats with clinical signs of bacterial infections of skin, mucous membranes, or wounds. Specimens were collected by a veterinary physician from six anatomic sites (external ear canal, conjunctival sacs, nares, mouth, skin [groin], and anus). In total, 274 animals (cats n = 161, dogs n = 113) were enrolled. RESULTS: Staphylococcus species were highly diverse (23 species; 3 coagulase-positive and 20 coagulase-negative species), with the highest variety in healthy cats (19 species). The most frequent feline isolates were S. felis and S. epidermidis, while S. pseudintermedius was the most prevalent isolate in dogs. Risk factors of staphylococcal colonization included the presence of other animals in the same household, medical treatment within the last year, and a medical profession of at least one owner. Methicillin resistance was higher in coagulase-negative (17.86%) compared to coagulase-positive (1.95%) staphylococci. The highest prevalence of methicillin-resistant CoNS colonization was observed in animals kept in homes as the most common (dogs and cats). CONCLUSIONS: The association of methicillin-resistant CoNS colonization with animals most often chosen as pets, represents a high risk of transmission between them and owners. The importance of nosocomial transmission of CoNS was also confirmed. This information could guide clinical decisions during the treatment of veterinary bacterial infections. In conclusion, the epidemiologic characteristics of CoNS and their pathogenicity in pets and humans require further research.

Genetic and phenotypic analyses of mcr-harboring extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates from companion dogs and cats in Japan.

The emergence of mcr plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales among companion dogs and cats poses a risk of the animals acting as reservoirs for cross-species transmission. However, current knowledge of mcr-harboring ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in companion dogs and cats is still limited; thus, the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the bacterial isolates and plasmids, in companion dogs and cats, remain to be elucidated. Here, we identified mcr gene-harboring ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates during whole-genome sequencing of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from a dog and a cat in Osaka, Japan. Colistin-resistant MY732 isolate from a dog carried two plasmids: mcr-1.1-harboring IncI2 plasmid and blaCTX-M-14-harboring IncFIB plasmid. Conjugation assays revealed that both plasmids can be co-transferred even though the IncFIB plasmid lacked a conjugal transfer gene cassette. The other isolate MY504 from a cat harbored two bla genes and mcr-9 on the identical IncHI2 plasmid. This isolate was not resistant to colistin, which is likely to be due to deletion of the regulatory two-component QseBC system associated with the mcr-9 expression. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a colistin-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli isolate harboring mcr-1 from a companion dog in Japan. Given that the mcr gene-harboring IncI2 and IncHI2 plasmids in this study shared high homology with plasmids from human or animal-derived Enterobacterales, companion dogs and cats may act as important reservoirs for cross-species transmission of the mcr gene in the community, in Japan.

Risk factors for meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage in MRSA-exposed household pets.

BACKGROUND: Household pets can carry meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) introduced to the home by their human companions. Specific factors promoting pet carriage of this pathogen have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated MRSA cultured from pets and the home environment in households where a human infected with MRSA had been identified, and aimed to determine potential risk factors for pet MRSA carriage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Humans diagnosed with community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) skin or soft-tissue infection (SSTI) in the mid-Atlantic United States were identified. One hundred forty-two dogs and cats from 57 affected households were identified of which 134 (94.4%) pets and the household environment were sampled for bacterial culture, PCR confirmation and spa-typing for MRSA strain determination. Samples were obtained 3 months later from 86 pets. RESULTS: At baseline, 12 (9.0%) pets carried MRSA. Potential risk factors associated with carriage included pet bed (environmental) MRSA contamination, flea infestation and prior antimicrobial use in the pet. Pets tended to carry human-adapted MRSA strains and spa-types of MRSA isolates cultured from pets were concordant with strains cultured from the home environment in seven of eight homes (87.5%) at baseline. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results may inform risk-based veterinary clinical recommendations and provide evidence for selective pet testing as a possible alternative to early removal of pets from the homes of humans infected with MRSA. MRSA contamination of the home environment is likely an important risk factor for pet MRSA carriage, and household interventions should be considered to reduce risk of MRSA carriage in exposed pets.

Risk factors for antimicrobial resistance among Staphylococcus isolated from pets living with a patient diagnosed with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.

It has been suggested that pets play a critical role in the maintenance of methicillin-resistant (MR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus spp. in the household. We examined risk factors for carriage of antimicrobial-resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci, with particular attention to Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from pets living in households of people diagnosed with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) skin or soft-tissue infection. We analyzed data collected cross-sectionally from a study conducted in 2012 that evaluated the transmission of MRSA and other staphylococci from humans, their pets and the environment (Pets and Environmental Transmission of Staphylococci [PETS] study). We used unadjusted and adjusted stratified logistic regression analyses with household-clustered standard errors to evaluate the association between demographic, healthcare-related, contact-related and environmental risk factors and MDR Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dogs and cats. Staphylococcal isolates obtained from dogs (n = 63) and cats (n = 47) were included in these analyses. The use of oral or injectable antimicrobials by the pets during the prior year was the main risk factor of interest. Based on our results, 50% (12/24) of S. aureus, 3.3% (1/30) of S. pseudintermedius and 25% (14/56) of other coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS) were determined to be MDR. S. aureus isolates were more likely to be MDR compared with S. pseudintermedius. We did not find a significant statistical association between the use of oral or injectable antimicrobials in the prior year and the presence of MDR bacteria. The results suggest that drivers of antimicrobial resistance in household staphylococci may vary by bacterial species, which could have implications for one health intervention strategies for staphylococci and inform the investigation of other reverse zoonoses, such as COVID-19.

First detection and genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pet golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) in China.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a common opportunistic pathogen, has been detected in humans and a wide range of animals worldwide. However, no information on the prevalence and molecular characterization of E. bieneusi in hamsters is available worldwide. In this study, fecal specimens were collected from 175 golden hamsters and 175 Siberian hamsters purchased from pet shops in three provinces of China. The average infection rate of E. bieneusi was 12.0% (42/350), with 14.9% (26/175) in pet golden hamsters and 9.1% (16/175) in pet Siberian hamsters. Four genotypes were identified in pet golden hamsters, including three known genotypes (D, Henan-II, and SHW5) and one novel genotype (named Ebph1). Five genotypes were found in pet Siberian hamsters, including one known genotype (D) and four novel genotypes (named Ebph2 to Ebph5). Genotypes D and Ebph2 were the dominant genotype in pet golden hamsters (23/26, 88.5%) and Siberian hamsters (9/16, 56.3%), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the E. bieneusi isolates clustered into two groups: Group 1 (D, Henan-II, SHW5, and Ebph1) and Group 3 (Ebph2 to Ebph5). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi infection in golden hamsters and Siberian hamsters worldwide. The identification of four genotypes belonging to Group 1 of high zoonotic potential suggests that pet hamsters especially golden hamsters can be potential sources of human microsporidiosis.

Title: Première détection et génotypage d'Enterocytozoon bieneusi chez des hamsters dorés de compagnie (Mesocricetus auratus) et des hamsters sibériens (Phodopus sungorus) en Chine. Abstract: Enterocytozoon bieneusi, un agent pathogène opportuniste commun, a été détecté chez les humains et un large éventail d'animaux dans le monde. Cependant, aucune information sur la prévalence et la caractérisation moléculaire d'E. bieneusi chez les hamsters n'est disponible. Dans cette étude, des échantillons fécaux ont été prélevés sur 175 hamsters dorés et 175 hamsters sibériens achetés dans des animaleries de trois provinces de Chine. Le taux d'infection moyen d'E. bieneusi était de 12,0 % (42/350), avec 14,9 % (26/175) chez les hamsters dorés et 9,1 % (16/175) chez les hamsters sibériens. Quatre génotypes ont été identifiés chez les hamsters dorés, dont trois génotypes connus (D, Henan-II et SHW5) et un nouveau génotype (nommé Ebph1). Cinq génotypes ont été trouvés chez des hamsters sibériens, dont un génotype connu (D) et quatre nouveaux génotypes (nommés Ebph2 à Ebph5). Les génotypes D et Ebph2 étaient les génotypes dominants, respectivement chez les hamsters dorés (23/26, 88,5 %) et les hamsters sibériens (9/16, 56,3 %). L'analyse phylogénétique a montré que les isolats d'E. bieneusi se regroupaient en deux groupes : le groupe 1 (D, Henan-II, SHW5 et Ebph1) et le groupe 3 (Ebph2 à Ebph5). À notre connaissance, il s'agit du premier signalement d'infection par E. bieneusi chez des hamsters dorés et des hamsters de Sibérie dans le monde. L'identification de quatre génotypes appartenant au groupe 1, à fort potentiel zoonotique, suggère que les hamsters de compagnie, en particulier les hamsters dorés, peuvent être des sources potentielles de microsporidiose humaine.

Emerging MDR-Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium in house-reared domestic birds as the first report in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Avian tuberculosis is a chronic and zoonotic disease that affects a wide variety of birds, mammals, and humans. This study aimed to estimate the frequency of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium in some domestic birds based on molecular diagnosis, antibiogram profile, and PCR-based detection of inhA, rpoB, rpsL, and otrB antibiotic resistance-related genes. METHODS: A total of 120 fecal samples were collected from small flocks of house-reared domestic birds at Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The collected samples were processed and subjected to the bacteriological examination. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the recovered isolates was performed using the broth microdilution method for the detection of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The genetic detection of the IS901confirmatory gene, inhA, rpoB, rpsL, and otrB genes was carried out using PCR. RESULTS: The frequency of M. avium subsp. avium was 4.1% (5/120); 10% (4/40) in ducks, and 2.5% (1/10) in geese. The identification of the recovered isolates was confirmed using PCR, where all the tested isolates were positive for IS901confirmatory gene. The results of the broth microdilution method revealed that most of the recovered isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) to isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, oxytetracycline, and doxycycline, and harbored the inhA, rpoB, rpsL, and otrB genes. CONCLUSION: In brief, to the best of our knowledge this is the first report that emphasized the emergence of avian tuberculosis in house-reared domestic birds in Egypt. The emergence of MDR- M. avium subsp. avium is considered a public health threat. Emerging MDR-M. avium subsp. avium in domestic birds are commonly harbored the IS901, inhA, rpoB, rpsL, and otrB genes. Azithromycin and clofazimine revealed a promising in-vitro antibacterial activity against M. avium subsp. avium.

Molecular characterization of high-level mupirocin resistance in methicillin-resistant staphylococci isolated from companion animals.

High-level mupirocin resistance (HLMR) is determined by the plasmid-located ileS2 gene flanked by two copies of the insertion sequence 257 (IS257). The molecular epidemiology of high-level mupirocin-resistant isolates could be assessed by the determination of their IS257-ileS2 spacer regions conformation. In this study, 188 isolates of methicillin-resistant staphylococci were subjected to the detection of HLMR, and analysis of the conformation of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions. Mupirocin resistance was detected in five (2,6%) isolates, among which two were recognized as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, two as Staphylococcus haemolyticus, and one as Staphylococcus aureus. High-level mupirocin resistance was revealed by the agar disk diffusion method, and MIC values, and was confirmed by the detection of the ileS2 gene. The conformations of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions were homologous in two S. haemolyticus strains tested. The remaining three isolates showed diverse IS257-ileS2 conformations. The results of this study indicate that HLMR occasionally occurs in staphylococci isolated from companion animals. The heterogeneity and the homogeneity of the IS257-ileS2 spacer regions confirm that the ileS2 gene spread among staphylococci of animal origin by the transfer of different as well as the same plasmids. Surveillance of the occurrence of mupirocin resistance and molecular characterization of resistant isolates are strongly recommended due to the possibility of plasmid-located resistance gene transfer between staphylococci.

Pet-turtles: a potential source of human pathogenic bacteria.

Human infections caused by the bacterial pathogens transmitted from pet-turtles are becoming very common and getting more importance as the turtles are considered unsafe pet animals, mainly for children and immunocompromised people. Pet-turtles are known as the reservoir of different bacterial species as their intestinal microflora. Extrinsic stressors, such as crowding, unhygienic handling, poor water quality, polluted feeding and inadequate nutrition, can predispose pet-turtles to bacterial infections. The presence of different virulence genes leads to the virulent potential of bacteria. The virulent bacteria can cause infections in turtles and humans, if the turtle owners or shopkeepers don't practice proper sanitation while handling turtles. The aim of this review paper was to provide an overview of different bacterial species isolated from pet-turtles for awareness-raising about potential health risks related to raise pet-turtles.

Effects of cat ownership on the gut microbiota of owners.

Pet ownership is an essential environmental exposure that might influence the health of the owner. This study's primary objectives were to explore the effects of cat ownership on the gut microbial diversity and composition of owners. Raw data from the American Gut Project were obtained from the SRA database. A total of 214 Caucasian individuals (111 female) with cats and 214 individuals (111 female) without cats were used in the following analysis. OTU number showed significant alteration in the Cat group and Female_cat group, compared with that of the no cat (NC) group and Female_ NC group, respectively. Compared with the NC group, the microbial phylum Proteobacteria was significantly decreased in the Cat group. The microbial families Alcaligenaceae and Pasteurellaceae were significantly reduced, while Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae were significantly increased in the Cat group. Fifty metabolic pathways were predicted to be significantly changed in the Cat group. Twenty-one and 13 metabolic pathways were predicted to be significantly changed in the female_cat and male_cat groups, respectively. Moreover, the microbial phylum Cyanobacteria was significantly decreased, while the families Alcaligenaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae were significantly changed in the normal weight cat group. In addition, 41 and 7 metabolic pathways were predicted to be significantly changed in the normal-weight cat and overweight cat groups, respectively. Therefore, this study demonstrated that cat ownership could influence owners' gut microbiota composition and function, especially in the female group and normal-weight group.

Monitoring the patterns of submission and presence of tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes scapularis collected from humans and companion animals in Ontario, Canada (2011-2017).

BACKGROUND: The universal nature of the human-companion animal relationship and their shared ticks and tick-borne pathogens offers an opportunity for improving public and veterinary health surveillance. With this in mind, we describe the spatiotemporal trends for blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) submissions from humans and companion animals in Ontario, along with pathogen prevalence. METHODS: We tested tick samples submitted through passive surveillance (2011-2017) from humans and companion animals for Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti. We describe pathogen prevalence in ticks from humans and from companion animals and constructed univariable Poisson and negative binomial regression models to explore the spatiotemporal relationship between the rates of tick submissions by host type. RESULTS: During the study, there were 17,230 blacklegged tick samples submitted from humans and 4375 from companion animals. Tick submission rates from companion animals were higher than expected in several public health units (PHUs) lacking established tick populations, potentially indicating newly emerging populations. Pathogen prevalence in ticks was higher in PHUs where established blacklegged tick populations exist. Borrelia burgdorferi prevalence was higher in ticks collected from humans (maximum likelihood estimate, MLE = 17.5%; 95% confidence interval, CI 16.97-18.09%) than from companion animals (9.9%, 95% CI 9.15-10.78%). There was no difference in pathogen prevalence in ticks by host type for the remaining pathogens, which were found in less than 1% of tested ticks. The most common co-infection B. burgdorferi + B. miyamotoi occurred in 0.11% of blacklegged ticks from humans and animals combined. Borrelia burgdorferi prevalence was higher in unengorged (21.9%, 95% CI 21.12-22.65%) than engorged ticks (10.0%, 95% CI 9.45-10.56%). There were no consistent and significant spatiotemporal relationships detected via regression models between the annual rates of submission of each host type. CONCLUSIONS: While B. burgdorferi has been present in blacklegged ticks in Ontario for several decades, other tick-borne pathogens are also present at low prevalence. Blacklegged tick and pathogen surveillance data can be used to monitor risk in human and companion animal populations, and efforts are under consideration to unite surveillance efforts for the different target populations.

Canine brucellosis in Costa Rica reveals widespread Brucella canis infection and the recent introduction of foreign strains.

Brucellosis is a prevalent disease in Costa Rica (CR), with an increasing number of human infections. Close to half of homes in CR have one or more dogs, corresponding to ∼1.4 million canines, most of them in the Central Valley within or near the cities of San José, Heredia, and Alajuela. From 302 dog sera collected from this region, 19 were positive for Brucella canis antigens, and five had antibodies against smooth lipopolysaccharide, suggesting infections by both B. canis and other Brucella species. B. canis strains were isolated in the Central Valley from 26 kennel dogs and three pet dogs, all displaying clinical signs of canine brucellosis. We detected three recent introductions of different B. canis strains in kennels: two traced from Mexico and one from Panama. Multiple locus-variable number tandem repeats (MLVA-16) and whole-genome sequencing (WGSA) analyses showed that B. canis CR strains comprise three main lineages. The tree topologies obtained by WGSA and MLVA-16 just partially agreed, indicating that the latter analysis is not suitable for phylogenetic studies. The fatty acid methyl ester analysis resolved five different B. canis groups, showing less resolution power than the MLVA-16 and WGSA. Lactobacillic acid was absent in linages I and II but present in linage III, supporting the recent introductions of B. canis strains from Mexico. B. canis displaying putative functional cyclopropane synthase for the synthesis of lactobacillic acid are phylogenetically intertwined with B. canis with non-functional protein, indicating that mutations have occurred independently in the various lineages.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Dogs play an important role as reservoirs of many zoonotic vector-borne pathogens worldwide, yet reports of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) in Egypt are scarce. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from pet dogs (n = 500) of the three most common breeds (German Shepherd, Rottweiler and Pit Bull) in five Governates of Cairo (n = 230), Giza (n = 110), Al-Qalyubia (n = 60), Al-Gharbia (n = 60) and Kafr El-Sheikh (n = 40) with a hot desert climate. The presence of antibodies to Anaplasma spp. (A. phagocytophilum, A. platys), Ehrlichia spp. (E. canis, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii), Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) and Dirofilaria immitis were assessed using IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® ELISA tests. For each pathogen, risk factors (i.e. geographical area, keeping condition, sex, age, breed, tick infestation, weekly sanitation of dog enclosures and application of ectoparasiticides) were evaluated by logistic regression approach. RESULTS: In total, 18.2% (n = 91, 95% CI 15.1-21.8) of dogs scored seropositive for at least one pathogen, the most frequent being Ehrlichia spp. (n = 56; 11.2%; 95% CI 8.7-14.3) followed by Anaplasma spp. (n = 33; 6.6%, 95% CI 4.7-9.1), Borrelia burgdorferi (s.l.) (n = 9; 1.8%, 95% CI 0.9-3.4) and D. immitis (n = 7; 1.4%, 95% CI 0.9-2.9). In the tested population, 15.4% (95% CI 12.5-18.8) of dogs were exposed to a single pathogen while 2.4 (95% CI 1.4-4.2) and 0.4% (95% CI 0.1-1.4) were simultaneously exposed to two or three pathogens, respectively. Major risk factors associated with VBDs were living outdoors (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001), female sex (Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.005), German Shepherd breed (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.04; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.03), tick infestation (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.003; D. immitis, P = 0.02), irregular sanitation (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.002; D. immitis, P = 0.01) and not using ectoparasiticides (Anaplasma spp., P = 0.0001; Ehrlichia spp., P = 0.0001; B. burgdorferi (s.l.), P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale seroepidemiological study of CVBDs in Egypt. Considering that all of the detected pathogens are potentially zoonotic, effective ectoparasite control strategies, regular examination of pet dogs and successful chemoprophylaxis are advocated.

Molecular survey of vector-borne diseases in two groups of domestic dogs from Lisbon, Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are caused by a wide range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods. They have been an issue of growing importance in recent years; however, there is limited information about the vector-borne pathogens circulating in Portugal. The aim of the present study was to detect canine vector-borne bacteria and protozoa of veterinary and zoonotic importance using molecular methods. METHODS: One hundred and forty-two dogs from Lisbon, southern Portugal, were tested: 48 dogs from a veterinary hospital clinically suspected of vector-borne diseases and 94 apparently healthy dogs from shelters. Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., Babesia/Theileria spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Mycoplasma spp. infections were detected by PCR from blood samples and examined under light microscopy. Other information including clinical status and diagnostic test results were collected for each animal. RESULTS: Infections were detected by PCR in 48 (33.80%) dogs. Single infections were found in 35 dogs (24.64%), and co-infections were found in 13 (9.15%) dogs. Twenty-nine (20.42%) dogs were positive for Hepatozoon spp., 15 (10.56%) for Mycoplasma spp., 11 (7.75%) for Anaplasma spp./Ehrlichia spp., and six (4.21%) for Babesia spp. DNA sequencing was used to identify Babesia vogeli (2.81%), Babesia canis (1.40%), Hepatozoon canis (20.42%), Mycoplasma haematoparvum (2.11%), Mycoplasma haemocanis (8.45%), Anaplasma platys (7.04%), and Ehrlichia canis (0.70%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first molecular identification of B. canis and M. haematoparvum in dogs from southern Portugal. This study highlights the importance of molecular methods to identify CVBD pathogens in endemic areas and helps to guide the clinical approach of veterinarians in practice.

Impact of European pet antibiotic use on enterococci and staphylococci antimicrobial resistance and human health.

Due to the inappropriate use of antibiotics described in both human and veterinary medicine, there is emerging evidence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms isolated from humans and pets, forming a multifaceted problem. Although the true magnitude of antimicrobial resistance in pets and other animals, as well as humans, are not fully known; pets, in particular dogs and cats, can contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance due to close contact with humans and their status as a family member in urban households. This review summarizes and highlights the current data concerning the antibiotic use on pets, and the European distribution of the increasing prevalence of multiresistant bacterial pathogens, such as enterococci and methicillin-resistant staphylococci on pets, as well as its implications for public health.

Prevalence and risk analysis of mobile colistin resistance and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase genes carriage in pet dogs and their owners: a population based cross-sectional study.

Mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1 and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase gene bla CTX-M are highly prevalent in human - and pet-derived bacteria. Isolation of identical strains of mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli (MCRPEC) or bla CTX-M-positive E. coli (CTX-MPEC) from pets and humans highlighted the potential for co-colonization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which can be a risk for dissemination of resistance genes. In this study, the prevalence of mcr-1 and bla CTX-M carriage from rectal swabs in 299 families (dogs and their owners) were 2.7 and 5.3%, respectively. We identified a significant association of mcr-1 carriage between dogs and their owners. Whilst antibiotic use in the previous three months was associated with bla CTX-M carriage in dogs. Only one instance of dog and owner carrying identical CTX-MPEC was observed. Although the prevalence of identical strains in one family is rare, the huge number of dog ownership worldwide suggest that this threat should not be underestimated.

Bacteriophage as an alternative to prevent reptile-associated Salmonella transmission.

Salmonellosis is a major global public health issue; its most common infection, gastroenteritis, accounts for approximately 90 million illnesses and 150,000 mortalities per year. Eradicating salmonellosis requires surveillance, prevention and treatment, entailing large expenditures. However, it is difficult to control Salmonella transmission because it occurs via multiple routes; exotic reptiles are a reservoir of Salmonella and comprise one such route. As the popularity of exotic pets and animal exhibition has increased, human encounters with reptiles have also increased. As a result, reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS) has been recognized as an emerging disease. The development of antimicrobial resistance in RAS-causing Salmonella sp. requires alternatives to antibiotics. In this study, bacteriophages have been established as an alternative to antibiotics because only target bacteria are lysed; thus, they are promising biocontrol agents. Here, bacteriophage pSal-SNUABM-02, which infects and lyses reptile Salmonella isolates, was isolated and characterized. The morphology, host range, growth traits and stability of the phage were investigated. The phage was assigned to Myoviridae and was stable in the following conditions: pH 5-9, 4-37°C, and ultravioletA/ultravioletB (UVA/UVB) exposure. Salmonella clearance efficacy was tested using planktonic cell lysis activity and biofilm degradation on polystyrene 96-well plates and reptile skin fragments. The phage exhibited vigorous lysis activity against planktonic cells. In in vitro biofilm degradation tests on reptile skin and polystyrene plates, both low- and high-concentration phage treatments lowered bacterial cell viability by approximately 2.5-3 log colony-forming units and also decreased biomass. Thus, bacteriophages are a promising alternative to antibiotics for the prevention and eradication of RAS.