A LAMP point-of-care test to guide antimicrobial choice for treatment of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius pyoderma in dogs.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the most common cause of pyoderma in dogs. We validated a point-of-care (PoC) test based on colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for rapid S. pseudintermedius identification and susceptibility testing for first line antimicrobials for systemic treatment of canine pyoderma, i.e., lincosamides, first generation cephalosporins and amoxicillin clavulanate. Newly designed LAMP primers targeting clinically relevant resistance genes were combined with a previously validated set of primers targeting spsL for species identification. After laboratory validation on 110 clinical isolates, we assessed the performance of the test on 101 clinical specimens using routine culture and susceptibility testing as a reference standard. The average hands-on and turnaround times for the PoC test were 30 and 90 min, respectively. The assay showed sensitivity and specificity near 100% for both species identification and susceptibility testing when performed on bacterial cultures or clinical specimens in the laboratory. However, the PoC test yielded less accurate results when performed on-site by clinical staff (92% sensitivity and 64% specificity for species identification, 67% sensitivity and 96% specificity for ß-lactam susceptibility, and 83% sensitivity and 71% specificity for lincosamide susceptibility). These results indicate that the PoC test should be adapted to a user-friendly technology to facilitate performance and interpretation of results by clinical staff. If properly developed, the test would allow veterinarians to gain rapid information on antimicrobial choice, limiting the risk of treatment failure and facilitating adherence to antimicrobial use guidelines in small animal veterinary dermatology.

Comparison of Aerobic Bacterial Culture Among Four Veterinary Microbiology Laboratories from Dogs with Superficial Pyoderma.

Bacterial culture and susceptibility are widely used in veterinary medicine to determine the specific bacteria causing infection as well as aid in appropriate antimicrobial selection. Previous studies have shown variable results with culture and susceptibility depending on the laboratory and methodology used. Samples from dogs with superficial pyoderma were obtained to make a homogeneous solution of bacteria. Sample acquisition from this solution was randomized and submitted to four veterinary laboratories for microbial identification and sensitivity. There was fair agreement among the laboratories in identification of a Staphylococcus spp. as well as fair agreement among the laboratories on the same Staphylococcus sp. Very good agreement was noted on identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. Additionally, good to very good agreement was noted on all antimicrobials that were tested across all four laboratories. A difference in turnaround time for sample processing was observed between the laboratories in the present study. Overall, there was mild variability among the laboratory results in this study.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial studies of volatile oil from Atractylodis Rhizoma against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and multidrug resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains from canine pyoderma.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Atractylodis Rhizoma is extensively employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of skin and gastrointestinal ailments. Its active components have been proven to demonstrate numerous beneficial properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-ulcer activities. Furthermore, the volatile oil from Atractylodis Rhizoma (VOAR) has been reported to effectively inhibit and eradicate pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Of particular concern is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the predominant pathogen responsible for canine pyoderma, whose increasing antimicrobial resistance poses a serious public health threat. VOAR merits further investigation regarding its antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aims to verify the in vitro antibacterial activity of VOAR against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. And a superficial skin infection model in mice was established to assess the in vivo therapeutic effect of VOAR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty strains of S. pseudintermedius were isolated from dogs with pyoderma, and the drug resistance was analyzed by disc diffusion method. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of VOAR were determined through the broth dilution method. The growth curve of bacteria in a culture medium containing VOAR was monitored using a UV spectrophotometer. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the effects of VOAR on the microstructure of S. pseudintermedius. The impact of VOAR on the antibiotic resistance of S. pseudintermedius was assessed using the disc diffusion method. Twenty mice were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, the physiological saline group, the VOAR group, and the amikacin group. With the exception of the control group, the skin barrier of mice was disrupted by tap stripping, and the mice were subsequently inoculated with S. pseudintermedius to establish a superficial skin infection model. The modeled mice were treated with normal saline, VOAR, and amikacin for 5 days. Following the treatment period, the therapeutic effect of each group was evaluated based on the measures of body weight, skin symptoms, tissue bacterial load, tissue IL-6 content, and histopathological changes. RESULTS: The MIC and MBC of VOAR against 30 clinical isolates of S. pseudintermedius were found to be 0.005425% and 0.016875%, respectively. VOAR could exhibit the ability to delay the entry of bacteria into the logarithmic growth phase, disrupt the bacterial structure, and enhance the antibacterial zone in conjunction with antibiotic drugs. In the superficial skin infection model mice, VOAR significantly reduced the scores for skin redness (P < 0.0001), scab formation (P < 0.0001), and wrinkles (P < 0.0001). Moreover, VOAR markedly reduced the bacterial load (P < 0.001) and IL-6 content (P < 0.0001) in the skin tissues of mice. Histopathological observations revealed that the full-layer skin structure in the VOAR group was more complete, with clearer skin layers, and showed significant improvement in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibroblast proliferation compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that VOAR effectively inhibits and eradicates Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in vitro while also enhancing the pathogen's sensitivity to antibiotics. Moreover, VOAR exhibits a pronounced therapeutic effect in the superficial skin infection model mice.

Topical erythritol combined with L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate inhibits staphylococcal growth and alleviates staphylococcal overgrowth in skin lesions of canine superficial pyoderma.

Erythritol (ERT) and L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (APS) are bacteriostatic, but their effects on staphylococcal skin infections remain unknown. We aimed to determine whether ERT combined with APS inhibits the growth of staphylococci that are commonly isolated from pyoderma skin lesions in dogs. We investigated the individual and combined effects of ERT and APS on the growth of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, S. schleiferi, and S. aureus using turbidity assays in vitro. Skin lesions from 10 dogs with superficial pyoderma were topically treated with 5% ERT and 0.1% APS for 28 days, and swabbed skin samples were then analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Results showed that ERT inhibited S. pseudintermedius growth regardless of harboring the mecA gene, and APS increased the inhibitory effects of ERT against S. pseudintermedius, S. schleiferi, and S. aureus in vitro. Moreover, combined ERT and APS decreased the prevalence of staphylococci on canine skin lesions at the genus level. The combination slightly increased the α-diversity but did not affect the ß-diversity of the microbiota. The qPCR results revealed that the combination significantly decreased S. pseudintermedius and S. schleiferi in skin lesions. Topical administration of EPS combined with APS can prevent staphylococcal colonization on the surface of mammalian skin. The results of this study may provide an alternative to systemic antibiotics for treating superficial pyoderma on mammalian skin surfaces.

Genomic Features of Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Isolated from Dogs with Pyoderma in Argentina and the United States: A Comparative Study.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is the most common opportunistic pathogen in dogs and methicillin resistance (MRSP) has been identified as an emerging problem in canine pyoderma. Here, we evaluated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) features and phylogeny of S. pseudintermedius isolated from canine pyoderma cases in Argentina (n = 29) and the United States (n = 29). 62% of isolates showed multi-drug resistance. The AMR genes found: mecA, blaZ, ermB, dfrG, catA, tetM, aac(6')-aph(2″), in addition to tetK and lnuA (only found in U.S. isolates). Two point mutations were detected: grlA(S80I)-gyrA(S84L), and grlA(D84N)-gyrA(S84L) in one U.S. isolate. A mutation in rpoB (H481N) was found in two isolates from Argentina. SCCmec type III, SCCmec type V, ΨSCCmec57395 were identified in the Argentinian isolates; and SCCmec type III, SCCmec type IVg, SCCmec type V, and SCCmec type VII variant in the U.S. cohort. Sequence type (ST) ST71 belonging to a dominant clone was found in isolates from both countries, and ST45 only in Argentinian isolates. This is the first study to comparatively analyze the population structure of canine pyoderma-associated S. pseudintermedius isolates in Argentina and in the U.S. It is important to maintain surveillance on S. pseudintermedius populations to monitor AMR and gain further understanding of its evolution and dissemination.

Clinical and histopathological features of rostrolateral nasal alar arteriopathy of German shepherd dogs.

BACKGROUND: Dermal arteritis of the nasal philtrum (DANP) has been described in large-breed dogs. OBJECTIVES: To characterise clinically distinct, discrete fissures of the dorsolateral nasal alae associated with severe bleeding in German shepherd dogs (GSDs). ANIMALS: Fourteen privately owned GSDs with linear rostrolateral nasal alar fissures and a histopathological diagnosis of nasal vasculopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records and histological slides. RESULTS: Mean age of onset was 6 years. Before biopsy, episodic arteriolar bleeding was noted in 11 of the 14 (79%) dogs. Slide analysis revealed enlarged nasal arterioles with expanded vascular tunics and luminal stenosis beneath ulcers. Histopathological lesions consistent with mucocutaneous pyoderma and/or facial discoid lupus erythematosus were present in 5 of the 14 (36%) dogs. Enlarged arterioles stained blue with Alcian blue and Masson's trichrome stains, consistent with deposition of mucin and collagen, respectively. Immunohistochemical stains (neutrophil myeloperoxidase, IBA1, CD3) were performed. CD3 was negative for all dogs, whilst neutrophil myeloperoxidase and IBA1 occasionally demonstrated intramural neutrophils (3 of the 14 dogs, 21%) or histiocytes (1 of the 14 dogs, 7%) in altered vessels, respectively. All dogs underwent medical management and/or surgical excision. Treatments included tacrolimus, prednisone, ciclosporin-modified, pentoxifylline, antimicrobials and doxycycline/niacinamide. No dogs were treated with antimicrobials alone. For seven dogs with long-term follow-up, treatment response was complete in five (71%) and partial in two (29%), with six of the seven (86%) receiving immunomodulatory treatments to maintain remission. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nasal alar arteriopathy of GSDs shares histopathological changes with DANP. It has characteristic clinical and histopathological features and appears amenable to immunomodulation.

UK-based multicentre cross-sectional study assessing advice requests veterinary dermatologists received from general practitioners.

BACKGROUND: There is little currently little information available regarding the nature of the advice requests veterinary dermatologists receive from general practitioners. Collation of such data could direct continuing veterinary development in the future. METHODS: Dermatologists completed hand-written recording sheets during or after enquiries. Information recorded included the route of enquiry, nature of advice, material provided, practice type and location, animal signalment, presenting signs, diagnosis/differential diagnosis, treatment and referral recommendations, time taken and if charges were made. RESULTS: Twelve dermatology services recorded 768 advice requests over a 6-month period. Most requests were submitted via email and related to canine dermatology (81%). An average of 9.5 minutes was spent replying to requests. Charges were made in 2% of cases. Advice regarding otitis was most commonly sought, followed by pruritus, alopecia and crusting. The most frequently discussed diagnoses included allergy, otitis, pyoderma, demodicosis, dermatophytosis and neoplasia. Antibiotics, anti-pruritics and topical otic medications were the most commonly discussed therapeutics. LIMITATIONS: This is an initial study and therefore there are limitations involving the depth of the data. Additional studies should be completed which identify why advice is sought, decision-making regarding referral, and if advice should be charged similarly to other disciplines. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight that veterinarians mostly frequently seek advice on management of common dermatological problems, including allergy, otitis and pyoderma.

Topical therapy for canine pyoderma: what is new?

Antimicrobial-resistant cutaneous infections are increasing in veterinary medicine. The use of systemic antibiotics should be limited to severe cases of pyoderma to decrease the microbial pressure and selection for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Topical antimicrobials with a low-resistance profile, such as chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, and ethyl lactate have been used for decades in veterinary dermatology. However, new alternatives have been explored in the past decade. The goal of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the antibacterial efficacy and clinical use, when reported, of "classic" and new treatment options for topically treating canine pyoderma. This review is intended to fill the gap from previous systematic reviews published in veterinary dermatology a decade ago. The studies reported in this review emphasize the need and desire for alternatives to the classic topical antimicrobials used in veterinary medicine to significantly reduce the use of systemic antibiotics in the spirit of appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.

First report of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius ST71-SCCmec III and ST45-ΨSCCmec57395 from canine pyoderma in Argentina.

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is an opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with skin infections in dogs. Twenty-three methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) isolated in Argentina from dogs with pyoderma were analyzed using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and classified into sequence types (ST) by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and staphylococcal chromosome cassette mec (SCCmec) types.Based on the WGS analysis, MLST, and SCCmec type results, we report for the first time in Argentina two MRSP strains, one each, belonging to ST71-SCCmec III and ST45-ΨSCCmec57395 from dogs with pyoderma. We also identified seven isolates with ST339, which had been previously reported in only two isolates in Argentina. Additionally, we identified ten MRSP isolates harboring variants of the SCCmec V found in S. aureus, seven SCCmec V (5C2&5) with two ccrC1 recombinases, and three SCCmec V (5C2) with one ccrC1 recombinase.Our findings provide important insights into the evolution and geographic spread of these hypervirulent dominant clones that threaten the health of our companion animals and represent a significant risk for zoonotic infections.

Staphylococci isolated from cats in Italy with superficial pyoderma and allergic dermatitis: Characterisation of isolates and their resistance to antimicrobials.

BACKGROUND: In cats, superficial pyoderma traditionally is considered rare and few reports are available. There is a particular lack of studies concerning Staphylococcus species associated with pyoderma in subjects affected by allergic skin diseases. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: (i) To evaluate the association between Staphylococcus spp. and superficial pyoderma in allergic cats and (ii) to characterise isolated staphylococci and analyse their antimicrobial resistance patterns. ANIMALS: Forty-one cats with allergic dermatitis and superficial pyoderma in Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skin swabs were cultured for the isolation of Staphylococcus spp. Species identification was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight mass spectrometry and 16S-rRNA sequencing. Staphylococcus aureus isolates were further characterised by staphylococcal protein A gene-typing. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by the disk diffusion method. RESULTS: Staphylococci were isolated from 36/41 cats sampled and 39 different isolates were identified. Uneven distribution of staphylococcal species was observed among different body locations. The 39 isolates were S. aureus (n = 15), S. felis (n = 10), S. pseudintermedius (n = 8) and other staphylococci (n = 6). Eight different S. aureus spa-types associated with human clonal complexes were identified. Antimicrobial resistance was observed to penicillin (56.4%), tetracycline (46.2%), enrofloxacin (33.3%), erythromycin (28.2%), amikacin (25.6%), clindamycin (23.1%), marbofloxacin (15.4%), gentamicin (12.8%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (10.3%), chloramphenicol (7.7%) and cefoxitin/oxacillin (5.1%). Fifteen isolates (38.4%) were multidrug-resistant while meticillin resistance was associated only with S. pseudintermedius. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results confirm that S. aureus, S. pseudintermedius, and S. felis are frequently associated with superficial pyoderma in allergic cats. Semi-synthetic penicillins remain a suitable first-line treatment in this study, yet the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistant isolates suggests that antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be performed routinely.

Antibiotic-resistant status and pathogenic clonal complex of canine Streptococcus canis-associated deep pyoderma.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus canis causes deep pyoderma in canines, which raises concerns about the risk of isolates from lesions acquiring an antibiotic-resistant phenotype. It is necessary to identify effective antibiotics and the characteristics of the pathogenic cluster for S. canis-associated deep pyoderma. RESULTS: The signalment, molecular typing, and antibiotic-resistant status of S. canis isolated from deep pyoderma lesions (27 strains) and oral cavities (26 strains) were analyzed. Older dogs tended to have S. canis-associated deep pyoderma (15 of 27 dogs over 10 years old). Veterinarians chose quinolones for 10/16 cases (63%), even though the rate of quinolone-resistant strains of S. canis is 38-59%. Although 70% of the strains showed resistance to three or more antibiotic classes (37/53), 94% (50/53) strains showed sensitivity for penicillins. We also identified ß-lactamase activity among penicillin-resistant strains of S. canis. Clonal complex 13 (CC13) was detected only in lesions and formed independent clusters in the phylogenetic tree. One strain of CC13 was resistant to the anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus drugs, vancomycin and linezolid. CONCLUSION: Although antibiotic-resistant strains of S. canis are isolated at a high rate, they can currently be treated with ß-lactamase-inhibiting penicillins. CC13 may be a pathogenic cluster with high levels of antibiotics resistance.

Pyoderma caused by Proteus mirabilis in sheep.

Pyoderma is a purulent skin infection usually caused by bacteria and can be divided into primary and secondary categories based on histology. In the present study, an 18-month-old female mixed breed sheep was examined for pyoderma at the injection site of the enterotoxemia vaccine. After routine bacteriology and histopathology procedures, secondary pyoderma caused by Proteus mirabilis was diagnosed. The bacterium analysed using genome sequencing and new strain called AJJ 2021 was diagnosed. This is the first report of pyoderma caused by Proteus mirabilis in sheep.

Prevalence of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from dogs with skin and ear infections in South Africa.

ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (SP) is an important opportunistic pathogen, frequently associated with pyoderma and otitis in dogs. The emergence and rapid expansion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is problematic due to multidrug resistance and reduced treatment options. The aim of this study was to determine i) the prevalence of MRSP in dogs with pyoderma or otitis externa, ii) the antimicrobial resistance patterns of MRSP from South African isolates, and iii) the risk factors for MRSP-associated pyoderma or otitis externa in dogs in South Africa (RSA). Sixty-eight presumptive clinical SP isolates (collected from 65 dogs) from five geographically dispersed laboratories in RSA were collected over 2 years. Possible MRSP isolates were flagged when resistance to oxacillin was observed. Thereafter, all isolates were confirmed as SP by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and further genotyped for the mecA gene. Fifty-seven of 68 isolates were confirmed to be SP (83.8%), while 49/57 (85.9%) carried mecA. Our findings showed that preliminary phenotypic methods supplemented by genotypic methods increased the accuracy of correctly identifying SP. All isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial drug. There was a high incidence of amoxicillin (70.1%) and enrofloxacin (65%) resistance. Important risk factors for mecA positive carriage were previous hospital admission, pruritus, and previous antibacterial failure. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of mecA positive carriage (85.9% of samples) in MRSP pyoderma and otitis in dogs in RSA. There is an urgent need for better laboratory diagnosis of MRSP and surveillance of dogs presenting with pyoderma and otitis in South Africa.

Rifampicin treatment of canine multidrug-resistant meticillin-resistant staphylococcal pyoderma: A retrospective study of 51 cases.

BACKGROUND: Rifampicin (RFP) is a potential treatment for canine multidrug-resistant (MDR) meticillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), yet the use of lower doses based on recent MIC data has not been evaluated in vivo. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To provide information on the efficacy and safety of low-dose range RFP (≤6 mg/kg/day) for the treatment of canine MDR MRS pyoderma. ANIMALS: Fifty-one client-owned dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of dogs medical records. Dogs were from 11 US dermatology referral practices and had oral RFP at ≤6 mg/kg/day. Data evaluated included response to treatment, adverse events, and serum changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). RESULTS: Complete resolution of pyoderma occurred in 39 of 51 dogs (76.5%). Topical antimicrobials were used concurrently in most cases (47 of 51; 92.2%). ALP elevation >1.5-fold of baseline or the high end of the reference range occurred in nine of 37 (24.3%) dogs, while ALT elevation above baseline and the high end of the reference range occurred in two of 36 (5.6%). Only six of 51 (11.8%) had clinical adverse events during treatment; five of six (83.3%) were mild reactions consisting of lethargy and gastrointestinal signs, while one dog had a possible cutaneous adverse drug reaction. Of those that experienced clinical adverse events, four of six (66.7%) did not have concurrent increased liver enzyme activity, while two of six (33.3%) had elevations in ALP alone. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Low-dose RFP (≤6 mg/kg/day) appears to be a relatively safe and effective single-agent systemic antibiotic in combination with topical antimicrobials for canine MDR MRS pyoderma.

CONTEXTE: La rifampicine (RFP) est un traitement potentiel des staphylocoques canins multirésistants (MDR) résistants à la méticilline (MRS), mais l'utilisation de doses plus faibles sur la base de données récentes sur la CMI n'a pas été évaluée in vivo. Hypothèse/Objectifs : Fournir des informations sur l'efficacité et l'innocuité des RFP à faible dose (≤ 6 mg/kg/jour) pour le traitement de la pyodermite MDR-MR canine. Animaux : Cinquante et un chiens de propriétaires. Matériels et méthodes : Revue rétrospective de chiens ayant reçu RFP par voie orale à des doses ≤ 6 mg/kg/jour provenant des dossiers médicaux de 11 centres de référés en dermatologie aux États-Unis. Les données évaluées comprenaient la réponse au traitement, les événements indésirables et les modifications sériques de l'alanine aminotransférase (ALT) et de la phosphatase alcaline (ALP). Résultats : Une résolution complète de la pyodermite s'est produite chez 39 des 51 chiens (76,5 %). Des antimicrobiens topiques ont été utilisés simultanément dans la plupart des cas (47 sur 51 ; 92,2 %). Une élévation de l'ALP> 1,5 fois la ligne de base ou l'extrémité supérieure de la plage de référence s'est produite chez neuf des 37 (24,3%) chiens, tandis qu'une élévation de l'ALT au-dessus de la ligne de base et de l'extrémité supérieure de la plage de référence s'est produite chez deux des 36 (5,6%). Seuls six sur 51 (11,8 %) ont eu des événements indésirables cliniques pendant le traitement ; cinq des six (83,3 %) étaient des réactions bénignes consistant en une léthargie et des signes gastro-intestinaux, tandis qu'un chien a eu un possible effet indésirable cutané au médicament. Parmi ceux qui ont subi des événements indésirables cliniques, quatre sur six (66,7 %) n'ont pas eu d'augmentation simultanée de l'activité des enzymes hépatiques, tandis que deux sur six (33,3 %) ont présenté des élévations de l'ALP seule. Conclusions et pertinence clinique : La RFP à faible dose (≤ 6 mg/kg/jour) semble être un antibiotique systémique à agent unique relativement sûr et efficace en association avec des antimicrobiens topiques pour la pyodermite MDR MRS canine.

Introducción- la rifampicina (RFP) es un tratamiento potencial para los estafilococos resistentes a múltiples fármacos (MDR) y meticilina (MRS), sin embargo, el uso de dosis más bajas basado en datos recientes de MIC no se ha evaluado in vivo. Hipótesis/Objetivos- Proporcionar información sobre la eficacia y seguridad de RFP en el rango de dosis bajas (≤6 mg/kg/día) para el tratamiento de la pioderma canina MDR MRS. Animales- Cincuenta y un perros propietarios particulares. Materiales y métodos- revisión retrospectiva de perros que recibieron RFP oral a dosis ≤6 mg/kg/día obtenida de historiales clínicos de 11 prácticas de referencia de dermatología de los Estados Unidos. Los datos evaluados incluyeron la respuesta al tratamiento, los eventos adversos y los cambios séricos en la alanina aminotransferasa (ALT) y la fosfatasa alcalina (ALP). Resultados- una resolución completa de la pioderma ocurrió en 39 de 51 perros (76,5 %). Antimicrobianos tópicos se usaron al mismo tiempo en la mayoría de los casos (47 de 51; 92,2%). En nueve de 37 (24,3 %) perros se produjo una elevación de ALP >1,5 veces respecto al valor inicial o el extremo superior del rango de referencia, mientras que en dos de 36 (5,6 %) se produjo una elevación de ALT por encima del valor inicial y en el límite superior del rango de referencia. Solo seis de 51 (11,8%) tuvieron eventos adversos clínicos durante el tratamiento; cinco de seis (83,3 %) fueron reacciones leves que consistieron en letargo y signos gastrointestinales, mientras que un perro tuvo una posible reacción cutánea adversa al medicamento. De los que experimentaron eventos adversos clínicos, cuatro de seis (66,7 %) no tuvieron un aumento simultáneo de la actividad de las enzimas hepáticas, mientras que dos de seis (33,3 %) tuvieron elevaciones en la ALP por sí sola. Conclusiones y relevancia clínica- la dosis baja de RFP (≤6 mg/kg/día) parece ser un antibiótico sistémico de uso único relativamente seguro y efectivo en combinación con antimicrobianos tópicos para la pioderma canina MDR MRS.

Contexto - A rifampicina (RFP) é um tratamento potencial para estafilococos resistentes à meticilina (MRS) multirresistentes (MDR) e a utilização de doses mais baixas baseado em dados recentes de MIC não foi avaliada in vivo. Hipótese/Objetivos: Fornecer informações sobre a eficácia e segurança de RFP em menor dosagem (≤6 mg/kg/dia) para o tratamento de piodermite canina por MRS MDR. Animais: Cinquenta e um cães de clientes. Materiais e métodos: Uma revisão retrospectiva dos prontuários de cães que receberam RFP oral na dose de ≤6 mg/kg/dia em 11 clínicas dermatológicas nos Estados Unidos. Os dados avaliados incluíram resposta ao tratamento, eventos adversos, alterações séricas de alanina aminotransferase (ALT) e fosfatase alcalina (FA). Resultados: Resolução completa da piodermite ocorreu em 39 de 51 dos cães (76,5%). Antimicrobianos tópicos foram utilizados concomitantemente na maioria dos casos (47 de 51; 92,2%). Elevação de mais de 1,5 vezes na FA ou para o limite superior do intervalo de referência ocorreu em nove de 37 cães (24,3%), enquanto a elevação de ALT acima do valor inicial e o limite superior do valor de referência ocorreu em dois de 36 (5,6%). Apenas cinco de 51 (11,8%) apresentaram efeitos adversos durante o tratamento; cinco de seis (83,3%) tiveram reações leves caracterizadas por letargia e sinais gastrointestinais, enquanto um cão apresentou uma possível farmacodermia. Dos que apresentaram eventos adversos, quatro de seis (66,7%) não apresentaram aumento concomitante de enzimas hepáticas, enquanto dois de seis (33,3%) tiveram aumento de FA isoladamente. Conclusões e relevância clínica - RFP em baixa dosagem (≤6 mg/kg/dia) aparenta ser relativamente segura e eficaz em monoterapia no tratamento da piodermite canina por MRS MDR por via sistêmica, associada a antimicrobianos tópicos.

Contrasting treatment responses by Burkholderia cepacia complex-related deep pyoderma: A series of two cases.

Background: The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is an opportunistic pathogen in humans and animals. Deep pyoderma caused by these bacteria in dogs has been previously reported. This case series aims to describe contrasting treatment responses in Bcc-related deep pyoderma in two dogs, a male and a female. Case Description: Both patients had a history of immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) managed with oral ciclosporin and prednisolone. Their skin lesions were multifocal, irregular, erythematous to hemorrhagic, alopecic papules, plaques, and nodules, with extensive crusting, draining tracts, and ulceration. Cytological findings revealed a marked inflammatory response consisting of non-degenerative and degenerative neutrophils and macrophages, with moderate to abundant intracellular and extracellular Bcc. Ciclosporin and prednisolone were stopped in case 2 after diagnosis. However, it was challenging to stop the regimen in case 1 because of the recurrence of IMPA and the onset of iatrogenic hypoadrenocorticism. Case 1 did not achieve remission for approximately 66 weeks even with seven protocols because of multiple relapses, whereas it took only 3 weeks to achieve remission in case 2 while using one drug. Conclusion: For deep pyoderma with extensive lesions in immunosuppressed patients, one should consider infection with Bcc. Therefore, immunosuppressants should promptly be reduced in such patients, and then, intensive antimicrobial therapy may achieve remission.

Effects of the clinical severity of disease and concomitant pyoderma on serum acute-phase proteins concentrations in dogs with sarcoptic mange.

BACKGROUND: Information on acute-phase protein (APP) concentrations in dogs with sarcoptic mange (SM) is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of the clinical severity of disease and concomitant pyoderma on serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations in dogs with SM. ANIMALS: Forty client-owned dogs with SM (INF group) and 10 healthy control dogs (CON group). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The INF group was divided into three subgroups; Group 1 (mild/moderate), Group 2 (severe) and Group 3 (severe+pyoderma) according to the extent of skin lesions and the presence of concomitant pyoderma. Serum CRP, SAA, Hp and Cp concentrations of all study groups were measured. RESULTS: Serum CRP (P < 0.001), SAA (P < 0.001) and Hp (P = 0.016) concentrations of the INF group were higher than the CON group, with no difference in terms of Cp. A statistical difference was measured between groups 2 and 1 in SAA only. C-reactive protein was found to be significantly higher in dogs with severe SM accompanied by pyoderma (Group 3) when compared with dogs with severe SM (Group 2). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves differentiating pyoderma among dogs with severe SM was 0.850 for CRP (P = 0.0001, cut-off value >61.3 mg/L with sensitivity 69.29% and specificity 90.91%). CONCLUSIONS: The unique findings in this were that the SAA serum concentrations are related to the severity of SM and that serum CRP concentrations are effective in detecting the presence of pyoderma in dogs with severe SM.

Conclusions - The unique findings in this were that the SAA serum concentrations are related to the severity of SM and that serum CRP concentrations are correlated with the presence of pyoderma in dogs with severe SM. Contexte - Les informations sur les concentrations de protéines de phase aiguë (APP) chez les chiens atteints de gale sarcoptique (SM) sont rares. Objectif - Déterminer les effets de la gravité clinique de la maladie et de la pyodermite concomitante sur les concentrations sériques de protéine C-réactive (CRP), d'amyloïde-A (SAA), d'haptoglobine (Hp) et de céruloplasmine (Cp) chez les chiens atteints de SM. Animaux - Quarante chiens de propriétaires atteints de SM (groupe INF) et 10 chiens témoins sains (groupe CON). Matériels et méthodes - Le groupe INF a été divisé en trois sous-groupes ; Groupe 1 (léger/modéré), Groupe 2 (sévère) et Groupe 3 (sévère + pyodermite) selon l'étendue des lésions cutanées et la présence de pyodermite concomitante. Les concentrations sériques de CRP, SAA, Hp et Cp de tous les groupes d'étude ont été mesurées. Résultats - Les concentrations sériques de CRP (P < 0,001), SAA (P < 0,001) et Hp (P = 0,016) du groupe INF étaient supérieures à celles du groupe CON, sans différence en termes de Cp. Une différence statistique a été mesurée entre les groupes 2 et 1 en SAA uniquement. La protéine C-réactive s'est avérée significativement plus élevée chez les chiens atteints de SM sévère accompagnée de pyodermite (groupe 3) par rapport aux chiens atteints de SM sévère (groupe 2). L'aire sous les courbes caractéristiques de fonctionnement du récepteur différenciant la pyodermite chez les chiens atteints de SM sévère était de 0,850 pour la CRP (P = 0,0001, valeur seuil > 61,3 mg/L avec une sensibilité de 69,29 % et une spécificité de 90,91 %). Conclusions - Les résultats uniques dans ce cas étaient que les concentrations sériques de SAA sont liées à la gravité de la SM et que les concentrations sériques de CRP sont corrélées à la présence de pyodermite chez les chiens atteints de SM sévère.

Introducción- la información sobre las concentraciones de proteína de fase aguda (APP) en perros con sarna sarcóptica (SM) es escasa. Objetivo- determinar los efectos de la gravedad clínica de enfermedad y pioderma concomitante en las concentraciones de proteína C reactiva (CRP) sérica, amiloide-A sérica (SAA), haptoglobina (Hp) y ceruloplasmina (Cp) en perros con SM. Animales - Cuarenta perros de propietarios particulares con SM (grupo INF) y 10 perros de control sanos (grupo CON). Materiales y métodos - El grupo INF se dividió en tres subgrupos; Grupo 1 (leve/moderada), Grupo 2 (grave) y Grupo 3 (grave+pioderma) según la extensión de las lesiones cutáneas y la presencia de pioderma concomitante. Se midieron las concentraciones séricas de CRP, SAA, Hp y Cp de todos los grupos de estudio. Resultados- las concentraciones séricas de CRP (P < 0,001), SAA (P < 0,001) y Hp (P = 0,016) del grupo INF fueron más altas que las del grupo CON, sin diferencias en términos de Cp. Se observó una diferencia estadística entre los grupos 2 y 1 en SAA solamente. Se encontró que la proteína C reactiva era significativamente más alta en perros con SM severa acompañada de pioderma (Grupo 3) en comparación con perros con SM severa (Grupo 2). El área bajo las curvas de características operativas del receptor que diferencian la pioderma entre perros con SM grave fue de 0,850 para CRP (P = 0,0001, valor de corte >61,3 mg/l con sensibilidad del 69,29 % y especificidad del 90,91 %). Conclusiones- los hallazgos únicos en esto estudio fueron que las concentraciones séricas de SAA están relacionadas con la gravedad de la SM y que las concentraciones séricas de CRP están correlacionadas con la presencia de pioderma en perros con SM grave.

Contexto - São escassas as informações sobre as concentrações de proteínas de fase aguda (PFA) em cães com sarna sarcóptica (SS) são escassas. Objetivo - Determinar os efeitos da gravidade da doença e a piodermite concomitante nas concentrações de proteína C-reativa (PCR), amiloide sérico A (ASA), haptoglobina (Hp) e ceruloplasmina (Cp) em cães com SS. Animais - Quarenta cães de clientes com SS (grupo INF) e 10 cães controle saudáveis (grupo CON). Materiais e métodos - O grupo INF foi dividido em três subgrupos; Grupo 1 (leve/moderado), Grupo 2 (grave), Grupo 3 (grave + piodermite) de acordo com a extensão das lesões cutâneas e a presença de piodermite concomitante. As concentrações séricas de PCR, ASA, Hp e Cp, foram mensuradas. Resultados - As concentrações séricas de PCR (P < 0,001), ASA (P < 0,001) e Hp (P = 0,016) no grupo INF foram maiores que no grupo COM, sem diferenças em termos de Cp. Mensurou-se a diferença estatística entre os grupos 2 e 1 no ASA apenas. A proteína C-reativa foi significativamente maior em cães com SS grave com piodermite (Grupo 3) quando comparado com cães com SS grave (Grupo 2). A área sob as curvas características de operação do receptor que diferenciam piodermite entre cães com SS grave foi 0,850 para a PCR (P = 0,0001, valor de corte > 61,3 mg/L com sensibilidade de 69,29% e especificidade de 90,91%). Conclusões - Os achados mais singulares deste estudo foram de que as concentrações séricas de ASA são relacionadas à severidade da SS e que as concentrações séricas de PCR são correlacionadas com a presença de piodermite em cães com SS grave.

[Life-threatening acute neutrophilic vasculitis in a Shar-Pei puppy]. / Lebensbedrohliche, akute neutrophile Vaskulitis bei einem Shar Pei-Welpen.

A 3-month old male Shar-Pei was presented for lethargy, fever and cutaneous edema. Further investigations revealed superficial pyoderma with Streptococcus canis and an acute neutrophilic vasculitis. Symptomatic and antibiotic treatment in combination with immunosuppressive treatment (initially prednisolone, later cyclosporine) treatment was performed. In the course of the disease complications such as dyspnea, anemia, skin ulceration, skin necrosis and secondary bacterial skin infection with multiresistant bacteria occurred. After intensive care treatment the dog was discharged from the hospital 38 days later. Within the following weeks the dosage of the immunosuppressants were reduced and the drugs were discontinued after 4 months.

Efficacy of a quaternary ammonium compound in reducing coagulase-positive staphylococcal colony counts in veterinary dermatology exam rooms following two cleaning instruction protocols.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial meticillin-resistant (MR) staphylococcal infections are of global concern. Veterinary dermatology exam room surfaces may be a reservoir given the commonness of staphylococcal pyoderma. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: First, efficacy of exam room surface decontamination using a quaternary ammonium compound was assessed after use of two different cleaning instruction protocols. Second, coagulase-positive staphylococcal (CoPS) colony counts were assessed after use of rooms by dogs with pyoderma, and then after cleaning and disinfection. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In Part I, 10 room surfaces were tagged with a discreet fluorescent dye, Glo Germ, to assess the efficacy of surface cleaning between two Virex II 256-based cleaning protocols. In Part II, CoPS colonies were quantified via 3M Staph Express System. Ten standardised room surfaces were sampled after use by a dog with staphylococcal pyoderma, and immediately after a detailed cleaning and disinfection protocol. RESULTS: A total of 24 of 100 and 81 of 100 surfaces were completely cleaned by the general and detailed protocols, respectively. The mean number of surfaces adequately cleaned was higher with the detailed protocol (P = 0.003). The detailed protocol reduced CoPS colony counts of eight surfaces (P < 0.01), and not chairs (P = 0.055). No CoPS were isolated from the exam table under a table mat. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Detailed exam room cleaning and disinfection protocols are recommended to minimise contamination of veterinary exam room surfaces with staphylococci. The appropriate disinfection of chairs necessitates further study.

Canine pyoderma: mecA persists autogenous bacterin formulation from meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and S. aureus (MRSA).

OBJECTIVE: Autogenous Staphylococcus pseudintermedius bacterins can reduce prescribing of antimicrobials in the management of canine recurrent pyoderma. However, increasing prevalence of meticillin-resistant, mecA-positive S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) raises concern over dispersal of mecA through bacterin therapy. We investigated the presence and integrity of mecA in bacterin formulations after manufacturing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty clinical isolates (12 MRSP, 7 MR-S. aureus, 1 meticillin-susceptible SP) were investigated. Pellets from overnight growth were washed 3 times with 0.5 % phenol saline, followed by addition of 0.1 ml 10 % formal-saline to 10 ml phenol-saline. Sterility was confirmed, and DNA extracted using both a standard genomic extraction kit and one recommended for formalin-fixed tissue samples (FFPE). The presence of mecA was determined after PCR and its integrity examined in 5 randomly selected samples after sequencing. RESULTS: In all bacterins from meticillin-resistant isolates, mecA was detected following FFPE extraction; products aligned fully to a reported mecA sequence. After standard DNA extraction, mecA was seen in 16/19 samples. CONCLUSION: Persistence of mecA in MRSP bacterins suggests that dispersal of this important resistance mediator through therapy may be possible. While the ability of skin bacteria to uptake naked DNA remains unclear, it seems prudent to only formulate autogenous bacterins from mecA-negative S. pseudintermedius to avoid unnecessary spread of mecA.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus schleiferi subspecies coagulans associated with otitis externa and pyoderma in dogs.

Background: Dermatological infections are the most common cases in the daily pet clinic. Since its discovery in 1990, Staphylococcus schleiferi subspecies coagulans have been reported more frequently in canine otitis externa and pyoderma and even in cases of zoonoses. Aim: Detect the presence of S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans of canine otitis externa and pyoderma, its antimicrobial resistance, and the presence of mecAgen. Methods: Three-hundred-thirty-one swabs from dogs with otitis externa and pyoderma were cultured on bacteriological agar for bacterial isolation and subsequent biochemical and molecular identification. The identified S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans were evaluated for their antimicrobial susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer technique, including an oxacillin disk, and subsequently, a PCR was run to identify which ones had the mecA gene. Results: Thirty-four (22.97%) and twelve (6.56%) isolates were identified as S. schleiferi subspecies coagulans from otitis externa and pyoderma, respectively. Fluoroquinolones, the most widely used group of antibiotics in Peru, showed a susceptibility of 58.82% (20/34) in cases of otitis externa and 50% (6/12) in cases of canine pyoderma. Meanwhile, nitrofurantoin was the antibiotic with the best efficacy in both cases, with 97% (33/34) in otitis externa and 83% (10/12) in pyoderma. Furthermore, 40% (13/34) of S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans isolated from otitis externa were resistant to methicillin, and 85.29% (29/34) had the mecA gene. On the other hand, the only methicillin-resistant isolate from pyoderma was also the only one with a mecA gene. Conclusion: This study is the first report of S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans in Peru, finding a higher percentage than reported in other South American countries.