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Grahn B. Blepharitis and Neoplasms of the Canine Eyelid Margin and Skin. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2023; 53:455-471. [PMID: 36813395 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Canine eyelid masses (tumors) should include the differential clinical diagnoses of neoplasia and blepharitis. They have many common clinical signs including tumor, alopecia, and hyperemia. Biopsy and histologic examination remains the most effective diagnostic test to establish a confirmed diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Neoplasms are typically benign (tarsal gland adenomas, melanocytomas, and so forth) with the exception of lymphosarcoma. Blepharitis is noted in 2 age groups including dogs aged less than 1.5 years and middle aged to older dogs. Most blepharitis cases will respond to specific therapy once an accurate diagnosis is established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Grahn
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Prairie Ocular Pathology Service, Prairie Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada.
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Wang Z, Guo L, Li J, Li J, Cui L, Dong J, Meng X, Qian C, Wang H. Antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence factors of isolates of staphylococcus pseudintermedius from healthy dogs and dogs with keratitis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:903633. [PMID: 36032292 PMCID: PMC9399793 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.903633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine bacterial keratitis is a common infection that can potentially threaten vision. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius) is an opportunistic pathogen that has been isolated from the canine conjunctival sac but there are only a few reports on the role of this bacterium in canine keratitis. This study focused on the distribution rate of S. pseudintermedius in the canine conjunctival sac, and the antibiotic resistance, biofilm-producing ability, and dissemination of virulence factors in strains of S. pseudintermedius isolated from healthy dogs and dogs with keratitis. The study included 35 healthy dogs and 40 dogs with keratitis. Bacterial species were confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS). Strains of S. pseudintermedius were screened for resistance against nine different antibiotics by the Kirby–Bauer assay. The ability to produce biofilm was investigated by microtiter plate assay (MtP) and amplification of icaA and icaD genes. Virulence factors in the strains were also evaluated. A total of 132 aerobic bacteria were isolated from the 119 samples in the study. Among them, 67 bacterial strains were isolated from 70 eyes of healthy dogs, and 65 bacterial strains were isolated from 49 eyes of dogs with keratitis. The prevalence of S. pseudintermedius, which was the most frequent bacterial isolate in both the groups, was 20.9% in the healthy group and 23.08% in the keratitis group. Most of the isolates of S. pseudintermedius were sensitive to rifampin (96.6%), oxacillin (100%), and neomycin (96.6%), and resistant to tetracycline (96.6%). Virulence factors such as lip (96.6%), hlgB (96.6%), and hlgA (96.6%) were found in most of the isolates, and 89.66% of isolates were classed as biofilm producers. In conclusion, S. pseudintermedius was the common bacterium in the conjunctivital sac of the healthy dogs and dogs with keratitis in Yangzhou, China, and the presence of virulence factors and biofilm-formation ability were high in the strains isolated from the dogs with keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Long Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianji Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Luying Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junsheng Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xia Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chen Qian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
| | - Heng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Heng Wang
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Staphylococcus pseudintermedius: Is it a real threat to human health? POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2021-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Staphylococcus Intermedius Group (SIG) staphylococci, especially Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius), share many features with the common human Staphylococcus aureus. The similarities concern both the phenotypic characteristics and virulence of the bacteria. It is a cause of difficulties in identifying the species of isolated staphylococci. Until now, S. pseudintermedius was considered a typically animal species, of marginal importance for humans. However, it is likely that the incidence of this staphylococcus in humans is underestimated due to the misidentification of S. pseudintermedius strains as S. aureus. The cases of infections caused by S. pseudintermedius both in humans and animals described so far in the literature show that these bacteria have a similar pathogenic potential. S. pseudintermedius also produces virulence factors that favor colonization of various body regions and infections, and may affect the species composition of the natural microbiota and the host’s immune response mechanisms. Also, S. pseudintermedius may show the ability to grow in the form of a biofilm, which significantly impedes effective antibiotic therapy in clinical practice. Due to its zoonotic potential, S. pseudintermedius deserves the attention of physicians and animal owners.
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Urban-Chmiel R, Balicki I, Świąder K, Nowaczek A, Pyzik E, Stępień-Pyśniak D, Marek A, Puchalski A, Wernicki A, Poleszak E, Dec M. The in vitro efficacy of eye drops containing a bacteriophage solution specific for Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dogs with bacterial conjunctivitis. Ir Vet J 2020; 73:21. [PMID: 33319700 PMCID: PMC7643432 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-020-00175-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial effect of experimental eye drops with bacteriophages in elimination of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dogs with bacterial conjunctivitis.. The bacterial material was collected from dogs with independent clinical signs of bacterial conjunctivitis. Staphylococcus spp. were identified by phenotypic and genotypic methods (MALDI-TOF MS mass spectrometry). Antibiotic resistance was determined by the disc-diffusion method. Phage activity (Plaque forming units, PFU) was determined on double-layer agar plates. Phages with lytic titres > 108 PFU were used to prepare eye drops. The stability of the antibacterial titre was evaluated for preparations stored in sealed bottles as well as after opening and reclosing. RESULTS The tests confirmed the occurrence of Staphylococcus spp. strains as etiological agents of bacterial conjunctivitis in dogs. A high percentage of strains were resistant to more than three antibiotics. The experimental phage eye drops used in the study exhibited 100% efficacy in vitro against the tested Staphylococcus isolates. Particularly noteworthy is the long duration of activity and constant antibacterial lytic titre of ≥108 PFU/mL of two eye drop solutions, nos. 7 and 12, after the bottle had been opened (21 days) and after hermetically sealed packaging (28 days) at 4-8 °C. CONCLUSIONS The results represent the first stage of research and require continuation in vivo. If positive effects are obtained in animals, the results can be used in applied research in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Urban-Chmiel
- SubDepartment of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Balicki
- Department and Clinic of Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Świąder
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Nowaczek
- SubDepartment of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewelina Pyzik
- SubDepartment of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dagmara Stępień-Pyśniak
- SubDepartment of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Marek
- SubDepartment of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Puchalski
- SubDepartment of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Wernicki
- SubDepartment of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Dec
- SubDepartment of Veterinary Prevention and Avian Diseases, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
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Banks KC, Giuliano EA, Busi SB, Reinero CR, Ericsson AC. Evaluation of Healthy Canine Conjunctival, Periocular Haired Skin, and Nasal Microbiota Compared to Conjunctival Culture. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:558. [PMID: 33195492 PMCID: PMC7481369 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods have been used to identify a diverse ocular surface (OS) microbiota in humans. These results have highlighted limitations in microbial detection via traditional culture-based techniques. The OS has mechanisms such as tear film and mechanical blinking, which may aid in preventing adherence and colonization of microbes, suggesting that only low populations of microbes may reside on the OS. Additionally, closely related tissues to the OS are exposed to a similar array of microbes, but demonstrate different defense mechanisms. Information regarding concordance of microbial communities of the OS and nearby tissues is lacking. Our study purposes were to (1) characterize the conjunctival microbiota of healthy dogs, (2) compare the conjunctival microbiota to the periocular haired skin and distal nose, and (3) compare the bacteria identified by culture to NGS of the healthy canine conjunctiva. Here, NGS was used to evaluate samples from 25 healthy adult dogs of the conjunctiva, periocular haired skin, and distal nose. Additional samples were collected from each dog for traditional conjunctival culture. The 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries were evaluated for coverage, relative abundance, richness, and diversity. Site-dependent similarities evaluated using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and PERMANOVA demonstrated relatedness in community compositions between sites. The conjunctiva of healthy dogs yielded a rich and diverse microbiota based on NGS. While some regional continuity was noted, microbial communities of the conjunctiva, periocular haired skin, and nose were significantly different from each other. Comparatively, traditional culture markedly underestimated the number of bacterial taxa present on the healthy canine OS. Findings suggest similarities in nasal and conjunctival microbial communities, which may be a result of similarities in mucosal immunity and anatomic connection via the nasolacrimal system. Further investigation using NGS into changes of the composition of bacterial communities in disease is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla C Banks
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Giuliano
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Susheel B Busi
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Carol R Reinero
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Comparative Internal Medicine Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Aaron C Ericsson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri Metagenomics Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Evaluation of the bacterial ocular surface microbiome in ophthalmologically normal dogs prior to and following treatment with topical neomycin-polymyxin-bacitracin. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234313. [PMID: 32516320 PMCID: PMC7282667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface microbiome of veterinary species has not been thoroughly characterized using molecular-based techniques, such as next generation sequencing (NGS), as the vast majority of studies have utilized traditional culture-based techniques. To date, there is one pilot study evaluating the ocular surface of healthy dogs using NGS. Furthermore, alterations in the ocular surface microbiome over time and after topical antibiotic treatment are unknown. The objectives of this study were to describe the bacterial composition of the ocular surface microbiome in clinically normal dogs, and to determine if microbial community changes occur over time or following topical antibiotic therapy. Topical neomycin-polymyxin-bacitracin ophthalmic ointment was applied to one eye each of 13 adult dogs three times daily for seven days, while contralateral eyes served as untreated controls. The inferior conjunctival fornix of both eyes was sampled via swabbing at baseline prior to antibiotic therapy (day 0), after 1 week of treatment (day 7), and 4 weeks after discontinuing treatment (day 35). Genomic DNA was extracted from the conjunctival swabs and primers targeting the V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes were used to generate amplicon libraries, which were then sequenced on an Illumina platform. Data were analyzed using Quantitative Insights Into Molecular Ecology (QIIME 2.0). At baseline, the most relatively abundant phyla sequenced were Proteobacteria (49.7%), Actinobacteria (25.5%), Firmicutes (12%), Bacteroidetes (7.5%), and Fusobacteria (1.4%). The most common families detected were Pseudomonadaceae (13.2%), Micrococcaceae (12%), Pasteurellaceae (6.9%), Microbacteriaceae (5.2%), Enterobacteriaceae (3.9%), Neisseriaceae (3.5%), and Corynebacteriaceae (3.3%). Alpha and beta diversity measurements did not differ in both control and treatment eyes over time. This report examines the temporal stability of the canine ocular surface microbiome. The major bacterial taxa on the canine ocular surface remained consistent over time and following topical antibiotic therapy.
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Banks KC, Ericsson AC, Reinero CR, Giuliano EA. Veterinary ocular microbiome: Lessons learned beyond the culture. Vet Ophthalmol 2019; 22:716-725. [PMID: 31070001 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ocular pathogens cause many painful and vision-threatening diseases such as infectious keratitis, uveitis, and endophthalmitis. While virulent pathogens and pathobionts play important roles in disease pathogenesis, the scientific community has long assumed disruption of the ocular surface occurs prior to microbial colonization and subsequent infection. While nonpathogenic bacteria are often detected in corneal and conjunctival cultures from healthy eyes, cultures also frequently fail to yield growth of common ocular pathogens or nonpathogenic bacteria. This prompts the following question: Is the ocular surface populated by a stable microbial population that cannot be detected using standard culture techniques? The study of the microbiome has recently become a widespread focus in physician and veterinary medicine. Research suggests a pivotal symbiotic relationship with these microbes to maintain healthy host tissues, and when altered is associated with various disease states ("dysbiosis"). The microbiota that lives within and on mammalian bodies have long been known to influence health and susceptibility to infection. However, limitations of traditional culture methods have resulted in an incomplete understanding of what many now call the "forgotten organ," that is, the microbiome. With the introduction of high-throughput sequencing, physician ophthalmology has recognized an ocular surface with much more diverse microbial communities than suspected based on traditional culture. This article reviews the salient features of the ocular surface microbiome and highlights important future applications following the advent of molecular techniques for microbial identification, including characterizing ocular surface microbiomes in our veterinary species and their potential role in management of infectious and inflammatory ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla C Banks
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Aaron C Ericsson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Carol R Reinero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Elizabeth A Giuliano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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Weingart C, Kohn B, Siekierski M, Merle R, Linek M. Blepharitis in dogs: a clinical evaluation in 102 dogs. Vet Dermatol 2019; 30:222-e69. [PMID: 30828906 DOI: 10.1111/vde.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blepharitis is a common finding in many dogs with various skin diseases. OBJECTIVES To establish a definition for canine blepharitis versus periocular dermatitis (POD), to evaluate the clinical findings and underlying skin diseases of blepharitis, and to document the effects of blepharitis on tear production in dogs. ANIMALS One hundred and two privately owned dogs with clinical signs of blepharitis and a definitive diagnosis of skin disease. METHODS AND MATERIALS Prospective evaluation of clinical signs and underlying diseases in dogs with blepharitis alone compared to dogs with blepharitis and POD. RESULTS Brachycephalic dogs were significantly more likely to present with blepharitis than other breeds. Twenty five dogs had blepharitis alone [three dogs (2.9%) without and 22 dogs (21.5%) with cutaneous lesion beyond the periocular skin]. Seventy one of 102 (69%) presented with POD in addition to blepharitis. In six cases a differentiation between blepharitis and POD was not possible. Typical lesions included alopecia/hypotrichosis (97%), erythema (93%), eyelid oedema (50%) and crusts (39.2%). Allergic skin disease (52%) was the most common underlying cause of blepharitis, followed by infectious/parasitic diseases (21.5%), autoimmune disorders (17.7%) and neoplasia (4.9%). Four dogs could not be allocated to any of these disease groups. A diagnosis of parasitism was always accompanied by POD. Reduced tear production was detected in ten of the 53 dogs tested (18.8%). CONCLUSION Blepharitis occurring in the absence of other skin lesions is rare. The most common underlying cause of blepharitis is allergic dermatitis. Measurement of tear production should be recommended in all cases of blepharitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Weingart
- Clinic of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19 b, Berlin, D-14163, Germany
| | - Barbara Kohn
- Clinic of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19 b, Berlin, D-14163, Germany
| | - Martina Siekierski
- Clinic of Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19 b, Berlin, D-14163, Germany
| | - Roswitha Merle
- Institute for Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Königsweg 67, D-14163, Berlin, Germany
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Darden JE, Scott EM, Arnold C, Scallan EM, Simon BT, Suchodolski JS. Evaluation of the bacterial ocular surface microbiome in clinically normal cats before and after treatment with topical erythromycin. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223859. [PMID: 31603921 PMCID: PMC6788832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ocular surface microbiome of veterinary species has not been thoroughly characterized using next generation sequencing. Furthermore, alterations in the feline ocular surface microbiome over time or following topical antibiotic treatment are unknown. Aims of this study were to further characterize the ocular surface microbiome of healthy cats and to identify whether there are microbial community changes over time and following topical antibiotic use. Twenty-four eyes from twelve adult, research-bred, female spayed domestic shorthaired cats were evaluated. Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment (0.5%) was applied to the ocular surface of one randomly assigned eye per cat three times daily for 7 days, while the fellow eye served as an untreated control. The ocular surface was sampled by swabbing the inferior conjunctival fornix of both eyes prior to initiating treatment (day 0), after 1 week of treatment (day 7), and 4 weeks after concluding treatment (day 35). Genomic DNA was extracted from the swabs and sequenced using primers that target the V4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes. At baseline, the most common bacterial phyla identified were Proteobacteria (42.4%), Firmicutes (30.0%), Actinobacteria (15.6%), and Bacteroidetes (8.1%). The most abundant bacterial families sequenced were Corynebacteriaceae (7.8%), Helicobacteraceae (7.5%), Moraxellaceae (6.1%), and Comamonadaceae (5.6%). Alpha and beta diversity measurements were largely unchanged in both treatment and control eyes over time. However, univariate and linear discriminant analyses revealed significant and similar changes in the abundance of some bacterial taxa over time in both treatment and control eyes. Overall, the feline ocular surface microbiome remained stable over time and following topical antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E. Darden
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Erin M. Scott
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Carolyn Arnold
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth M. Scallan
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bradley T. Simon
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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11
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Older CE, Diesel A, Patterson AP, Meason-Smith C, Johnson TJ, Mansell J, Suchodolski JS, Rodrigues Hoffmann A. The feline skin microbiota: The bacteria inhabiting the skin of healthy and allergic cats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178555. [PMID: 28575016 PMCID: PMC5456077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The skin is inhabited by a multitude of microorganisms. An imbalance of these microorganisms is associated with disease, however, the causal relationship between skin microbiota and disease remains unknown. To describe the cutaneous bacterial microbiota of cats and determine whether bacterial dysbiosis occurs on the skin of allergic cats, the skin surfaces on various regions of 11 healthy cats and 10 allergic cats were sampled. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Genomic DNA was extracted from skin swabs and sequenced using primers that target the V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA. The bacterial sequences from healthy cats revealed that there are differences in species diversity and richness between body sites and different epithelial surfaces. Bacterial communities preferred body site niches in the healthy cats, however, the bacterial communities on allergic cat skin tended to be more unique to the individual cat. Overall, the number of bacterial species was not significantly different between the two health status groups, however, the abundances of these bacterial species were different between healthy and allergic skin. Staphylococcus, in addition to other taxa, was more abundant on allergic skin. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This study reveals that there are more bacterial species inhabiting the skin of cats than previously thought and provide some evidence of an association between dysbiosis and skin disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E. Older
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Alison Diesel
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Adam P. Patterson
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Courtney Meason-Smith
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Joanne Mansell
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Aline Rodrigues Hoffmann
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
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Daniel MC, O'Gallagher M, Hingorani M, Larkin DF, Tuft S, Dahlmann-Noor A. Medical Management of Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in Children: A Delphi Consensus. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2017; 54:156-162. [PMID: 27977033 DOI: 10.3928/01913913-20161013-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe a pragmatic approach to the medical management of blepharokeratoconjunctivitis in children, based on published evidence and clinical experience. METHODS The authors used the Delphi consensus method to explore the preferred management patterns of four senior clinicians at one institution to reach agreement on indications and dosage schedules for commonly used treatments. Four iterations were created, with electronic questionnaires distributed via an online survey platform. Initial questions were based on recent systematic reviews and clinical experience. After each round, a facilitator summarized the responses and fed these back to the expert participants, together with an invitation to complete the next round of questions. RESULTS Typical and specific eyelid, corneal, and conjunctival disease features influenced management decisions, and treatments were targeted toward specific findings in these tissues rather than to overall disease severity. Active keratitis was considered the main indication for high potency steroids, systemic antibiotics, and possibly systemic immunomodulators. Other indications for systemic antibiotics were chronic active blepharitis and recurrent troublesome chalazia. Oral antibiotics were used for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. There was little agreement on the role of dietary modification, topical lubricants, and preference for oral or topical antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS Detailed clinical assessment of eyelids and ocular surface allows targeted treatment. Research is needed to clarify disease mechanisms and to optimize treatment strategies. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(3):156-162.].
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Sandmeyer LS, Bauer BS, Mohaghegh Poor SM, Feng CX, Chirino-Trejo M. Alterations in conjunctival bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility during topical administration of ofloxacin after cataract surgery in dogs. Am J Vet Res 2017; 78:207-214. [PMID: 28140645 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.78.2.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate changes in conjunctival bacteria and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria after cataract surgery in dogs. ANIMALS 16 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Samples for aerobic and anaerobic culture were obtained from the conjunctival fornices of both eyes of dogs 24 hours before (week 0) and 1, 3, and 6 weeks after cataract surgery. Topical administration of ofloxacin (every 6 hours) was initiated 12 hours before surgery and continued for 3 weeks. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and a commercially available test for ofloxacin. RESULTS Frequency of positive culture results was significantly higher at week 6 than at weeks 0 and 1. Bacterial load was more likely to be moderate or high at weeks 3 and 6 than at weeks 0 and 1. The most frequently cultured organism was Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (21/78 [26.9%]), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp (19/78 [24.4%]). Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the organism most frequently cultured at weeks 0 (5/12), 1 (4/12), and 6 (8/19), whereas frequency of this organism was lowest at week 3 (1/20). In contrast, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp were the most frequently cultured organisms at week 3 (10/20). There was a significant increase in the proportion of organisms resistant to ofloxacin at week 3, compared with the proportion at week 0. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The number of bacterial organisms increased and the population of conjunctival bacteria was altered and had a higher proportion resistant to ofloxacin during the 6 weeks after cataract surgery for dogs treated by use of this protocol.
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Bradley CW, Morris DO, Rankin SC, Cain CL, Misic AM, Houser T, Mauldin EA, Grice EA. Longitudinal Evaluation of the Skin Microbiome and Association with Microenvironment and Treatment in Canine Atopic Dermatitis. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:1182-1190. [PMID: 26854488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Host-microbe interactions may play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder characterized by universal colonization with Staphylococcus species. To examine the relationship between epidermal barrier function and the cutaneous microbiota in atopic dermatitis, this study used a spontaneous model of canine atopic dermatitis. In a cohort of 14 dogs with canine atopic dermatitis, the skin microbiota were longitudinally evaluated with parallel assessment of skin barrier function at disease flare, during antimicrobial therapy, and post-therapy. Sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene showed decreased bacterial diversity and increased proportions of Staphylococcus (S. pseudintermedius in particular) and Corynebacterium species compared with a cohort of healthy control dogs (n = 16). Treatment restored bacterial diversity with decreased proportions of Staphylococcus species, concurrent with decreased canine atopic dermatitis severity. Skin barrier function, as measured by corneometry, pH, and transepidermal water loss also normalized with treatment. Bacterial diversity correlated with transepidermal water loss and pH level but not with corneometry results. These findings provide insights into the relationship between the cutaneous microbiome and skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis, show the impact of antimicrobial therapy on the skin microbiome, and highlight the utility of canine atopic dermatitis as a spontaneous nonrodent model of atopic dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles W Bradley
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Daniel O Morris
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shelley C Rankin
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christine L Cain
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ana M Misic
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A Mauldin
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Grice
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Jensen-Jarolim E, Einhorn L, Herrmann I, Thalhammer JG, Panakova L. Pollen Allergies in Humans and their Dogs, Cats and Horses: Differences and Similarities. Clin Transl Allergy 2015; 5:15. [PMID: 25852853 PMCID: PMC4387677 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-015-0059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Both humans and their most important domestic animals harbor IgE and a similar IgE receptor repertoire and expression pattern. The same cell types are also involved in the triggering or regulation of allergies, such as mast cells, eosinophils or T-regulatory cells. Translational clinical studies in domestic animals could therefore help cure animal allergies and at the same time gather knowledge relevant to human patients. Dogs, cats and horses may spontaneously and to different extents develop immediate type symptoms to pollen allergens. The skin, nasal and bronchial reactions, as well as chronic skin lesions due to pollen are in principle comparable to human patients. Pollen of various species most often causes allergic rhinitis in human patients, whereas in dogs it elicits predominantly eczematous lesions (canine atopic dermatitis), in horses recurrent airway obstruction or hives as well as pruritic dermatitis, and in cats bronchial asthma and so-called cutaneous reactive patterns (eosinophilic granuloma complex, head and neck pruritus, symmetric self-induced alopecia). In human allergy-specific IgE detection, skin tests or other allergen provocation tests should be completed. In contrast, in animals IgE and dermal tests are regarded as equally important and may even replace each other. However, for practical and economic reasons intradermal tests are most commonly performed in a specialized practice. As in humans, in dogs, cats and horses allergen immunotherapy leads to significant improvement of the clinical symptoms. The collected evidence suggests that canines, felines and equines, with their spontaneous allergies, are attractive model patients for translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Jensen-Jarolim
- Comparative Medicine, Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, c/o Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Währinger G. 18-20, Vienna, 1090 Austria
| | - Lukas Einhorn
- Comparative Medicine, Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University Vienna, c/o Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Währinger G. 18-20, Vienna, 1090 Austria
| | - Ina Herrmann
- Dermatology Unit, Clinics of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann G Thalhammer
- Dermatology Unit, Clinics of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lucia Panakova
- Dermatology Unit, Clinics of Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Bizikova P, Santoro D, Marsella R, Nuttall T, Eisenschenk MNC, Pucheu-Haston CM. Review: Clinical and histological manifestations of canine atopic dermatitis. Vet Dermatol 2015; 26:79-e24. [DOI: 10.1111/vde.12196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bizikova
- Department of Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; North Carolina State University; 1060 William Moore Drive Raleigh NC 27607 USA
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Florida; 2015 SW 16th Avenue Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Rosanna Marsella
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences; College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Florida; 2015 SW 16th Avenue Gainesville FL 32610 USA
| | - Tim Nuttall
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies; Easter Bush Veterinary Centre; University of Edinburgh; Roslin EH25 9RG UK
| | | | - Cherie M. Pucheu-Haston
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences; School of Veterinary Medicine; Louisiana State University; 1909 Skip Bertman Drive Baton Rouge LA 70803 USA
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17
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Storms G, Meersschaert C, Farnir F, Grauwels M. Normal bacterial conjunctival flora in the Huacaya alpaca (Vicugna pacos). Vet Ophthalmol 2015; 19:22-8. [DOI: 10.1111/vop.12248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Goedele Storms
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; Boulevard de Colonster 20 B44 Liège 4000 Belgium
| | | | - Frédéric Farnir
- Department of Animal Production; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; Boulevard de Colonster 20, B43a Liège 4000 Belgium
| | - Magda Grauwels
- Department of Clinical Sciences; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Liège; Boulevard de Colonster 20 B44 Liège 4000 Belgium
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Rodrigues Hoffmann A, Patterson AP, Diesel A, Lawhon SD, Ly HJ, Stephenson CE, Mansell J, Steiner JM, Dowd SE, Olivry T, Suchodolski JS. The skin microbiome in healthy and allergic dogs. PLoS One 2014; 9:e83197. [PMID: 24421875 PMCID: PMC3885435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in the microbial populations on the skin of animals have traditionally been evaluated using conventional microbiology techniques. The sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes has revealed that the human skin is inhabited by a highly diverse and variable microbiome that had previously not been demonstrated by culture-based methods. The goals of this study were to describe the microbiome inhabiting different areas of the canine skin, and to compare the skin microbiome of healthy and allergic dogs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS DNA extracted from superficial skin swabs from healthy (n = 12) and allergic dogs (n = 6) from different regions of haired skin and mucosal surfaces were used for 454-pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Principal coordinates analysis revealed clustering for the different skin sites across all dogs, with some mucosal sites and the perianal regions clustering separately from the haired skin sites. The rarefaction analysis revealed high individual variability between samples collected from healthy dogs and between the different skin sites. Higher species richness and microbial diversity were observed in the samples from haired skin when compared to mucosal surfaces or mucocutaneous junctions. In all examined regions, the most abundant phylum and family identified in the different regions of skin and mucosal surfaces were Proteobacteria and Oxalobacteriaceae. The skin of allergic dogs had lower species richness when compared to the healthy dogs. The allergic dogs had lower proportions of the Betaproteobacteria Ralstonia spp. when compared to the healthy dogs. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The study demonstrates that the skin of dogs is inhabited by much more rich and diverse microbial communities than previously thought using culture-based methods. Our sequence data reveal high individual variability between samples collected from different patients. Differences in species richness was also seen between healthy and allergic dogs, with allergic dogs having lower species richness when compared to healthy dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Rodrigues Hoffmann
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Adam P. Patterson
- Clinical Dermatology Service, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alison Diesel
- Clinical Dermatology Service, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sara D. Lawhon
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hoai Jaclyn Ly
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Christine Elkins Stephenson
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joanne Mansell
- Dermatopathology Specialty Service, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jörg M. Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Scot E. Dowd
- MR DNA Laboratory, Shallowater, Texas, United States of America
| | - Thierry Olivry
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Center for Comparative Medicine and Translational Research, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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Bannoehr J, Guardabassi L. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in the dog: taxonomy, diagnostics, ecology, epidemiology and pathogenicity. Vet Dermatol 2012; 23:253-66, e51-2. [PMID: 22515504 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3164.2012.01046.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The dog is the natural host of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Many research efforts are currently being undertaken to expand our knowledge and understanding of this important canine commensal and opportunistic pathogen. The objective of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the species, including the latest research outcomes, with emphasis on taxonomy, diagnostics, ecology, epidemiology and pathogenicity. Despite the important taxonomic changes that have occurred over the past few years, the risk of misidentification in canine specimens is low and does not have serious consequences for clinical practice. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius carriage in the dog is more frequent and genetically heterogeneous compared with that of Staphylococcus aureus in man. It appears that these staphylococcal species have evolved separately through adaptation to their respective natural hosts and differ with regard to various aspects concerning ecology, population structure and evolution of antibiotic resistance. Further understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of S. pseudintermedius is hampered by the lack of a standard method for rapid and discriminatory typing and by the limited data available on longitudinal carriage and population structure of meticillin-susceptible strains. With regard to pathogenicity, it is only now that we are starting to explore the virulence potential of S. pseudintermedius based on genomic and proteomic approaches, and more research is needed to assess the importance of individual virulence factors and the possible existence of hypervirulent strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Bannoehr
- Division of Clinical Dermatology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggassstraße 128, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
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