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Goig M, Godino J, Tejedor MT, Burgio F. Correlation of temperature-sensing microchip and rectal temperature measurements in cats. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1319722. [PMID: 38260203 PMCID: PMC10800440 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1319722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rectal temperature (RT) is the reference standard for clinical evaluation of body temperature in mammals. However, the use of a rectal thermometer to measure temperature can cause stress and other problems, especially in cats. There is a need for clinical techniques that reduce both stress and defensive behavior as part of the provision of better medical care. Subcutaneous temperature-sensing identification microchips fulfil the current legal requirements and provide a reading of subcutaneous temperature (MT). Methods The clinical study tried to determine whether there is agreement between MT and RT in normal (n = 58), hospitalized (n = 26) and sedated/anesthetized (n = 36) cats. Three measurements were taken using both methods (MT and RT) in each cat. Correlation between MT and RT, and differences between MT and RT, were estimated for pairs of data-points from the same individual, and all data pairs in each group were considered overall. Results There was a strong positive correlation between MT and RT (r = 0.7 to 1.0) (p < 0.0005). The mean differences (d) were always negative and although statistically significant, these d values are likely of no biological importance. The overall d was ‑0.1°C in normal cats (p < 0.0005), -0.1°C in hospitalized cats (p = 0.001) and -0.1°C in sedated/anesthetized cats (p = 0.001). The limits of agreement between MT and RT appear narrow enough for MT to be acceptable estimate of RT. The overall limits of agreement (95%) were ‑0.71°C and 0.53°C (in normal cats); ‑0.51°C and 0.34°C (in hospitalized cats) and ‑0.60°C and 0.42°C (in sedated/anesthetized cats). Discussion MT may provide a good alternative to RT measurement in cats. However, this study was mostly performed in animals that were normothermic. Therefore, further studies in larger groups of cats under different conditions are needed to compare trends and assess variation with time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Teresa Tejedor
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, CiberCV, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Monteiro Marques J, Coelho M, Santana AR, Pinto D, Semedo-Lemsaddek T. Dissemination of Enterococcal Genetic Lineages: A One Health Perspective. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1140. [PMID: 37508236 PMCID: PMC10376465 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12071140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus spp. are commensals of the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals and colonize a variety of niches such as water, soil, and food. Over the last three decades, enterococci have evolved as opportunistic pathogens, being considered ESKAPE pathogens responsible for hospital-associated infections. Enterococci's ubiquitous nature, excellent adaptative capacity, and ability to acquire virulence and resistance genes make them excellent sentinel proxies for assessing the presence/spread of pathogenic and virulent clones and hazardous determinants across settings of the human-animal-environment triad, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the One Health continuum. This review provides an overview of enterococcal fitness and pathogenic traits; the most common clonal complexes identified in clinical, veterinary, food, and environmental sources; as well as the dissemination of pathogenic genomic traits (virulome, resistome, and mobilome) found in high-risk clones worldwide, across the One Health continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Monteiro Marques
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana Coelho
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andressa Rodrigues Santana
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniel Pinto
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Semedo-Lemsaddek
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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3
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Improving infection control in a veterinary hospital: a detailed study on patterns of faecal contamination to inform changes in practice. Ir Vet J 2023; 76:4. [PMID: 36782258 PMCID: PMC9924846 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-023-00229-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main purpose of this study was to investigate the cleanliness and microbial burden of a veterinary hospital to establish the extent of cross-contamination with faecal bacteria as an aid to reducing nosocomial infections. Enterococci and Escherichia coli were used as faecal indicator organisms as they can survive on inanimate surfaces for months and pose a threat to animal health. The study consisted of several elements: (i) a cross-sectional study to identify sites currently contaminated with faecal organisms that could be usefully included in a longitudinal study, (ii) a 3-week longitudinal study to identify sites from which faecal bacteria were repeatedly recovered, (iii) once-off monitoring of hand hygiene, (iv) a review of all hospitalised cases with confirmed E. coli or enterococcal infection during the 8-week study period to investigate possible hospital-acquired (HAI) infection and relationship with environmental contamination. Environmental surface and hand hygiene were assessed using 3M™ Clean-Trace™ ATP test, 3M™ Petrifilm™ plates and bacteriological culture of Enterococcus species and E. coli. Cross contamination was assessed using results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. RESULTS In the cross-sectional study, 26 of 113 (24.5%) of sites sampled exceeded the accepted microbial threshold (2.5 CFU/cm2) and Enterococcus species were isolated from 31 (27.4%) and E. coli from 9 (7.9%) of 113 samples. Organic residue and microbial levels were high in the dog kennels even after cleaning and faecal organisms were also recovered from sites such as the dispensary, a student computer and staff common room. Four of 51 (7.8%) hand samples were contaminated with faecal bacteria. Nine sites were monitored on three occasions in the longitudinal study and a total of 23 Escherichia coli and 6 Enterococcus species were recovered. Seven of the nine sites were positive for faecal organisms on more than one occasion. There was no change in cleanliness or microbial burden over 3 weeks. Twenty-one of the 73 isolates (28.8%) recovered during all parts of the study were multi-drug resistant. Enterococci and E. coli isolates with similar resistance patterns were recovered from the environment in the large and small animal hospitals and from a small number of patients during the same timeframe, suggesting possible hospital acquired infections. CONCLUSIONS Results suggested that movement between the small and large animal hospital areas may have been responsible for cross-contamination and possible hospital-acquired infections. The data show that cross-sectional and longitudinal monitoring of faecal contamination across all hospital areas can play an important role in informing review of infection control protocols in veterinary hospital settings. Changes in practices in the hospital based on results generated are outlined.
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Akwuobu CA, Ngbede EO, Mamfe LM, Ezenduka EV, Chah KF. Veterinary clinic surfaces as reservoirs of multi-drug- and biocide-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Access Microbiol 2021; 3:000277. [PMID: 35018324 PMCID: PMC8742594 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the common Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) contaminating veterinary clinic environments, and to evaluate the susceptibility of the isolates to commonly used antibiotics and biocides. A total of 62 swab samples were collected from different frequently touched surfaces in the 4 veterinary clinics visited. The samples were processed for isolation and identification of GNB using standard microbiological procedures. The susceptibility of the isolates to disinfectants and antibiotics was determined using agar dilution and disc diffusion techniques, respectively. A total of 114 GNB were isolated from the 4 clinics with isolation rates of 21.9, 22.8, 23.7 and 31.6% in clinics A, B, C and D, respectively. The surfaces of treatment tables were more contaminated (16.7 %) than receptionist/clinician desks (15.8%), weighing balances (10.5 %), door handles (7.9 %), drip stands (7.9 %), handwashing basins (7.0 %) and client chairs (7.0%). The surface-contaminating isolates were distributed into 20 genera, with members of
Enterobacteriaceae
predominating (n=97). Fifty-nine per cent of the isolates were resistant to the disinfectant Septol, while 5.3 and 0.9% were resistant to Purit and Dettol disinfectants, respectively. Multiple drug resistance was observed among 99% of the isolates with approximately 100% resistance to beta-lactams. Phenotypic expression of extended-spectrum (3.5 %) and AmpC beta-lactamase (38.6 %) production was detected. These findings highlight the role of clinic environments in serving as reservoirs for potential pathogens and sources for the spread of multi-drug resistant GNB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinedu A. Akwuobu
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
- *Correspondence: Chinedu A. Akwuobu,
| | - Emmanuel O. Ngbede
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
| | - Levi M. Mamfe
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria
| | - Ekene V. Ezenduka
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Kennedy F. Chah
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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Verkola M, Järvelä T, Järvinen A, Jokelainen P, Virtala A, Kinnunen PM, Heikinheimo A. Infection prevention and control practices of ambulatory veterinarians: A questionnaire study in Finland. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:1059-1070. [PMID: 33645926 PMCID: PMC8294370 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Veterinarians face the risk of contracting zoonotic pathogens. Infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines stress the importance of proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent transmission of these pathogens. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess how ambulatory livestock and equine veterinarians follow IPC guidelines, when working on farms and in stables. METHODS We studied hygiene practices of livestock and equine ambulatory veterinarians (n = 129) in Finland. A web-based questionnaire was used to obtain demographic information and information regarding hand-hygiene facilities and practices, use and cleaning of PPE and cleaning of medical equipment. RESULTS According to 66.9% of the respondents, hand-washing facilities were often adequate on livestock farms, but only 21.4% reported that this was the case in stables (p < .001). While 75.0% reported washing their hands or using hand sanitizer always before moving on to the next farm, only 42.5% reported doing this before moving on to the next stables (p < .001). Universal protective coat or coverall use was more common in livestock practice than in equine practice (91.6% vs. 27.7%, p < .001). Stethoscope cleaning was reported to happen less frequently than once a week by 30.0% of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS Finnish veterinarians' self-reported IPC adherence was far from uniform. IPC was more commonly followed in ambulatory livestock practice perhaps facilitated by better hand-washing facilities on farms than in stables. The study suggests that education of veterinarians is still needed and that hand-washing facilities need to be improved even in a high-income country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Verkola
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Terhi Järvelä
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Asko Järvinen
- Department of Infectious DiseasesInflammation CenterHelsinki University Central Hospital and University of HelsinkiHUSFinland
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Laboratory of ParasitologyDepartment of BacteriaInfectious Disease PreparednessStatens Serum InstitutCopenhagen SDenmark
| | | | | | - Annamari Heikinheimo
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Finnish Food AuthoritySeinäjokiFinland
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Verdial C, Carneiro C, Machado I, Tavares L, Almeida V, Oliveira M, Gil S. Controlling bacteriological contamination of environmental surfaces at the biological isolation and containment unit of a veterinary teaching hospital. Ir Vet J 2021; 74:18. [PMID: 34183065 PMCID: PMC8240409 DOI: 10.1186/s13620-021-00197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Biological Isolation and Containment Unit (BICU) is a subunit of the Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Portugal, for the admission of animals with confirmed infectious diseases or under clinical suspicion and waiting for a diagnosis. As a high-risk environment for the transmission of infectious agents, it is extremely important to implement programs for the surveillance of nosocomial microorganisms in these facilities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of bacterial contamination of the BICU environmental surfaces and to implement corrective actions on disinfection protocols. Swab samples were collected from selected environmental surfaces in 3 different areas of the BICU (isolation, work, and preparatory rooms) to evaluate the total aerobic bacterial load and investigate the presence of 4 nosocomial microorganisms: vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 3rd-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli, and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacterial quantification was performed by using non-selective media, while specific selective media were used for the isolation of the target microorganisms. Isolates were identified based on their macro and microscopic characteristics and their biochemical profile. Subsequently, new disinfection protocols were implemented, and their effectiveness evaluated. Results The surfaces with the highest bacterial load in the isolation, preparatory, and worker’s rooms were the cages, hand-held sponge, and telephone, respectively. Regarding the 4 pathogens investigated, Enterococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated (11.3%), followed by E. coli (1.5%) and P. aeruginosa (1.5%). One of the P. aeruginosa isolates obtained was resistant to imipenem. In the end, new disinfection protocols were implemented, which proved to be effective in reducing bacterial counts by 99.99% in cages and the sponge, and by 90 to 99% on the telephone. Conclusions This study allows to conclude that the cages and the human contact surfaces were the most contaminated in the isolation rooms. Nevertheless, the new disinfection strategies seemed to be effective in reducing environmental contamination, including by some potentially nosocomial agents, although more samples must be analyzed for definitive conclusions. These results may contribute to highlight the importance of infection prevention and control measures, as fundamental tools to reduce the spread of infectious agents in the hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Verdial
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Carneiro
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.,CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - I Machado
- CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - L Tavares
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.,CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - V Almeida
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.,CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M Oliveira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.,CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - S Gil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal. .,CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.
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7
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Browne KL, Crowley JD, Tan CJ, O'Sullivan CB, Walsh WR. Effect of ultraviolet-C light on the environmental bacterial bioburden in various veterinary facilities. Am J Vet Res 2021; 82:582-588. [PMID: 34166087 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.82.7.582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of a mobile UV-C disinfection device on the environmental bacterial bioburden in veterinary facilities. SAMPLES 40 swab samples of surfaces from the operating theaters of 3 veterinary hospitals and 1 necropsy laboratory. PROCEDURES Various surfaces were swabbed, and collected material was eluted from the swabs in PBSS. Then, an aliquot of the sample fluid was processed with a bacteria-specific rapid metabolic assay to quantify bacterial bioburden. Each site was then treated with UV-C light with an automated disinfection device for approximately 45 minutes. The same surfaces were swabbed following UV-C treatment, and bioburden was quantified. The bioburden at additional time points, including after a second UV-C treatment, was determined for the small animal operating theater. RESULTS All surfaces at all sites had a persistent viable bacterial population following manual cleaning. Disinfection with UV-C achieved a mean bioburden reduction of 94% (SD, 5.2%; range, 91% to 95%) for all surfaces, compared with manual disinfection alone. Repeated UV-C treatment of the small animal operating theater reduced mean bioburden by 99% (SD, 0.8%), including no detectable bacteria on 4 of 10 surfaces. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Disinfection with UV-C light may be a beneficial adjunct method for terminal disinfection of veterinary operating theaters to reduce environmental bioburden. (Am J Vet Res 2021;82:582-588).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina L Browne
- From the Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- From the School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - James D Crowley
- From the Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Veterinary Emergency and Specialists, Rosebery, NSW 2018, Australia
| | - Christopher J Tan
- From the Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Sydney Veterinary Emergency and Specialists, Rosebery, NSW 2018, Australia
| | | | - William R Walsh
- From the Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Kerek Á, Sterczer Á, Somogyi Z, Kovács D, Jerzsele Á. Investigation of the environmental presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria at small animal hospitals in Hungary. Acta Vet Hung 2021; 68:387-392. [PMID: 33404518 DOI: 10.1556/004.2020.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacteria can cause severe nosocomial infections in both human and veterinary clinics. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and antibiotic susceptibility of Enterococcus, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas strains at four small animal clinics of Hungary in 2018, as these bacteria can reliably represent the level of antimicrobial resistance in the investigated environment. A total of 177 Staphylococcus colonies were found, including 22 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and 13 Staphylococcus aureus. As regards enterococci, 9 Enterococcus faecium, 2 E. faecalis and further 286 Enterococcus strains were isolated. The number of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates (n = 34) was considered too low for relevant susceptibility testing. Among staphylococci, the highest resistance was found to sulphamethoxazole (82.9%), penicillin (65.7%) and erythromycin (54.3%), while in the case of enterococci, resistance to norfloxacin and rifampicin was the most common, with 25.5% of the strains being resistant to both antibiotics. Ten methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) and six vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) strains could be identified. Only 5.7% of the Staphylococcus isolates were susceptible to all tested agents, while this ratio was 36.2% among enterococci. The results of this study have revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Hungarian small animal clinics, which highlights the importance of regular disinfection processes and stringent hygiene measures in veterinary clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Kerek
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Sterczer
- 2Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Somogyi
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Kovács
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Jerzsele
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
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Rocktäschel T, Renner-Martin K, Cuny C, Brehm W, Truyen U, Speck S. Surgical hand preparation in an equine hospital: Comparison of general practice with a standardised protocol and characterisation of the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus recovered. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242961. [PMID: 33351819 PMCID: PMC7755178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Presurgical hand asepsis is part of the daily routine in veterinary medicine. Nevertheless, basic knowledge seems to be low, even among specialised veterinary surgeons. The major objectives of our study were to assess current habits for presurgical hand preparation (phase 1) among personnel in a veterinary hospital and their effectiveness in reducing bacteria from hands in comparison to a standardised protocol (phase 2). Assessment of individual habits focused on time for hand washing and disinfection, the amount of disinfectant used, and the usage of brushes. The standardised protocol defined hand washing for 1 min with liquid neutral soap without brushing and disinfection for 3 min. All participants (2 surgeons, 8 clinic members, 32 students) used Sterillium®. Total bacterial counts were determined before and after hand washing, after disinfection, and after surgery. Hands were immersed in 100 ml sterile sampling fluid for 1 min and samples were inoculated onto Columbia sheep blood agar using the spread-plate method. Bacterial colonies were manually counted. Glove perforation test was carried out at the end of the surgical procedure. Differences in the reduction of relative bacterial numbers between current habits and the standardised protocol were investigated using Mann-Whitney-Test. The relative increase in bacterial numbers as a function of operation time (≤60 min, >60 min) and glove perforation as well as the interaction of both was investigated by using ANOVA. Forty-six and 41 preparations were carried out during phase 1 and phase 2, respectively. Individual habits differed distinctly with regard to time (up to 8 min) and amount of disinfectant (up to 48 ml) used both between participants and between various applications of a respective participant. Comparison of current habits and the standardised protocol revealed that the duration of hand washing had no significant effect on reducing bacteria. Contrary, the reduction in bacterial numbers after disinfection by the standardised protocol was significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to routine every-day practice. With regard to disinfection efficacy, the standardised protocol completely eliminated individual effects. The mean reduction in phase 1 was 90.72% (LR = 3.23; right hand) and 89.97% (LR = 3.28; left hand) compared to 98.85% (LR = 3.29; right hand) and 98.92% (LR = 3.47; left hand) in phase 2. Eight participants (19%) carried MRSA (spa type t011, CC398) which is well established as a nosocomial pathogen in veterinary clinics. The isolates could further be assigned to a subpopulation which is particularly associated with equine clinics (mainly t011, ST398, gentamicin-resistant). Glove perforation occurred in 54% (surgeons) and 17% (assistants) of gloves, respectively, with a higher number in long-term invasive procedures. Overall, bacterial numbers on hands mainly increased over time, especially when glove perforation occurred. This was most distinct for glove perforations on the left hand and with longer operating times. Our results demonstrate that standardised protocols highly improve the efficacy of hand asepsis measures. Hence, guiding standardised protocols should be prerequisite to ensure state-of-the-art techniques which is essential for a successful infection control intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Rocktäschel
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Renner-Martin
- Institute of Mathematics, Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christiane Cuny
- Robert Koch Institute, National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Walter Brehm
- Department for Horses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephanie Speck
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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10
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Comparative assessment of the effectiveness of three disinfection protocols for reducing bacterial contamination of stethoscopes. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2019; 41:120-123. [PMID: 31694732 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2019.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In a crossover study, 30 stethoscopes were assessed and disinfected using 3 protocols: isopropyl alcohol, a quaternary ammonia or biguanide disinfectant, and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI). All protocols effectively reduced bacterial loads, but UVGI was less effective at higher contamination levels (P = .0004). The effectiveness of each intervention was short in duration.
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11
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Langfitt E, Prittie JE, Buriko Y, Calabro JM. Disorders of micturition in small animal patients: clinical significance, etiologies, and management strategies. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2017; 27:164-177. [PMID: 28122140 DOI: 10.1111/vec.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the physiology of micturition, the pathophysiology of micturition disorders, and current pharmacological agents used to treat these disorders. To discuss different urinary catheterization techniques, along with the risks of catheter-associated urinary tract infections attributed with these techniques. ETIOLOGY Many critically ill veterinary patients are at risk of developing a number of neurological and non neurological micturition-related disorders. DIAGNOSIS Micturition disorders can be diagnosed based on physical examination findings, urinary voiding contrast studies, urethral pressure profiles, and diagnostic testing such as urinalysis and urine cultures. THERAPY Therapy can be either pharmacological, involvement of urinary catheterization, surgical, or a combination of all the above. The goal of the treatment is to correct the underlying causes resulting in the micturition-related disorder, and if possible, allow the patient to regain their normal physiological micturition behavior. PROGNOSIS Depending on the underlying disease process and duration of the micturition disorder, the prognosis can be variable. In many instances, near-normal or normal function can return, but in severe cases, the patient may not regain its normal, appropriate micturition response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Langfitt
- Friendship Hospital for Animals, Urgent Care Service, Washington, DC, 20016
| | - Jennifer E Prittie
- Animal Medical Center, Emergency and Critical Care Service, New York, NY, 10065
| | - Yekaterina Buriko
- Animal Medical Center, Emergency and Critical Care Service, New York, NY, 10065
| | - Janine M Calabro
- Friendship Hospital for Animals, Urgent Care Service, Washington, DC, 20016
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Traverse
- Department of Clinical Studies, Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Helen Aceto
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
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13
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Wood CL, Tanner BD, Higgins LA, Dennis JS, Luempert LG. Effectiveness of a steam cleaning unit for disinfection in a veterinary hospital. Am J Vet Res 2014; 75:1083-8. [PMID: 25419808 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.75.12.1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the application of steam to a variety of surface types in a veterinary hospital would effectively reduce the number of bacteria. SAMPLE 5 surface types. PROCEDURES Steam was applied as a surface treatment for disinfection to 18 test sites of 5 surface types in a veterinary hospital. A pretreatment sample was obtained by collection of a swab specimen from the left side of each defined test surface. Steam disinfection was performed on the right side of each test surface, and a posttreatment sample was then collected in the same manner from the treated (right) side of each test surface. Total bacteria for pretreatment and posttreatment samples were quantified by heterotrophic plate counts and for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp, and total coliforms by counts on selective media. RESULTS Significant reductions were observed in heterotrophic plate counts after steam application to dog runs and dog kennel floors. A significant reduction in counts of Pseudomonas spp was observed after steam application to tub sinks. Bacterial counts were reduced, but not significantly, on most other test surfaces that had adequate pretreatment counts for quantification. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Development of health-care-associated infections is of increasing concern in human and veterinary medicine. The application of steam significantly reduced bacterial numbers on a variety of surfaces within a veterinary facility. Steam disinfection may prove to be an alternative or adjunct to chemical disinfection within veterinary practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl L Wood
- BluePearl-Kansas LLC, 11950 West 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66210
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Suthar N, Roy S, Call DR, Besser TE, Davis MA. An individual-based model of transmission of resistant bacteria in a veterinary teaching hospital. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98589. [PMID: 24893006 PMCID: PMC4043964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinary nosocomial infections caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria cause increased morbidity, higher cost and length of treatment and increased zoonotic risk because of the difficulty in treating them. In this study, an individual-based model was developed to investigate the effects of movements of canine patients among ten areas (transmission points) within a veterinary teaching hospital, and the effects of these movements on transmission of antibiotic susceptible and resistant pathogens. The model simulates contamination of transmission points, healthcare workers, and patients as well as the effects of decontamination of transmission points, disinfection of healthcare workers, and antibiotic treatments of canine patients. The model was parameterized using data obtained from hospital records, information obtained by interviews with hospital staff, and the published literature. The model suggested that transmission resulting from contact with healthcare workers was common, and that certain transmission points (housing wards, diagnostics room, and the intensive care unit) presented higher risk for transmission than others (lobby and surgery). Sensitivity analyses using a range of parameter values demonstrated that the risk of acquisition of colonization by resistant pathogens decreased with shorter patient hospital stays (P<0.0001), more frequent decontamination of transmission points and disinfection of healthcare workers (P<0.0001) and better compliance of healthcare workers with hygiene practices (P<0.0001). More frequent decontamination of heavily trafficked transmission points was especially effective at reducing transmission of the model pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Suthar
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sandip Roy
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Douglas R. Call
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Dept. of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Thomas E. Besser
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Dept. of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Margaret A. Davis
- Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- Dept. of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mortality in kittens is associated with a shift in ileum mucosa-associated enterococci from Enterococcus hirae to biofilm-forming Enterococcus faecalis and adherent Escherichia coli. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 51:3567-78. [PMID: 23966487 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00481-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15% of foster kittens die before 8 weeks of age, with most of these kittens demonstrating clinical signs or postmortem evidence of enteritis. While a specific cause of enteritis is not determined in most cases, these kittens are often empirically administered probiotics that contain enterococci. The enterococci are members of the commensal intestinal microbiota but also can function as opportunistic pathogens. Given the complicated role of enterococci in health and disease, it would be valuable to better understand what constitutes a "healthy" enterococcal community in these kittens and how this microbiota is impacted by severe illness. In this study, we characterized the ileum mucosa-associated enterococcal community of 50 apparently healthy and 50 terminally ill foster kittens. In healthy kittens, Enterococcus hirae was the most common species of ileum mucosa-associated enterococci and was often observed to adhere extensively to the small intestinal epithelium. These E. hirae isolates generally lacked virulence traits. In contrast, non-E. hirae enterococci, notably Enterococcus faecalis, were more commonly isolated from the ileum mucosa of kittens with terminal illness. Isolates of E. faecalis had numerous virulence traits and multiple antimicrobial resistances. Moreover, the attachment of Escherichia coli to the intestinal epithelium was significantly associated with terminal illness and was not observed in any kitten with adherent E. hirae. These findings identify a significant difference in the species of enterococci cultured from the ileum mucosa of kittens with terminal illness compared to the species cultured from healthy kittens. In contrast to prior case studies that associated enteroadherent E. hirae with diarrhea in young animals, these controlled studies identified E. hirae as more often isolated from healthy kittens and adherence of E. hirae as more common and extensive in healthy kittens than in sick kittens.
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Ghosh A, Kukanich K, Brown CE, Zurek L. Resident Cats in Small Animal Veterinary Hospitals Carry Multi-Drug Resistant Enterococci and are Likely Involved in Cross-Contamination of the Hospital Environment. Front Microbiol 2012; 3:62. [PMID: 22363334 PMCID: PMC3282945 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2012.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the USA, small animal veterinary hospitals (SAVHs) commonly keep resident cats living permanently as pets within their facilities. Previously, multi-drug resistant (MDR) enterococci were found as a contaminant of multiple surfaces within such veterinary hospitals, and nosocomial infections are a concern. The objectives of this study were to determine whether resident cats carry MDR enterococci and to compare the feline isolates genotypically to those obtained from SAVH surfaces in a previous study. Enterococcal strains (n = 180) were isolated from the feces of six healthy resident cats from different SAVHs. The concentration of enterococci ranged from 1.1 × 105 to 6.0 × 108 CFU g−1 of feces, and the population comprised Enterococcus hirae (38.3 ± 18.6%), E. faecium (35.0 ± 14.3%), E. faecalis (23.9 ± 11.0%), and E. avium (2.8 ± 2.2%). Testing of phenotypic resistance to 14 antimicrobial agents revealed multi-drug resistance (≥3 antimicrobials) in 48.9% of all enterococcal isolates with most frequent resistance to tetracycline (75.0%), erythromycin (50.0%), and rifampicin (36.1%). Vancomycin resistant E. faecalis (3.9%) with vanB not horizontally transferable in in vitro conjugation assays were detected from one cat. Genotyping with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated a host-specific clonal population of MDR E. faecalis and E. faecium. Importantly, several feline isolates were genotypically identical or closely related to isolates from surfaces of cage door, thermometer, and stethoscope of the corresponding SAVHs. These data demonstrate that healthy resident cats at SAVHs carry MDR enterococci and likely contribute to contamination of the SAVH environment. Proper disposal and handling of fecal material and restricted movement of resident cats within the ward are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Ghosh
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University Manhattan, KS, USA
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