Evaluation of otoscope cone disinfection techniques and contamination level in small animal private practice

Microbes on Clipper Blades after Use and Disinfection in Small Animal- and Equine Practice

Clipping hair on animals can produce microtraumas of the skin and the dislodgement of microorganisms to the clipper blade. This study evaluates if clipper blades in animal hospitals in Sweden are contaminated with bacteria and/or dermatophytes after disinfection. Eleven clipper blades from three veterinary referral hospitals, including one with a small animal department and an equine department, were sampled for bacteria and dermatophytes. All the hospitals had disinfection routines in accordance with the national recommendations for hygiene in veterinary medicine. The sampled clipper blades were supposed to be disinfected and they were considered to be ready for use by staff. Five sterilized clipper blades were used as controls. The results showed that 64-100% of the disinfected clipper blades, from all three hospitals, were contaminated with bacteria, whereas all the sterilized clipper blades were negative for bacterial growth (p < 0.05). One clipper blade from the equine department was contaminated with dermatophytes. The results indicate that the disinfection routines were not sufficient for removing bacteria from used clipper blades, and that sterilization would be a more reliable way to minimize the risk of contamination.

Pseudomonas spp. in Canine Otitis Externa

Canine otitis externa (OE) is a commonly diagnosed condition seen in veterinary practice worldwide. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of the disease, with a particular focus on the biological characteristics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the impact that antibiotic resistance has on successful recovery from OE. We also consider potential alternatives to antimicrobial chemotherapy for the treatment of recalcitrant infections. P. aeruginosa is not a typical constituent of the canine ear microbiota, but is frequently isolated from cases of chronic OE, and the nature of this pathogen often makes treatment difficult. Biofilm formation is identified in 40-95% of P. aeruginosa from cases of OE and intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, especially resistance to clinically important antibiotics, highlights the need for alternative treatments. The role of other virulence factors in OE remains relatively unexplored and further work is needed. The studies described in this work highlight several potential alternative treatments, including the use of bacteriophages. This review provides a summary of the aetiology of OE with particular reference to the dysbiosis that leads to colonisation by P. aeruginosa and highlights the need for novel treatments for the future management of P. aeruginosa otitis.

Recovery of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus species from pet-grooming salons

BACKGROUND

Meticillin-resistant (MR) staphylococcal species have been cultured from veterinary hospital environments and veterinary instruments. Pet-grooming salon environments and grooming tools may pose a risk for dissemination of MR staphylococcal bacteria into the pet population.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency of MR staphylococcal colonization of pet-grooming salons and to collect information regarding cleaning procedures in grooming salons.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A nonrandomized, observational study was performed in 2018. Locations inside 19 grooming salons near Tacoma, WA, USA, were sampled and selectively cultured for MR, coagulase-positive staphylococci. Sampled sites included clipper blades and handles, leashes, rims of bathtub drains, insides of shampoo caps, and bathtub spray hoses or faucet handles. Grooming salons were asked to complete surveys regarding their cleaning practices.

RESULTS

Meticillin-resistant coagulase-positive staphylococci were isolated from 12 of 19 grooming salons and 25 of 112 total samples. Meticillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus and S. schleiferi were isolated from multiple salons, most commonly from electric clipper blades, clipper handles and grooming leashes. No statistically significant correlations were identified between cleaning practices and the isolation of MR coagulase-positive staphylococci.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Clipper blades, clipper handles and leashes are potential fomites for MR staphylococci in a grooming salon; increased disinfection practices for these items are indicated. A prospective, controlled, large-scale study is warranted to examine the effect of grooming salon hygiene practices on the isolation of MR staphylococci in salons.

Evaluation of Commonly Used Products for Disinfecting Clipper Blades in Veterinary Practices: A Pilot Study

Nosocomial infections are a concern of growing interest in veterinary medicine. Clipper blades have been confirmed as fomites for numerous potential pathogens and, as such, may be associated with wound and surgical site infections. The goal of this study was to evaluate the disinfectant capabilities of several commonly used clipper blade cleaning products. Seventy sterile clipper blades were inoculated with strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Escherichia coli , and Staphylococcus aureus . Blades were then subjected to one of seven treatment groups for disinfecting. Quantitative cultures of remaining bacteria were performed. All blades in the control group showed large amounts of bacterial recovery. Culture results showed no recovery in blades soaked in alcohol or chlorhexidine or those sprayed with an ethanol/o-phenylphenol product, while moderate recovery was seen with all other treatments. These results show that persistent contamination of clipper blades can occur with the use of several commonly used disinfectant products. Further research is necessary to evaluate fungicidal capabilities as well as the effect of disinfection on clipper blade maintenance.

Evaluation of Bacterial Contamination of Clipper Blades in Small Animal Private Practice

Nosocomial infections are a growing concern in veterinary hospitals, and identifying fomites is imperative to reducing the risk of pathogen transmission. In veterinary medicine, shaving of hair is necessary prior to many procedures. Contaminated clipper blades have been cited as potential fomites involved in the transmission of pathogens in veterinary and human medicine. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate bacterial contamination of clipper blades in veterinary practices. A secondary goal was to assess whether there was an association between bacterial contamination of clipper blades and clipper blade cleaning solutions, clipper blade cleaning protocols, clipper blade storage, and type of practice. Sixty clipper blades from 60 different practices were cultured. Information regarding blade cleaning solutions, protocols, and storage was collected from each practice. Fifty-one percent (31/60) of clipper blades sampled were contaminated with bacteria. Category of cleaning solutions had a significant association with bacterial contamination (P < 0.02). Cleaning frequency (P = 0.55), storage location (P = 0.26), and practice type (P = 0.06) had no significant association with bacterial contamination. This study documented bacterial contamination of clipper blades in veterinary practices, and clipper blades should be considered potential fomites.

Fluorescent In Situ hybridization: a new tool for the direct identification and detection of F. psychrophilum

F. psychrophilum is the causative agent of Bacterial Cold Water Disease (BCW) and Rainbow Trout Fry Syndrome (RTFS). To date, diagnosis relies mainly on direct microscopy or cultural methods. Direct microscopy is fast but not very reliable, whereas cultural methods are reliable but time-consuming and labor-intensive. So far fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has not been used in the diagnosis of flavobacteriosis but it has the potential to rapidly and specifically detect F. psychrophilum in infected tissues. Outbreaks in fish farms, caused by pathogenic strains of Flavobacterium species, are increasingly frequent and there is a need for reliable and cost-effective techniques to rapidly diagnose flavobacterioses. This study is aimed at developing a FISH that could be used for the diagnosis of F. psychrophilum infections in fish. We constructed a generic probe for the genus Flavobacterium (“Pan-Flavo”) and two specific probes targeting F. psychrophilum based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. We tested their specificity and sensitivity on pure cultures of different Flavobacterium and other aquatic bacterial species. After assessing their sensitivity and specificity, we established their limit of detection and tested the probes on infected fresh tissues (spleen and skin) and on paraffin-embedded tissues. The results showed high sensitivity and specificity of the probes (100% and 91% for the Pan-Flavo probe and 100% and 97% for the F. psychrophilum probe, respectively). FISH was able to detect F. psychrophilum in infected fish tissues, thus the findings from this study indicate this technique is suitable as a fast and reliable method for the detection of Flavobacterium spp. and F. psychrophilum.