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Fins IS, Singleton DA, Radford AD, Sánchez-Vizcaíno F, Pinchbeck GL. A mixed-methods approach utilising electronic health records to examine antimicrobial prescription surrounding gastrointestinal clinical presentations in dogs and cats. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1166114. [PMID: 38149298 PMCID: PMC10749927 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1166114] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Systemically-administered antimicrobials are often prescribed in canine and feline gastrointestinal clinical presentations. Responsible use of antimicrobials, particularly those considered Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HPCIAs) is vital to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Although practice-level prescription guidance is available, further strategies based on a greater understanding of antimicrobial prescription at the population-level are needed. Here, we used a mixed-methods approach, harnessing veterinary electronic health records (EHRs) to characterise the use of antimicrobials in canine and feline gastrointestinal presentations, and to explore justification and reasoning around antimicrobial prescribing, particularly of HPCIAs. Methods This observational study used 23,337 EHRs complemented with veterinary practitioner-completed questionnaires, from canine and feline gastrointestinal consultations from 225 volunteer UK veterinary practices between April 2014 and September 2018. Results A total of 83.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 82.6-84.3) gastrointestinal presentations were reported as mild, with non-haemorrhagic diarrhoea and vomiting the most frequently reported clinical signs. Systemically-administered antimicrobials occurred in 28.6% of canine (95% CI 26.9-30.3) and 22.4% of feline (95% CI 20.4-24.4) gastrointestinal consultations, with HPCIA prescription occurring more frequently in cats. Results of multivariable analysis showed the presence of non-haemorrhagic diarrhoea (canine Odds Ratio (OR) 2.1, 95% CI 1.9-2.3; feline OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.1), haemorrhagic diarrhoea (canine OR 4.2, 95% CI 3.8-4.7; feline OR 3.1, 95% CI 2.4-3.8), and moderate/severe presentations (canine OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7-2.8; feline OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.7-2.5) were positively associated with receiving a systemically-administered antimicrobial. Thematic analysis of clinical narrative content of 516 gastrointestinal consultations where HPCIAs were prescribed allowed the identification of ten factors underpinning reasoning or decision-making for HPCIA prescription: perceived animal/owner compliance; owner's expectations; perceived risk of infection; clinical signs; recent clinical history; perceived positive previous response to antimicrobial therapy; geriatric patients and euthanasia; concomitant conditions; diagnostic testing and the behavioral trend to trial antimicrobial therapy empirically in gastrointestinal cases. No explicit justification for HPCIA prescription was recorded in 77% of cases. Discussion Improving recorded justification represents a clear target for stewardship programmes. By utilising a complementary mixed-methods approach to EHRs, this study unlocks previously untapped data recorded within EHRs. These results can help inform targeted interventions, contributing towards enhanced antimicrobial stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo S. Fins
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Department of Livestock and One Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - David A. Singleton
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Department of Livestock and One Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Alan D. Radford
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gina L. Pinchbeck
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Department of Livestock and One Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
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Soares NMM, Bastos TS, Kaelle GCB, de Souza RBMDS, de Oliveira SG, Félix AP. Digestibility and Palatability of the Diet and Intestinal Functionality of Dogs Fed a Blend of Yeast Cell Wall and Oregano Essential Oil. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2527. [PMID: 37570335 PMCID: PMC10416873 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152527] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Feed additives, such as prebiotics and essential oils, are used in pet foods and can affect digestibility, palatability, and intestinal functionality of dogs. The combined effects of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and palatability of diet, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota in dogs were analyzed. Eighteen adult dogs were fed for 20 days with three dry extruded diets for adult dogs: control (without the additive), a diet containing 1.5 kg/ton of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil (1.5YCO), and a diet containing 3.0 kg/ton of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil (3.0YCO). The inclusion of both levels of YCO reduced the intake ratio. The addition of 3.0YCO reduced the ATTD of dry matter, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were greater putrescine and cadaverine concentrations and lower histamine and ammonia (p < 0.05) in the feces of dogs fed 3.0YCO. In addition, fecal odor of dogs fed YCO was less fetid than the control group (p < 0.05). There was greater fecal bacterial diversity in dogs fed with both dietary concentrations of YCO evaluated (p < 0.05). Dogs fed 1.5YCO and 3.0YCO showed higher relative abundance of Blautia and Faecalibacterium and lower abundance of Streptococcus (p < 0.05) in the feces, in comparison to the control group. Given the modulation of microorganisms considered beneficial and the lower fecal concentrations of histamine, phenols, and ammonia, the YCO blend resulted in indicators of improvement of intestinal functionality in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Mota Miranda Soares
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, R. dos Funcionários, 1540, Curitiba 80035-050, Brazil; (T.S.B.); (G.C.B.K.); (R.B.M.d.S.d.S.); (S.G.d.O.); (A.P.F.)
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Werner M, Ishii PE, Pilla R, Lidbury JA, Steiner JM, Busch-Hahn K, Unterer S, Suchodolski JS. Prevalence of Clostridioides difficile in Canine Feces and Its Association with Intestinal Dysbiosis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2441. [PMID: 37570250 PMCID: PMC10417777 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of Clostridioides (C.) difficile as an enteropathogen in dogs is controversial. In humans, intestinal bile acid-dysmetabolism is associated with C. difficile prevalence. The relationship between fecal qPCR-based dysbiosis index (DI) and especially the abundance of bile acid-converting Clostridium hiranonis with the presence of C. difficile in dogs was explored across the following 4 cohorts: 358 fecal samples submitted for routine diagnostic work-up, 33 dogs with chronic enteropathy, 14 dogs with acute diarrhea, and 116 healthy dogs. Dogs that tested positive for C. difficile had significantly higher DI (median, 4.4 (range from 0.4 to 8.6)) and lower C. hiranonis (median, 0.1 (range from 0.0 to 7.5) logDNA/g) than dogs that tested negative for C. difficile (median DI, -1 (range from -7.2 to 8.9); median C. hiranonis abundance, 6.2 (range from 0.1 to 7.5) logDNA/g; p < 0.0001, respectively). In 33 dogs with CE and 14 dogs with acute diarrhea, the treatment response did not differ between C. difficile-positive and -negative dogs. In the group of clinically healthy dogs, 9/116 tested positive for C. difficile, and 6/9 of these had also an abnormal DI. In conclusion, C. difficile is strongly linked to intestinal dysbiosis and lower C. hiranonis levels in dogs, but its presence does not necessitate targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Werner
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Eri Ishii
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 4474, USA
| | - Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 4474, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Lidbury
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 4474, USA
| | - Joerg M. Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 4474, USA
| | - Kathrin Busch-Hahn
- Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Unterer
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 4474, USA
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Jugan MC, KuKanich K, Freilich L. Clinical response in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome following randomized probiotic treatment or fecal microbiota transplant. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1050538. [PMID: 36816181 PMCID: PMC9932283 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1050538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) are two microbiome-targeted therapies that have been investigated for use in gastrointestinal diseases associated with dysbiosis. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of an oral multi-strain probiotic and enema-administered FMTs on clinical signs and serum lipopolysaccharide in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS). A total of 18 client-owned dogs with a diagnosis of AHDS were enrolled in a randomized, blinded study at the time of hospital admission. The dogs were randomized into two groups: the probiotic group received a daily oral probiotic (200 × 109 CFU/10kg q 24 h) for 14 days and a single sham enema; the FMT group received a single FMT via retention enema (10 mL/kg) and placebo oral capsule for 14 days. All dogs received concurrent standard-of-care therapy, including intravenous fluids and anti-emetics; no dogs received antimicrobials. The fecal score, disease severity scores, and serum lipopolysaccharide were measured on days 0, 3, and 14. Fourteen of eighteen enrolled dogs completed the study (n = 9 probiotics; n = 5 FMT). Lipopolysaccharide decreased on days 3 and 14 from baseline and correlated with fecal and disease severity scores. There was no difference in the duration or severity of clinical signs in dogs with AHDS following an enema-administered FMT compared to probiotic treatment. Further evaluation of serum lipopolysaccharide as a marker of disease severity and recovery is warranted.
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Kalender H, Öngör H, Timurkaan N, Karagülle B, Karabulut B, İncili CA, Başar HE, Ekinci E, Çevik A, Atıl E, Çetinkaya B. Detection and molecular characterization of Clostridium perfringens, Paeniclostridium sordellii and Clostridium septicum from lambs and goat kids with hemorrhagic abomasitis in Turkey. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:8. [PMID: 36639759 PMCID: PMC9837962 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03569-5] [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: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenic Clostridia cause neurotoxic, histotoxic and enterotoxic infections in humans and animals. Several Clostridium species have been associated with abomasitis in ruminants. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency, and the presence of virulence genes, of Clostridium perfringens, Paeniclostridium sordellii and Clostridium septicum in lambs and goat kids with hemorrhagic abomasitis. RESULTS A total of 38 abomasum samples, collected from lambs and goat kids of 1 week to 1 month of age in different farms located in eastern Turkey between 2021 and 2022, were evaluated by histopathology, culture and PCR. At necropsy, the abomasum of the animals was excessively filled with caseinized content and gas, and the abomasum mucosa was hemorrhagic in varying degrees. In histopathological evaluation, acute necrotizing hemorrhagic inflammation was noted in abomasum samples. The examination of swab samples by culture and PCR revealed that C. perfringens type A was the most frequently detected species (86.84%) either alone or in combination with other Clostridium species. P. sordellii, C. perfringens type F and C. septicum were also harboured in the samples, albeit at low rates. Beta2 toxin gene (cpb2) was found in three of C. perfringens type A positive samples. CONCLUSION It was suggested that vaccination of pregnant animals with toxoid vaccines would be beneficial in terms of protecting newborn animals against Clostridial infections. This study investigated the presence of clostridial toxin genes in abomasal samples for the first time in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Kalender
- grid.411320.50000 0004 0574 1529Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Hasan Öngör
- grid.411320.50000 0004 0574 1529Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Necati Timurkaan
- grid.411320.50000 0004 0574 1529Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Burcu Karagülle
- grid.411320.50000 0004 0574 1529Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Burak Karabulut
- grid.411320.50000 0004 0574 1529Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Canan Akdeniz İncili
- grid.411320.50000 0004 0574 1529Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Hatip Enfal Başar
- grid.411320.50000 0004 0574 1529Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Elif Ekinci
- grid.411690.b0000 0001 1456 5625Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Aydın Çevik
- grid.411320.50000 0004 0574 1529Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Eray Atıl
- Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burhan Çetinkaya
- grid.411320.50000 0004 0574 1529Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
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Finsterwalder SK, Loncaric I, Cabal A, Szostak MP, Barf LM, Marz M, Allerberger F, Burgener IA, Tichy A, Feßler AT, Schwarz S, Monecke S, Ehricht R, Ruppitsch W, Spergser J, Künzel F. Dogs as carriers of virulent and resistant genotypes of Clostridioides difficile. Zoonoses Public Health 2022; 69:673-681. [PMID: 35546073 PMCID: PMC9544694 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While previous research on zoonotic transmission of community-acquired Clostridioides difficile infection (CA-CDI) focused on food-producing animals, the present study aimed to investigate whether dogs are carriers of resistant and/or virulent C. difficile strains. Rectal swabs were collected from 323 dogs and 38 C. difficile isolates (11.8%) were obtained. Isolates were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and a DNA hybridization assay. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST), core genome MLST (cgMLST) and screening for virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes were performed based on WGS. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, vancomycin and metronidazole were determined by E-test. Out of 38 C. difficile isolates, 28 (73.7%) carried genes for toxins. The majority of isolates belonged to MLST sequence types (STs) of clade I and one to clade V. Several isolates belonged to STs previously associated with human CA-CDI. However, cgMLST showed low genetic relatedness between the isolates of this study and C. difficile strains isolated from humans in Austria for which genome sequences were publicly available. Four isolates (10.5%) displayed resistance to three of the tested antimicrobial agents. Isolates exhibited resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline and metronidazole. These phenotypic resistances were supported by the presence of the resistance genes erm(B), cfr(C) and tet(M). All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin. Our results indicate that dogs may carry virulent and antimicrobial-resistant C. difficile strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- SK Finsterwalder
- Institute of MicrobiologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small AnimalsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - I Loncaric
- Institute of MicrobiologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - A Cabal
- AGES ‐ Austrian Agency for Health and Food SafetyViennaAustria
| | - MP Szostak
- Institute of MicrobiologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - LM Barf
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer ScienceFriedrich Schiller University JenaJenaGermany
- Max Planck Institute for Science of Human HistoryJenaGermany
| | - M Marz
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer ScienceFriedrich Schiller University JenaJenaGermany
- FLI Leibniz Institute for Age ResearchJenaGermany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus JenaJenaGermany
| | - F Allerberger
- AGES ‐ Austrian Agency for Health and Food SafetyViennaAustria
| | - IA Burgener
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small AnimalsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - A Tichy
- Department of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - AT Feßler
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centre of Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and EpizooticsFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research (TZR)Freie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - S Schwarz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Centre of Infection Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and EpizooticsFreie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research (TZR)Freie Universität BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - S Monecke
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus JenaJenaGermany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT)JenaGermany
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und HygieneUniversitätsklinik DresdenDresdenGermany
| | - R Ehricht
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus JenaJenaGermany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT)JenaGermany
- Institute of Physical ChemistryFriedrich Schiller University JenaJenaGermany
| | - W Ruppitsch
- AGES ‐ Austrian Agency for Health and Food SafetyViennaAustria
| | - J Spergser
- Institute of MicrobiologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - F Künzel
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small AnimalsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
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The Effects of Bacillus licheniformis—Fermented Products on the Microbiota and Clinical Presentation of Cats with Chronic Diarrhea. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172187. [PMID: 36077904 PMCID: PMC9454741 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172187] [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: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) are probiotics with antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that can improve growth performance. This study aimed to compare the fecal microbiota of diarrheal cats with chronic diarrhea (n = 8) with that of healthy cats (n = 4) from the same household using next-generation sequencing, and evaluate the effectiveness of oral administration of BLFP in relieving clinical signs and altering the intestinal microbiota in diarrheal cats. Six out of eight diarrheal cats showed clinical improvement after BLFP administration for 7 days, and the stool condition of the other two was normal. A higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was noted in the feces of diarrheal cats without clinical improvement as compared with those in the healthy cats and in the diarrheal cats with clinical improvement after receiving BLFP. The phylum Bacteroidetes and class Bacteroidia decreased significantly in diarrheal cats regardless of BLFP administration. Blautia spp., Ruminococcus torques, and Ruminococcus gnavus, which belong to the Clostridium cluster XIVa and have been reported as beneficial to intestinal health, increased significantly in feces after treatment. Furthermore, Clostridium perfringens also significantly decreased in diarrheal cats after BLFP administration. Overall, BLFP could be a potential probiotic to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms and improve fecal microbiota in cats with chronic diarrhea.
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Neumann S, Steingräber L, Herold L. Investigation of procalcitonin and beta-defensin2 in the serum and feces of dogs with acute diarrhea. Vet Clin Pathol 2022; 50 Suppl 1:55-62. [PMID: 35040162 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute diarrhea is a common clinical condition where clinical parameters are used to assess disease severity, course, and prognosis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate procalcitonin (PCT) and beta-defensin2 (Bdef2) as biomarkers for disease severity, course, and prognosis of dogs with acute diarrhea. METHODS Dogs with acute diarrhea (enteritis group [EG], n = 35) were compared with 30 healthy controls. The dogs in the EG were scored using the Canine Acute Diarrhea Severity (CADS) index and grouped by bacterial fecal culture results. Procalcitonin and Bdef2 were analyzed in serum and feces. RESULTS Dogs with acute diarrhea showed higher serum PCT concentrations (P < 0.0001) and lower fecal Bdef2 concentrations (P = 0.0001) than unaffected dogs. Serum PCT was moderately and positively related to the extent of disease classified by the CADS score. Dogs with Clostridium perfringens or hemolyzing Escherichia coli as predominant pathogen had increased serum Bdef2 concentrations (P < 0.01). Differentiation between uncomplicated (≤3 days) and complicated (>3 days) disease courses, determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, resulted in a sensitivity of 0.74 and a specificity of 0.69 for serum PCT at a cutoff of 3.9 ng/mL. The serum PCT and fecal Bdef2 quotient resulted in a sensitivity of 0.80 and a specificity of 0.92, with a cutoff of 80.5. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study indicate that PCT and Bdef2 are potential biomarkers that can provide information on the severity, course, and prognosis of acute diarrhea in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Neumann
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lilith Steingräber
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lisa Herold
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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9
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Ramos CP, Diniz AN, Leite SM, Lobato FCF, Pereira ST, Rennó MC, de Oliveira Ferreira E, Silva ROS. Evaluation of an immunochromatographic test for the detection of glutamate dehydrogenase for the diagnosis of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection in dogs. Braz J Microbiol 2021; 52:2555-2558. [PMID: 34562233 PMCID: PMC8578347 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-021-00615-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate an immunochromatographic test used to detect glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) for the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in dogs. Fecal samples of 119 diarrheic dogs were subjected to toxigenic culture as the "gold standard" method and to GDH detection (Ecodiagnostica, Brazil). Samples positive for toxigenic C. difficile strains and those positive in the GDH test were also subjected to A/B toxin detection using an enzyme immunoassay kit (C. difficile Tox A/B II, Techlab Inc., USA). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) were measured for GDH detection and compared with the toxigenic culture results. A total of 19 (15.9%) dogs were positive for toxigenic C. difficile. Of these, 10 (52.6%) dogs were positive for A/B toxins using the enzyme immunoassay kit and 18 (15.2%) were positive in the GDH test, leading to a sensitivity and NPV of 89.4% and 97.9%, respectively. Three animals, two of which were colonized with non-toxigenic strains, were positive for GDH, though not confirmed with CDI, resulting in a high specificity (97%) and PPV (85%). The results suggest that the lateral flow test for GDH detection could be a useful method for diagnosing CDI in dogs, similar to that previously described for humans and other animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Pantuzza Ramos
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Amanda Nádia Diniz
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Suzana Martins Leite
- IMPG, Depto. de Microbiologia Médica, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francisco Carlos Faria Lobato
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31.270-901, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Antônio Carlos Avenue, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31.270-901, Brazil.
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10
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Ramos CP, Diniz AN, Ribeiro MG, de Paula CL, Costa ÉA, Sonne L, Pereira ST, Lopes CEB, Rennó MC, Silva ROS. Enteric Organisms Detected in Feces of Dogs With Bloody Diarrhea: 45 Cases. Top Companion Anim Med 2021; 45:100549. [PMID: 34044173 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Bloody diarrhea is a common condition in dogs, but studies evaluating the enteropathogens involved specifically in adult dogs are scarce. In the present study, stool samples from 45 adult dogs with bloody diarrhea were evaluated for the four enteric organisms mainly reported in these cases: canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), Clostridioides difficile, Clostridium perfringens, and Salmonella spp. In addition, the samples were also tested for coronavirus, rotavirus, Giardia spp., and Escherichia coli pathotypes to provide a better understanding of possible co-occurrence. Vaccination status, diet, and clinical outcome were also obtained when available. CPV-2b was identified in 17 dogs (37.8%), being the most frequent cause of bloody diarrhea, including completely vaccinated adult dogs. Toxigenic C. difficile and C. perfringens netF+ were detected in 6 (13.3%) and 5 (11.1%) dogs, in some cases in a co-occurrence with other enteric organisms. Three fatal cases of salmonellosis were identified in dogs fed a raw meat-based diet, raising the risks associated with this increasing practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda Nádia Diniz
- Veterinary School. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), MG, Brazil
| | - Marcio Garcia Ribeiro
- UNESP-São Paulo State University - Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Carolina Lechinski de Paula
- UNESP-São Paulo State University - Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Sonne
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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11
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Suchodolski JS. Analysis of the gut microbiome in dogs and cats. Vet Clin Pathol 2021; 50 Suppl 1:6-17. [PMID: 34514619 PMCID: PMC9292158 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is an important immune and metabolic organ. Intestinal bacteria produce various metabolites that influence the health of the intestine and other organ systems, including kidney, brain, and heart. Changes in the microbiome in diseased states are termed dysbiosis. The concept of dysbiosis is constantly evolving and includes changes in microbiome diversity and/or structure and functional changes (eg, altered production of bacterial metabolites). Molecular tools are now the standard for microbiome analysis. Sequencing of microbial genes provides information about the bacteria present and their functional potential but lacks standardization and analytical validation of methods and consistency in the reporting of results. This makes it difficult to compare results across studies or for individual clinical patients. The Dysbiosis Index (DI) is a validated quantitative PCR assay for canine fecal samples that measures the abundance of seven important bacterial taxa and summarizes the results as one single number. Reference intervals are established for dogs, and the DI can be used to assess the microbiome in clinical patients over time and in response to therapy (eg, fecal microbiota transplantation). In situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry allows the identification of mucosa‐adherent and intracellular bacteria in animals with intestinal disease, especially granulomatous colitis. Future directions include the measurement of bacterial metabolites in feces or serum as markers for the appropriate function of the microbiome. This article summarizes different approaches to the analysis of gut microbiota and how they might be applicable to research studies and clinical practice in dogs and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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12
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Tsai CS, Hung YP, Lee JC, Syue LS, Hsueh PR, Ko WC. Clostridioides difficile infection: an emerging zoonosis? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2021; 19:1543-1552. [PMID: 34383624 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2021.1967746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and one of the common infections in healthcare facilities. In recent decades, there has been an emerging threat of community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI). Environmental transmission of C. difficile in the community setting has become a major concern, and animals are an important reservoir for C. difficile causing human diseases. AREAS COVERED In this article, the molecular epidemiology of C. difficile in animals and recent evidences of zoonotic transfer to humans are reviewed based on an electronic search in the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar. EXPERT OPINION C. difficile can be found in stool from diarrheal dogs and cats; therefore, household pets could be a potential source. C. difficile will threaten human health because hypervirulent C. difficile ribotype 078 strains have been found in retail chickens, pig farms, and slaughterhouses. Risk factors for fecal C. difficile carriage in animals include young age, dietary changes, and antibiotic abuse in domestic animals. With the advent of whole genome sequencing techniques, there will be more solid evidence indicating zoonotic transfer of C. difficile from animals to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Yunlin, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Pin Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Chieh Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Shan Syue
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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13
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Herstad KMV, Trosvik P, Haaland AH, Haverkamp THA, de Muinck EJ, Skancke E. Changes in the fecal microbiota in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea during an outbreak in Norway. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:2177-2186. [PMID: 34288148 PMCID: PMC8478063 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A severe form of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) occurred in dogs in the Oslo region of Norway during autumn 2019. Objectives To characterize the fecal microbiota of dogs with AHDS during the outbreak and compare it to that of healthy dogs from the same period and before the outbreak. Animals Dogs with AHDS (n = 50), dogs with nonhemorrhagic diarrhea (n = 3), and healthy dogs (n = 11) were sampled during the outbreak. In addition, 78 healthy dogs from the same region were sampled before the outbreak between 2017 and 2018. Methods Retrospective case‐control study. The fecal microbiotas were characterized using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Results Dogs with AHDS had significantly different microbiota composition (R2 = .07, P < .001) and decreased intestinal diversity relative to healthy dogs from the outbreak period (median, 2.7; range, 0.9‐3.5 vs median, 3.2; range, 2.6‐4.0; P < .001). The microbiota in dogs with AHDS was characterized by a decrease of Firmicutes and an outgrowth of Proteobacteria, with increased numbers of Clostridium perfringens and Providencia spp. Among the Providencia spp., 1 showed 100% sequence identity with a Providencia alcalifaciens strain that was cultivated and isolated from the same outbreak. No Providencia spp. was found in healthy dogs sampled before the outbreak. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Dogs with AHDS had marked changes in fecal microbiota including increased numbers of Providencia spp. and C. perfringens, which may have contributed to the severity of this illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M V Herstad
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Pål Trosvik
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anita Haug Haaland
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | | | - Eric J de Muinck
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Skancke
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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Gal A, Barko PC, Biggs PJ, Gedye KR, Midwinter AC, Williams DA, Burchell RK, Pazzi P. One dog's waste is another dog's wealth: A pilot study of fecal microbiota transplantation in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250344. [PMID: 33872339 PMCID: PMC8055013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) has been associated in some studies with Clostridioides perfringens overgrowth and toxin-mediated necrosis of the intestinal mucosa. We aimed to determine the effect of a single fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on clinical scores and fecal microbiomes of 1 and 7 dogs with AHDS from New Zealand and South Africa. We hypothesized that FMT would improve AHDS clinical scores and increase microbiota alpha-diversity and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing microbial communities’ abundances in dogs with AHDS after FMT. We sequenced the V3-V4 region of the 16S-rRNA gene in the feces of AHDS FMT-recipients and sham-treated control dogs, and their healthy donors at admission, discharge, and 30 days post-discharge. There were no significant differences in median AHDS clinical scores between FMT-recipients and sham-treated controls at admission or discharge (P = 0.22, P = 0.41). At admission, the Shannon diversity index (SDI) was lower in AHDS dogs than healthy donors (P = 0.002). The SDI did not change from admission to 30 days in sham-treated dogs yet increased in FMT-recipients from admission to discharge (P = 0.04) to levels not different than donors (P = 0.33) but significantly higher than sham-treated controls (P = 0.002). At 30 days, the SDI did not differ between FMT recipients, sham-treated controls, and donors (P = 0.88). Principal coordinate analysis of the Bray-Curtis index separated post-FMT and donor dogs from pre-FMT and sham-treated dogs (P = 0.009) because of increased SCFA-producing genera’s abundances after FMT. A single co-abundance subnetwork contained many of the same OTUs found to be differentially abundant in FMT-recipients, and the abundance of this module was increased in FMT-recipients at discharge and 30 days, compared to sham-treated controls. We conclude in this small pilot study FMT did not have any clinical benefit. A single FMT procedure has the potential to increase bacterial communities of SCFA-producing genera important for intestinal health up to 30 days post-FMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnon Gal
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Patrick C. Barko
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Patrick J. Biggs
- Molecular Epidemiology & Public Health Laboratory, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Group, School of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Kristene R. Gedye
- Molecular Epidemiology & Public Health Laboratory, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Anne C. Midwinter
- Molecular Epidemiology & Public Health Laboratory, Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David A. Williams
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Richard K. Burchell
- North Coast Veterinary and Referral Centre, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paolo Pazzi
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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15
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Allen-Deal A, Lewis D. Prevalence of Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin and enterotoxin in the faeces of dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome. J Small Anim Pract 2021; 62:373-378. [PMID: 33723885 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin encoding gene and C. perfringens enterotoxin encoding gene in dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective study looking at the prevalence of C. perfringens alpha toxin and C. perfringens enterotoxin in the faeces of three groups of dogs - those with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (n = 16), those with haemorrhagic diarrhoea from another cause (n = 17) and those without haemorrhagic diarrhoea (n = 10). Correlation between the presence of C. perfringens alpha toxin and/or C. perfringens enterotoxin and Acute Patient Physiological and Laboratory Evaluationfast scores, acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea index scores and length of hospitalisation in dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome was assessed. RESULTS Prevalence of C. perfringens alpha toxin was not higher in dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (43.75%) than dogs with haemorrhagic diarrhoea from another cause (58.82%) (difference in prevalence 15.07%; 95% CI -37% to 32%) or in dogs without haemorrhagic diarrhoea (60%) (difference in prevalence 16.25%; 95% CI -4% to 36%). Dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome did not have a significantly higher prevalence of C. perfringens enterotoxin (18.75%) compared to dogs without haemorrhagic diarrhoea (11.76%) (difference in prevalence 6.99%; 95% CI -18% to 32%). Prevalence of C. perfringens enterotoxin was similar in dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome and dogs without haemorrhagic diarrhoea (20%) (difference in prevalence 1.25% 95% CI -33% to 30%). The presence of C. perfringens alpha toxin did not correlate with increased Acute Patient Physiological and Laboratory Evaluationfast scores, acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea index scores or length of hospitalisation in dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE This study does not demonstrate increased prevalence of C. perfringens alpha toxin or C. perfringens enterotoxin in dogs with acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome compared to dogs with haemorrhagic diarrhoea from another cause or dogs without haemorrhagic diarrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Allen-Deal
- Emergency and Critical Care Intern, Hospital for Small Animals, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - D Lewis
- American, European Board of Veterinary Specialisation & Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Recognised Specialist in Emergency & Critical Care, National Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) Lead, Vets-Now, Referral Clinician in ECC, Vets-Now Glasgow, G3 7DA, UK
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16
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Dupont N, Jessen LR, Moberg F, Zyskind N, Lorentzen C, Bjørnvad CR. A retrospective study of 237 dogs hospitalized with suspected acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome: Disease severity, treatment, and outcome. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35:867-877. [PMID: 33638574 PMCID: PMC7995406 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have investigated management and outcome in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS), and there is a paucity of data on dogs with concurrent signs of sepsis. OBJECTIVES To report outcome in dogs with suspected AHDS according to disease severity and antimicrobial treatment, and to evaluate effect of fluid resuscitation on clinical criteria. ANIMALS Two hundred thirty-seven dogs hospitalized with suspected AHDS. METHODS Retrospective study based on medical records. Disease severity was evaluated using AHDS index, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) according to 3 treatment groups: No, 1, or 2 antimicrobials. RESULTS Sixty-two percent received no antimicrobials, 31% received 1 antimicrobial, predominantly aminopenicillins, and 7% received 2 antimicrobials. At admission, median AHDS index was 13 (interquartile range, 11-15), which decreased significantly after the first day's hospitalization (P < .001) for all groups. Compared with no antimicrobials (7%), more dogs had ≥2 SIRS criteria in the antimicrobial groups (15% and 36%, respectively). C-reactive protein (CRP) correlated positively with AHDS index at hospitalization (P < .001). Across treatment groups, rehydration markedly reduced number of clinical SIRS criteria. Survival to discharge was 96%, lower for dogs receiving 2 antimicrobials (77%, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The majority of dogs hospitalized with suspected AHDS improve rapidly with symptomatic treatment only, despite signs of systemic disease on initial presentation. The often-used SIRS criteria might be a poor proxy for identifying dogs with AHDS in need of antimicrobial treatment, in particular when hypovolemic. The role of CRP in clinical decision-making or prognostication warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Dupont
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Rem Jessen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frida Moberg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nathali Zyskind
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla Lorentzen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Cartwright JA, Pérez-Accino J, Timothy C, Simpson KW, Salavati Schmitz S. Acute Ulcerative Enterocolitis With Severe Protein Loss Due to Mucosal Invasion With Enterococcus spp. in a Dog With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: A Case Report. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:577642. [PMID: 33195581 PMCID: PMC7644445 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.577642] [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: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe an unusual case of severe acute protein-losing enteropathy in a dog, which presented with a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. This dog's condition could not be categorized as any well-known canine intestinal condition. Instead, components of several enteropathies like acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS), chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE), and ulcerative and granulomatous colitis were present. Thorough investigations identified concurrent exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and hypocobalaminemia. On histopathology, marked diffuse chronic-active ileitis and ulcerative colitis with fibroplasia and neovascularization were present. Intestinal biopsy cultures identified E.coli and multiresistant Enterococcus spp. The latter was identified as mucosally invasive using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Protracted clinical signs following the acute presentation required intensive care including enteral and parenteral feeding for a successful outcome, but eventually stabilized with antibiotics and immunosuppressive doses of glucocorticoids. This case highlights a potentially previously unrecognized condition, suspected to be a form of CIE manifesting acutely after bacterial mucosal invasion. In this case, this might have been facilitated by EPI-induced dysbiosis. The use of FISH and mucosal culture in this context provided important clinical information and should be considered more frequently in CIE and non-responsive AHDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Cartwright
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Pérez-Accino
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Timothy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth W Simpson
- Simpson Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Silke Salavati Schmitz
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, United Kingdom
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18
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Ziese AL, Suchodolski JS. Impact of Changes in Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Canine and Feline Digestive Diseases. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 51:155-169. [PMID: 33131916 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal microbiome is an important immune and metabolic organ in health and disease. Recent molecular and metabolomic approaches have provided a better characterization of different types of dysbiosis, including mucosa-adherent bacteria and functional changes in the microbiome. This article summarizes recent advances in assessment of dysbiosis, the importance of the bile acid-converting Clostridium hiranonis as an important beneficial bacterium in the canine gut, and different therapeutic approaches to dysbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Ziese
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Veterinärstrasse 13, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, 4474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77845, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome is defined as sudden onset of severe bloody diarrhea frequently associated with vomiting, which results in severe, sometimes life-threatening dehydration. Although there is strong evidence that clostridial overgrowth and toxin release is responsible for the pathogenesis of the disease, the diagnosis is still based on exclusion of other causes for acute hemorrhagic diarrhea. With early and appropriate treatment, mainly based on fluid therapy, the prognosis is good and complications such as sepsis or severe hypoalbuminemia rarely occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Unterer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Veterinärstr. 13, München 80539, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Busch
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Veterinärstr. 13, München 80539, Germany
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20
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Blake AB, Cigarroa A, Klein HL, Khattab MR, Keating T, Van De Coevering P, Lidbury JA, Steiner JM, Suchodolski JS. Developmental stages in microbiota, bile acids, and clostridial species in healthy puppies. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:2345-2356. [PMID: 33047396 PMCID: PMC7694855 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The fecal microbiota, fecal bile acid concentrations, and abundance of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile are altered in acute and chronic gastrointestinal disease in adult dogs. However, less is known in young puppies. Hypothesis/Objectives To determine composition of the fecal microbiota, assess development of fecal bile acid profiles, and determine the abundance of Clostridial species in puppies, young adult dogs, and adult dogs. Animals Healthy puppies from a whelping kennel (n = 53) and healthy client‐owned dogs <1 year old (n = 20) were separated into 6 age groups, then compared to client‐owned dogs over 1 year of age (n = 13). Methods Prospective observational study. Naturally voided fecal samples were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction to measure bacterial abundances. Fecal bile acids were quantified using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Results Puppies up to 5 to 6 weeks of age had increased Dysbiosis Index (median [min‐max]: 5.39 [1.32‐8.6], P < .001), increased abundance of C. difficile (4.1 [0.01‐4.85] log DNA, P < .001), decreased secondary bile acid concentrations (0.61 [0.28‐5.06] μg/mg, P = .006), and decreased abundance of C. hiranonis (0.84 [0.01‐6.71], P = .005) compared to adult dogs (−4.62 [−8.36 to −0.61], 0.01 [0.01‐0.01], 4.12 [0.32‐8.94], and 6.02 [5.06‐7.00], respectively). Secondary bile acid concentration positively correlated with C. hiranonis abundance (ρ = 0.77; P < .001). Conclusions and Clinical Importance The increase in secondary bile acids and simultaneous decrease of C. difficile and C. perfringens after 5 to 6 weeks of age warrants further investigation into regulatory impacts that secondary bile acids could have on clostridial species in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B Blake
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory - Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Annalis Cigarroa
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory - Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Hannah L Klein
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory - Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Mohammad R Khattab
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory - Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Jonathan A Lidbury
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory - Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jörg M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory - Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory - Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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21
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The role of the globular heads of the C1q receptor in TcdA-induced human colonic epithelial cell apoptosis via a mitochondria-dependent pathway. BMC Microbiol 2020; 20:274. [PMID: 32878596 PMCID: PMC7465811 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-020-01958-6] [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: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridioides (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. Studies have demonstrated that C. difficile toxin A (TcdA) can cause apoptosis of many human cell types. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among exposure to TcdA, the role of the receptor for the globular heads of C1q (gC1qR) gene and the underlying intracellular apoptotic mechanism in human colonic epithelial cells (NCM 460). In this study, gC1qR expression was examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Cell viability was assessed by the water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay, and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondrial function was assessed based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the content of ATP. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that increasing the concentration of TcdA from 10 ng/ml to 20 ng/ml inhibited cell viability and induced cell apoptosis (p < 0.01). Moreover, the TcdA-induced gC1qR expression and enhanced expression of gC1qR caused mitochondrial dysfunction (including production of ROS and decreases in the ΔΨm and the content of ATP) and cell apoptosis. However, silencing of the gC1qR gene reversed TcdA-induced cell apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. CONCLUSION These data support a mechanism by which gC1qR plays a crucial role in TcdA-induced apoptosis of human colonic epithelial cells in a mitochondria-dependent manner.
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22
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Mehdizadeh Gohari I, Unterer S, Whitehead AE, Prescott JF. NetF-producing Clostridium perfringens and its associated diseases in dogs and foals. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:230-238. [PMID: 32081091 PMCID: PMC7081511 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720904714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of type A Clostridium perfringens in canine acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome and foal necrotizing enteritis is poorly characterized. However, a highly significant association between the presence of novel toxigenic C. perfringens and these specific enteric diseases has been described. These novel toxigenic strains produce 3 novel putative toxins, which have been designated NetE, NetF, and NetG. Although not conclusively demonstrated, current evidence suggests that NetF is likely the major virulence factor in strains responsible for canine acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome and foal necrotizing enteritis. NetF is a beta-pore-forming toxin that belongs to the same toxin superfamily as CPB and NetB toxins produced by C. perfringens. The netF gene is encoded on a conjugative plasmid that, in the case of netF, also carries another putative toxin gene, netE. In addition, these strains consistently also carry a cpe tcp-conjugative plasmid, and a proportion also carry a separate netG tcp-conjugative plasmid. The netF and netG genes form part of a locus with all the features of the pathogenicity loci of tcp-conjugative plasmids. The netF-positive isolates are clonal in origin and fall into 2 clades. Disease in dogs or foals can be associated with either clade. Thus, these are strains with unique virulence-associated characteristics associated with serious and sometimes fatal cases of important enteric diseases in 2 animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Mehdizadeh Gohari
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (Mehdizadeh Gohari)
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany (Unterer)
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Whitehead)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott)
| | - Stefan Unterer
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (Mehdizadeh Gohari)
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany (Unterer)
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Whitehead)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott)
| | - Ashley E Whitehead
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (Mehdizadeh Gohari)
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany (Unterer)
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Whitehead)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott)
| | - John F Prescott
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (Mehdizadeh Gohari)
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany (Unterer)
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Whitehead)
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott)
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23
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Pilla R, Suchodolski JS. The Role of the Canine Gut Microbiome and Metabolome in Health and Gastrointestinal Disease. Front Vet Sci 2020; 6:498. [PMID: 31993446 PMCID: PMC6971114 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome contributes to host metabolism, protects against pathogens, educates the immune system, and, through these basic functions, affects directly or indirectly most physiologic functions of its host. Molecular techniques have allowed us to expand our knowledge by unveiling a wide range of unculturable bacteria that were previously unknown. Most bacterial sequences identified in the canine gastrointestinal (GI) tract fall into five phyla: Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. While there are variations in the microbiome composition along the GI tract, most clinical studies concentrate on fecal microbiota. Age, diet, and many other environmental factors may play a significant role in the maintenance of a healthy microbiome, however, the alterations they cause pale in comparison with the alterations found in diseased animals. GI dysfunctions are the most obvious association with gut dysbiosis. In dogs, intestinal inflammation, whether chronic or acute, is associated with significant differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Gut dysbiosis happens when such alterations result in functional changes in the microbial transcriptome, proteome, or metabolome. Commonly affected metabolites include short-chain fatty acids, and amino acids, including tryptophan and its catabolites. A recently developed PCR-based algorithm termed “Dysbiosis Index” is a tool that allows veterinarians to quantify gut dysbiosis and can be used to monitor disease progression and response to treatment. Alterations or imbalances in the microbiota affect immune function, and strategies to manipulate the gut microbiome may be useful for GI related diseases. Antibiotic usage induces a rapid and significant drop in taxonomic richness, diversity, and evenness. For that reason, a renewed interest has been put on probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Although probiotics are typically unable to colonize the gut, the metabolites they produce during their transit through the GI tract can ameliorate clinical signs and modify microbiome composition. Another interesting development is FMT, which may be a promising tool to aid recovery from dysbiosis, but further studies are needed to evaluate its potential and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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24
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Abstract
Clostridium (Clostridioides) difficile is a gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that is an important cause of disease in people, a variably important cause of disease in some animal species, and an apparently harmless commensal in others. Regardless of whether it is a known pathogen in a particular species, it can also be found in healthy individuals, sometimes at high prevalences and typically with higher rates of carriage in young individuals. As it is investigated in more animal species, it is apparent that this bacterium is widely disseminated in a diverse range of domestic and wild animal species. Although it can be found in most species in which investigations have been performed, there are pronounced intra- and inter-species differences in prevalence and clinical relevance. A wide range of strains can be identified, some that appear to be animal associated and others that are found in humans and animals. A large percentage of strains that cause disease in people can at least sporadically be found in animals. It is a potentially important zoonotic pathogen, but there is limited direct evidence of animal-human transmission. Although C. difficile has been studied extensively over the past few decades, it remains an enigmatic organism in many ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scott Weese
- Department of Pathobiology and Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Weese)
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25
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Langlois DK, Koenigshof AM, Mani R. Metronidazole treatment of acute diarrhea in dogs: A randomized double blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 34:98-104. [PMID: 31742807 PMCID: PMC6979100 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metronidazole is commonly administered to dogs with acute diarrhea, but there is limited evidence to support this practice. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of metronidazole administration on dogs with acute nonspecific diarrhea. ANIMALS Thirty-one dogs, including 14 test population dogs and 17 controls. METHODS Randomized controlled clinical trial. Dogs with acute diarrhea in which causation was not determined by routine fecal diagnostic testing were randomly assigned to metronidazole treatment (10-15 mg/kg PO q12h for 7 days) or placebo. Fecal cultures and characterization of Clostridium perfringens isolates also were performed. Owners maintained medication and fecal scoring logs, and fecal diagnostic tests were repeated on day 7. RESULTS The mean ± SD time to resolution of diarrhea for test population dogs (2.1 ± 1.6 days) was less than that for controls (3.6 ± 2.1 days, P = .04). Potential relationships of C. perfringens with acute diarrhea pathogenesis were not investigated, but only 3 of 13 (23.1%) test population dogs had persistent C. perfringens carriage at day 7, which was less than the 11 of 14 (78.6%) controls with persistent growth (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Our results suggest that metronidazole treatment can shorten duration of diarrhea and decrease fecal culture detection of C. perfringens in some dogs with acute nonspecific diarrhea. Additional studies are needed to assess the benefits and risks of routine use of metronidazole for this purpose because most dogs achieve resolution of diarrhea within several days regardless of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Langlois
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Amy M Koenigshof
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Rinosh Mani
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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26
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Singleton DA, Noble PJM, Sánchez-Vizcaíno F, Dawson S, Pinchbeck GL, Williams NJ, Radford AD, Jones PH. Pharmaceutical Prescription in Canine Acute Diarrhoea: A Longitudinal Electronic Health Record Analysis of First Opinion Veterinary Practices. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:218. [PMID: 31334254 PMCID: PMC6615257 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine acute diarrhoea is frequently observed in first opinion practice, though little is known about commonly used diagnostic or therapeutic management plans, including use of antimicrobials. This retrospective observational study utilised electronic health records augmented with practitioner-completed questionnaires from 3,189 cases (3,159 dogs) collected from 179 volunteer veterinary practices between April 2014 and January 2017. We used multivariable analysis to explore factors potentially associated with pharmaceutical agent prescription, and resolution of clinical signs by 10 days post-initial presentation. Use of bacteriological and/or parasitological diagnostic tests were uncommon (3.2% of cases, 95% confidence interval, CI, 2.4–4.0), though systemic antimicrobials were the most commonly prescribed pharmaceutical agents (49.7% of cases, 95% CI 46.1–53.2). Such prescription was associated with haemorrhagic diarrhoea (odds ratio, OR, 4.1; 95% CI 3.4–5.0), body temperature in excess of 39.0°C, or moderate/severe cases (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.7). Gastrointestinal agents (e.g., antacids) were prescribed to 37.7% of cases (95% CI 35.4–39.9), and were most frequently prescribed to vomiting dogs regardless of presence (OR 46.4, 95% CI 19.4–110.8) or absence of blood (OR 17.1, 95% CI 13.4–21.9). Endoparasiticides/endectocides were prescribed to 7.8% of cases (95% CI 6.8–9.0), such prescription being less frequent for moderate/severe cases (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7), though more frequent when weight loss was recorded (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.3–9.0). Gastrointestinal nutraceuticals (e.g., probiotics) were dispensed to 60.8% of cases (95% CI 57.1–64.6), these cases less frequently presenting with moderate/severe clinical signs (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5–0.8). Nearly a quarter of cases were judged lost to follow-up (n=754). Insured (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–0.9); neutered (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3–0.5), or vaccinated dogs (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.3–0.4) were less commonly lost to follow-up. Of remaining dogs, clinical signs were deemed resolved in 95.4% of cases (95% CI 94.6–96.2). Provision of dietary modification advice and gastrointestinal nutraceuticals alone were positively associated with resolution (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3–6.1); no such associations were found for pharmaceutical agents, including antimicrobials. Hence, this study supports the view that antimicrobials are largely unnecessary for acute diarrhoea cases; this being of particular importance when considering the global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Singleton
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - P J M Noble
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | | | - Susan Dawson
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Gina L Pinchbeck
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Williams
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Alan D Radford
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Philip H Jones
- Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
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27
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Rainha K, Fernandes Ferreira R, Trindade CNR, Carneiro LG, Penna B, Endres BT, Begum K, Alam MJ, Garey KW, Domingues Regina Maria CP, Ferreira EO. Characterization of Clostridioides difficile ribotypes in domestic dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Anaerobe 2019; 58:22-29. [PMID: 31220606 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the major etiologic agent of nosocomial bacterial diarrhoea and pseudomembranous colitis. The pathogenesis of C. difficile infection (CDI)involves two cytotoxic enzymes (TcdA, TcdB) that cause colonic epithelial damage, fluid accumulation and enteritis. CDI has been demonstrated in a variety of animal species and some reports have recently raised the importance of wild animals as a reservoir of this pathogen and possible transmission to humans and domestic animals. The aim of this study was to characterize C. difficile isolates obtained from pet dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 50 faecal samples were obtained from healthy and diarrheic dogs. Five of fifty samples (10%) grew C. difficile. Of those, three belonged to the PCR ribotype 106 (ST 42) and were toxigenic (A+B+). The other two strains belonged to the PCR ribotype 010 (ST 15) and were not toxin producers (A-B-). None of the isolates tested positive for the binary toxin genes. Considering the antimicrobial resistance patterns of all isolates using EUCAST breakpoints, all strains were sensitive to metronidazole and vancomycin. However, two strains (ribotype 106 and ribotype 010), were resistant to clindamycin (≤256 μg/mL). All strains were strong biofilm producers. Our study provides evidence that dogs can act as reservoirs for C. difficile epidemic ribotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rainha
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, IMPG, Depto. de Microbiologia Médica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - R Fernandes Ferreira
- Clínica Veterinária VetCare, Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Universidade Severino Sombra, Pro Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós Graduação, Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C N R Trindade
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, IMPG, Depto. de Microbiologia Médica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L G Carneiro
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, IMPG, Depto. de Microbiologia Médica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - B Penna
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Depto. de Microbiologia Veterinária, Niterói, Brazil
| | - B T Endres
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4849 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - K Begum
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4849 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - M J Alam
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4849 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - K W Garey
- University of Houston College of Pharmacy, 4849 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | | | - E O Ferreira
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, IMPG, Depto. de Microbiologia Médica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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28
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Shmalberg J, Montalbano C, Morelli G, Buckley GJ. A Randomized Double Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of a Probiotic or Metronidazole for Acute Canine Diarrhea. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:163. [PMID: 31275948 PMCID: PMC6593266 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute diarrhea is a common, often self-limiting, cause of presentation for veterinary care, yet there is a paucity of data on frequently-prescribed treatments. The purpose of this randomized, double blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial was to compare two anecdotally-recommended treatments: a probiotic combination and metronidazole. Sixty dogs without concurrent comorbidities were randomized into three treatment groups. The time to resolution of diarrheal signs was evaluated using owner surveys and fecal scoring charts. Dogs presenting with acute diarrhea achieved acceptable fecal consistency after 3.5 ± 2.2 days when receiving probiotic, 4.6 ± 2.4 days with oral metronidazole, and 4.8 ± 2.9 days with placebo; statistically significant differences were not identified between treatment groups (p = 0.17). These findings failed to provide evidence for the common use of metronidazole in this cohort of dogs with acute canine diarrhea, and a larger study population would be required to identify a statistically significant effect of probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Shmalberg
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Christina Montalbano
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Giada Morelli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Gareth J Buckley
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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29
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Sindern N, Suchodolski JS, Leutenegger CM, Mehdizadeh Gohari I, Prescott JF, Proksch AL, Mueller RS, Busch K, Unterer S. Prevalence of Clostridium perfringens netE and netF toxin genes in the feces of dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 33:100-105. [PMID: 30499621 PMCID: PMC6335515 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, novel pore-forming toxin genes designated netE and netF were identified in a Clostridium perfringens type A strain isolated from a dog with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea. OBJECTIVES Pore-forming toxins could play an important role in the disease pattern of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) in dogs. Thus, we aimed to determine the prevalence of C. perfringens genes encoding for netE and netF in the feces of dogs with AHDS and to evaluate any association between selected clinical variables and the presence of these toxin genes. ANIMALS In total, 174 dogs were included in the study. METHODS Fecal samples of all dogs were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction for netE and netF genes. Time to recovery, hospitalization time, and selected laboratory variables were compared between dogs with AHDS that were positive or negative for the toxin genes. RESULTS A significant difference was found among the 3 groups in the prevalence of the pore-forming toxin genes netE and netF: dogs with AHDS: 26 of 54 (48.1%); dogs with canine parvovirus (CPV) infection: 0 of 54 (0%); and healthy dogs: 8 of 66 (12.1%; P < .001). In dogs with AHDS, no significant difference was detected in any variables evaluated between netE-positive and netF-positive and netE-negative and netF-negative dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The prevalence of C. perfringens encoding for netE and netF is significantly higher in dogs with AHDS compared to control dogs. Further studies are warranted to evaluate whether these toxins are an inciting cause for AHDS in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Sindern
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan S Suchodolski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | | | | | - John F Prescott
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna-Lena Proksch
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ralf S Mueller
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Busch
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Unterer
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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30
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Effect of probiotic treatment on the clinical course, intestinal microbiome, and toxigenic Clostridium perfringens in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204691. [PMID: 30261077 PMCID: PMC6160196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The impact of probiotics on dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS) has not been evaluated so far. The study aim was to assess the effect of probiotic treatment on the clinical course, intestinal microbiome, and toxigenic Clostridium perfringens in dogs with AHDS in a prospective, placebo-controlled, blinded trial. METHODS Twenty-five dogs with AHDS with no signs of sepsis were randomly divided into a probiotic (PRO; Visbiome, ExeGi Pharma) and placebo group (PLAC). Treatment was administered for 21 days without antibiotics. Clinical signs were evaluated daily from day 0 to day 8. Key bacterial taxa, C. perfringens encoding NetF toxin and enterotoxin were assessed on days 0, 7, 21. RESULTS Both groups showed a rapid clinical improvement. In PRO a significant clinical recovery was observed on day 3 (p = 0.008), while in PLAC it was observed on day 4 (p = 0.002) compared to day 0. Abundance of Blautia (p<0.001) and Faecalibacterium (p = 0.035) was significantly higher in PRO on day 7 compared to day 0, while in PLAC the abundance of Faecalibacterium was not significantly higher on any study day and Blautia (p = 0.016) was only significantly higher on day 21 compared to day 0. Abundance of C. perfringens was significantly lower on day 7 (p = 0.011) compared to day 0 in PRO but not in PLAC. Enterotoxin genes were significantly lower in PRO on day 21 (p = 0.028) compared to PLAC. Fecal samples of 57% of all dogs were positive for netF toxin genes on day 0 and the abundance was significantly lower on day 7 compared to day 0 in PRO (p = 0.016) and PLAC (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION The probiotic treatment was associated with an accelerated normalization of the intestinal microbiome. Dogs with aseptic AHDS showed a rapid decrease of netF toxin genes and fast clinical recovery in both groups under symptomatic treatment without antibiotics.
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31
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Ortiz V, Klein L, Channell S, Simpson B, Wright B, Edwards C, Gilbert R, Day R, Caddy SL. Evaluating the effect of metronidazole plus amoxicillin-clavulanateversusamoxicillin-clavulanate alone in canine haemorrhagic diarrhoea: a randomised controlled trial in primary care practice. J Small Anim Pract 2018; 59:398-403. [DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- V. Ortiz
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - L. Klein
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - S. Channell
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - B. Simpson
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - B. Wright
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - C. Edwards
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - R. Gilbert
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - R. Day
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
| | - S. L. Caddy
- Cromwell Veterinary Group; Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3DG UK
- Magdalene College; Cambridge CB3 0AG UK
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32
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Uzal FA, Navarro MA, Li J, Freedman JC, Shrestha A, McClane BA. Comparative pathogenesis of enteric clostridial infections in humans and animals. Anaerobe 2018; 53:11-20. [PMID: 29883627 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several enteric clostridial diseases can affect humans and animals. Of these, the enteric infections caused by Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile are amongst the most prevalent and they are reviewed here. C. perfringens type A strains encoding alpha toxin (CPA) are frequently associated with enteric disease of many animal mammalian species, but their role in these diseased mammals remains to be clarified. C. perfringens type B encoding CPA, beta (CPB) and epsilon (ETX) toxins causes necro-hemorrhagic enteritis, mostly in sheep, and these strains have been recently suggested to be involved in multiple sclerosis in humans, although evidence of this involvement is lacking. C. perfringens type C strains encode CPA and CPB and cause necrotizing enteritis in humans and animals, while CPA and ETX producing type D strains of C. perfringens produce enterotoxemia in sheep, goats and cattle, but are not known to cause spontaneous disease in humans. The role of C. perfringens type E in animal or human disease remains poorly defined. The newly revised toxinotype F encodes CPA and enterotoxin (CPE), the latter being responsible for food poisoning in humans, and the less prevalent antibiotic associated and sporadic diarrhea. The role of these strains in animal disease has not been fully described and remains controversial. Another newly created toxinotype, G, encodes CPA and necrotic enteritis toxin B-like (NetB), and is responsible for avian necrotic enteritis, but has not been associated with human disease. C. difficile produces colitis and/or enterocolitis in humans and multiple animal species. The main virulence factors of this microorganism are toxins A, B and an ADP-ribosyltransferase (CDT). Other clostridia causing enteric diseases in humans and/or animals are Clostridium spiroforme, Clostridium piliforme, Clostridium colinum, Clostridium sordellii, Clostridium chauvoei, Clostridium septicum, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium neonatale. The zoonotic transmission of some, but not all these clostridsial species, has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco A Uzal
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino Branch, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Mauricio A Navarro
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, San Bernardino Branch, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jihong Li
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John C Freedman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Archana Shrestha
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bruce A McClane
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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33
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Yang SI, Kim JH, Jeong SW, Han HJ. Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome associated with contaminated foreign bodies (used feminine hygiene products) in a Golden Retriever dog. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 80:629-633. [PMID: 29459505 PMCID: PMC5938191 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0633] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A one-year-old male Golden Retriever presented with acute onset of vomiting and
hemorrhagic diarrhea since 2 days. The dog was depressed, showing abdominal pain, 12%
dehydration, tachycardia, and a bounding pulse. Diagnostic imaging showed severe
dilatation and fluid retention of the entire gastrointestinal tract with decreased
motility. A foreign body was found in the gastroduodenal region, but there was no
obstruction or plication. The dog was tentatively diagnosed with acute hemorrhagic
diarrhea syndrome and rapidly recovered after supportive treatment. However, on the
morning of day 4, anorexia and vomiting recurred, and diagnostic imaging revealed
intestinal plication with free peritoneal fluid, not found on the previous image. An
emergency laparotomy revealed the foreign body to be two used feminine hygiene products.
These contaminated products were suspected to induce acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome,
and led to subsequent complication in this large dog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Il Yang
- Department of Veterinary Emergency Medcine, Konkuk Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea.,Department of Veterinary Surgery, Konkuk Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Konkuk Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Wuk Jeong
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Konkuk Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Han
- Department of Veterinary Emergency Medcine, Konkuk Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Konkuk University, 120, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029 Republic of Korea
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Leipig-Rudolph M, Busch K, Prescott JF, Mehdizadeh Gohari I, Leutenegger CM, Hermanns W, Wolf G, Hartmann K, Verspohl J, Unterer S. Intestinal lesions in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome associated with netF-positive Clostridium perfringens type A. J Vet Diagn Invest 2018; 30:495-503. [PMID: 29621942 DOI: 10.1177/1040638718766983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS), formerly named canine hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, is one of the most common causes of acute hemorrhagic diarrhea in dogs, and is characterized by acute onset of diarrhea, vomiting, and hemoconcentration. To date, histologic examinations have been limited to postmortem specimens of only a few dogs with AHDS. Thus, the aim of our study was to describe in detail the distribution, character, and grade of microscopic lesions, and to investigate the etiology of AHDS. Our study comprised 10 dogs with AHDS and 9 control dogs of various breeds, age, and sex. Endoscopic biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract were taken and examined histologically (H&E, Giemsa), immunohistochemically ( Clostridium spp., parvovirus), and bacteriologically. The main findings were acute necrotizing and neutrophilic enterocolitis (9 of 10) with histologic detection of clostridia-like, gram-positive bacteria on the necrotic mucosal surface (9 of 10). Clostridium perfringens isolated from the duodenum was identified as type A (5 of 5) by multiplex PCR (5 of 5). In addition, each of the 5 genotyped isolates encoded the pore-forming toxin netF. Clostridium spp. (not C. perfringens) were cultured from duodenal biopsies in 2 of 9 control dogs. These findings suggest that the pore-forming netF toxin is responsible for the necrotizing lesions in the intestines of a significant proportion of dogs with AHDS. Given that the stomach was not involved in the process, the term "acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome" seems more appropriate than the frequently used term "hemorrhagic gastroenteritis."
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Leipig-Rudolph
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
| | - Kathrin Busch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
| | - John F Prescott
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
| | - Iman Mehdizadeh Gohari
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
| | - Christian M Leutenegger
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
| | - Walter Hermanns
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
| | - Georg Wolf
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
| | - Jutta Verspohl
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
| | - Stefan Unterer
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Leipig-Rudolph, Hermanns), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses (Wolf), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Clinic of Small Animal Medicine at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine (Busch, Hartmann, Unterer), Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada (Prescott, Mehdizadeh Gohari).,IDEXX Laboratories Inc., West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger).,Institute for Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany (Verspohl)
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35
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Dunowska
- LW(vet), PhD, IVABS, Tennent Drive, Massey University, New Zealand 4442, e-mail:
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36
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Redfern A, Suchodolski J, Jergens A. Role of the gastrointestinal microbiota in small animal health and disease. Vet Rec 2017; 181:370. [PMID: 28916525 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There is a large and emerging interest in the role of the gastrointestinal microbiota in health and disease. This paper serves to review the current knowledge and recommendations of the gastrointestinal microbiota in health and gastrointestinal disease. Further, this review evaluates the current literature and suggests guidelines for faecal microbial transplantation, a novel therapy for dysbiosis in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana Redfern
- Department of Internal Medicine, BluePearl Veterinary Partners, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jan Suchodolski
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Albert Jergens
- Department of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, Iowa, USA
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37
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Heilmann RM, Guard MM, Steiner JM, Suchodolski JS, Unterer S. Fecal markers of inflammation, protein loss, and microbial changes in dogs with the acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome (AHDS). J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2017; 27:586-589. [DOI: 10.1111/vec.12636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Romy M. Heilmann
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; College Station TX
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine; LMU Munich; Veterinärstrasse 13 DE-80539 Munich BY Germany
| | - Melissa M. Guard
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; College Station TX
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine; LMU Munich; Veterinärstrasse 13 DE-80539 Munich BY Germany
| | - Jörg M. Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; College Station TX
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine; LMU Munich; Veterinärstrasse 13 DE-80539 Munich BY Germany
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; College Station TX
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine; LMU Munich; Veterinärstrasse 13 DE-80539 Munich BY Germany
| | - Stefan Unterer
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Texas A&M University; College Station TX
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine; LMU Munich; Veterinärstrasse 13 DE-80539 Munich BY Germany
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38
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Silva ROS, Dorella FA, Figueiredo HCP, Costa ÉA, Pelicia V, Ribeiro BLD, Ribeiro MG, Paes AC, Megid J, Lobato FCF. Clostridium perfringens and C. difficile in parvovirus-positive dogs. Anaerobe 2017; 48:66-69. [PMID: 28733230 PMCID: PMC7110995 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens in 82 diarrheic dogs positive for canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV). Enterotoxigenic C. perfringens type A was isolated from three (3.6%) dogs. One (1.2%) strain was also positive for NetE- and NetF-encoding genes, which are commonly associated with diarrhea in dogs. Toxigenic C. difficile was isolated from one animal (1.2%), which was also positive for A/B toxins. The present study identified C. difficile and C. perfringens infection in CPV-positive dogs. Further studies are necessary to clarify if clostridial infections may predispose or potentiate CPV-infection in dogs or vice versa. The co-infection of canine parvovirus (CPV) and toxigenic clostridia is still poorly understood. 82 CPV-positive dogs were tested for C. perfringens netF+ and C. difficile infection (CDI). C. perfringens type A positive for NetF-encoding gene (netF) was recovered from an adult dog (1.2%). C. difficile was isolated from ten 12.2% (10/82) dogs, but in only one CDI was confirmed. To our knowledge, this is the first study that report C. perfringen netF positive in CPV-positive dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Otávio Silveira Silva
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31.270-901, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Alves Dorella
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Henrique Cesar Pereira Figueiredo
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Érica Azevedo Costa
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Pelicia
- UNESP-São Paulo State University, Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Marcio Garcia Ribeiro
- UNESP-São Paulo State University, Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Paes
- UNESP-São Paulo State University, Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Jane Megid
- UNESP-São Paulo State University, Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco Carlos Faria Lobato
- Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
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39
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Orden C, Blanco JL, Álvarez-Pérez S, Garcia-Sancho M, Rodriguez-Franco F, Sainz A, Villaescusa A, Harmanus C, Kuijper E, Garcia ME. Isolation of Clostridium difficile from dogs with digestive disorders, including stable metronidazole-resistant strains. Anaerobe 2016; 43:78-81. [PMID: 27965048 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of Clostridium difficile in 107 dogs with diverse digestive disorders attended in a Spanish veterinary teaching hospital was assessed. The microorganism was isolated from 13 dogs (12.1%) of different disease groups. Isolates belonged to PCR ribotypes 078, 106, 154 and 430 (all of them toxigenic) and 110 (non-toxigenic), and were resistant to several antimicrobial drugs. Notably, seven isolates obtained from different dogs displayed stable resistance to metronidazole. The results of this study provide further evidence that dogs can act as a reservoir of C. difficile strains of epidemic ribotypes with resistance to multiple antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Orden
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose L Blanco
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Clínico Veterinario Complutense, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sergio Álvarez-Pérez
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Angel Sainz
- Hospital Clínico Veterinario Complutense, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Villaescusa
- Hospital Clínico Veterinario Complutense, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Celine Harmanus
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ed Kuijper
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marta E Garcia
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Clínico Veterinario Complutense, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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40
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Suchodolski JS. Diagnosis and interpretation of intestinal dysbiosis in dogs and cats. Vet J 2016; 215:30-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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41
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Schmitz S, Suchodolski J. Understanding the canine intestinal microbiota and its modification by pro-, pre- and synbiotics - what is the evidence? Vet Med Sci 2016; 2:71-94. [PMID: 29067182 PMCID: PMC5645859 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and possibilities of its therapeutic modifications has soared over the last decade and more detailed knowledge specific to the canine microbiota at different mucosal sites including the gut is available. Probiotics, prebiotics or their combination (synbiotics) are a way of modifying the intestinal microbiota and exert effects on the host immune response. Probiotics are proposed to exert their beneficial effects through various pathways, for example production of antimicrobial peptides, enhancing growth of favourable endogenous microorganisms, competition for epithelial colonisation sites and immune‐modulatory functions. Despite widespread use of pro‐, pre‐ and synbiotics, scientific evidence of their beneficial effects in different conditions of the dog is scarce. Specific effects of different strains, their combination or their potential side‐effects have not been evaluated sufficiently. In some instances, in vitro results have been promising, but could not be transferred consistently into in vivo situations. Specific canine gastrointestinal (GI) diseases or conditions where probiotics would be beneficial, their most appropriate dosage and application have not been assessed extensively. This review summarises the current knowledge of the intestinal microbiome composition in the dog and evaluates the evidence for probiotic use in canine GI diseases to date. It wishes to provide veterinarians with evidence‐based information on when and why these products could be useful in preventing or treating canine GI conditions. It also outlines knowledge about safety and approval of commercial probiotic products, and the potential use of faecal microbial transplantation, as they are related to the topic of probiotic usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Schmitz
- Department of Internal MedicineSmall Animal HospitalJustus-Liebig UniversityGiessenGermany
| | - Jan Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal LaboratoryDepartment of Small Animal Clinical SciencesCollege of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
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42
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Rodriguez C, Taminiau B, Van Broeck J, Delmée M, Daube G. Clostridium difficile in Food and Animals: A Comprehensive Review. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 932:65-92. [PMID: 27350639 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2016_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zoonoses are infections or diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans through direct contact, close proximity or the environment. Clostridium difficile is ubiquitous in the environment, and the bacterium is able to colonise the intestinal tract of both animals and humans. Since domestic and food animals frequently test positive for toxigenic C. difficile, even without showing any signs of disease, it seems plausible that C. difficile could be zoonotic. Therefore, animals could play an essential role as carriers of the bacterium. In addition, the presence of the spores in different meats, fish, fruits and vegetables suggests a risk of foodborne transmission. This review summarises the current available data on C. difficile in animals and foods, from when the bacterium was first described up to the present.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rodriguez
- Department of Food Science, University of Liège-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Avenue de Cureghem 10, bât 43bis Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
| | - B Taminiau
- Department of Food Science, University of Liège-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Avenue de Cureghem 10, bât 43bis Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - J Van Broeck
- Belgian Reference Centre for Clostridium difficile (NRC), Pôle de microbiologie médicale, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Delmée
- Belgian Reference Centre for Clostridium difficile (NRC), Pôle de microbiologie médicale, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Daube
- Department of Food Science, University of Liège-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Avenue de Cureghem 10, bât 43bis Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium
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43
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Mortier F, Strohmeyer K, Hartmann K, Unterer S. Acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome in dogs: 108 cases. Vet Rec 2015; 176:627. [DOI: 10.1136/vr.103090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Mortier
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich; Veterinärstr. 13 Munich 80539 Germany
| | - K. Strohmeyer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich; Veterinärstr. 13 Munich 80539 Germany
| | - K. Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich; Veterinärstr. 13 Munich 80539 Germany
| | - S. Unterer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich; Veterinärstr. 13 Munich 80539 Germany
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44
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Suchodolski JS, Foster ML, Sohail MU, Leutenegger C, Queen EV, Steiner JM, Marks SL. The fecal microbiome in cats with diarrhea. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127378. [PMID: 25992741 PMCID: PMC4437779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that microbes play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in various animal species, but only limited data is available about the microbiome in cats with GI disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fecal microbiome in cats with diarrhea. Fecal samples were obtained from healthy cats (n = 21) and cats with acute (n = 19) or chronic diarrhea (n = 29) and analyzed by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, and PICRUSt was used to predict the functional gene content of the microbiome. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe) revealed significant differences in bacterial groups between healthy cats and cats with diarrhea. The order Burkholderiales, the families Enterobacteriaceae, and the genera Streptococcus and Collinsella were significantly increased in diarrheic cats. In contrast the order Campylobacterales, the family Bacteroidaceae, and the genera Megamonas, Helicobacter, and Roseburia were significantly increased in healthy cats. Phylum Bacteroidetes was significantly decreased in cats with chronic diarrhea (>21 days duration), while the class Erysipelotrichi and the genus Lactobacillus were significantly decreased in cats with acute diarrhea. The observed changes in bacterial groups were accompanied by significant differences in functional gene contents: metabolism of fatty acids, biosynthesis of glycosphingolipids, metabolism of biotin, metabolism of tryptophan, and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, were all significantly (p<0.001) altered in cats with diarrhea. In conclusion, significant differences in the fecal microbiomes between healthy cats and cats with diarrhea were identified. This dysbiosis was accompanied by changes in bacterial functional gene categories. Future studies are warranted to evaluate if these microbial changes correlate with changes in fecal concentrations of microbial metabolites in cats with diarrhea for the identification of potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mary L. Foster
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Muhammad U. Sohail
- Department of Physiology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Erica V. Queen
- MarQueen Animal Clinic, Roseville, CA, United States of America
| | - Jörg M. Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Stanley L. Marks
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
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