Oral flora of stray dogs and cats in Algeria: Pasteurella and other zoonotic bacteria

The impact of stray animal populations on public health in Naples, Italy: A preliminary study on antimicrobial resistance on the road

The rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant public health challenge, with an increasing number of organisms developing resistance to many antimicrobial agents used to treat infections in humans and animals. This study investigated the role of stray dogs and cats as sentinel animals in the urban environment. Therefore, the sampling of healthy skin was performed to isolate bacterial species present and assess their antimicrobial resistance profile. A total of 690 swabs were collected, comprising 351 cutaneous swabs from dogs and 339 from cats. A total of 770 strains were identified, including 381 Gram-positive bacteria (94 %) and 19 Gram-negative bacteria (6 %) from dogs, and 355 Gram-positive bacteria (97 %) and 11 Gram-negative bacteria (3 %) from cats. In dogs, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most frequently isolated Gram-positive bacterium, with 53 strains identified. Meanwhile, in cats, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most common, with Staphylococcus felis being the predominant species, represented by 50 strains. Among the isolated Gram-negative bacteria in both animal species, E. coli was predominant. Among the recovered Gram-positive bacteria, multidrug resistance was observed in 105 out of 129 (81.4 %) canine isolates and 87 out of 143 (60.8 %) feline isolates. Additionally, phenotypic resistance to penicillin, oxacillin, and cefoxitin in 42 out of 53 (79.2 %) S. pseudintermedius strains and 8 out of 50 (16.0 %) S. felis strains was identified, suggesting the presence of the methicillin resistance gene. The above findings underscore the need for stricter monitoring of antibiotic resistance specifically in stray dogs and cats which can act as reservoirs for resistant bacteria.

The Burden of Acinetobacter baumannii Among Pet Dogs and Cats with Respiratory Illness Outside the Healthcare Facilities: A Possible Public Health Concern

Background: Researchers paid more attention to nosocomial Acinetobacter baumannii in veterinary hospitals worldwide; however, the research scope toward community-acquired A. baumannii infections among animals is largely ignored. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the role of diseased dogs and cats suffering from respiratory illness in transmission of community-acquired A. baumannii infection and its public health threat. Materials and methods: Oral swabs were collected from 154 pet animals with respiratory signs, including 80 cats and 74 dogs (outpatient visits). The obtained swabs were cultured on CHROMagar™ MH Orientation media for isolation of A. baumannii, and identification of suspected isolates was conducted via Gram staining, conventional biochemical tests, and molecular detection of the blaOXA-51-like gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of A. baumannii isolates was carried out using the disc diffusion method. Results: Overall, 10 (6.5%) out of 154 diseased pet animals were positive for A. baumannii, where 6 (8.1%) and 4 (5%) dogs and cats were positive, respectively. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii was found in 3.9% of the examined animals. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the obtained sequences from dogs and cats were closely related to human and animal sequences. Conclusion: The occurrence of MDR A. baumannii among dogs and cats suffering from respiratory illness highlights the potential role of pet animals in the dissemination of MDR A. baumannii in the community.

Levonorgestrel enhanced Toxoplasma gondii infection risk via progesterone receptor upregulation

The numerous stray cats and dogs worldwide pose a huge burden on local governments, keeping residents safe and healthy, and maintaining clean cities with good traffic situations. To effectively control the populations of these stray animals, while considering animal welfare, researchers have suggested the use of levonorgestrel (LNG) as a contraceptive method. However, the potential side effects of LNG on these animals need to be evaluated before widespread application. Since dogs and cats play important roles in the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii as intermediate and definitive hosts, respectively, it is critical to assess the safety of LNG from the perspective of its effect on Toxoplasma susceptibility. In this study, the susceptibility of mice to T. gondii infection was investigated in vivo and in vitro with the presence of LNG. As a result, LNG increased the risk of infection, which was probably associated with the downregulation of IFN-γ levels, but not with the alteration of host sex hormone levels. Concurrently, the presence of LNG enhanced the expression of its ligand, the progesterone receptor (PGR), on the host cells. The promotional effect of LNG on T. gondii infection was attenuated when the PGR gene was knocked down. This investigation represents the inaugural study of LNG's side effects on T. gondii infection in mice, underscoring the significance of choosing or developing suitable contraceptive drugs for stray animals.

Pasteurella canis/oralis: A Tale of the Immunocompromised

Bacteria from the Pasteurella genus are small Gram-negative coccobacilli. They are commonly found in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and upper respiratory tract of domestic pets. When humans experience trauma such as scratches, bites, or direct wound licking from an animal, this could result in skin or soft tissue infections. The purpose of this case report is to highlight that immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of overwhelming sepsis and infections with the Pasteurella species. Moreover, it reemphasizes the importance of comprehensive questioning regarding exposures to any wild or domesticated animals as infectious sources in the setting of overwhelming sepsis in the immunocompromised.

The relationship between charitable giving and emotional facial expressions: Results from affective computing

This study investigated the relationship between emotional states (valence, arousal, and six basic emotions) and donation size in pet charities, and it compared the effectiveness of affective computing and emotion self-report methods in assessing attractiveness. Using FaceReader software and self-report, we measured the emotional states of participants (N = 45) during the donation task. The results showed that sadness, happiness, and anger were significantly related to donation size. Sadness and anger increased donations, whereas happiness decreased them. Arousal was not significantly correlated with the willingness to donate. These results are supported by both methods, whereas the self-reported data regarding the association of surprise, fear, and disgust with donation size are inconclusive. Thus, unpleasant emotions increase donation size, and combining affective computing with self-reported data improves the prediction of the effectiveness of a charity appeal. This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between emotions and charitable behavior toward pet charities and evaluates the effectiveness of marketing mix elements using affective computing. The limitations include the laboratory setting for this experiment and the lack of measurement of prolonged and repeated exposure to unpleasant charity appeals.

Aerococcus viridans and Public Health: Oral Carriage and Antimicrobial Resistance in Stray Dogs and Cats in Algeria

The current study aimed to determine the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of oral Aerococcus viridans in stray dogs and cats in Algeria. Oral swabs from 200 stray animals (100 dogs and 100 cats) were collected and cultured on Columbia agar medium supplemented with 5% defibrinated sheep blood. Isolates were identified using analytical profile index Rapid 20 Strep commercial kits, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the disk diffusion method. Of the 200 animals sampled, 34 carried A. viridans in their oral cavities, with 26 isolates (76.47%) resistant to at least 2 drugs. Multidrug resistance profiles (to more than three different antimicrobials) were observed only in cats (26.08% of isolates). More isolates were resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline (71% and 65%, respectively) than to other antimicrobials. This is the first research study in Algeria detecting antimicrobial resistance in oral A. viridans isolated from dogs and cats and highlights potential public health concerns. Clinical trials registration number: 01/2018.

Microbial Complexity of Oral Cavity of Healthy Dogs Identified by Mass Spectrometry and Next-Generation Sequencing

The high complexity of the oral microbiota of healthy dogs and the close exposure of humans to companion animals represent a risk of the transmission of potential zoonotic microorganisms to humans, especially through dog bites, including multidrug-resistant ones. Nonetheless, a limited number of comprehensive studies have focused on the diversity of the microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavities of healthy dogs, particularly based on modern molecular techniques. We investigated bacterial and fungal organisms in the oral cavities of 100 healthy dogs based on a combination of conventional and selective microbiological culture, mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and next-generation sequencing. In addition, in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates and mecA resistance gene were assessed. A total of 213 bacteria and 20 fungi were isolated. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (40/100 = 40%), α-hemolytic Streptococcus (37/100 = 37%), and Pasteurella stomatis (22/100 = 22%) were the most prevalent bacteria diagnosed by microbiological culture and MALDI-TOF MS, whereas Aspergillus (10/100 = 10%) was the most common fungi identified. Based on next-generation sequencing of selected 20 sampled dogs, Porphyromonas (32.5%), Moraxella (16.3%), Fusobacterium (12.8%), Conchiformibius (9.5%), Bergeyella (5%), Campylobacter (3.8%), and Capnocytophaga (3.4%) genera were prevalent. A high multidrug resistance rate was observed in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates, particularly to azithromycin (19/19 = 100%), penicillin (15/19 = 78.9%), and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (15/19 = 78.9%). In addition, the mecA resistance gene was detected in 6.1% (3/49) of coagulase-positive staphylococci. Here, we highlight the microbial complexity of the oral mucosa of healthy dogs, including potential zoonotic microorganisms and multidrug-resistant bacteria, contributing with the investigation of the microbiota and antimicrobial resistance patterns of the microorganisms that inhabit the oral cavity of healthy dogs.

Use of Blood Powder (Ground and Irradiated) for the Manufacture of Chocolate Agar

Chocolate agar (CA) is an enriched medium for the isolation and identification of fastidious bacteria. Defibrinated blood is used to manufacture CA, but this expensive product is not always affordable for companies in developing countries. Blood powder (BP) is potentially a cheaper alternative, although its pre-treatment using autoclaving can impair the quality of the media. Therefore, optimization of BP as a substitute for defibrinated blood for CA manufacture deserves further research. CA was manufactured with irradiated BP (dehydrated bovine blood powder) and its physical and microbiological characteristics were compared with those of conventional CA and CA prepared with autoclaved BP. Each medium was seeded with 20-200 CFU of target bacteria using the spiral pouring method. Finally, another medium was prepared using BP pre-treated by grinding and gamma irradiation and its performance assessed. Compared to conventional CA, the medium containing ground and irradiated BP provided a similar CFU count for both fastidious (Neisseria, Haemophilus, Campylobacter, and Streptococcus) and non-fastidious (Moraxella, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas) species, unlike the medium prepared with BP subjected only to irradiation, which provided a lower growth of fastidious species. Morphology and characteristics of all bacterial colonies were very similar in conventional CA and the new medium, the number of Pseudomonas CFU being higher in the latter. The medium prepared with ground plus irradiated vs. irradiated BP more closely resembled conventional CA, having a browner background. The new CA medium prepared with ground and gamma irradiation-sterilized BP has comparable productivity properties to conventional CA. Therefore, it could be a more practical and economical methodology to facilitate large-scale CA manufacture.

DISEASE PROCESSES IDENTIFIED IN CAPTIVE ARABIAN SAND CATS (FELIS MARGARITA HARRISONI)

The objective of this retrospective study is to identify common and significant causes of mortality and disease processes in the Arabian sand cat (Felis margarita harrisoni) captive population at Al Ain Zoo (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates). Complete postmortem records of 25 Arabian sand cats, dead between 2009 and 2022, were reviewed retrospectively. A complete postmortem examination was done in all cases, and information was recorded in the Al Ain Zoo database and files. Out of 25 animals dead, 11 were adults (4-12 yr) and 12 were classified as geriatric animals (>12 yr), with only two neonatal (0-4 mon) deaths and no recorded deaths in juveniles (4 mon to 4 yr). Interestingly, but also expected because of the age range, 24% of the cases had concurrent pathologies at the time of death. As expected in adult and geriatric felines, more than half of the cases (60%) developed nephropathies that were either one of the most important contributors or the main cause of death of the animal. Different neoplastic lesions were described in four cases and reported for the first time in this subspecies: benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor, hepatobiliary carcinoma, and two different thyroid neoplasia. A vasculoproliferative disorder of the liver, peliosis hepatis, was described in one of the cases. Additionally, in at least four cases, hyperthyroidism was strongly suspected in connection with thyroid neoplasia and hyperplasia, clinical signs, and other observed postmortem lesions. Traumatic causes of death also were reported in six cases, including the only two neonates recorded dead. This information will contribute to Arabian sand cat improved veterinary care by identifying common pathologies in this species, potentially allowing earlier diagnosis and, ultimately, improving their management and husbandry in the captive breeding populations.

Advanced approaches for the diagnosis and chemoprevention of canine vector-borne pathogens and parasites-Implications for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond

Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) of canines are a diverse range of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and multicellular parasites, that are pernicious and potentially lethal to their hosts. Dogs across the globe are afflicted by canine VBPs, but the range of different ectoparasites and the VBPs that they transmit predominate in tropical regions. Countries within the Asia-Pacific have had limited prior research dedicated to exploring the epidemiology of canine VBPs, whilst the few studies that have been conducted show VBP prevalence to be high, with significant impacts on dog health. Moreover, such impacts are not restricted to dogs, as some canine VBPs are zoonotic. We reviewed the status of canine VBPs in the Asia-Pacific, with particular focus on nations in the tropics, whilst also investigating the history of VBP diagnosis and examining recent progress in the field, including advanced molecular methods, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). These tools are rapidly changing the way parasites are detected and discovered, demonstrating a sensitivity equal to, or exceeding that of, conventional molecular diagnostics. We also provide a background to the armoury of chemopreventive products available for protecting dogs from VBP. Here, field-based research within high VBP pressure environments has underscored the importance of ectoparasiticide mode of action on their overall efficacy. The future of canine VBP diagnosis and prevention at a global level is also explored, highlighting how evolving portable sequencing technologies may permit diagnosis at point-of-care, whilst further research into chemopreventives will be essential if VBP transmission is to be effectively controlled.

A Retrospective Study on Bacteriology, Clinicopathologic and Radiographic Features in 28 Cats Diagnosed with Pyothorax

This retrospective study aimed to determine the etiological, clinicopathological, and radiographic features and outcome of feline pyothorax cases. Medical records from twenty-eight cats with pyothorax aged from 4 months to 10 years (median 10 months) diagnosed between 2013 and 2020 were reviewed. Dyspnoea (75.0%), abnormal lung sounds (75.0%) and open-mouth breathing (64.3%) were the predominant respiratory signs. Leucocytosis (61.5%), particularly monocytosis (68.0%), and hyperglobulinaemia (65.4%) were among the most prominent findings in blood analysis. Bilateral pleural effusion was found in 67.9% of the thoracic radiographs. A total of 47.4% of the cytological samples revealed the presence of bacteria, while all had positive bacterial growth. Pasteurella multocida, E. coli, Streptococcus spp., and Staphylococcus spp. were the predominant aerobic bacteria isolated from pleural effusion samples. A chest tube was placed in 64.3% of the cats and 66.7% of cats with chest tubes survived. In total, 46.4% of cats with pyothorax recovered. Amoxicillin-clavulanate was the antimicrobial of choice against aerobic bacteria found in this study and should be given in combination with antimicrobials that cover anaerobic bacteria. Chest tube placement is crucial for treatment success. Cytological results and bacterial culture may not be consistent; thus, bacterial culture should be performed for every case.

Differences in the Composition of Cultivable Aerobic and Facultative Anaerobic Oral Microbiota in Cats of Various Age Groups

The feline oral cavity is naturally inhabited by various microorganisms contributing to the maintenance of its oral health. The imbalance of oral microbiota or the presence of pathogenic agents can lead to secondary oral diseases. Various factors such as sex, diet, breed, environment and even age, affect the composition of a healthy oral microbiota during the life of cats. The purpose of this study was to compare the composition of culturable aerobic and facultative anaerobic micro-biota in cats in terms of different age categories. We used conventional cultivation methods in conjunction with microscopic and biochemical methods to isolate and identify the micro organisms found in the oral cavity of cats. The examination of 76 samples confirmed the dominance of the phylum Proteobacteria in almost all groups. Commonly occurring bacteria have been identified, i. e. Streptococcus spp., Neisseria spp. and Pasteurella spp. Although aerobic and facultative anaerobic oral micro biota were examined, differences between age groups were noted. The microbial diversity of the oral microbiota significantly increased with age.