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Vancomycin for multi-drug resistant Enterococcus faecium cholangiohepatitis in a cat.
Michelle A Pressel1, Leslie E Fox, Michael D Apley
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA. mpressel@iastate.edu
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
|September 27, 2005
Summary
A cat with inflammatory bowel disease, cholangitis, and pancreatitis experienced resolved diarrhea after vancomycin treatment. However, the multi-drug resistant bacterial infection persisted, highlighting the risks of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in both human and veterinary medicine.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A 12-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with chronic diarrhea and acute hematochezia.
- Diagnostic workup revealed elevated liver enzymes and an inflammatory leukogram.
Observation:
- Histopathology confirmed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cholangiohepatitis, and pancreatitis.
- The cholangiohepatitis was linked to a multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium strain.
- Gallbladder agenesis was also noted in the patient.
Findings:
- Treatment with vancomycin for 10 days led to clinical sign resolution.
- Despite treatment, a cure for the bacterial cholangiohepatitis was not achieved.
- The case underscores the challenges in treating multidrug-resistant infections in felines.
Implications:
- This case highlights the emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in veterinary medicine.
- It emphasizes the need for judicious antibiotic use to mitigate antimicrobial resistance.
- Understanding VRE risks is crucial for both veterinary and human public health strategies.