First report: Yersinia enterocolitica recovered from canine tonsils

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Zoonotic Disease Epidemiology
• Food Safety

Background:

• Yersinia enterocolitica is a significant zoonotic pathogen commonly colonizing pig tonsils.
• The potential for Yersinia enterocolitica to colonize canine tonsils and its epidemiological implications remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of Yersinia enterocolitica in canine tonsils and rectal swabs.
• To characterize the virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance profiles of recovered Yersinia enterocolitica strains from dogs.

Main Methods:

• Collection of 144 canine tonsils and 72 rectal swabs over ten months in Ireland.
• Microbiological examination for Yersinia enterocolitica isolation and identification.
• Molecular methods to assess virulence factors (ail, pYad) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

• Yersinia enterocolitica was recovered from 25 of 216 (12%) canine samples, predominantly from tonsils (24/25).
• All isolates were identified as biotype 1A and lacked the ail and pYad virulence factors.
• Antimicrobial resistance was observed, with strains resistant to ampicillin and cephalothin, and some also to streptomycin.

Conclusions:

• Canine tonsils can harbor Yersinia enterocolitica, suggesting dogs may play a role in its epidemiology.
• The presence of this zoonotic pathogen in dogs' oral cavities presents a potential public health risk.
• Further research is needed to understand the transmission dynamics and public health implications of Yersinia enterocolitica in the canine population.