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Laser Capture Microdissection of Feline Streptomyces spp Pyogranulomatous Dermatitis and Cellulitis
R P Traslavina1, C M Reilly2, R Vasireddy3
1School of Veterinary Medicine University of California, Davis, CA, USA National Institutes of Health, NINDS, Section of Infections of the Nervous System, Bethesda, MD, USA ryan.traslavina@nih.gov.
Veterinary Pathology
|December 18, 2014
Summary
Streptomyces spp infections caused severe skin disease and internal inflammation in four cats, proving difficult to treat. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) aided in diagnosing these challenging Streptomyces infections in cats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Streptomyces species are typically environmental bacteria.
- Infections in mammals, particularly cats, are rare and poorly understood.
- Previous cases of Streptomyces-associated feline disease are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and confirm Streptomyces spp. as a cause of severe dermatitis and internal disease in cats.
- To evaluate the utility of laser capture microdissection (LCM) in diagnosing such infections.
- To characterize the clinical and pathological findings of feline Streptomyces infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of four cats diagnosed with suspected Streptomyces infections between 1982 and 2011.
- Histopathological examination of affected tissues to identify causative organisms.
- DNA extraction from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues using laser capture microdissection (LCM).
- Molecular identification of bacteria using cloned amplicons and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing.
Main Results:
- Three cats presented with ulcerative mycetomas involving skin, subcutis, and fascia, with fistulous tracts and lymphadenopathy.
- One cat exhibited pyogranulomatous mesenteric lymphadenitis.
- Histopathology revealed granulomatous inflammation with Gram-positive, non-acid-fast organisms consistent with Streptomyces spp.
- LCM-derived DNA confirmed Streptomyces spp. in dermatitis cases and Actinomycetales in the cat with peritoneal involvement.
- All cats were refractory to aggressive medical and surgical treatments and were euthanized.
Conclusions:
- Streptomyces spp. can cause severe, refractory pyogranulomatous dermatitis and cellulitis in cats, especially those with outdoor access.
- LCM is a valuable tool for diagnosing bacterial infections like Streptomyces, particularly when contamination is a concern.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial, although treatment outcomes for these infections in cats appear poor.
