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Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia Coli Causes Necrohemorrhagic Pneumonia in Multiple Research Dogs
Sarah E Coe1, Michelle A Magagna1, Annie Zimmerman2
1Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, Michigan, USA.
Toxicologic Pathology
|October 6, 2022
Summary
Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli expressing cytotoxic necrotizing factor caused rare, fatal necrohemorrhagic pneumonia in beagles. Transport may be a risk factor for this canine respiratory illness.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Canine Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute, fatal necrohemorrhagic pneumonia is a rare condition in canines.
- Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) expressing cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF) has not been widely recognized as a cause.
Approach:
- A retrospective review of necrohemorrhagic pneumonia cases in beagles from 2013-2021 was conducted.
- Histopathology and bacterial culture with virulence factor PCR were utilized for diagnosis.
Key Points:
- Twenty-one beagles presented with acute lethargy, dyspnea, and hemorrhage, leading to death or euthanasia.
- Gross and microscopic examination revealed necrohemorrhagic lung lesions.
- E. coli was isolated from lung cultures, and CNF1 was identified in 70% of tested cases.
Conclusions:
- Extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli should be considered a significant cause of acute, fatal necrohemorrhagic pneumonia in purpose-bred beagle research dogs.
- Recent transport may be a contributing factor to the development of this severe respiratory disease.
