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Published on: June 23, 2015
Bacteria associated with canine pyometra and concurrent bacteriuria: A prospective study
Anna Ylhäinen1, Sari Mölsä1, Katariina Thomson2
1Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57 (Viikintie 49), Helsinki FI-00014, Finland.
Canine pyometra involves diverse uterine bacteria, mainly E. coli. Antimicrobial resistance was rare, and urinary E. coli often shared clones with uterine infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Canine Reproduction
Background:
- Canine pyometra is a prevalent, severe reproductive disease in intact female dogs.
- Understanding the microbial landscape and antibiotic susceptibility is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify bacteria and their antimicrobial susceptibilities in canine pyometra cases.
- To analyze the genetic relatedness and virulence of Escherichia coli isolates.
- To investigate concurrent and persistent urinary tract infections in affected dogs.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures and identification (MALDI-ToF MS) from uterine and urine samples.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disk diffusion.
- Whole-genome sequencing of Escherichia coli strains to assess clonal relationships.
Main Results:
- 87% of uterine samples showed bacterial growth; 33% had concurrent bacteriuria.
- Escherichia coli was the predominant isolate (71% uterine, 81% urine); 32 species identified overall.
- Most isolates were susceptible to tested antimicrobials; persistent bacteriuria often involved the same E. coli clone as the uterus.
Conclusions:
- Canine pyometra uteri harbor diverse bacteria, primarily E. coli, with low antimicrobial resistance.
- Concurrent and persistent E. coli bacteriuria is frequently linked to the same clonal strains found within the uterus.
- This highlights the importance of considering uterine-urinary tract bacterial dynamics in pyometra management.
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