Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Identification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Paraffin-Embedded Feline Arterial Thrombi using Immunofluorescence Microscopy
08:48

Identification of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Paraffin-Embedded Feline Arterial Thrombi using Immunofluorescence Microscopy

Published on: March 29, 2020

A Microbiological Indicator of Multidrug Resistance in Feline Urinary Tract Infections: Antimicrobial Resistance

Paula Segura Rodrigues1, Bárbara Durão Feitor2, Maria João Fonseca2

  • 1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University-Lisbon University Centre, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal.

Veterinary Sciences
|May 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant issue in feline urinary tract infections (UTIs). Over 60% of bacterial isolates from cat urine cultures showed resistance, with nearly 43% being multidrug-resistant.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a growing threat in veterinary medicine.
  • AMR can complicate the empirical treatment of feline urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate antimicrobial resistance patterns in bacterial isolates from feline urine cultures.
  • To assess the association between antimicrobial resistance and multidrug resistance (MDR).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective observational study of feline urine cultures from a referral practice in Lisbon, Portugal (January 2023 - December 2025).
  • Analysis of 178 bacterial isolates from 174 cats with positive urine cultures.
  • Identification of bacterial pathogens and assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility and MDR.

Main Results:

  • Antimicrobial resistance was detected in 60.11% of isolates.
  • Multidrug resistance (MDR) was identified in 42.70% of isolates.
  • Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing *Escherichia coli* and methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus* strains were found. Resistance to penicillins and fluoroquinolones was significantly associated with MDR (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • A high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance exists in feline urinary bacterial isolates in this region.
  • Routine urine culture and susceptibility testing are crucial for guiding treatment decisions, especially in complex or recurrent feline UTIs.
Keywords:
antimicrobial resistanceantimicrobial stewardshipfeline urinary tract infectionmultidrug resistanceurine cultureuropathogens

More Related Videos

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model08:40

Establishment and Characterization of UTI and CAUTI in a Mouse Model

Published on: June 23, 2015

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes08:58

Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes

Published on: March 3, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test01:26

Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...