Subcutaneous botryomycosis due to Bibersteinia trehalosi in a Texas Longhorn steer.

A 3-year-old Texas Longhorn steer had a long history of progressive swelling of the soft tissues of the jaw and neck. At necropsy, multifocal to coalescing dermal and subcutaneous pyogranulomas were surrounded by fibrous tissue. Microscopically, the pyogranulomas contained aggregates of gram-negative coccobacilli surrounded by Splendore-Hoeppli material and were separated by bands of fibrovascular tissue (botryomycosis). Phylogenetic analysis of multilocus sequence-typing data revealed that the bacteria recovered in pure culture from swabs of submandibular tissue were most closely related to Bibersteinia [Pasteurella] trehalosi. The bacterial colonies were immunohistochemically reactive with a rabbit polyclonal anti-Pasteurella class C acid phosphatase antibody. Botryomycosis is a pyogranulomatous inflammation caused by a variety of nonbranching, nonfilamentous bacteria that elicit the formation of Splendore-Hoeppli material. This case of botryomycosis is unique for its association with Bibersteinia trehalosi.

Microbiology of the external ear canal in six African elephants (Loxodonta africana).

Samples collected from both external ear canals of six adult female African elephants (Loxodonta africana) were cultured for fungi, yeasts and aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. All the samples produced heavy growths of several aerobic bacteria, but anaerobic bacteria were rare and no fungi or yeasts were isolated. The most common bacterium isolated was Staphylococcus epidermidis, which was cultured from 11 of the 12 ears. Acinetobacter calcoaceticus lwoffi, alpha-haemolytic Streptococcus and Corynebacterium species, and Aeromonas caviae were all isolated from at least six of the 12 ears.

Characterization of multidrug resistant Salmonella recovered from diseased animals.

Three hundred and eighty Salmonella isolates recovered from animal diagnostic samples obtained from four state veterinary diagnostic laboratories (AZ, NC, MO, and TN) between 2002 and 2003 were tested for antimicrobial susceptibilities and further characterized for bla(CMY) beta-lactamase genes, class 1 integrons and genetic relatedness using PFGE. Forty-seven serovars were identified, the most common being S. Typhimurium (26%), S. Heidelberg (9%), S, Dublin (8%), S. Newport (8%), S. Derby (7%), and S. Choleraesuis (7%). Three hundred and thirteen (82%) isolates were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, and 265 (70%) to three or more antimicrobials. Resistance was most often observed to tetracycline (78%), followed by streptomycin (73%), sulfamethoxazole (68%), and ampicillin (54%), and to a lesser extent chloramphenicol (37%), kanamycin (37%), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (20%), and ceftiofur (17%). With regards to animal of origin, swine Salmonella isolates displayed the highest rate of resistance, being resistant to at least one antimicrobial (92%), followed by those recovered from turkey (91%), cattle (77%), chicken (68%), and equine (20%). Serovars commonly showing multidrug resistance (MDR) to > or =9 antimicrobials were S. Uganda (100%), S. Agona (79%), and S. Newport (62%), compared to S. Heidelberg (11%) and S. Typhimurium (7%). Class-1 integrons were detected in 43% of all isolates, and were found to contain aadA, aadB, dhfr, cmlA and sat1 gene cassettes alone or in various combinations. All ceftiofur resistant isolates (n=66) carried the bla(CMY) beta-lactamase gene. A total of 230 PFGE patterns were generated among the 380 isolates tested using XbaI, indicating extensive genetic diversity across recovered Salmonella serovars, however, several MDR clones were repeatedly recovered from different diseased animals.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in alpacas.

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) were studied in six healthy male-castrate alpacas (Lama pacos) after intravenous (i.v.) or oral (p.o.) drug administration of 15 mg/kg TMP-SMX using a crossover design with a 2-week washout period. After 90 days one group (n = 3) was given a p.o. dose of 30 mg/kg TMP-SMX and the other group (n = 3) was given a p.o. dose of 60 mg/kg TMP-SMX. After i.v. administration of 15 mg/kg of TMP-SMX the mean initial plasma concentration (C0) was 10.75 +/- 2.12 microg/mL for trimethoprim (TMP) and 158.3 +/- 189.3 microg/mL for sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Elimination half-lives were 0.74 +/- 0.1 h for TMP and 2.2 +/- 0.6 h for SMX. The mean residence times were 1.45 +/- 0.72 h for TMP and 2.8 +/- 0.6 h for SMX. The areas under the respective concentration vs. time curves (AUC) were 2.49 +/- 1.62 microg h/mL for TMP and 124 +/- 60 microg h/mL for SMX. Total clearance (Clt) for TMP was 21.63 +/- 9.85 and 1.90 +/- 0.77 mL/min kg for SMX. The volume of distribution at steady state was 2.32 +/- 1.15 L/kg for TMP and 0.35 +/- 0.09 L/kg for SMX. After intragastric administration of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg the peak concentration (Cmax) of SMX were 1.9 +/- 0.8, 2.6 +/- 0.4 and 2.8 +/- 0.7 microg/mL, respectively. The AUC was 9.1 +/- 5, 25.9 +/- 3.3 and 39.1 +/- 4.1 microg h/mL, respectively. Based upon these AUC values and correcting for dose, the respective bioavailabilities were 7.7, 10.5 and 7.94%. Trimethoprim was not detected in plasma after intragastric administration. These data demonstrate that therapeutic concentrations of TMP-SMX are not achieved after p.o. administration to alpacas.

Clinical and microbiologic findings in dogs with bronchoscopically diagnosed tracheal collapse: 37 cases (1990-1995).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of bacteria in bronchoscopically diagnosed tracheal collapse in dogs by evaluating qualitative results of bacteriologic cultures. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 37 dogs with tracheal collapse. PROCEDURE: Clinical records for dogs with tracheal collapse confirmed with bronchoscopy were reviewed. A protected catheter brush was used to obtain samples for bacteriologic culture from the large airways. RESULTS: Results of bacterial culture were negative for 5 of 29 dogs. For 24 dogs, 1 (n = 10), 2 (6), or > or = 3 (8) species of bacteria were isolated. Pseudomonas spp were isolated most frequently (17/29), and a single Pseudomonas sp grew in 7 samples. Other bacteria included Enterobacter spp (4/29), Citrobacter spp (3/29), and Moraxella spp, Klebsiella spp, Bordetella spp, or Acinetobacter spp (2/29 dogs each). Anaerobic and aerobic cultures yielded positive results in samples from 2 dogs. Cytologic results were available for 13 dogs with positive results of bacteriologic culture; epithelial cells were reported most commonly. Five samples had a small number of neutrophils; bacteria were identified cytologically in 2 of 5 samples that contained neutrophils. Bacteria were also seen in 2 samples that lacked inflammatory cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacteria are commonly isolated from samples obtained via airway brushing in dogs with tracheal collapse; however, in the absence of cytologic confirmation of inflammation or infection, an association between bacteria and clinical signs of tracheal collapse cannot be established.

Pulmonary botryomycosis in a Scottish highland steer.

Pertinent necropsy findings in a 5 1/2-year-old Scottish Highland steer with chronic intractable pneumonia and cough were limited to the pulmonary system. The accessory lobe of the lung was collapsed, scarred, and multifocally adhered to parietal pleura. A polypoid mass almost completely obstructed the lobar bronchus and protruded into the trachea; mucopurulent exudate distended more distal bronchi. Botryomycosis was diagnosed when histologic examination revealed pyogranulomatous pneumonia with eosinophilic granules and "club" formation surrounding colonies of gram-positive cocci. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from the lung. Botryomycosis is an unusual response to infection with common bacteria and is characterized by pyogranulomatous inflammation with formation of eosinophilic granules surrounding colonies of gram-positive cocci or gram-negative bacilli. Among domestic species, staphylococcal botryomycosis is most common as a wound infection in horses or as mastitis in cows and sows. Pulmonary botryomycosis is rare in horses, humans, and guinea pigs and apparently has not been reported in cattle.

The reliability of prehospital clinical evaluation for potential spinal injury is not affected by the mechanism of injury.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional EMS teaching identifies mechanism of injury as an important predictor of spinal injury. Clinical criteria to select patients for immobilization are being studied in Michigan and have been implemented in Maine. Maine requires automatic immobilization of patients with "a positive mechanism" clearly capable of producing spinal injury. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mechanism of injury affects the ability of clinical criteria to identify patients with spinal injury. METHODS: In this multicenter prospective cohort study, EMS personnel completed a check-off data sheet for prehospital spine-immobilized patients. Data included mechanism of injury and yes/no determinations of the clinical criteria: altered mental status, neurologic deficit, evidence of intoxication, spinal pain or tenderness, and suspected extremity fracture. Hospital outcome data included confirmation of spinal injury and treatment required. Mechanisms of injury were tabulated and rates of spinal injury for each mechanism were calculated. The patients were divided into three different high-risk and low-risk groups. RESULTS: Data were collected for 6,500 patients. There were 209 (3.2%) patients with spinal injuries identified. There were 1,058 patients with 100 (9.4%) injuries in the first high-risk mechanism group, and 5,423 patients with 109 (2%) injuries in the first low-risk group. Criteria identified 97 of 100 (97%) injuries in the high-risk group and 102 of 109 (94%) in the low-risk group. Two additional data divisions yielded identical results. CONCLUSION: Mechanism of injury does not affect the ability of clinical criteria to predict spinal injury in this population.

Does race or socioeconomic status predict adverse outcome after out of hospital cardiac arrest: a multi-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether socioeconomic status (SES) or race is associated with adverse outcome after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: A convenience sample of OHCA of presumed cardiac origin from seven suburban cities in Michigan, 1991-1996. Median household income (HHI), utilizing patient home address and 1990 census tract data, was dichotomized above and below 1990 state median income. Patient race was dichotomized as black or white. Outcome was defined as survival to hospital discharge (DC). Multiple logistic regression and Pearson's chi2 values were used for analysis. RESULTS: Of 1317 cases with complete data for analysis, the average age was 67.3 +/- 16.0, 939 (71.1%) were white, 587 (44.4%) arrests were witnessed (WIT), and 65 (4.9%) were DC alive. There was no significant difference between races with respect to WIT arrests, V(T)/V(F) arrest rhythms, and a small difference in EMS response interval. Whites were more likely to be above median HHI (57.1 vs. 26.2%, P < 0.001). Adjusted odds ratios for predictors of survival were WIT arrest (OR = 3.76, 95% CI (1.7, 8.2)), V(T)/V(F) (OR = 8.74, 95% CI (3.7, 10.8), but not race (OR = 0.68, 95% CI (0.3, 1.4)) or SES (OR = 1.51, 95% C1 0.8, 2.8). CONCLUSION: In this population, neither race nor SES was independently associated with a worse outcome after OHCA.

Inflammatory pseudotumor in a cat with cutaneous mycobacteriosis.

A 5-year-old, castrated male, domestic Shorthair Cat had an ulcerated mass with fistulous tracts on the left hind paw. Homogeneous tan tissue diffusely infiltrated the dermis and subcutis of the paw and extended proximally so that, short of amputation, complete excision was not feasible. Biopsy specimens consisted of granulation tissue with marked proliferation of spindle cells. Neutrophils and histiocytic cells were scattered among the spindle cells. The histiocytic cells had abundant foamy or vacuolated cytoplasm, but features of granulomatous inflammation, such as epithelioid macrophages or granuloma formation, were not observed. The initial impression was inflammatory granulation tissue, but the degree of fibroplasia prompted inclusion of fibrosarcoma in the differential diagnosis. Cutaneous mycobacteriosis was diagnosed when numerous acid-fast bacteria were identified with Kinyoun's stain; Mycobacterium avium was subsequently cultured. The cat was euthanatized because of lack of response to enrofloxacin therapy. At necropsy, lesions were localized to the hind limb. Not only is mycobacteriosis an uncommon cause of cutaneous masses in cats, but this case was unusual because of the lack of granuloma formation and the similarity of the mass to a spindle cell tumor.

Examination for heat-labile, heat-stable, and Shiga-like toxins and for the eaeA gene in Escherichia coli isolates obtained from dogs dying with diarrhea: 122 cases (1992-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To examine Escherichia coli isolates obtained from dogs dying with diarrhea for heat-labile, heat-stable, and Shiga-like toxins and for the eaeA gene, which is associated with attaching and effacing lesions. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 122 dogs. PROCEDURE: E coli isolates were tested by means of dot-blot hybridization of DNA extracts of cultured bacteria. Medical records of dogs from which E coli isolates with virulence genes had been isolated were examined, and histologic findings and evidence of intercurrent bacterial and viral infections were recorded. RESULTS: None of the E coli isolates obtained from these dogs produced heat-labile, heat-stable, or Shiga-like toxins; however, E coli isolates from 44 of 122 dogs were found to have the eaeA gene. Histologically, multifocal bacterial adherence to the epithelium and epithelial necrosis and detachment were seen in colonic specimens from 20 of 44 (45%) dogs. Escherichia coli was the sole pathogen identified in 15 of 44 (34%) dogs. Intercurrent pathogens, including canine parvovirus (n = 19), Clostridium perfringens (8), rotavirus (5), hookworms (3), coccidia (3), and Salmonella agona (1), were identified in the remaining 29 (66%) dogs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Attaching and effacing E coli can be a primary or secondary pathogen in dogs with diarrhea. Antibiotic treatment is indicated in dogs with diarrhea because of the possibility that it is primarily bacterial in origin and because, even if it is primarily viral in origin, there may be secondary bacterial infection.

Unique Salmonella choleraesuis surface protein affecting invasiveness. Possible inv related sequence.

TnphoA mutagenesis of a Salmonella choleraesuis isolate recovered from septicemic infection of feeder pigs resulted in 56 PhoA+ KnR StrR mutants. Thirty-five mutants exhibited reduced levels of invasion in the Hep-2 cell model and were examined by SDS-PAGE Western Blot analysis using an anti-alkaline phosphatase antibody to visualize the insertion gene products. A mutant which produced a gene fusion product of 95 kDa and exhibited > 90% reduction in invasion was subcloned. A 10 Kb BamHI fragment of the chromosome containing the phoA insert was detected by hybridization and cloned into a pGEM vector. The resulting 1657 base sequence contained a 1104 bp ORF with two short regions of homology with S. typhimurium invF and invG. one region of homology with lcrD of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis but contained largely unique sequences not contained in Gene Bank. The full length sequence was not obtained as there was no stop codon detected. The % G+C was 44%, considerably lower than that of the Salmonella chromosome, but compatible with the proposed Yersinia origin of the inv genes. The NH2 387 a.a. sequence includes 5 transmembrane regions, resembling the model derived from the hydrophobicity plot of S. typhimurium InvA.

Epidemiologic evaluation of encephalitic listeriosis in goats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate host and environmental factors associated with the development of encephalitic listeriosis in goats. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of diagnostic laboratory records and survey of veterinarians and goat producers. SAMPLE POPULATION: 355 goat herds accessible through laboratory records; 38 veterinarians who treated goats and 76 goat producers. PROCEDURE: Data regarding breed and use for goats affected with encephalitic listeriosis were obtained from surveys and case follow-up information. Listeria monocytogenes isolates from the brains of 7 affected goats were serotyped and subjected to DNA restriction analysis. RESULTS: Odds ratio for the development of encephalitis listeriosis in Angora (mohair-producing) goats was 22.9 by use of diagnostic laboratory records. Survey also revealed a high prevalence in herds of Angora and other breeds that subsisted on woody browse, although Angora goats feeding predominantly on hay or pasture were not affected. Listeria monocytogenes isolates from 4 Angora goats in 3 herds differed in DNA restriction patterns, although the pattern was identical in 3 other goats from another herd. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Encephalitic listeriosis can be observed in all goat breeds, but a lifestyle of heavy browse consumption seems important to the development of disease in some herds.

Antibacterial susceptibility patterns for microbial isolates associated with infectious keratitis in horses: 63 cases (1986-1994).

Seventy-three aerobic bacterial isolates were cultured from 64 eyes of 63 horses with infectious keratitis. Forty-two (58%) of the organisms isolated initially were gram-positive (g+, 10 genera) and 31 (42%) were gram-negative (g-, 5 genera). After local antimicrobial treatment, repeat cultures from samples obtained from 15 eyes of hospitalized horses yielded 21 secondary bacterial isolates. Staphylococci spp and Streptococci spp were the most common g(+) isolates and accounted for 79% of g(+) organisms isolated initially. Antibiograms revealed ticarcillin to be the most efficacious antibiotic tested on g(+) organisms, with 28 of 30 (93%) being susceptible. Of commercially available topical ophthalmic antibiotics tested on g(+) organisms, erythromycin was the most efficacious, with 32 of 35 (91%) isolates being susceptible. Pseudomonas spp, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter spp accounted for 68% of g(-) organisms isolated initially. Gentamicin, tobramycin, polymyxin B, and neomycin were highly effective in vitro against initial g(-) isolates. Chloramphenicol was ineffective against g(+) and g(-) organisms isolated initially. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher frequency of g(-) organisms was noticed on repeat cultures after intensive topical antimicrobial treatments as compared to organisms isolated at initial examination. Pseudomonas organisms isolated from second cultures were resistant to gentamicin, but susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Overall, secondary g(-) isolates were more susceptible to ciprofloxacin, neomycin, tobramycin, or amikacin than to gentamicin. Fungi were isolated in 24 of 63 (38%) horses in the study. Twenty-five filamentous fungi and 2 yeasts were identified from 24 eyes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation of a commercial automated system and software for the identification of veterinary bacterial isolates.

A commercial gram-negative bacterial autoidentification plate was originally developed using bacterial isolates of human origin. Three veterinary diagnostic laboratories conducted a 2-phase trial to enhance the database for veterinary use. The first phase consisted of testing the plate with 447 bacterial isolates of veterinary origin and incorporating that data into the existing database. Emphasis was placed on the Actinobacillus, Bordetella, Pasteurella and Enterobacteriaceae groups, since the Pseudomonas taxon was quite complete. The second phase of the trial consisted of evaluating the enhanced database using 270 clinical veterinary isolates normally encountered in veterinary laboratories. For the Actinobacillus, Bordetella, Pasteurella and Enterobacteriaceae groups, 72% of the bacterial isolates were identified correctly to genus and 85% to species after 18 hours incubation. All identifications in phase 1 and phase 2 were confirmed using conventional methods.