81 research outputs found
MALDI‐TOF MS Analysis for Identification of Veterinary Pathogens from Companion Animals and Livestock Species
No full textMass spectrometry has been gradually adopted by veterinary diagnostic laboratories as the gold standard for microbial species identification. The first part of this chapter aims to review the impact of MALDI-TOF MS in the veterinary microbiology diagnostic laboratory, focusing on the benefits it has brought to reduce the timeline of reporting culture results, the potential for early detection of antimicrobial resistance and the positive impact on biosecurity and infection control in veterinary hospital environments. Second, campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis are the most common foodborne gastrointestinal infections in humans worldwide, and Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are pathogens that are monitored in surveillance and eradication programmes. Consequently, the possibilities and limitations of identifying these two pathogens using MALDI-TOF MS in the daily routine of veterinary microbiology laboratories are summarized here. Finally, the third part of this chapter focuses on the laboratory diagnosis of animal mycoplasmas, a highly diverse group of unusual bacteria comprising well-recognized pathogens infecting different animal species. Recent studies have shown that MALDI-TOF MS represents a serious alternative to the cumbersome diagnostics of animal mycoplasmas practised so far
Preventing Neonatal Infectious Arthritis in Lambs: Sources, Transmission and Characterisation of Streptococcus dysgalactiae
No full textCharacterization of Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus CC398 and mecC-positive CC130 from Zoo Animals in the United Kingdom
No full textLittle is known about the characteristics and diseases associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in nondomestic animals. Four presumptive MRSA isolates, obtained from clinical (n = 3) and surveillance specimens (n = 1) from dwarf (Helogale parvula) and yellow mongooses (Cynictis penicillata) from a United Kingdom zoo, were analyzed by PCR for detection of mecA and mecC-mediated methicillin resistance, and virulence genes. Isolates were genotyped by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) and spa sequence typing. Three isolates, obtained from the dwarf mongooses, carried mecA, tetK, and fexA resistance and virulence genes (icaA, icaD, and sec) and were typed to SCCmec IVa, spa type t899, and clonal complex (CC) 398. The fourth MRSA isolate, obtained from the femoral bone marrow of a yellow mongoose showing postmortem findings consistent with septicemia, carried mecC and was oxacillin/cefoxitin susceptible, when tested at 37°C but showed a characteristic MRSA susceptibility profile at 25°C ± 2°C. Furthermore, this isolate exhibited a different genetic background (SCCmecXI/t843/CC130) and had biofilm-associated genes (bap, icaA, and icaD) and tetK tetracycline resistance genes. This work describes the first isolation of livestock-associated MRSA CC398 from two zoo mongoose species where it was associated with both clinical disease and colonization, and the first isolation of mecC MRSA from a zoo species in the United Kingdom. Both reports highlight the potential for zoo species to act as reservoirs for these zoonotic agents
Three cases of imported eyeworm infection in dogs: A new threat for the United Kingdom
No full textIn July 2016 we described the first known case of canine ocular thelaziosis in the UK in a dog recently imported from Romania. Here we confirm our initial diagnosis using PCR followed by sequence analysis, and we report a further two clinical cases in dogs with recent history of travel to Italy and France. In view of the presence in the UK of the vector for Thelazia callipaeda, namely Phortica spp, we discuss the significance of these three cases in the context of the UK government's pet travel scheme, disease control and both animal and public health in the UK
The emerging problem of antimicrobial resistance in horses: Investigating faecal carriage and environmental contamination with resistant Escherichia coli in equine hospitals and clinical infections with multidrug resistant bacteria
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PRO: Environmental microbiological surveillance does support infection control in veterinary hospitals
No full textDriving laboratory standardization of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in veterinary clinical microbiology in Europe and beyond
No full textGlobally, antimicrobial resistance is one of the most important public health challenges in which the clinical microbiology laboratory plays a critical role by providing guidance for antimicrobial treatment. Despite the recognition of its importance, there is still a real need for the standardized training of clinical microbiologists and harmonization of diagnostic procedures. This is particularly true for veterinary clinical microbiology, where additional challenges exist when microbiologists are trying to fulfill a professional role very similar to that of their colleagues working in human microbiology laboratories. The specific points that need addressing to improve the outputs of veterinary microbiology laboratories discussed here include (i) harmonization of methodologies used by veterinary laboratories for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST); (ii) specific guidelines for interpretation and reporting of AST results for animal pathogens; (iii) guidelines for detection of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in animal isolates; (iv) standardization of diagnostic procedures for animal clinical specimens; and (v) the need to train more veterinary clinical microbiology specialists. However, there is now a plan to address these issues, led by the European Network for Optimization of Veterinary Antimicrobial Treatment (ENOVAT), which is bringing together experts in veterinary microbiology, pharmacology, epidemiology, and antimicrobial stewardship from Europe and wider afield. ENOVAT is aiming to work with project partners toward standardization and harmonization of laboratory methodologies and optimization of veterinary antimicrobial treatment. Ultimately, the project may provide a mechanism for standardization and harmonization of veterinary clinical microbiology methodologies that could then be used as a template for implementation at a wider international level.</p
Corneal abrasion and microbial contamination in horses following general anaesthesia for non-ocular surgery
No full textObjective: To evaluate the incidence of corneal abrasions/ulceration and microbial contamination in horses undergoing general anaesthesia. Study design: Prospective, observational, clinical study. Animals: A total of 40 client-owned healthy horses scheduled for elective non-ophthalmic procedures. Methods: Conjunctival sac swabs were taken, fluorescein dye applied and digital images recorded from both eyes of the horses after preanaesthetic medication and 24 hours after recovery from general anaesthesia. A paraffin-based bland ophthalmic ointment was applied on the ocular surface intraoperatively following collection of a sample into a sterile container. All samples underwent aerobic, anaerobic and fungal culture. Subject demographics, chronology of ophthalmic ointment use, anaesthesia duration, recumbency after induction, during surgery and recovery, fluorescein uptake and culture results were recorded. Descriptive statistics were performed. Results: Complete data were collected from 34 horses; six (17.6%) developed mild unilateral generalized fluorescein uptake consistent with corneal abrasions. Recumbency on the operating table was the only risk factor significantly associated with corneal abrasions. A total of 11 bacterial species were identified; Staphylococcus spp. (15 eyes) and Micrococcus spp. (eight eyes) were the most frequently isolated bacteria. Two fungal species were isolated postoperatively (Aspergillus spp., Saccharomyces spp.) in two eyes. Ointment contamination was recorded in two cases (5%) but cross-contamination was not recognized. Conclusionsand clinical relevance: Incidence of corneal abrasion/ulceration in horses undergoing general anaesthesia and contamination rate of ophthalmic solutions are similar to those previously reported in dogs
Diploma De Facto EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Microbiology
No full textDear Professor Anna-Rita Attili,
The Evaluation Committee has reviewed your application to be recognised
as a De Facto Diplomate. We are delighted to inform you that they have
recommended that your application is accepted, and this decision has been
approved by the Executive Committee. De Facto Diplomates must meet the same criteria as Founding Members, outlined in the ECVM Bylaws, and in the EBVS Policies and Procedures document. The Evaluation Committee objectively reviewed your application against each criterion and found in your favour.
We would also like to inform you that although you have applied for recognition of your laboratory as an Approved Training Center, the Education Committee has recommended approval as a Satellite Training Centre and this decision has been endorsed by the Executive Committee. We will shortly send you a Certificate of Approval, which is valid for a period of 5 years, effective from today 20/05/2022.
We warmly welcome you as a De Facto Diplomate of the ECVM. We expect and value your commitment and support in the building and development of our College. Moreover, we look forward to hearing about your contribution to Resident training.
Dorina Timofte
ECVM Secretary
On behalf of the ECVM Executive Committe
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