Gabriela Giacoboni

Thermotolerant Campylobacters in domestic animals in a defined population in Buenos Aires, Argentina

We assessed the prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in animals in a region of unsatisfied basic needs in the city of Buenos Aires and studied a few risk factors. First we conducted a census to identify all dwellings having pet animals (dogs, cats, and birds). Fecal samples were then taken for isolation and identification of strains. We observed 17% prevalence for dogs (95% CI: 13, 22), 16% for cats (95% CI: 8, 27) and 19% for birds (95% CI: 5, 42). In dogs, the highest prevalences were found in summer and in animals <1 year old; in cats, in autumn and those aged 3-5 years. Strains were identified as C. jejuni biotype II in 70% of isolates. In the population described here, dogs, cats and birds kept in households were potential sources of human Campylobacter infections.

Resistencia a los antimicrobianos en bacterias indicadoras y zoonóticas aisladas de animales domésticos en Argentina

Antimicrobial resistance profiles in indicator and zoonotic bacteria isolated from faeces of healthy animals without clinical signs of the following species: bovine, equine, ovine, porcine, layer hens, and canine, were studied. The chosen antimicrobials are frequently used in veterinary and human medicine. The agar diffusion was the method used. The obtained results of 240 Escherichia coli, 189 Enterococcus spp., 11 Campylobacter spp. and 2 Salmonella Gaminara (16:d:1,7) showed a greater percentage of resistance and multiresistance in intensive breeding animals, porcine and layer hens. The observed resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline and nalidixic acid in E. coli coincides with the antimicrobials most commonly used on animal farms, the same as tetracycline and erythromycin in Enterococcus spp. The strains of Salmonella Gaminara (16:d:1,7) were susceptible to the antimicrobials tested. In Campylobacter spp. the scarce number of isolates hindered an adequate interpretation of the results. Owing to the lack of data in our country on antimicrobial resistance in indicator and zoonotic bacteria in domestic animals, we consider that the obtained values could be used as a starting point for a future monitoring program.

Mucormicosys due to Saksenaea vasiformis in a dog

A 2-year-old female Border collie was examined for dermatitis with a partial alopecic zone around her left front member. Six months later the lesion became swollen, alopecic with ulcerated areas. Microscopy analysis of samples showed numerous non-septate, branching, thin-walled and irregular shaped hyphal elements. Fungal cultures and molecular studies identified Saksenaea vasiformis. Treatments with griseofulvin, itraconazole and surgical debridement were used, however, fourteen months later the dog was euthanatized because of the unfavorable clinical outcome.