Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Brachyspira bacteria in dogs in central Germany and kennel study
By Gothe, Julia et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2024·Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Brachyspira in dogs: risk factors of shedding in central Germany and longitudinal study of an infected kennel.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in central Germany was tested for a bacteria called Brachyspira, which can sometimes cause intestinal issues. The study found that only a small number of dogs (11%) had this bacteria, and it was mostly in younger dogs or those from shelters. Interestingly, the presence of Brachyspira was not linked to any noticeable gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea. The researchers also observed a colony of Beagle dogs over five years, noting that while some dogs carried the bacteria, they showed no signs of illness. Overall, the risk of dogs spreading this bacteria to humans seems low.
People also search for: dog diarrhea causes · Brachyspira in dogs · shelter dog health issues · Beagle bacteria infection · dog intestinal bacteria treatment
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Brachyspira (B.) pilosicoli is a zoonotic pathogen, able to infect different animal species such as pigs, poultry, and rodents, causing intestinal spirochetosis. An association of gastrointestinal clinical signs, such as diarrhea, with the isolation of B. pilosicoli from fecal samples or rectal swabs has not been proven in dogs. Other Brachyspira species commonly isolated from dogs, such as "B. canis" and "B. pulli", are considered commensals. This study investigated the occurrence of different Brachyspira species in rectal swabs and fecal samples in an independent canine cohort in central Germany. These included samples from shelter dogs, hunting dogs, and dogs presenting at regional small animal practices with various clinical signs. Data about the dogs, including potential risk factors for Brachyspira isolation, were obtained using a standardized questionnaire. The study also longitudinally investigated a colony of Beagle dogs for Brachyspira over 5 years. RESULTS: The rate of Brachyspira spp. isolation was 11% and included different Brachyspira species ("B. canis", "B. pulli", and B. pilosicoli). "B. canis" was detected in 18 dogs, whereas B. pilosicoli was only isolated from 1 dog in the independent cohort (not including the Beagle colony). Risk factors for shedding Brachyspira and "B. canis" were being less than 1 year of age and shelter origin. Gastrointestinal signs were not associated with the shedding of Brachyspira. B. pilosicoli and "B. canis" were isolated from several dogs of the same Beagle colony in 2017 and again in 2022, while Brachyspira was not isolated at multiple sampling time points in 2021. CONCLUSIONS: Shedding of B. pilosicoli in dogs appears to be uncommon in central Germany, suggesting a low risk of zoonotic transmission from dogs. Commensal status of "B. canis" and "B. pulli" is supported by the results of this study. Findings from the longitudinal investigation of the Beagle colony agree with an asymptomatic long-term colonization of dogs with "B. canis" and B. pilosicoli and suggest that introducing new animals in a pack can trigger an increased shedding of B. pilosicoli.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38575983/