Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cilia-associated bacteria in fatal Bordetella bronchiseptica pneumonia of dogs and cats.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, Inc
- Year:
- 2016
- Authors:
- Taha-Abdelaziz, Khaled et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Pathobiology · Canada
Plain-English summary
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria that usually causes mild respiratory issues in dogs and cats, but it can sometimes lead to serious pneumonia that can be fatal. In a study of 36 dogs and 31 cats who had severe pneumonia, researchers found that this bacteria was present in several cases, identified through various testing methods. They discovered that the presence of certain bacteria associated with the tiny hair-like structures in the lungs (cilia) is often missed by pathologists, even though it can be an important clue for diagnosing this type of pneumonia. Recognizing Bordetella bronchiseptica pneumonia is crucial because it helps differentiate it from other types of pneumonia and highlights the need for vaccines to prevent the spread of this bacteria, especially to vulnerable pet owners. Overall, the study suggests that better identification of this bacteria could improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Abstract
Bordetella bronchiseptica frequently causes nonfatal tracheobronchitis, but its role in fatal pneumonia is less recognized. Our study evaluated histologic identification of cilia-associated bacteria as a method for diagnosis of B. bronchiseptica pneumonia. Cases of fatal bronchopneumonia were studied retrospectively, excluding neonates and cases of aspiration pneumonia, minor lung lesions, or autolysis. The study population comprised 36 canine and 31 feline cases of bronchopneumonia. B. bronchiseptica was identified in 8 of 36 canine and 14 of 31 feline cases based on immunohistochemistry (IHC) using serum from a rabbit hyperimmunized with pertactin, PCR testing (Fla2/Fla12), and/or bacterial culture data when available. Of these, IHC was positive in 4 canine and 7 feline cases, PCR was positive in 8 canine and 14 feline cases, and B. bronchiseptica was isolated in 2 of 5 canine and 3 of 9 feline cases tested. Examination of histologic sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin revealed bronchial cilia-associated bacteria in 4 of 36 canine and 5 of 31 feline cases; these were all positive by IHC and PCR. The presence of cilia-associated bacteria had been noted in the pathology report for only 2 of these 9 cases. Thus, the presence of cilia-associated bacteria seems frequently overlooked by pathologists, but is a diagnostically significant feature of B. bronchiseptica pneumonia. A specific diagnosis of B. bronchiseptica pneumonia is important because it suggests primary or opportunistic bacterial pneumonia rather than aspiration pneumonia, and because of the risk of animal-to-animal transmission of B. bronchiseptica, the availability of vaccines for disease prevention, and the potential zoonotic risk to immunocompromised pet owners.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27178716/