Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis are identified as the most frequently isolated bacteria associated with urinary tract infections in pet rabbits.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features of urinary tract infections in pet rabbits, identify the bacterial species involved and their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and investigate risk factors. METHODS: In this retrospective multicentric observational study, data were retrieved from the medical records of 3 veterinary centers located in the Greater Paris region, France, between 2009 and 2025. Inclusion criteria consisted of all rabbits presented for consultation in which a urine culture had been carried out. Signalment and clinical data were analyzed for statistical associations with urine culture results (positive vs negative). Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles were retrieved. RESULTS: 79 rabbits underwent urine bacterial culture. Overall, 34.2% (27 of 79) of rabbits had a positive urine culture, of which 59.3% (16 of 27) were female and 84.6% (22 of 26) had urinary sludge, 9.1% (2 of 22) urolithiasis, 33.3% (8 of 24) consistent ultrasonographic signs of pyelonephritis, and 71.4% (15 of 21) bacteria on urine microscopic examination. Most urine samples were collected by cystocentesis (94.8% [73 of 77]). The presence of bacteria on urine microscopic examination was the only statistically significant parameter associated with urinary tract infection, with a sensitivity of 71% (95% CI, 60% to 82%) and specificity of 90% (95% CI, 82% to 98%) when compared to culture results. In 74.1% (20 of 27) of cases, a single species of bacteria was isolated, with a total of 36 different isolates. The most common bacteria were Escherichia coli (27.8% [10 of 36]), Enterococcus faecalis (19.4% [7 of 36]), and Staphylococcus spp (11.1% [4 of 36]). Resistance was reported for azithromycin (66.2% [15 of 20]), penicillin (57.9% [13 of 19]), sulfonamides-trimethoprim (31.4% [11 of 35]), enrofloxacin (17.9% [5 of 28]), and ceftiofur (17.1% [6 of 35]). Overall, 52.8% (19 of 36) of bacteria were multidrug resistant. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent resistance to empirically used antibiotics was observed. As no risk factors could be identified, larger-scale studies are needed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacterial isolation is common, and urine culture should be encouraged to adjust therapy in accordance with antimicrobial stewardship practices.