Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Causes and spread of Pseudomonas ear infections in dogs
By Morris, Daniel O et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2017·Department of Clinical Studies - Philadelphia, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Molecular and epidemiological characterization of canine Pseudomonas otitis using a prospective case-control study design.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 77 dogs with ear infections (otitis) was studied to find out how they might have contracted Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria that can cause these infections. The research found that dogs who visited dog parks had a 77% higher chance of developing this type of ear infection. Samples taken from the dogs, their owners, and even household water sources showed that the bacteria could be coming from these environments. This suggests that both water and contact with other pets and people could be spreading the infection.
People also search for: dog ear infection causes · Pseudomonas otitis in dogs · how to treat dog ear infections · dog park infection risks
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen of the canine ear canal and occupies aquatic habitats in the environment. Nosocomial and zoonotic transmission of P. aeruginosa have been documented, including clonal outbreaks. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to assess various environmental exposures as potential risk factors for canine Pseudomonas otitis. It was hypothesized that isolates derived from infected ears would be clonal to isolates derived from household water sources and the mouths of human and animal companions of the study subjects. ANIMALS: Seventy seven privately owned dogs with otitis were enrolled, along with their human and animal household companions, in a case-control design. METHODS: Data on potential risk factors for Pseudomonas otitis were collected. Oral cavities of all study subjects, their human and animal companions, and household water sources were sampled. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used to estimate clonal relatedness of P. aeruginosa isolates. RESULTS: In a multivariate model, visiting a dog park was associated with 77% increased odds of case status (P = 0.048). Strains clonal to the infection isolates were obtained from subjects' mouths (n = 18), companion pets' mouths (n = 5), pet owners' mouths (n = 2), water bowls (n = 7) and water taps (n = 2). Clonally related P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from dogs that had no clear epidemiological link. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Genetic homology between otic and environmental isolates is consistent with a waterborne source for some dogs, and cross-contamination with other human and animal members within some households.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27426073/