Characteristics of Dogs with Biofilm-Forming Escherichia Coli Urinary Tract Infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in companion animals. Increasing awareness of biofilm-forming bacteria raises concern regarding the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of UTIs associated with these organisms.

Hypothesis/objectives

To (1) describe the population of dogs with UTIs associated with biofilm-forming Escherichia coli and (2) determine whether or not clinical differences exist between dogs with biofilm-forming E. coli UTIs and dogs with nonbiofilm-forming E. coli UTIs. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in the population characteristics, but that biofilm-formation would be more prevalent in dogs with chronic, complicated, and asymptomatic UTIs.

Animals

Seventy-six client-owned dogs with E. coli UTIs, divided into 2 groups based on the biofilm-forming capability of stored bacterial isolates as assessed by the crystal violet assay.

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional study. Medical records of the affected dogs were reviewed and their population and infection characteristics were compared.

Results

Most (52.6%) E. coli isolates were capable of forming biofilms. Biofilm-forming E. coli had a lower likelihood (P?Conclusions and clinical importanceEscherichia coli isolated from canine urinary tracts are frequently capable of forming biofilms. Because no reliable clinical features allowed exclusion of biofilm formation, the potential for biofilm formation should be considered whenever E. coli UTI is diagnosed. The association of antibiotic resistance and biofilm potential may affect treatment of UTIs, but additional investigation is warranted.

SUBMITTER: Kern ZT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6189388 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature