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Veterinary Sciences
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Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals—2nd Edition
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Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals—2nd Edition

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 8023

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Valentina Virginia Ebani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Veterinary Science, University of Pisa, Viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy
2. Centre for Climate Change Impact, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Interests: antibacterial activity; zoonosis; bacterial infectious diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Companion animals are increasingly present in our families. People usually get pets for companionship, but also to protect their properties, or simply because of the attractiveness of the animals. Dogs and cats are the most popular pets, but other animal species may be kept as companion animals: rabbits, ferrets, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

Pets can be colonized by bacterial pathogens without showing disease, or in other cases developing from mild to severe clinical forms. When companion animals are affected by zoonotic pathogens, they become an important source of infection for their owners, particularly immunocompromised persons, such as elderly people, children, pregnant women, and people with pathologies.

This Special Issue of Veterinary Sciences aims to collect and disseminate some of the most significant and recent research regarding bacterial infectious diseases of all companion animal species. Authors are invited to submit relevant research studies and review articles about this topic.

Dr. Valentina Virginia Ebani
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bacteria
  • antibiotic-resistance
  • zoonosis
  • cats
  • dogs
  • exotic pets

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1024 KiB  
Communication
Evaluating a Targeted Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and Its Temporal Association with Resistance Trends in a Veterinary Referral Hospital
by Tomoki Motegi, Rei Fukuoka, Yuzo Tsuyuki, Dai Nagakubo, Shingo Maeda, Tomohiro Yonezawa, Ryohei Nishimura and Yasuyuki Momoi
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(8), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12080743 - 8 Aug 2025
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing concern in companion animal practice; however, effective mitigation strategies in veterinary referral hospitals remain underexplored. This study investigated whether antimicrobial stewardship interventions guided by hospital-specific resistance patterns and prescribing data could improve resistance outcomes in a secondary care [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing concern in companion animal practice; however, effective mitigation strategies in veterinary referral hospitals remain underexplored. This study investigated whether antimicrobial stewardship interventions guided by hospital-specific resistance patterns and prescribing data could improve resistance outcomes in a secondary care veterinary setting. Using data from 2016 to 2018 at the University of Tokyo Veterinary Medical Center, a targeted intervention was developed and implemented in early 2019, and its impact was evaluated until 2024. The intervention included Gram staining-based presumptive pathogen estimation, antibiogram-guided antimicrobial selection, clinician education, and regular feedback on prescribing practices. By 2020, overall antimicrobial use had reduced by over 50%, with marked reductions in the use of carbapenems and fluoroquinolones. By 2022, the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. decreased from 53% to 24% and 78% to 7%, respectively. However, methicillin-resistant staphylococci remained prevalent in approximately 50% of cases. These findings suggest that hospital-tailored antimicrobial stewardship programs may be associated with meaningful reductions in resistance among gram-negative pathogens, although causality cannot be confirmed due to the observational study design. Moreover, additional strategies are necessary to address persistent resistance in gram-positive organisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals—2nd Edition)
17 pages, 4168 KiB  
Article
Levamisole as a Strategy Against Bacteria from Canine Otitis Externa: An In Vitro Evaluation
by Rodrigo F. M. Guedes, Ana C. C. F. Soares, Francisco I. F. Gomes, Alyne S. Freitas, Vinicius C. Pereira, Rossana A. Cordeiro, Marcos F. G. Rocha, José J. C. Sidrim, Giovanna R. Barbosa, Glaucia M. M. Guedes and Debora S. C. M. Castelo-Branco
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(7), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12070640 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 456
Abstract
Canine otitis externa is a prevalent condition, and inadequate treatment may favor the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Drug repurposing provides an alternative approach for the management of this disease. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of levamisole against [...] Read more.
Canine otitis externa is a prevalent condition, and inadequate treatment may favor the emergence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Drug repurposing provides an alternative approach for the management of this disease. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of levamisole against bacterial strains recovered from dogs with otitis externa as well as its influence on biofilm growth dynamics during 120 h. A total of 50 clinical bacterial isolates were subjected to analysis. Planktonic bacterial susceptibility to levamisole was assessed by broth microdilution to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the lowest concentration that completely inhibits bacterial growth. The activity against mature biofilms was assessed by determining the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC). The effect of levamisole on biofilm formation was evaluated at the MIC and at two subinhibitory concentrations, with daily readings recorded at 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. MICs of levamisole ranged from 0.58 to 2.34 mg/mL. Levamisole reduced the biomass of mature biofilms (p < 0.05), with MBEC values ranging from 1.17 to 18.75 mg/mL, and biofilm formation was significantly reduced at the MIC concentration (1.17 mg/mL) for all isolates for 120 h (p < 0.05). Levamisole demonstrated potential as a preventive approach against biofilm-associated bacterial otitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 247 KiB  
Article
Investigating Bacterial Bloodstream Infections in Dogs and Cats: A 4-Year Surveillance in an Italian Veterinary University Hospital
by Raffaele Scarpellini, Massimo Giunti, Cecilia Bulgarelli, Erika Esposito, Elisabetta Mondo, Fabio Tumietto and Silvia Piva
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(5), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12050445 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 597
Abstract
In small animal practice, blood cultures (BCs) are essential for diagnosing bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) and guiding targeted antimicrobial therapy, particularly in relation to the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This study analyzed 96 positive BCs from dogs and cats at the Veterinary [...] Read more.
In small animal practice, blood cultures (BCs) are essential for diagnosing bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) and guiding targeted antimicrobial therapy, particularly in relation to the rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This study analyzed 96 positive BCs from dogs and cats at the Veterinary University Hospital (VUH) of Bologna (2020–2024), assessing bacterial prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and associated risk factors. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate (29/96), followed by Streptococcus canis (11/96). MDR percentage was 29.2% (28/96), with Gram-negatives associated with higher rates (p = 0.040). Nearly half of the cases (46.9%, 45/96) were suspected healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) significantly associated with the number of invasive devices used (p = 0.008) and with the absence of co-positive samples (p = 0.012). Empirical antibiotic therapy was administered in 94.8% (91/96) of cases, with ampicillin–sulbactam and marbofloxacin as the most used drugs. In vitro empirical therapy appropriateness was 76.9% (70/91). MDR was associated with inappropriate empirical therapy (p < 0.001). Mortality within 30 days was 36.5% (35/96), significantly linked to antibiotic escalation (p = 0.006). The findings highlight the need for systematic BC surveillance in veterinary settings to optimize treatment strategies (especially in countries with restrictions on antibiotic use in animals) to mitigate MDR spread and to protect public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals—2nd Edition)
13 pages, 1786 KiB  
Article
Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasma Species of Apparently Healthy Domestic Cats in Konya Province of Türkiye
by Ceylan Ceylan, Muhammed Hudai Culha, Gonca Sonmez, Muhammed Ahmed Selcuk, Merve Ider, Ayşe Evci, Sule Yılmaz, Ferda Sevinc and Onur Ceylan
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(11), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11110530 - 31 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3141
Abstract
Feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease in domestic cats caused by a group of hemotropic Mycoplasma species, including three main species: Mycoplasma hemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma hemominutum (CMhm), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). The primary [...] Read more.
Feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis is an emerging infectious disease in domestic cats caused by a group of hemotropic Mycoplasma species, including three main species: Mycoplasma hemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma hemominutum (CMhm), and Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). The primary objective of this investigation was to ascertain the molecular prevalence and characterization of hemotropic mycoplasmas in domestic cats from twenty-three districts of Konya province in Türkiye. For this purpose, 384 apparently healthy cats belonging to different breeds were enrolled in this study. The molecular prevalence of Mycoplasma spp. in cats was 9.4%, and the identified species included Mhf, Mycoplasma hemocanis (Mhc), CMt, and CMhm. The molecular prevalence was not significantly associated with district, breed, or gender (p > 0.05) but was significantly associated with age and ownership status (p < 0.05). The study found that all cats with Mycoplasma spp. were older than one year and that the infection had a higher prevalence in stray cats than in owned cats (p < 0.05). Although there are studies conducted in different provinces, data on the molecular and phylogenetic characterization of the species causing feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis are scarce in Türkiye. This study, which provides updated data concerning the molecular characterization and phylogeny of hemotropic Mycoplasma species of cats in Türkiye, revealed the Mycoplasma spp. molecular prevalence in Konya province for the first time and provided remarkable findings that will fill the scientific gap in the country. The molecular characterization of these hemotropic mycoplasmas is crucial for understanding their epidemiology and developing effective diagnostic and treatment strategies for feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis. It is anticipated that the data from the study will raise awareness among pet owners, veterinarians, and healthcare professionals of feline hemotropic Mycoplasma agents with zoonotic potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 1692 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Causing Canine Pneumonia in China: Antibiotic Resistance, Virulence Genes, and Sequence Typing
by Jianyi Lai, Haibin Long, Zhihong Zhao, Gan Rao, Zhaojia Ou, Jiajie Li, Zhidong Zhou, Minhua Hu and Qingchun Ni
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(10), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11100491 - 10 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1599
Abstract
To determine the etiological agents responsible for acute pneumonia in puppies in China, this study utilized bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid extraction to enable the isolation, culture, biochemical identification, and 16S rRNA PCR amplification of the pathogens. Following preliminary identification, the pathogens underwent analysis [...] Read more.
To determine the etiological agents responsible for acute pneumonia in puppies in China, this study utilized bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid extraction to enable the isolation, culture, biochemical identification, and 16S rRNA PCR amplification of the pathogens. Following preliminary identification, the pathogens underwent analysis for antibiotic resistance phenotypes and resistance genes. Additionally, the study examined the presence of virulence genes, conducted multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The findings revealed that all four isolated pathogens were characterized as extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC). The examined ExPEC strains demonstrated resistance to cephalosporins, tetracyclines, and penicillins, while remaining susceptible to aminoglycosides, beta-lactamase inhibitors, carbapenems, chloramphenicols, and sulfonamides. An analysis of virulence genes identified the presence of eight genes, namely CNF-I, fyuA, fimC, papC, ompA, fimH, irp2, and iroN, which are implicated in their invasiveness and potential to inflict tissue damage. The MLST analysis revealed that all ExPEC strains were classified under either sequence type ST131 (Achtman database) or ST43 (Pasteur database). The study further determined that these strains were absent in the kennel’s drinking water source, thereby ruling out water contamination as a potential factor in the emergence of ST131-type ExPEC. This study offers a theoretical framework and empirical evidence for elucidating the potential pathogenic mechanisms and clinical therapeutic strategies of ExPEC in the etiology of acute pneumonia in puppies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals—2nd Edition)
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Review

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16 pages, 291 KiB  
Review
Leptospirosis in Unconventional Mammal Pets
by Fabrizio Bertelloni and Valentina Virginia Ebani
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(3), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12030285 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1007
Abstract
The demand for unconventional pets has markedly increased in recent years worldwide. Among them, many species of mammals are frequently kept in domestic environments in close contact with their owners. Pets often harbor zoonotic microorganisms without showing clinical signs; therefore, owners do not [...] Read more.
The demand for unconventional pets has markedly increased in recent years worldwide. Among them, many species of mammals are frequently kept in domestic environments in close contact with their owners. Pets often harbor zoonotic microorganisms without showing clinical signs; therefore, owners do not suspect that they can be a source of pathogens. Pets of several unconventional species may act mainly as maintenance hosts for leptospires; they are clinically silent but shed the spirochetes in their urine representing a serious risk of infection for people living in the same domestic area. However, their role as maintenance or incidental hosts seems variable in relation to the animal species, and it has not always been elucidated. No vaccines against Leptospira spp. are available for unconventional mammal pets, and so prophylaxis is based on rigorous hygienic measures and the identification of infected animals through indirect and/or direct diagnosis for leptospirosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacterial Infectious Diseases of Companion Animals—2nd Edition)
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