Etiology and resistance of isolated bactéria of external otitis in dogs
Canine external otitis, antimicrobial resistance, tests of bacterial resistance
The canine external otitis is a relevant disease regarding veterinary clinic. Considering the
high frequency of treatment of dogs with external bacteria otitis, this research aims to
identify the etiological frequency of otopathy and trace the resistance profile of the
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) and enterobacteria that produce Extended
Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) in outpatients and internment patients. 140 samples of
canine otic exudate were submitted to primary isolation, tests of antimicrobial susceptibility
and bacterial resistance. The isolated groups were: Staphylococcus sp. (122 – 49.38%),
Pseudomonas sp. (22 – 8.91%), enterobacteria (19 – 7.69%), Enterococcus sp. (17 –
6.88%) and Acinetobacter sp. (12 – 4.86%). For the Staphylococcus sp. the Disk Test was
applied along with the resistance test to Methicillin (Met-25). In the positive strains for
Met-25, a Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was applied to detect the mecA gene. For the
PCR positive strains, a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of chlorhexidine
gluconate was determined. 14 MRS strains (11.47%) were observed and all off them had
the mecA gene. 14 Staphylococcus sp. were Disk Test positive. Concerning the positive
Staphylococcus coagulase, the MBC was 500.00µg/mL (0.5%) whereas for the negative
Staphylococcus coagulase the MBC value was 62.500µg/mL (0.0625%). 3 ESBL
enterobacteria strains were detected. The more effective antimicrobial for the
Staphylococcus sp. were: Linezolid (100%), Rifampicin (94.26%) and Chloramphenicol
(92.62%). Regarding the Pseudomonas sp.: Cefepime (100%), Imipenem (100%) and
Meropenem (100%). Regarding the enterobacteria: Ertapenem (100%), Imipenem (100%)
and Cefotaxime (84.21%). Regarding the Enterococcus sp.: Chloramphenicol (100%),
Linezolid (94.12%) and Vancomycin (88.24%). Regarding the Acinetobacter sp.:
Imipenem (100%), Meropenem (100%) and Ticarcillin with Clavulanate (91.67%).
Although the mecA gene and the enterobacteria that produce ESBL are briefly presented in
this research, there is a need for constant monitoring of isolated strains in domestic animals.
The bacteriological growth and the susceptibility tests in the antimicrobial agents are of
great importance in the veterinary clinic routine in order to insure the success in treating
canine otological infections.