Isolation of emerging human pathogens and foodborne pathogens in clinical cases of infections from dogs and cats admitted to a veterinary clinic in northern Portugal

Abstract

Nowadays, dogs and cats are considered family members, translating into increased proximity to humans. Studies have shown that 40-60% of owners have very close interactions e.g., sharing the same dish, face lickings, or sleeping on the same bed. This promotes the exchange of microorganisms between species. Therefore, an One Health approach should be applied to encompass both human and animal health problems. In this study, 37 cases of companion animals (54.1% dogs and 45.9% cats) in a veterinary clinic in northern Portugal were analysed, and urinary and eye infections, respiratory conditions, and dermatological problems were confirmed. According to sample type, 43.2% were from urine, 13.5% from ear exudate, 8.1% from skin exudate, 8.1% from trachealexudate, 2.7% from vaginal exudate, 2.7% from conjunctiva exudate, 2.7% from purulent exudate, 2.7% from bronchoalveolar exudate, 2.7% from ocular exudate, and 2.7% from blood. In all, 21 pathogen species were isolated, of which Pantoea agglomerans, Cronobacter sakazakii, Leclercia adecarboxylata, Sphingomonas paucimobilis are currently considered emerging agents of human infection. The occurrence of these species was 2.4% for Leclercia adecarboxylata (one young male cat), 2.4% for Pantoea agglomerans (one adult male dog), 2.4% for Cronobacter sakazakii (one adult male dog), and 2.4% for Sphingomonas paucimobilis (one adult male dog). Leclercia adecarboxylata is a gram-negative bacillus of the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is a ‘novel’ rare human pathogen, mostly affecting immunocompromised individuals or causing polymicrobial infections in immunocompetent patients. Cronobacter sakazakii is an emerging foodborne pathogen that causes necrotizing enterocolitis and bacteremia in humans, Pantoea agglomerans is associated with a hospital-acquired infection, mostly in immunocompromised individuals with a fatal outcome. Sphingomonas paucimobilis is an emerging opportunistic bacterium with a particular tropism toward bones and soft tissues. The intimate relationship between humans and companion animals presents a potential risk for the transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, more research based on an One Health approach should be performed to more accurately determine the occurrence and incidence of emerging agents between species.