Examination for heat-labile, heat-stable, and Shiga-like toxins and for the eaeA gene in Escherichia coli isolates obtained from dogs dying with diarrhea: 122 cases (1992-1996)

James Turk, Carol Maddox, William Fales, Eileen Ostlund, Margaret Miller, Gayle Johnson, Lanny Pace, Susan Turnquist, John Kreeger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective - To examine Escherichia coli isolates obtained from dogs dying with diarrhea for heat-labile, heat-stable, and Shiga-like toxins and for the eaeA gene, which is associated with attaching and effacing lesions. Design - Retrospective study. Animals - 122 dogs. Procedure - E coli isolates were tested by means of dot-blot hybridization of DNA extracts of cultured bacteria. Medical records of dogs from which E coli isolates with virulence genes had been isolated were examined, and histologic findings and evidence of intercurrent bacterial and viral infections were recorded. Results - None of the E coli isolates obtained from these dogs produced heat-labile, heat-stable, or Shiga-like toxins; however, E coli isolates from 44 of 122 dogs were found to have the eaeA gene. Histologically, multifocal bacterial adherence to the epithelium and epithelial necrosis and detachment were seen in colonic specimens from 20 of 44 (45%) dogs. Escherichia coli was the sole pathogen identified in 15 of 44 (34%) dogs. Intercurrent pathogens, including canine parvovirus (n = 19), Clostridium perfringens (8), rotavirus (5), hook-worms (3), coccidia (3), and Salmonella agona (1), were identified in the remaining 29 (66%) dogs. Clinical Implications - Attaching and effacing E coli can be a primary or secondary pathogen in dogs with diarrhea. Antibiotic treatment is indicated in dogs with diarrhea because of the possibility that it is primarily bacterial in origin and because, even if it is primarily viral in origin, there may be secondary bacterial infection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1735-1736
Number of pages2
JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Volume212
Issue number11
StatePublished - Jun 1 1998
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Veterinary

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