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Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the leading causes of antimicrobial prescriptions in dogs and cats. Thus, this study aimed to develop recommendations for antimicrobial therapy based on prospectively collected data of urine cultures and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). The results shall minimize and improve the antimicrobial use in small animal practice as an important strategy to reduce the selection of antimicrobial resistant pathogens.
Data of 470 urine samples were collected from dogs (n=258) and cats (n=212), mainly suffering from sporadic (dog: n=117, cat: n=96) or recurrent cystitis (dog: n=108, cat: n=105). Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for 12 antimicrobial agents licensed to treat UTI in Germany were determined for 308 isolates of clinical relevance (dog: n=191; cat: n=117) following CLSI guidelines.
As a result, 214 samples were culture negative or showed nonspecific bacterial growth.
Among samples exhibiting specific bacterial growth, Escherichia coli (dog: n=89, cat: n=55) was the most common pathogen, followed by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n=31) and Streptococcus canis (n=16) in canine samples and Enterococcus faecalis (n=14) and Staphylococcus felis (n=14) in feline samples.
Based on our results potentiated aminopenicillins and 1st generation cephalosporins should be considered as first line therapy in sporadic UTI of dogs and cats since 97% of the canine and 96% of the feline E. coli isolated from this indication were classified as susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) and cephalexin. Moreover, these agents are known for their beneficial pharmacokinetic properties and high tolerability. Of note, AMC-susceptibility rates of E. coli obtained from recurrent UTI were considerably lower, ranging between 84% in canine and 72% in feline isolates, emphasizing the necessity of AST before initiating antimicrobial therapy. Our AST data do not justify the use of 3rd-generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones for empirical treatment of bacterial cystitis in cats and dogs.
Conclusion: The high proportion of culture-negative urine samples highlights the importance of bacteriological examination to avoid unnecessary antimicrobial treatment. However, if empirical therapy is indicated, sediment analysis should be performed. In the presence of rods (likely E. coli) in sporadic infections, 1st generation cephalosporins or amoxicillin-clavulanate are recommended, while sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim remain a therapeutic option in cases when AST results preclude use of beta-lactams.
When the sediment analysis indicates the presence of cocci or rods in recurrent infections, AST is urgently demanded to avoid treatment failure.