Molecular characterization of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains isolated from companion dogs and cats in Korea
- Author:
Jae Young OH
1
;
Hee Myung PARK
Author Information
- Publication Type:Research Report
- From:Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;26(1):e14-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Methods:Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains were analyzed for phylogenetic grouping polymerase chain reaction, AMR, transferable resistance plasmids, and multilocus sequence typing.
Results:Sixty-seven UPECs were isolated from urine samples of dogs (n = 57) and cats (n = 10).Regarding age, the incidence of UTI was the highest in the 11 to 15 years range (46.3%, 31/67). Regarding sex, it accounted for 58.2% (n = 39) in female dogs and 11.9% (8/67) in female cats. Phylogroup B2 was the most frequent (n = 51, 75.0%) among all strains, followed by D (16.2%), A (7.4%), and B1 (1.5%). Thirty-seven (55.2%) UPECs were multidrugresistant (MDR), and 24 (35.8%) of them belonged to phylogroup B2. Extended-spectrum cephalosporin and carbapenemase genes were detected in 18 (26.9%) UPECs and plasmids carrying these resistance genes were conjugated between strains. Thirty sequence types (STs) were identified among the total strains. Among the UPECs (n = 51) with phylogroup B2, 23 STs were identified, with ST73 being the most frequent (n = 12, 17.9%), followed by ST131 (n = 9, 13.4%).
Conclusions:and Relevance: Phylogroup B2 strains, particularly ST73 and ST121, were most prevalent in UPECs from Korean companion dogs and cats. For MDR UPECs, appropriate antibiotic selection is essential for the treatment of UTIs.
