Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bacterial isolates from blood and their susceptibility patterns in critically ill foals: 543 cases (1991-1998).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2001
- Authors:
- Marsh, P S & Palmer, J E
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Studies · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at blood samples from 543 very young foals (less than one month old) that were critically ill to find out what germs were present and how they responded to antibiotics. They found that about 29% of the foals had at least one type of bacteria in their blood, with Escherichia coli being the most common. While most of the E. coli bacteria were sensitive to a specific antibiotic called amikacin, some other bacteria showed resistance to several antibiotics. The findings suggest that while gram-negative bacteria are often found in these cases, there are also significant numbers of gram-positive bacteria, and the patterns of how these germs respond to treatment can change. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for careful antibiotic choices when treating neonatal sepsis in foals.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess microorganisms isolated from blood specimens obtained from critically ill neonatal foals and to evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 543 neonatal foals. PROCEDURE: Medical records of foals that were < 1 month old and were admitted to a referral neonatal intensive care unit were reviewed for results of bacteriologic culture of blood and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. RESULTS: At least 1 microorganism was isolated from 155 of 543 (28.5%) foals. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated bacterium. A single gram-positive organism was detected in 49 foals. Although 90% of the E coli isolates were susceptible to amikacin, some gram-negative and gram-positive organisms had resistance against multiple antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gram-negative bacteria remain the most common isolates from blood of neonatal foals; however, gram-positive organisms were also found, and with greater prevalence than reported elsewhere. Susceptibility patterns may vary, and resistance to multiple antimicrobials may develop. This is especially true for organisms such as Enterobacter spp and Enterococcus spp. Prudent empirical treatment for neonatal sepsis should include broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11393374/