title: Molecular and epidemiological characterization of canine Pseudomonas otitis using a prospective case-control study design.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen of the canine ear canal and occupies aquatic habitats in the environment. Nosocomial and zoonotic transmission of P. aeruginosa have been documented, including clonal outbreaks.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The primary objective of this study was to assess various environmental exposures as potential risk factors for canine Pseudomonas otitis. It was hypothesized that isolates derived from infected ears would be clonal to isolates derived from household water sources and the mouths of human and animal companions of the study subjects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy seven privately owned dogs with otitis were enrolled, along with their human and animal household companions, in a case-control design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data on potential risk factors for Pseudomonas otitis were collected. Oral cavities of all study subjects, their human and animal companions, and household water sources were sampled. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used to estimate clonal relatedness of P. aeruginosa isolates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In a multivariate model, visiting a dog park was associated with 77% increased odds of case status (P = 0.048). Strains clonal to the infection isolates were obtained from subjects' mouths (n = 18), companion pets' mouths (n = 5), pet owners' mouths (n = 2), water bowls (n = 7) and water taps (n = 2). Clonally related P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from dogs that had no clear epidemiological link.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Genetic homology between otic and environmental isolates is consistent with a waterborne source for some dogs, and cross-contamination with other human and animal members within some households.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies - Philadelphia, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel O
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
authors.forename: Meghan F
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3475-4578
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.affiliation: Lehigh Valley Veterinary Dermatology, 4580 Crackersport Road, Allentown, PA, 18104, USA.
authors.forename: Brian S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Palmeiro
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Shea
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
authors.forename: Shelley C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Rankin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D004285:Dogs; D016521:Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field / Q000662:veterinary; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010031:Otitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012307:Risk Factors; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology