Search

Simple Summary: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common bacterium that causes skin infections in dogs and can occasionally infect humans, posing a public health risk. The presence of the mecA gene in this bacterium can lead to resistance against methicillin (oxacillin) and other beta-lactam antibiotics, which limits treatment options. This study investigated the characteristics of oxacillin-resistant and oxacillin-susceptible mecA-positive S. pseudintermedius isolates from the skin and nasal cavities of dogs with pyoderma. We found a high prevalence of multidrug resistance and significant genetic diversity among the isolates, both within the dog itself and among others, highlighting the complexity of S. pseudintermedius colonization and infection dynamics in pyoderma dogs. Careful monitoring and treatment strategies are essential to manage the spread of antibiotic resistance effectively. Understanding the epidemiology of mecA-positive Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains, including those that are oxacillin-susceptible but potentially inducible to resistance, is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and mitigating public health risks. This study characterized 87 mecA-positive S. pseudintermedius isolates obtained from skin lesions and nasal orifices of 46 dogs with pyoderma enrolled at a referral hospital in Thailand between 2019 and 2020. All isolates underwent antibiogram profiling, SCCmec typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for phenotypic and genetic analysis. Among the 87 isolates, 33 isolates (37.9%) recovered from 15 dogs were oxacillin-resistant (OR-MRSP), while 54 isolates (62.1%) from 31 dogs were oxacillin-susceptible (OS-MRSP). All OR-MRSP isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), and 44% of the OS-MRSP isolates also showed MDR. SCCmec typing revealed type V as predominant among OR-MRSP isolates (69.7%), while many oxacillin-susceptible isolates (70.4%) were non-typeable. The OR-MRSP isolates from the same dog showed consistent antibiogram and SCCmec types, while OS-MRSP isolates displayed both identical and diverse patterns. No dominant pulsotypes were observed among the OR-MRSP or OS-MRSP strains. Genetic diversity was also noted among the isolates within the same dogs and among the others, highlighting the complexity of S. pseudintermedius colonization and infection dynamics in pyoderma-affected dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hypothesis/Objectives Animals Materials and Methods Results Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Cytological detection of acantholytic keratinocytes (acantholytic cells [AC]) helps to identify canine pemphigus foliaceus (cPF) yet AC also occurs in superficial pyoderma (SP), the main differential diagnosis.To compare selected cytomorphological features of cPF and SP and to establish cytological diagnostic criteria that could differentiate cPF from SP.40 and 51 client‐owned dogs with PF and SP, respectively.Impression smears from cPF (64), impetigo (40) and exfoliative superficial pyoderma (ESP) (17) samples were stained with Romanowsky stain, randomised, blinded and evaluated by two investigators independently. The entire sample was screened (×500 or ×1000 magnification) for round (AC1), boat (AC2) and raft AC, eosinophils and bacteria. Interobserver agreements were calculated.The average number of the 10 highest ×500 fields for AC1 and AC2 was significantly higher in PF than SP (p < 0.0001; Kruskal–Wallis test). Rafts and eosinophils were more common in PF than SP (p < 0.0001; chi‐square test), while bacteria were rare in PF (5%; p < 0.0001; chi‐square test). Observations between the experienced and novice investigators were highly correlated. An ROC analysis identified five AC1/×500‐magnification field as a suitable cut‐off value for predicting PF diagnosis. This cut‐off value was tested by two additional investigators, who identified sensitivity of 84%–100%, specificity of 95%–97% and accuracy of 95%–96% for the diagnosis of cPF.Criterion‐based impression smear cytological evaluation can provide strong evidence to support the clinical diagnosis. Acantholytic cell morphology varies in cPF and SP, and experience can improve accuracy in cytological differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topical use of antibacterial drugs as part of complex therapy for purulent-inflammatory infections of the skin and oropharynx can not only eliminate the symptoms but also influence the cause of the disease. Dioxidine® is a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug, active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioavailability, pharmacokinetic parameters, and safety profile of Dioxidine®, solution for topical and external use, 0.25 mg/ml, in cutaneous and topical application. Another dosage form of Dioxidine® — a solution for infusion and external use, 5 mg/ml — was used as a comparison drug. The study consisted of 4 stages reflecting different routes of drug administration: rinsing the oropharynx (path A), a single irrigation of the oropharynx using a spray nozzle (path B), back skin irrigation (path C), and intravenous administration (path D — for the reference drug). The results of the study made it possible to determine the absolute dose-normalized bioavailability of the study drug in the indicated routes of administration, as well as to evaluate its safety profile.

Background: Pyoderma is a skin disease caused by infection with Gram-positive bacteria. In Indonesia, this disease has a high prevalence due to inadequate sanitation, climate condition, humidity, and high population density. Patients with pyoderma present in diverse range of symptoms, in the form of clinical manifestation or systemic symptoms. Inadequate management of pyoderma can lead to an escalation in morbidity rates. Therefore, it is important to conducting comprehensive research about clinical profile of pyoderma patients. Purpose: To describe the profile of pyoderma patients in Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Unit of Dr. Soetomo General Acdemic Hospital Surabaya in January 2016 to December 2018. Methods: This study is a retrospective descriptive analysis using secondary data derived from medical records at Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Unit of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya. Result: The analysis of pyoderma patient at Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Unit of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya in January 2016 to December 2018 reveals a total of 407 patients, predominantly male and the most age category were toddlers. Most clinical diagnosis were furuncles and carbuncles. Among the clinical manifestations, macula was the most frequent primary skin lesion, while erosion predominated among secondary lesions. The most commonly administered therapies were systemic and topical antibiotics. Conclusion: In the period from January 2016 to December 2018, clinical manifestations of pyoderma patients at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Unit of Dr. Soeto...

Bacterial overgrowth, also known as dysbiosis, is a common concomitant of canine atopic dermatitis. Microbial diversity is decreased and coagulase-positive staphylococci are more abundant in dogs with canine atopic dermatitis compared to healthy dogs. Antimicrobial therapy restores the diversity of the skin microbiome; however, this effect can diminish after treatment is discontinued. Therapies for skin dysbiosis have traditionally included antibiotics and antiseptic medications. Due to increasing microbial resistance to antibiotics, the era of novel antimicrobial agents for the treatment of skin infections has already begun. Recent research highlights potential new treatment options, of which one of the most promising appears to be the use of bacteriophages. Bacteriophages are viruses that can infect and kill bacteria without having negative effects on human or animal cells. This article provides an update on human and veterinary research on phage therapy as a potential approach for the treatment of bacterial infections, with a focus on the treatment of skin dysbiosis in atopic dogs. The clear clinical potential of phage therapy, its advantages and disadvantages, and the legal, biological, technical, and economic challenges it faces for its further implementation and wider application are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) are common in children and adults and their presence is associated with a higher severity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In pediatrics, studies are scarce in Latin America and do not exist in Colombia. Objective: To describe the prevalence of EIM in children with IBD and the associated demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics. Methodology: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with pediatric-onset IBD between 2007 and 2022 treated at an institution in Bogotá. A descriptive analysis was performed and in the groups with and without EIM clinical and biochemical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test, Student's T, and Mann-Whitney's U. Results: Of 71 confirmed cases, 45% had typical ulcerative colitis, 27% Crohn's disease, 7% atypical ulcerative colitis, 1.4% colonic Crohn's, and 20% unclassifiable IBD. Thirteen patients (18%) had at least one EIM, and mucocutaneous was the most frequent (58%). The time from symptoms onset to diagnosis was higher in the EIM group (13.2 years vs. 10.2 years; p = 0.02). Nocturnal diarrhea, hyporexia, and weight loss were more frequent in children with EIM. The EIM group showed lower hemoglobin levels, and higher globular sedimentation rate, and received biologics more frequently (38% vs. 23%, p = 0.2). Conclusions: The frequency of MEI in this series is similar to that reported in the literature; its presence is associated with higher disease severity, higher frequency of biological use, and longer time IBD diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Topical therapy is essential in assisting with the resolution of pyoderma. Objectives: (i) Evaluate the in vitro efficacy and residual activity of two different hair segments treated with shampoo and mousse against meticillin‐sensitive and meticillin‐resistant staphylococci; (ii) compare proximal and distal hair portions treated with the products and (iii) describe a new disc diffusion method for assessing residual efficacy. Animals: Eleven privately owned, medium‐haired dogs. Materials and Methods: In this randomised, blinded and negatively controlled study, dogs were treated once with a 3% chlorhexidine digluconate‐0.5% ophytrium shampoo on the lateral thorax, and the corresponding mousse on the opposite side. Hairs were plucked before treatment, two hours post‐treatment, and day (D)2, D4, D7, D10 and D14. Hairs were weighed (0.01 g) and cut (1.0 cm) from the proximal portion, moistened with saline and placed on a sterile diffusion disc to absorb the solution. Proximal and distal hair bundles and diffusion discs were placed onto agar inoculated with an isolate of meticillin‐sensitive or meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius or Staphylococcus schleiferi. Inhibition zones were measured following incubation. Results: Distal hairs had larger (p < 0.001) inhibition zones compared to proximal hairs. Mousse had significant differences (p < 0.05) between time points and locations for both the hair bundles and discs, while shampoo only had a significant difference (p < 0.001) between time points for the hairs. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Mousse was effective, and shampoo was only minimally effective in inhibiting bacterial growth in vitro, with the greatest effect occurring at the two hours time point. The distal hair shafts had greater inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial overgrowth, also known as dysbiosis, is a common concomitant of canine atopic dermatitis. Microbial diversity is decreased and coagulase-positive staphylococci are more abundant in dogs with canine atopic dermatitis compared to healthy dogs. Antimicrobial therapy restores the diversity of the skin microbiome; however, this effect can diminish after treatment is discontinued. Therapies for skin dysbiosis have traditionally included antibiotics and antiseptic medications. Due to increasing microbial resistance to antibiotics, the era of novel antimicrobial agents for the treatment of skin infections has already begun. Recent research highlights potential new treatment options, of which one of the most promising appears to be the use of bacteriophages. Bacteriophages are viruses that can infect and kill bacteria without having negative effects on human or animal cells. This article provides an update on human and veterinary research on phage therapy as a potential approach for the treatment of bacterial infections, with a focus on the treatment of skin dysbiosis in atopic dogs. The clear clinical potential of phage therapy, its advantages and disadvantages, and the legal, biological, technical, and economic challenges it faces for its further implementation and wider application are outlined.

Understanding the epidemiology of mecA-positive Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains, including those that are oxacillin-susceptible but potentially inducible to resistance, is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and mitigating public health risks. This study characterized 87 mecA-positive S. pseudintermedius isolates obtained from skin lesions and nasal orifices of 46 dogs with pyoderma enrolled at a referral hospital in Thailand between 2019 and 2020. All isolates underwent antibiogram profiling, SCCmec typing, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for phenotypic and genetic analysis. Among the 87 isolates, 33 isolates (37.9%) recovered from 15 dogs were oxacillin-resistant (OR-MRSP), while 54 isolates (62.1%) from 31 dogs were oxacillin-susceptible (OS-MRSP). All OR-MRSP isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), and 44% of the OS-MRSP isolates also showed MDR. SCCmec typing revealed type V as predominant among OR-MRSP isolates (69.7%), while many oxacillin-susceptible isolates (70.4%) were non-typeable. The OR-MRSP isolates from the same dog showed consistent antibiogram and SCCmec types, while OS-MRSP isolates displayed both identical and diverse patterns. No dominant pulsotypes were observed among the OR-MRSP or OS-MRSP strains. Genetic diversity was also noted among the isolates within the same dogs and among the others, highlighting the complexity of S. pseudintermedius colonization and infection dynamics in pyoderma-affected dogs.

Staphylococcus coagulans (SC) belongs to a group of coagulase-positive staphylococci occasionally isolated from the skin lesions of dogs with pyoderma. We recently revealed that erythritol, a sugar alcohol, inhibited the growth of SC strain JCM7470. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in this growth inhibition of JCM7470 by erythritol, and determine whether erythritol inhibits the growth of SC isolated from the skin of dogs with pyoderma. Comprehensive analysis of the gene expression of JCM7470 in the presence of erythritol revealed that erythritol upregulated the expression of glcB and ptsG genes, both of which encode phosphotransferase system (PTS) glucoside- and glucose-specific permease C, B, and A domains (EIICBA), respectively, associated with sugar uptake. Moreover, erythritol suppressed in vitro growth of all 27 SC strains isolated fromthe skin lesions of canine pyoderma, including 13mecA gene- positive and 14mecA gene-negative strains. Finally, the growth inhibition of the SC clinical isolates by erythritol was restored by the addition of glucose. In summary, we revealed that erythritol promotes PTS gene expression and suppresses the in vitro growth of SC clinical isolates from dogs with pyoderma. Restoration of the erythritol-induced growth inhibition by glucose suggested that glucose starvation may contribute to the growth inhibition of SC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibacterial effect studies of commercial antiseptics typically have evaluated hair and not the skin. Objectives: To evaluate the antibacterial effects of mousse products on both canine skin and hair. Animals: Fifteen short‐haired and eight long‐haired dogs without skin disease. Materials and Methods: Five mousses were applied once: (1) 2% chlorhexidine and 2% miconazole; (2) 0.05% phytosphingosine; (3) 2% salicylic acid and 10% ethyl lactate; (4) 3% chlorhexidine and 0.5% climbazole; and (5) 2% chlorhexidine and 1% ketoconazole. Skin swabs and hair were collected from application sites before treatment, and at 1 h and at Day (D)2, D4, D8, D10 and D14 post‐treatment. Skin swabs and hair were placed on Mueller–Hinton plates inoculated with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius inoculum suspension. Inhibition zones were measured after incubation. Results: Inhibition was not noted with mousses 2 and 3. In mousse 5, inhibition zone sizes produced by swabs from long‐ and short‐haired dogs were not significantly different (p = 0.105), and all swabs and hair produced inhibition until D14, regardless of hair length. By contrast, in mousse 1, inhibition zones produced by swabs from long‐haired dogs were smaller than those from short‐haired dogs (p < 0.001), and swabs from long‐haired dogs produced a shorter duration of bacterial inhibition than hair. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The antibacterial effects of mousse 5 were not affected by hair length. Hair may be acceptable for evaluating effects on the skin in short‐haired dogs. However, long hair may interfere with product distribution and duration of bacterial inhibition. Therefore, the evaluation of hair alone may overestimate clinically relevant antibacterial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Etlik Veteriner Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi is the property of Veteriner Kontrol Merkez Arastirma Enstitusu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cutaneous manifestations of hematologic malignancy represent both a clinical challenge for the treating physician and a pathophysiological model for advancing the knowledge on individual neoplasms. Indeed, a growing body of evidence supports the concept of recurrent molecular defects associating with specific clinical features, as best exemplified by VEXAS. Herein neutrophilic and eosinophilic dermatoses of potential interest for both hematologists and dermatologists will be reviewed, including subcorneal pustular dermatosis-type IgA pemphigus, neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis, Sweet’s syndrome as well as myelodysplasia cutis and VEXAS, pyoderma gangrenosum, eosinophilic annular erythema, eosinophilic dermatosis of hematological malignancy, Wells syndrome and cutaneous involvement in hypereosinophilic syndromes. Possible management approaches are discussed for each, emphasizing scenarios that require treatment of the underlying condition to achieve remission at the skin level.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis of unclear etiology that exhibits pathergy and can develop post-operatively in surgical incisions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of PG developing after a gunshot wound (GSW) injury or in a contaminated surgical wound. We further propose umbilical sparing as a key clinical finding differentiating the diagnosis of PG from more common infectious etiologies.

Copyright of Dermatologie Pro Praxi is the property of SOLEN sro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The skin covers the external surface of animals, and it is constantly exposed to and inhabited by different microorganisms, including bacteria. Alterations in the skin barrier allow commensal and/or pathogenic bacteria to proliferate and penetrate deep into the lower layers of the skin. Being the first barrier to the external environment, the skin is prone to injuries, allowing the penetration of microorganisms that may lead to severe deep infections. Companion animals, especially dogs, are prone to bacterial infections, often secondary to allergic dermatitis. When environmental conditions are unfavorable, horses, cattle, sheep, and goats can develop superficial infections, such as those caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. Deep inflammation is commonly caused by Mycobacterium spp., which results in granulomatous to pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis. Likewise, bacteria such as Nocardia spp. and Actinomyces spp. can cause deep pyogranulomatous inflammation. Bacteria that lead to deep necrotizing lesions (eg, necrotizing fasciitis/flesh-eating bacteria) can be severe and even result in death. This review includes an overview of the most common cutaneous bacterial infections of domestic animals, highlighting the main features and histologic morphology of the bacteria, cutaneous structures involved, and the type of inflammatory infiltrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyoderma is a skin and soft tissue infection caused by Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria. Abscess is a form of pyoderma manifestation. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a group of Gramnegative bacteria causing pyoderma associated with nosocomial infections and can be obtained from the community. Pyoderma is diagnosed based on physical examination supported by causative organism culture and isolation results. The aim of pyoderma treatment is to eradicate the causative organism, reduce its symptoms, prevent complications and recurrence. We reported a case of occipital abscess caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteria. The patient received systemic and topical antibiotics and had a significant clinical result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 6-year-old child who developed a complication involving Streptococcus pyogenes infective endocarditis (IE) following a varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection, resulting in an embolic myocardial infarction. The patient, who was malnourished and not vaccinated against VZV, exhibited symptoms such as shortness of breath, edema, and abdominal pain after a varicella infection.

Pyodermatitis pyostomatitis vegetans is a rare variant of neutrophilic disorders, affecting the intertriginous areas such as axilla and groin, umbilicus, as well as the oral mucosa. We herein describe 2 female patients, in both of whom the umbilicus was restrictedly involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Streptococcus pyogenes (StrepA) causes a significant burden of disease globally from superficial infections to invasive disease. It is responsible for over 500,000 deaths each year, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Superficial StrepA infections of the skin and pharynx can lead to rheumatic heart disease, the largest cause of StrepA-related deaths in LMIC. StrepA can also asymptomatically colonise normal skin and the pharynx (carriage), potentially increasing infection risk. Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) carriage is also common in LMIC and may interact with StrepA. This study aims to investigate StrepA and SDSE carriage and infection epidemiology, transmission dynamics and naturally acquired immunity within households in The Gambia. Methods A longitudinal household observational cohort study will be conducted over one year. 45 households will be recruited from the urban area of Sukuta, The Gambia, resulting in approximately 450 participants. Households will be visited monthly, and available participants will undergo oropharyngeal and normal skin swabbing. Incident cases of pharyngitis and pyoderma will be captured via active case reporting, with swabs taken from disease sites. Swabs will be cultured for the presence of group A, C and G beta-haemolytic streptococci. Isolates will undergo whole genome sequencing. At each visit, clinical, socio-demographic and social mixing data will be collected. Blood serum will be collected at baseline and final visit. Oral fluid and dried blood spot samples will be collected at each visit. Mucosal and serum anti-StrepA antibody responses will be measured. Outcome This study will report StrepA and SDSE clinical epidemiology, risk factors, transmission dynamics, and serological responses to carriage and infection. Detailed social mixing behaviour will be combined with phylogenetic relatedness to model the extent of transmission occurring withing and between households. The study will provide data to help meet global strategic StrepA research goals.

IntroductionDogs with allergic dermatitis often suffer concurrent skin and ear infections. The objective of this study was to retrospectively quantify the number of systemic and topical antimicrobial transactions in dogs with allergic dermatitis, following administration of oclacitinib or a glucocorticoid, compared to dogs that did not receive a pruritus therapy when there is an initial diagnosis of pyoderma. A secondary objective was to demonstrate that dogs on oclacitinib use fewer antimicrobials and concomitant therapies over time and have improved quality of life.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective case–control study using a large, centralized database to identify canine patients receiving pruritus therapy along with a concurrent diagnosis of pyoderma. For the second objective, 58 client-owned dogs diagnosed with allergic dermatitis were enrolled in a prospective owner and dog quality of life and treatment satisfaction (QoL&TS) study that also evaluated concomitant therapy use over time. In Part A, data consisted of anonymous transaction records from 1,134 hospitals across the United States, representing pyoderma visits between December 2018 and December 2019. Odds ratios comparing the relative odds of having additional antimicrobial agent transactions were calculated, given initial pruritus therapy compared to dogs that did not receive pruritus therapy. Parametric bootstrapping was used to calculate goodness-of-fit statistics. In part B, dogs entered the study on Day 0 and returned for examination on Days 14, 21, 30, and 60. Owner determination of QoL&TS was performed on Days 0, 1, 3, 14, 21, 30, and 60. On Days 0, 14, 21, and 60, a veterinarian assessed concomitant therapies and dermatitis severity scoring. Least Squares Means and Standard Errors for QoL&TS, and Dermatitis Vet VAS (Visual Analog Scale) Scores were calculated using a Linear Mixed Model Approach for Repeated Measures (α = 0.05). The percent reduction in therapies was also calculated.ResultsDogs that received oclacitinib (n = 5,132) or a glucocorticoid (n = 7,024) had reduced odds (OR: 0.8091; p = 0.0002 and OR: 0.7095; p < 0.0001, respectively) of having a follow up antimicrobial drug transaction after initial antimicrobial therapy compared to dogs with no pruritus therapy at the initial visit (n = 12,997). In part B, oclacitinib demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in QoL&TS scores over time QoL (p < 0.05). Veterinarian assessment showed a 70% reduction in dermatitis severity over time (p < 0.05), supporting oclacitinib’s anti-inflammatory effects. Oclacitinib therapy was also associated with an 83% reduction in concomitant treatments, including a 100% reduction in systemic antimicrobial therapy over eight weeks.DiscussionDogs receiving oclacitinib showed no increase in antimicrobial therapy transactions compared to glucocorticoid recipients at the initial pyoderma diagnosis. Having a pruritus therapy at the index pyoderma visit reduced the odds of subsequent antimicrobial transactions. In addition to reducing concomitant therapy usage, oclacitinib improved owner and pet QoL, suggesting a paradigm shift in treatment success that could reshape allergic pruritus therapy recommendations. The study provides empirical evidence of oclacitinib’s reduction in antibacterial therapy, supporting its therapeutic value and antimicrobial stewardship.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arises from a variety of premalignant conditions, including pyoderma. However, an accurate diagnosis of SCC is sometimes challenging due to indistinguishable inflammatory lesions. Here, we present a case of SCC arising from extensive pyoderma, which was successfully diagnosed by taking advantage of thallium‐201 scintigraphy. A 49‐year‐old man presented with an elevated tumor on his right buttock. Computed tomography (CT) and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified the tumor, but many indistinguishable lesions were also found around the tumor. Histopathology revealed an atypical proliferation of keratinocytes with cancer pearls inside the tumor nests, while histopathology of nodules around the tumor revealed inflammatory tissues. Positron emission tomography CT (PET/CT) revealed an accumulation of 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]‐D‐glucose at the axillae and inguinal nodes, and at subcutaneous tissues in addition to the tumor. From the CT, enhanced MRI, and PET/CT analyses it was impossible to differentiate many scattered subcutaneous nodules on the trunk from SCCs. However, thallium‐201 scintigraphy identified only the tumor and found no accumulation in other nodules. This finding suggests that thallium‐201 scintigraphy is useful for the diagnosis of SCC by excluding false‐positive signals detected by other imaging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with purulent-inflammatory diseases (PID), especially those with allergization, manifest chronicity, low treatment efficiency, and the risk of relapses; the above actualizes the search for innovative treatment technologies. The aim of the study: The aim of the study was to specify pharmacological (body-wide) and specific (immunotropic) effects of the immunomodulator galavit additionally prescribed in the context of basic treatment for patients with deep pyoderma, chronic pyelonephritis, adnexitis, purulent infection of soft tissues, complicated by atopic dermatitis. Materials and Methods: The study included 331 patients with PID and 30 healthy volunteers of the same age and gender who were examined prior and following the basic treatment of each nosoform. The diverse clinical and laboratory examination options were applied to investigate 17 clinical, 7 hematological, 16 immunological, 13 metabolic parameters that were grouped into clinical, hematological, immunological and metabolic syndromes, and divided into links - cellular, humoral, phagocytic, cytokine, metabolic and antioxidant. The results were statistically processed using variational parametric and nonparametric techniques; this allowed calculating the coefficient of diagnostic value, diagnostic formulas of disorders and targets of galavit under various conditions. Results and Discussion: Targeted pharmacological therapy with galavit reliably eliminates clinical, hemato-immuno-metabolic disorders in patients with PID, though dependently on the nosoform of the disease. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that the correction of clinical and laboratory disorders depend on PID pathogenesis and allergization; the laboratory mechanism of therapeutic effects was specified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (S. pseudintermedius), found on dogs' skin and mucous membranes, can act as an opportunistic pathogen causing skin, ear, and other tissue infections. Due to the possibility of zoonotic transmission of them, it is necessary to investigate the prevalence of S. pseudintermedius, especially the antimicrobial-resistant strains, in pets. In this study, the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and biofilm formation ability of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) were investigated and compared in 50 healthy dogs and 50 dogs with skin infections. The prevalence of S. pseudintermedius was not significantly different between healthy dogs (40%) and dogs with skin infections (50%). No significant difference was found in the prevalence of MRSP between healthy dogs (12%) and dogs with skin infections (18%). A total of 81.8% of S. pseudintermedius isolates were biofilm producers. The frequencies of antibiotic resistance (except for gentamicin), multidrug resistance (MDR), and biofilm formation ability were not significantly different between S. pseudintermedius isolates of healthy dogs and dogs with skin infections. The frequencies of resistance to penicillin and tetracycline, MDR, and biofilm production abilities were significantly higher among MRSP than methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP). The frequency of oxacillin resistance was significantly higher among weak or moderate biofilm producers than non-biofilm producers. The frequency of resistance to erythromycin was significantly higher among moderate biofilm producers than non-biofilm producers or weak biofilm producers. High frequencies of biofilm-producer S. pseudintermedius isolates and their resistance to antibiotics can affect the success of treatment of infections caused by these strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased antimicrobial resistance highlights the need for alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriophages, which are benign viruses that kill bacteria, are promising. We studied the efficacy of topical bacteriophages for treating equine staphylococcal superficial pyodermas. Eight Staphylococcus aureus isolates were tested against a bacteriophage bank, and a cocktail consisting of two bacteriophages was prepared. Twenty horses with clinical and cytological evidence of superficial pyoderma and confirmed S. aureus infection based on swabbed culture were enrolled in the study. Each horse received both the bacteriophage cocktail and the placebo at two different infection sites, once daily for four weeks. Clinical lesions and cytology were evaluated weekly by an investigator who was unaware of the treatment sites. All infection sites were swabbed and cultured at the end of the study. A linear mixed model showed no significant differences between the placebo and treatment sites in terms of clinical signs, cytological scores of inflammation, and bacterial counts at the end of the study. It is possible that the bacteriophage cocktail killed S. aureus, but cytology scores did not change as new populations of cocci took over. The study limitations included a small sample size and inconsistent control of the underlying causes of pyodermas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic disease, rare but with a poor outcome. The Capitulum of Wound treatment of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) promoted a discussion with the Brazilian societies of Dermatology and Rheumatology to extract the best procedures in diagnostic and treatment. Methods: Broad review of published articles related to the subject and compilation of guidelines of diagnostic and treatment by two advisors of each involved society, plastic surgery, dermatology and rheumatology. Results: The PG is not an exclusion disease anymore, with well defined criteria for its diagnostic and literature based treatment, refined by the authors, including the use of biological therapies. Conclusion: The PG remains challenging, but systematizing the investigation and the use of new drugs has opened a new horizon of treatments, interfering in the pathophysiology in a positive manner with fewer side effects than immunosuppressive therapy alone.