D367 - Streptococcus spp.

Description:

Streptococci are gram-positive nonmotile, facultatively anaerobic cocci that cause localized to widespread pyogenic infections in animals and people. Although a number are pathogenic, many species are commensal microflora of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, skin, as well as the genital and GI tracts. Species differences among streptococci are responsible for the varying host ranges and virulence in cats and dogs. The species Streptococcus pyogenes, primarily found in humans, can sometimes cause pharyngeal colonization in domestic pets after exposure to an infected individual. Infected pets show no clinical illness or tonsillar enlargement, however, these animals may serve as possible reservoirs for reinfection of family members. Streptococcus equi zooepidemicus infection has been reported solely in dogs, although both dogs and cats may carry these organisms as commensal flora. Common clinical signs of infection include weakness, coughing, dyspnea, fever, hematemesis, and red urine. Another streptococcus species involved in canine and feline disease is Streptococcus canis. This species can cause severe infection in kittens. For neonatal kittens, the source of Streptococcus canis is the vagina of the queen. Streptococci can gain entrance via the umbilical vein and can spread by direct extension into the peritoneal cavity. In juvenile kittens, cervical lymphadenitis may follow a subclinical episode or pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Streptococcus canis infection in older cats are often opportunistic and follow wounds, trauma, surgical procedures, viral infections, and immunosuppressive conditions. These infections can result in septicemia and embolic lesions, most often in the lung and heart. In dogs, Streptococcus canis constitutes the major streptococcal type isolated as commensal flora from the skin and mucosa. Streptococcus canis is generally an opportunist pathogen of dogs and is isolated from and array of non-specific infections, including genitourinary tract, wound, mammary gland, and skin.

Diagnosis:

The identification of streptococcal species traditionally relies on the determination of biochemical properties and on serological grouping by use of Lancefield antisera. However, developments in nucleic acid technology such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have resulted in new methods that can be used for the detection of these bacteria. The PCR technique allows the amplification of preselected, species-specific DNA regions, which ensures accurate and specific detection of streptococcal species from a sample. This method surpasses conventional serological and biochemical diagnostic procedures with regards to accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Using this rapid DNA test, veterinarians can conclusively diagnosis streptococcus infection by submitting a small blood sample.

Treatment:

The identification of streptococcal species traditionally relies on the determination of biochemical properties and on serological grouping by use of Lancefield antisera. However, developments in nucleic acid technology such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have resulted in new methods that can be used for the detection of these bacteria. The PCR technique allows the amplification of preselected, species-specific DNA regions, which ensures accurate and specific detection of streptococcal species from a sample. This method surpasses conventional serological and biochemical diagnostic procedures with regards to accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Using this rapid DNA test, veterinarians can conclusively diagnosis streptococcus infection by submitting a small blood sample.

Sample:

1. Whole blood (3 ml) in a lavender (EDTA) top tube for cats and dogs

Special Handling:

Store sample at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

D367