The importance of Gram positive bacteria as the cause of canine pyometra

Abstract

E. coli is the main bacteria isolated from infected uterus and bacterial endotoxin can lead to fatal endotoxic shock. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) precedes the endotoxic shock. Thus, early recognition of SIRS is important for patient treatment and prognostic. In Brazil, Gram positive bacteria are responsible for approximately 20% of all pyometra cases, and there is limited information about pathophysiology of shock and tissue injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the capacity of Gram positive bacteria to cause SIRS in bitches with pyometra. A prospective follow-up of 67 bitches with pyometra was performed, which were classified as SIRS + and SIRS- on admission. All bitches were surgically treated (ovariohysterectomy), uterine contents were collected in a sterile manner and the material was submitted to microbiological evaluation. Were identified in 55.2% of bitches E. coli (G1), 23.9% other Gram negative bacteria (G2) and 20.9% Gram positive bacteria (G3). The leukocyte profile, serum biochemistry and prevalence of SIRS were similar between the groups. It is concluded that Gram positive bacteria have the capacity to promote tissue damage and can lead the patient to death after SIRS and shock, as well as by E. coli and other Gram negative.