Moraxella spp. in dogs and cats with respiratory and urogenital pathologies: bacteriological screening and assessment of zoopathogenic role

УДК 619:616.98:579.842:636.7+636.8
DOI 10.33861/2071-8020-2025-6-25-28

Original Empirical Research

Pimenov N. V., Buzmakova N. A., Smirnova E. A.

Abstract. Members of the genus Moraxella are traditionally known as commensals of mucosal surfaces, yet some species are recognized as opportunistic pathogens. Despite isolated reports of their detection in infectious and inflammatory conditions in companion animals, the contribution of these bacteria to the aetiology and pathogenesis of, in particular, respiratory and urogenital diseases in dogs and cats remains incompletely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Moraxella spp., their species composition and associated microbiota in companion animals with pyelonephritis and respiratory/ENT disorders in the setting of veterinary clinics and kennels. A total of 20 animals (10 dogs and 10 cats) with clinical signs of infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract and/ or urinary tract were examined. Samples collected included urine (cystocentesis, catheterisation, renal pelvic urine), biopsies and aspirates from the middle and inner ear, bronchoalveolar lavage, biopsies of affected tissues and gallbladder contents. Bacteriological culture on standard media with semi-quantitative assessment of growth was performed, followed by indication and identification of Moraxella spp. based on morphological and biochemical characteristics and MALDI-TOF MS, as well as antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Moraxella spp. were detected in 5 out of 20 (25%) cases: in 3 cats (ear aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage, tissue biopsy) and in 2 dogs (middle ear aspirate, gallbladder biopsy). Two species were identified, M. canis and M. osloensis. In all cases of pyelonephritis and urinary tract infection in dogs and cats, Moraxella spp. were not isolated; these conditions were predominantly associated with Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. The morphological and phenotypic characteristics of Moraxella spp. isolates, together with their involvement in polymicrobial associations, suggest that this genus is an important component of associated respiratory, hepatobiliary and ENT infections in companion animals and should be taken into account when developing diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms.

Keywords: dogs, cats, pyelonephritis, urinary tract infections, respiratory diseases, Moraxella canis, Moraxella osloensis, bacteriological culture, antimicrobial susceptibility, polymicrobial infection.

Author affiliation:

Buzmakova Natalya A., assistant of the Department of Immunology and Biotechnology of the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MVA named after K.I. Skryabin; e-mail: nata24.06@mail.ru.

Smirnova Ekaterina A., Ph.D. in Biology, docent of the Department of Immunology and Biotechnology of the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MVA named after K.I. Skryabin.

Responsible for correspondence with the editorial board: Pimenov Nikolay V., D.Sc. in Biology, Professor, Head of the Department of Immunology and Biotechnology of the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MVA named after K.I. Skryabin; e-mail: pimenov-nikolai@yandex.ru.

Authors’ Contribution: the manuscript was written with the input of all authors. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

Conflict of Interest Statement: the authors declare no conflict of interest.