Background: Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) are an emerging global problem with serious public health concern.Aims: This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal Staphylococcus species isolated from healthy and clinical cats and dogs.Methods: Nasal swab samples were collected from animals and processed using selective and semi-selective mediums. Presumptive isolates were subjected to biochemical testing and analyzed using the Phoenix automated identification and susceptibility testing system. PCRs protocols were used to screen for mecA and pvl genes.Results: In total, 151 pets (103 cats and 48 dogs) were enrolled, of which 14 dogs (29%) and 24 cats (23%) were colonized with various Staphylococcus species mainly originated from healthy animals. A total of 38 staphylococci isolates were collected and distributed between 24 coagulase-negative and 14 coagulase-positive staphylococci. Only 13 staphylococci strains were identified as MRS, out of which only five isolates expressed that the mecA gene exclusively originated from healthy pets.Conclusion: This is the first study reporting the prevalence and colonization status of staphylococci species and MRS strains isolated from cats and dogs in Libya. The study reports important information of medical and clinical importance on antimicrobial and multidrug resistance of different staphylococci strains, particularly the coagulase negative species.

In this study, antibacterial, antioxidant and phenolic compounds of raisin extracts was evaluated. Different solvent extraction methods were utilized to extract phenolic compounds from raisin. The phenolic compounds of raisin extracts was determined using HPLC and three compounds were found, catechin, quercetin and rutin. The antibacterial activity of the acetonic extract was tested against four bacterial pathogens viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli using both disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. The acetonic extract exhibited the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus with zone of inhibition of 14mm and the MIC of 25 mg/ml. However, there was a little activity against E. coli and S. typhimurium. The methanolic extract showed good antioxidant activity as indicated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical assay (DPPH). In conclusion, raisin contains potent phenolic compounds and their application might function as promising natural preservative and antimicrobial agents in food industry and also good antioxidant food that helps to minimize the risk of degenerative diseases.

Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is frequently reported in dogs and is responsible for high morbidity rates and economic losses. Three clinical cases were presented at the clinic of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tripoli. One male and two female German shepherds were diagnosed with CTVT based on case history and tumor shape. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. The dogs were treated with vincristine intravenously at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg and recovered fully within 4 weeks. All three dogs remained alive with no evidence of recurrence. These first cases of CTVT reported from Libya show the importance of combining case history, clinical examination and laboratory confirmation to arrive at a definitive diagnosis and implement effective therapy.

The present study investigated the colonization rates and antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus species isolated from the nostrils of healthy horses. A nonselective laboratory approach was applied, followed by confirmation using a Phoenix automated microbiological system. Among the 92 horses included in the study, 48.9% ( 45/92) carried Staphylococcus species of mostly the coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) type yielding 70 Staphylococcus strains. Of these strains, 37.1% (26/70; 24 CoNS and 2 coagulasepositive staphylococci; CoPS) were identified as methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) expressing significant resistance to important antimicrobial classes represented mainly by subspecies of CoNS. This is the first study reporting a high prevalence of various Staphylococcus species, particularly strains of CoNS expressing multidrug resistance patterns of public health concern, colonizing healthy horses in Libya.

Background: Feline otitis externa is a dermatological disorder with a multifactorial complex etiology.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of different etiological agents, particularly the parasitic and bacterial, responsible for the cases of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya, and to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacterial isolates from those cases.Methods: Cerumen and otic discharges of the suspected cats were collected for parasite detection and bacterial culture. Kirby–Bauer’s disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing.Results: The results showed that otodectic mites and bacterial causes were equally the most prevalent in those cases, with a prevalence of 47.1% each. Otodectes cynotis infestation was more frequently bilateral and severe. Staphylococcus spp. were the most prevalent among bacterial causes (75%), followed by Proteus spp. (16.6%) and Pseudomonas spp. (8.4%). Norfloxacin and gentamicin were the most effective antimicrobials against bacterial isolates, as they were effective against 83.3% and 70.8% of isolates, respectively.Conclusion: Otodectes cynotis infestation and staphylococcal infections constituted the most common etiology of feline otitis externa in Tripoli, Libya, and norfloxacin represented a cogent antibacterial for the treatment of otitis externa.

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<p>Recording and analysis of data are key elements to understand <br /> the epidemiology of various infectious and zoonotic diseases such as enteric pathogens and conditions. In this study, the clinical records of Alhelal Alazraq veterinary clinic in Tripoli were investigated for enteric diseases and illnesses in cats and dogs during the period of 2010–2015. The diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines within the Libyan veterinary system were also assessed and discussed based on the retrieved information and records. <br /> A total of 859 cases representing 528 (61%) from cats and 331 (39%) from dogs were retrieved and analysed using descriptive analysis. The cases were originated from five major areas from the center of Tripoli <br /> and the surrounding areas. Of these, 835/859 (97%) cases adopted antimicrobial based therapies and administered various antibiotic classes mainly and respectively using penicillin (652; 78%) and <br /> trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (229; 27%). The current study is the first retrospective investigation that analysed clinical and medical information from a major veterinary clinic in Libya. Diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines in the veterinary settings in Libya should be carefully reviewed and addressed. Retrospective studies and research programmes that monitor and investigate the occurrences of zoonotic and emerging pathogens particularly in relation to antimicrobial resistance are warranted in the Libyan health and medical systems</p>