^{Gram-negative bacilli}

 

Knowledge of the bacterial species present when dealing with an infectious condition will be very helpful in selecting an appropriate antimicrobial and therefore culture and sensitivity testing is often indicated. If this information is not available, a combination of cytology and a knowledge of which pathogens are likely for a given situation may help in selecting an appropriate antimicrobial. Cytology will allow classification of the bacteria present by Gram-staining and morphology, which will narrow down the possible species. Knowledge of the site of infection may suggest whether bacteria are likely to be aerobic or anaerobic, for example cases of pyothorax and abscesses are likely to involve obligate and facultative anaerobes.³

 

Type of organism

Gram-negative

 

Possible bacterial pathogens⁴

Bacilli:

Escherichia coli (facultative anaerobe)

Enterobacter spp. (facultative anaerobe)

Klebsiella spp. (facultative anaerobe)

Salmonella spp. (facultative anaerobe)

Proteus mirabilis (facultative anaerobe)

Bordetella bronchiseptica (coccobacilli)

Pasteurella multocida (stain as coccobacilli with Giemsa)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Brucella spp. (intracellular)

Campylobacter spp. (can be spirals, most are microaerophilic but some prefer anaerobic conditions)

Rickettsia spp. (intracellular)

 

Useful antimicrobials^5,6

Amoxicillin and ampicillin but not for those that produce beta-lactamase. Certain Gram-negatives are often resistant e.g. Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas spp.

Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid but certain Gram-negatives are often resistant

Cephalexin but Pseudomonas spp. are usually resistant

Erythromycin but Enterobacteriaceae are usually resistant

Tetracyclines

Fluoroquinolones*

Gentamicin but not for anaerobes

Trimethoprim/Sulphonamide

 

 

Key: Aerobic Anaerobic

*Most veterinary fluoroquinolones are not effective against anaerobes.