No description available.

The Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus intermedius is regarded as the major cause of canine pyoderma, a common skin infection of dogs. However, despite its clinical importance, the population genetic structure of S. intermedius is poorly understood. The current study examined the population genetic structure of S. intermedius using a multilocus DNA sequencing approach. A collection of 99 isolates phenotypically identified as S. intermedius and originating from a broad array of animal hosts in several different countries was investigated. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the isolates belonged to three distinct species including S. intermedius, staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and Staphylococcus delphini, together referred to as the S. intermedius group (SIG). Importantly, it was discovered that all canine isolates investigated belonged to the S. pseudintermedius phylotype and it was concluded that S. pseudintermedius, not S. intermedius, is the common cause of canine pyoderma. Further, it was revealed that S. delphini is more clinically important than was previously thought. The allelic variation of agrD, which encodes the autoinducing peptide (AIP) of the agr quorum sensing system in staphylococci, was determined for all isolates. Four AIP variants were identified, including three which were present in all three species, suggesting that a common quorum sensing capacity has been conserved despite species differentiation in very different niches. Considerable clonal diversity was revealed within the S. pseudintermedius species, including several methicillin-resistant clones which have evolved by recent acquisition of the mecA gene. Using the sequence diversity identified, a simple diagnostic test was developed based on a PCR-RFLP approach to discriminate S. pseudintermedius from S. intermedius and S. delphini. Having established that S. pseudintermedius is the common canine pyoderma pathogen, this study aimed to investugate key host-pathogen interactions involved in colonisation of its canine host. Bioinformatic analysis of the whole genome sequence of a clinical isolate of S. pseudintermedius (strain ED99) revealed 17 genes encoding predicted LPXTG-containing cell wall-anchored (CWA) surface proteins. A diverse collection of S. pseudintermedius isolates and closely related staphylococcal species was screened for the presence of the genes encodng the novel CWA proteins. The majority of genes were widely distributed among the isolates examined, with nine genes being exclusive to S. pseudintermedius and eight being also present in other members of the SIG. In Gram-positive bacteria, a family of CWA proteins called microbial surgace components recognising adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs)mediates bacterial adherence to extracellular matrix proteins of the host. Three of the 17 predicted novel CWA proteins, designated SpsD, SpsL and SpsO, were selected for further characterisation of their role in host-pathogen interactions and were cloned and expressed on the surface of the surrogate host Lactococcus lactis. Solid phase adherence assays employing host extracellular matrix proteins and canine corneocytes were performed to identify host extracellular matrix proteins and canine corneocytes were performed to identify host receptors for the putative MSCRAMMs. L. lactis expressing SpsD demonstrated binding to fibronectin, fibrinogen and cytokeratin 10, SpsL mediated binding of L. lactis to fibronectin and canine fibrrinogen, and SpsD and SpsO both mediated L. lactis adherence to canine corneocytes. Additionally, a cell culture assay using a commercially available canine epidermal cell line was developed and the adherence of S. pseudintermedius ED99 and the L. lactis constructs to the cell line was tested. S. pseudintermedius ED99, but none of the MSCRAMM-expressing L. lactis strains, adhered to the canine epidermal cells in vitro, suggesting that receptors for S. pseudintermedius adherence which are present in ex vivo corneocytes are not present in undifferentiated canine epidermal cell line preparations. Take together, the present study provides broad new insights into the classification and evolution of the SIG, and the molecular interaction of S. pseudintermedius with its canine host.

No description available.

A piodermite bacteriana afeta cães de todas as idades, podendo ser recorrente por toda a vida. O principal agente etiológico é o Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, que é um micro-organismo saprófita da pele, agindo como oportunista frente a alguma fragilidade na barreira imunológica. A imunização dos cães através de uma vacina eficaz tem sido um desafio, pois a vacina comercial atualmente utilizada em clínicas veterinárias é de uso terapêutico e não tem caráter preventivo. Um dos problemas da vacina de uso terapêutico para piodermite é a dependência de um bom diagnóstico diferencial em relação a outras doenças de pele ou sistêmicas que tem como sequelas a erupção cutânea. Os animais que recebem a vacina terapêutica e não a preventiva são os que já apresentam problemas de pele reincidentes e são tratados concomitantemente com antibióticos. O objetivo do presente trabalho é desenvolver um antígeno vacinal com possibilidade de aplicação por via intradérmica de modo a tratar preventivamente a piodermite canina causada por Staphylococcus spp:. A via de administração intradérmica tem como finalidade estimular uma resposta imune sistêmica, principalmente por ativação das células dendríticas da derme, de modo a estimular estas células apresentadoras de antígeno no local onde ocorrem as infecções piodérmicas. Os resultados apresentados neste trabalho demonstraram que a inoculação intradérmica foram estatisticamente igual, quando comparada com a inoculação intraperitoneal, no que se refere à inibição por anticorpos: da atividade hemolítica, da atividade da catalase, da atividade da coagulase e da atividade citotóxica, bem como na reação antígeno-anticorpo determinado por ensaio imunoenzimático. Este trabalho também demonstra que a melhor formulação do antígeno estafilocóccico foi preparado a partir de sobrenadante de cultura diafiltrado por filtração tangencial com \"cut off\" de 5.000 Da. Outras preparações utilizando somente células bacterianas ou associação de sobrenadante com células bacterianas, apesar de produzirem antigenicidade, apresentaram títulos inferiores do que quando empregado somente sobrenadante de cultura diafiltrado. / The bacterial pyoderma affects dogs of all ages and can be recurrent for a lifetime. The main etiologic agent is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which is a saprophytic organism of the skin, acting as an opportunistic opposite to some weakness in the immune barrier. The immunization of dogs through an effective vaccine has been a challenge, since currently it has been used commercially in veterinary clinics is therapeutic and has a preventive character. One of the problems of the therapeutic use of the vaccine for pyoderma is dependent on a good differential diagnosis in relation to other skin diseases or systemic consequences which is the rash, so treatment often does not reach its goal. Animals receiving this vaccine are those who already have skin problems again and are receiving concomitant antibiotics. The objective of this study is to develop a vaccine antigen with the possibility of implementing a preventive treatment for canine pyoderma caused by Staphylococcus spp: through pre-clinical studies, for use in young and adults, preferably before they develop any type of skin disorder primary or secondary. The administration route is intradermal, stimulating an immune response primarily by dendritic cells to become a barrier to microorganisms, as well as systemic, by the production of antibodies, to last for at least one year until needed in the body booster vaccination. The results presented here demonstrated that the intradermal inoculation was statistically equivalent when compared to intraperitoneal inoculation with regard to inhibition by antibody: of the hemolytic activity, catalase activity, the coagulase activity and cytotoxic activity, as well as antigen-antibody reaction determined by enzyme immunoassay. This work also demonstrates that the best estafilococcico antigen formulation was prepared from the culture supernatant diafiltered by tangential filtration with \"cut off\" of 5,000 Da. Other preparations using only the bacterial cells or the association of supernatant with bacterial cells, although producing antigenicity, showed lower titles than when used dialyzed culture supernatant alone.

A piodermite bacteriana afeta cães de todas as idades, podendo ser recorrente por toda a vida. O principal agente etiológico é o Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, que é um micro-organismo saprófita da pele, agindo como oportunista frente a alguma fragilidade na barreira imunológica. A imunização dos cães através de uma vacina eficaz tem sido um desafio, pois a vacina comercial atualmente utilizada em clínicas veterinárias é de uso terapêutico e não tem caráter preventivo. Um dos problemas da vacina de uso terapêutico para piodermite é a dependência de um bom diagnóstico diferencial em relação a outras doenças de pele ou sistêmicas que tem como sequelas a erupção cutânea. Os animais que recebem a vacina terapêutica e não a preventiva são os que já apresentam problemas de pele reincidentes e são tratados concomitantemente com antibióticos. O objetivo do presente trabalho é desenvolver um antígeno vacinal com possibilidade de aplicação por via intradérmica de modo a tratar preventivamente a piodermite canina causada por Staphylococcus spp:. A via de administração intradérmica tem como finalidade estimular uma resposta imune sistêmica, principalmente por ativação das células dendríticas da derme, de modo a estimular estas células apresentadoras de antígeno no local onde ocorrem as infecções piodérmicas. Os resultados apresentados neste trabalho demonstraram que a inoculação intradérmica foram estatisticamente igual, quando comparada com a inoculação intraperitoneal, no que se refere à inibição por anticorpos: da atividade hemolítica, da atividade da catalase, da atividade da coagulase e da atividade citotóxica, bem como na reação antígeno-anticorpo determinado por ensaio imunoenzimático. Este trabalho também demonstra que a melhor formulação do antígeno estafilocóccico foi preparado a partir de sobrenadante de cultura diafiltrado por filtração tangencial com \"cut off\" de 5.000 Da. Outras preparações utilizando somente células bacterianas ou associação de sobrenadante com células bacterianas, apesar de produzirem antigenicidade, apresentaram títulos inferiores do que quando empregado somente sobrenadante de cultura diafiltrado. / The bacterial pyoderma affects dogs of all ages and can be recurrent for a lifetime. The main etiologic agent is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which is a saprophytic organism of the skin, acting as an opportunistic opposite to some weakness in the immune barrier. The immunization of dogs through an effective vaccine has been a challenge, since currently it has been used commercially in veterinary clinics is therapeutic and has a preventive character. One of the problems of the therapeutic use of the vaccine for pyoderma is dependent on a good differential diagnosis in relation to other skin diseases or systemic consequences which is the rash, so treatment often does not reach its goal. Animals receiving this vaccine are those who already have skin problems again and are receiving concomitant antibiotics. The objective of this study is to develop a vaccine antigen with the possibility of implementing a preventive treatment for canine pyoderma caused by Staphylococcus spp: through pre-clinical studies, for use in young and adults, preferably before they develop any type of skin disorder primary or secondary. The administration route is intradermal, stimulating an immune response primarily by dendritic cells to become a barrier to microorganisms, as well as systemic, by the production of antibodies, to last for at least one year until needed in the body booster vaccination. The results presented here demonstrated that the intradermal inoculation was statistically equivalent when compared to intraperitoneal inoculation with regard to inhibition by antibody: of the hemolytic activity, catalase activity, the coagulase activity and cytotoxic activity, as well as antigen-antibody reaction determined by enzyme immunoassay. This work also demonstrates that the best estafilococcico antigen formulation was prepared from the culture supernatant diafiltered by tangential filtration with \"cut off\" of 5,000 Da. Other preparations using only the bacterial cells or the association of supernatant with bacterial cells, although producing antigenicity, showed lower titles than when used dialyzed culture supernatant alone.

Successful treatment of canine pyoderma has become increasingly difficult due to the development of antimicrobial resistance and recurrence of infection. The development and spread of antimicrobial resistance has major implications because treatment failures have been associated with increased mortality, morbidity and costs related to disease. All canine skin samples submitted to Vetdiagnostix Veterinary Pathology Services for microbiological culture and sensitivity between January 2007 and June 2010, from which Staphylococcus intermedius was isolated, were selected for this investigation. A total of 319 samples from dogs of various ages, sexes and breeds from various locations throughout South Africa were obtained. In addition to the antimicrobial susceptibility data, data relating to dog signalment (age, gender, breed), case history and any other aspects of the history provided e.g. diagnosis, sample type and geographical location of the patient were collected. The number of skin samples yielding Staphylococcus intermedius was high in dogs up to the age of 6 years and, then decreased with only a few cases in dogs aged 11 years or older. The distribution of samples collected in 2010 was unusual in that there were two peaks, one in dogs two years old or less and one in 6 to 9-year-old dogs. With the exception of skin samples taken in 2008, a high percentage of dogs were under the age of one year old. 2008 had a lower percentage of affected dogs less than one year of age compared to the other years. Staphylococcal pyoderma is more common in dogs below the age of five years. Dogs above this age are less likely to contract this condition. The genders tended to be equally distributed throughout the years, with almost equal proportions of affected males and females present. The Bull Terrier types and Shepherd types were grouped separately as they were over-represented and are known to be prone to pyoderma. Large short haired dogs were consistently worse affected throughout the years sampled, followed by the Bull Terrier types. In 2010, small short haired breeds were worse affected compared to the numbers between 2007 and 2009. The monthly distribution, with the exception of 2009, tended to be consistent throughout the years. The unusual temporal distribution in 2009 could be associated with a general distribution in the number of samples compared to the other years sampled. Samples tended to be mainly from practices located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. This is most likely due to the fact that the laboratory is located in this province, with a courier network that arranges collection from these practices. Practices in other regions send their samples to the laboratory via private courier companies and the South African Post Office. Antimicrobial resistance of S. intermedius was greatest to ampicillin followed by tetracycline and then potentiated sulphonamides. The results also showed that, in general, antimicrobial resistance was low. Very few methicillin resistant isolates were detected. Temporal trends were not noted, with the exception of ampicillin where isolates became more susceptible and potentiated sulphonamides (co-trimoxazole) where isolates were becoming more resistant. Staphylococcus intermedius is significantly less resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, cephalexin, oxacillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin and gentamicin, with most strains being susceptible to these drugs. Resistance to penicillin and tetracycline is frequently found in Staphylococcus intermedius and is on the increase. Resistance to most other antimicrobials, particularly newer generation antimicrobial agents such as the fluoroquinolones, is still comparatively low. In general, both the Kirby-Bauer and broth dilution MIC tests yielded similar results for the antimicrobial agents tested. The main difference between the two tests was evident in the over-estimation of resistance by the Kirby-Bauer test in the cases of ampicillin, co-trimoxazole, penicillin and doxycycline. This could be related to the instability of these particular drugs in vitro. Inoculum densities may also have played a role, with denser inocula producing smaller zone sizes for the drugs tested. Using the MIC method, all of the isolates tested were found to be completely sensitive to ticarcillin, oxacillin, amoxicillinclavulanic acid, imipenem, ceftiofur, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, gentamicin, amikacin and co-trimoxazole. Of the isolates tested using the MIC method, between 2-40% showed some level of resistance to the following antimicrobials: erythromycin, penicillin, ampicillin, enrofloxacin, clindamycin and marbofloxacin. The highest level of resistance observed was shown to erythromycin. The increase in resistance to the lincosamides, lincomycin, clindamycin and erythromycin may be attributed to the increased use of these drugs in the last decade. Knowledge of trends in bacterial resistance is important for veterinarians when determining treatment for canine skin infections. The information obtained from the analysis of the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus intermedius isolated from canine pyoderma cases will provide veterinarians with valuable information on choosing the most appropriate drug to treat S. intermedius skin infections as well as re-enforcing the need for the prudent use of antimicrobial drugs in companion animals. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

Objective: Rare disease Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare, ulcerative cutaneous condition that was first described by Brocq in 1916. This diagnosis is quite challenging as the histopathological findings are nonspecific. Pyoderma gangrenosum is usually associated with inflammatory bowel disease, leukemia, and hepatitis C. We describe a rare clinical case of a patient with hepatitis C (HCV), mixed cryoglubinemia, and pyoderma gangrenosum, which was successfully treated with prednisone in combination with the new antiviral medication ledipasvir/sofosbuvir. Case Report: A 68-year-old male with a history of untreated HCV presented to the clinic with a left lower extremity ulcer that had progressively worsened over 4 days after the patient sustained a minor trauma to the left lower extremity. Examination revealed a 2×3 cm purulent ulcer with an erythematous rim on medial aspect of his left lower leg. HCV viral load and genotype analysis revealed genotype 1A with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showing viral counts of 9,506,048 and cryoglobulinemia. With a worsening and enlarging erythematous ulcer and failure of IV antibiotic therapy, the patient underwent skin biopsy, which showed acanthotic epidermis with superficial and deep perivascular lymphoplasmacytic dermatitis admixed with mild neutrophilic infiltrate. The patient was subsequently started on ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and prednisone with a high suspicion of pyoderma gangrenosum. At one-month follow-up at the hepatology clinic, the patient demonstrated a near resolution of the lower extremity ulcer with undetectable viral load. Conclusions: Pyoderma gangrenosum is an inflammatory process of unknown etiology, and establishing the correct diagnosis can be a difficult task. For this reason it is prudent for clinicians to consider Pyoderma gangrenosum in their differential diagnosis, especially in the setting of a nonhealing surgical wound or skin infection.

As piodermites, superficiais ou profundas, representam uma das dermatopatias caninas mais comuns no cotidiano da clínica dermatológica de cães. Dentre as classificadas como superficiais, destacam-se a foliculite bacteriana e a piodermite esfoliativa ou superficial disseminada, que representam a grande maioria dos casos. Em alguns cães, as piodermites superficiais são idiopáticas, apresentam evolução crônica e caráter recidivante. A despeito de criteriosa investigação acerca de sua possível etiologia, por vezes, não se consegue evidenciar a causa para a instalação e recorrência do quadro mórbido. Tais animais apresentam frequentes recidivas, em variáveis períodos de tempo, após o término da terapia antibiótica. Para estes caninos, na bibliografia médico-veterinária há recomendação de emprego das controvertidas imunoterapia ou de antibioticoterapia sob a forma de pulsos. Portanto, objetivou-se na casuística do Serviço de Dermatologia do Hospital Veterinário da USP, determinar as principais espécies bacterianas envolvidas, a susceptibilidade destas frente a diferentes antimicrobianos, bactericidas ou bacteriostáticos, assim como, comparar a eficácia e a segurança de três distintos protocolos terapêuticos no manejo a longo prazo, de piodermites superficiais recidivantes idiopáticas. Utilizaram-se 23 animais, de quaisquer dos sexos, de distintas raças e faixas etárias. A amostragem foi aleatoriamente disposta em três grupos de experimentação (GI, GII, G III), respectivamente submetidos à imunoterapia com bacterina comercial (Estafilin®) e às pulsoterapias de \"finais de semana\" ou em \"semanas alternadas\", empregando-se cefalexina \"per os\". O principal patógeno, em 67,6 % da totalidade de isolamentos bacterianos, foi Staphylococcus intermedius. Evidenciou-se (32,4 %), ainda, as espécies S. hyicus, S. schleiferi subespécie coagulans, S. warneri e Micrococcus sp. Segundo os antibiogramas, os fármacos mais efetivos in vitro foram a amoxicilina associada ao clavulanato de potássio, a cefalexina e o ceftiofur. Verificou-se resposta plena em percentis de, respectivamente, 50,0 %, 33,3 % e 28,6 % nos Grupos II, III e I; destarte, ao se agrupar as respostas plena e moderada evidenciaram-se valores relativos de, respectivamente, 83,3 %, 50,0 % e 42,9 %. À luz da estatística (Teste do Qui Quadrado), não se observaram quaisquer diferenças estatisticamente significativas (p > 0,05) entre os percentuais de resposta aos três protocolos empregados. Todos eles mostraram-se seguros, sem acarretar efeitos adversos farmacodérmicos. / Superficial and deep pyodermas are common canine skin disorders in the small animal dermatology practice. Among the superficial form, the bacterial folliculitis and superficial spreading pyoderma represent the great majority of cases. Some dogs are affected by idiopathic, chronic and recurrent type of superficial pyoderma. Despite a rigorous search for possible reasons for its etiology, sometimes it is not possible to determine an underlying cause for the disease recurrence. At variable time periods, these dogs show frequent recurrent episodes, after the interruption of antibiotic therapy. For these patients, the veterinary medicine literature recommends the use of the controversial immune therapy or antibiotic pulse therapy. Thus, using the University of Sao Paulo / Dermatology Service\'s casuistry the present study aimed to determine the major bacterial species responsible for pyodermas, their susceptibility to several bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics as well as compare the efficacy and safety of three different therapeutics protocols for the long term management of idiopathic recurrent superficial pyoderma. A total of 23 male and female, purebred dogs from different ages were randomly allocated in three distinct experimental groups (G I, G II and G III), respectively treated with bacterin immune therapy, \"weekend\" antibiotic pulse therapy and \"week on - week off\" antibiotic pulse therapy, receiving cephalexin PO. S. intermedius was identified from 67,6 % of the totality of bacterial isolates and the remaining 32,4 % was composed of S. hyicus, S. schleiferi subspecie coagulans, S. warneri and Micrococcus sp. According to the antimicrobial susceptibility results the more effective drugs were amoxicillin plus potassium clavulanate, cephalexin and ceftioufur. In percentage values a full response of 50,0 %, 33,3 % and 28,6 % was achieved in Groups I, II and III, respectively. On the other hand, when the comparison was made considering full and moderate together the values were 83,3 %, 50,0 % and 42,9 % for Groups I, II and III, respectively. Through a statistical analysis (Qui score test) no significant difference (p > 0,05) among the response to treatment percentage values was observed for the three groups. All treatments were secure and no drug eruption side effects were observed.

O pênfigo foliáceo inclui-se em um grupo de dermatoses autoimunes vésico-bolhosas da pele e mucosas reconhecido em alguns mamíferos, incluíndo os cães. Muitos autores acreditam que o pênfigo foliáceo (PF) é a dermatopatia autoimune mais frequentemente observada em caninos. Muitas podem ser as enfermidades caninas que devem ser incluídas no diagnóstico diferencial do pênfigo foliáceo, principalmente, a piodermite superficial (PS). A Proteína C Reativa (PCr) é conhecida como a principal proteína de fase aguda em cães. Nesses espécimes, a elevação da PCr tem sido observada em ampla variedade de condições mórbidas. A determinação da PCr tem sido proposta como um marcador inflamatório de algumas doenças autoimunes. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se a Proteína C Reativa pode ser utilizada como um marcador biológico precoce para diferenciar o pênfigo foliáceo da piodermite superficial em cães. Esta pesquisa constituiu um estudo clínico observacional prospectivo longitudinal, realizada em cães acometidos pelo PF ou PS. Foram incluídos 59 cães divididos em três Grupos I (Controle) com 31 animais, II (PF) e III (PS), cada um constituído por 14 cães. Submeteram-se, respectivamente, fragmentos cutâneos e soros de caninos, acometidos por PF ou PS, a exames histopatologicos e imunofluorescência direta (IFD) e à determinação de PCr e, também, a imunofluorescência indireta (IFI), utilizando-se para essa última coxins palmo-plantares a título de substrato. O grau de acometimento dos pacientes penfigosos (Grupo II) foi avaliado pelo PEFESI, durante período de até 90 dias, em diferentes momentos em que se realizou a IFI e a avaliação da PCr. Comparando-se os valores de IFD com aqueles da histopatologia obtiveram-se valores geral de concordância de 75% (9/12) e Índice Kappa de 0,77 (p<0,001) e, também, concordância dita substancial entre os dois métodos. Já, na IFI o valor de concordância foi de 100% (14/14), o de Kappa de 1,0 (p<0,001), com concordância considerada perfeita entre a IFI e a histopatologia. O Grupo II apresentou maior valor de mediana de PCr (37,4&micro;g/mL) quando comparado aos Grupos I, com 2,9 &micro;g/mL (p<0,0001) e III, com 3,8 &micro;g/mL (p=0,008). Não houve diferença entre os Grupos I e III (p=0,178). Considerando-se como ponto de corte um valor de PCr > 10,6&micro;g/mL, a chance de um animal estar acometido pelo PF é 5,5 vezes maior àquela de um cão não afetado, o que equivale a uma probabilidade pós-teste de 84,6%, conferindo um acréscimo de 34,6% na capacidade de diagnóstico do PF. Conclui-se que determinação de PCr é de inequívoca valia para o estabelecimento de diferenciação diagnóstica entre a casuística da contumaz piodermite superficial com quadros do pênfigo foliáceo canino / Pemphigus is included in a group of skin and mucous autoimmune vesicobullous dermatoses recognized in some mammals, including dogs. Many authors believe that pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is the autoimmune skin disease most often observed in dogs. Many must be the canine diseases considered in the pemphigus foliaceus differential diagnosis, especially the superficial pyoderma (SP). The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is known as a major acute phase protein in dogs. The CRP increase has been observed in a wide variety of morbid conditions in dogs. The determination of CRP has been proposed as an inflammatory marker of some autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to determine whether C-Reactive Protein can be used as an early biomarker to differentiate pemphigus foliaceus of superficial pyoderma in dogs. An observational prospective longitudinal clinical study was undertaken including dogs affected by PF or PS. Fifth nine dogs were divided into three groups: Group I (Control) with 31 animals and II (PF) and III (SP), consisting of 14 dogs each. Dogs affected by PF or SP had skin fragments submitted to histopathological examination and direct immunofluorescent reaction (DIF). The blood sera were used to determine the CRP concentration, and also to perform the indirect imunofluorescent reaction (IIF) using canine footpad as substrate. The pemphigus patients (Group II) clinical involvement degree was evaluated by PEFESI, over a period of 90 days, moments in which IFI and evaluation of CRP took place. Comparing the DIF values with the histopathology there was an agreement of 75% (9/12) with a Kappa index of 0.77 (p <0.001) which means a degree of substantial arrangement between the two methods. Considering IIF, the agreement value was 100% (14/14) with Kappa index of 1.0 (p<0.001), showing perfect arrangement between the IIF and the histopathology. Group II showed higher CRP median (37.4 mg / mL) compared to Groups I, with 2.9 mg / mL (p <0.0001) and III with 3.8 mg / mL (p = 0.008 ). There was no statistic difference between groups I and III (p = 0.178). Considering CRP> 10,6&micro;g / mL as a cutoff value, the chance of an animal having PF is 5.5 times higher than not to be, which is equivalent to a post-test probability of 84,6%, giving a 34.6% increase in the PF diagnostic capability. It concludes that determination of CRP is unequivocal asset for the establishment of diagnostic differentiation between the common superficial pyoderma to canine pemphigus foliaceus

O pênfigo foliáceo inclui-se em um grupo de dermatoses autoimunes vésico-bolhosas da pele e mucosas reconhecido em alguns mamíferos, incluíndo os cães. Muitos autores acreditam que o pênfigo foliáceo (PF) é a dermatopatia autoimune mais frequentemente observada em caninos. Muitas podem ser as enfermidades caninas que devem ser incluídas no diagnóstico diferencial do pênfigo foliáceo, principalmente, a piodermite superficial (PS). A Proteína C Reativa (PCr) é conhecida como a principal proteína de fase aguda em cães. Nesses espécimes, a elevação da PCr tem sido observada em ampla variedade de condições mórbidas. A determinação da PCr tem sido proposta como um marcador inflamatório de algumas doenças autoimunes. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se a Proteína C Reativa pode ser utilizada como um marcador biológico precoce para diferenciar o pênfigo foliáceo da piodermite superficial em cães. Esta pesquisa constituiu um estudo clínico observacional prospectivo longitudinal, realizada em cães acometidos pelo PF ou PS. Foram incluídos 59 cães divididos em três Grupos I (Controle) com 31 animais, II (PF) e III (PS), cada um constituído por 14 cães. Submeteram-se, respectivamente, fragmentos cutâneos e soros de caninos, acometidos por PF ou PS, a exames histopatologicos e imunofluorescência direta (IFD) e à determinação de PCr e, também, a imunofluorescência indireta (IFI), utilizando-se para essa última coxins palmo-plantares a título de substrato. O grau de acometimento dos pacientes penfigosos (Grupo II) foi avaliado pelo PEFESI, durante período de até 90 dias, em diferentes momentos em que se realizou a IFI e a avaliação da PCr. Comparando-se os valores de IFD com aqueles da histopatologia obtiveram-se valores geral de concordância de 75% (9/12) e Índice Kappa de 0,77 (p<0,001) e, também, concordância dita substancial entre os dois métodos. Já, na IFI o valor de concordância foi de 100% (14/14), o de Kappa de 1,0 (p<0,001), com concordância considerada perfeita entre a IFI e a histopatologia. O Grupo II apresentou maior valor de mediana de PCr (37,4&micro;g/mL) quando comparado aos Grupos I, com 2,9 &micro;g/mL (p<0,0001) e III, com 3,8 &micro;g/mL (p=0,008). Não houve diferença entre os Grupos I e III (p=0,178). Considerando-se como ponto de corte um valor de PCr > 10,6&micro;g/mL, a chance de um animal estar acometido pelo PF é 5,5 vezes maior àquela de um cão não afetado, o que equivale a uma probabilidade pós-teste de 84,6%, conferindo um acréscimo de 34,6% na capacidade de diagnóstico do PF. Conclui-se que determinação de PCr é de inequívoca valia para o estabelecimento de diferenciação diagnóstica entre a casuística da contumaz piodermite superficial com quadros do pênfigo foliáceo canino / Pemphigus is included in a group of skin and mucous autoimmune vesicobullous dermatoses recognized in some mammals, including dogs. Many authors believe that pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is the autoimmune skin disease most often observed in dogs. Many must be the canine diseases considered in the pemphigus foliaceus differential diagnosis, especially the superficial pyoderma (SP). The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is known as a major acute phase protein in dogs. The CRP increase has been observed in a wide variety of morbid conditions in dogs. The determination of CRP has been proposed as an inflammatory marker of some autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to determine whether C-Reactive Protein can be used as an early biomarker to differentiate pemphigus foliaceus of superficial pyoderma in dogs. An observational prospective longitudinal clinical study was undertaken including dogs affected by PF or PS. Fifth nine dogs were divided into three groups: Group I (Control) with 31 animals and II (PF) and III (SP), consisting of 14 dogs each. Dogs affected by PF or SP had skin fragments submitted to histopathological examination and direct immunofluorescent reaction (DIF). The blood sera were used to determine the CRP concentration, and also to perform the indirect imunofluorescent reaction (IIF) using canine footpad as substrate. The pemphigus patients (Group II) clinical involvement degree was evaluated by PEFESI, over a period of 90 days, moments in which IFI and evaluation of CRP took place. Comparing the DIF values with the histopathology there was an agreement of 75% (9/12) with a Kappa index of 0.77 (p <0.001) which means a degree of substantial arrangement between the two methods. Considering IIF, the agreement value was 100% (14/14) with Kappa index of 1.0 (p<0.001), showing perfect arrangement between the IIF and the histopathology. Group II showed higher CRP median (37.4 mg / mL) compared to Groups I, with 2.9 mg / mL (p <0.0001) and III with 3.8 mg / mL (p = 0.008 ). There was no statistic difference between groups I and III (p = 0.178). Considering CRP> 10,6&micro;g / mL as a cutoff value, the chance of an animal having PF is 5.5 times higher than not to be, which is equivalent to a post-test probability of 84,6%, giving a 34.6% increase in the PF diagnostic capability. It concludes that determination of CRP is unequivocal asset for the establishment of diagnostic differentiation between the common superficial pyoderma to canine pemphigus foliaceus