2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

When samples with ≤ 1000 cfu/mL were considered negative, sensitivity and specificity of the immunoassay were 90.9% and 96.6% respectively, with positive and negative predictive values of 76.9% and 98.9%. Given the low prevalence of bacterial cystitis in cats, these data suggest that the immunoassay is a useful screening tool for cats presenting with LUTS. Entercoccus faecium (Efm) was cultured from a commercially available probiotic. Its effect on Tf proliferation was evaluated throughout log phase growth. The potential of Efm to reduce Tf adhesion to the intestinal epithelium was analyzed with a co-culture model using porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Tf and IPEC-J2 were pre-treated with Efm prior to co-culture to evaluate both prophylactic and post-infection treatment with Efm. Tf adhesion and cytotoxicity were evaluated using fluorescent microscopy and crystal violet spectrophotometric analysis. Data were analyzed using SigmaStat.