Antibotic sensitivity profiles underestimate the proportion of relapsing infections in cats with chronic renal failure and urinary tract infections

Abstract

Urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by Escherichia coli are common in cats with stable chronic renal failure (CRF), particularly in females. These infections may be clinically inapparent and recur frequently after treatment. Recurrent UTI may contribute to the progression of feline CRF, or cause other health problems, so these infections merit study. Clinicians commonly use antibiotic sensitivity profiles to distinguish between relapses and reinfections. However, the precision with which antibiograms distinguish feline uropathogenic E. coli clones has not been thoroughly investigated.