Detection of bacteriuria and bacteremia in newborn calves by a catalase-based urine test.

BACKGROUND

Bacteremia occurs frequently in newborn calves. The predictive value of clinical signs is low, suggesting the use of calf-side diagnostic tests.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate testing of urine catalase activity (Uriscreen test) for bacteriuria and bacteremia detection.

ANIMALS

Five colostrum-free calves and 3 colostrum-fed control calves.

METHODS

Controlled experimental trial. Colostrum-free calves were inoculated PO with Escherichia coli O78+. A clinical score was established to define the onset of the illness. Blood and urine (cystocentesis) samplings and cultures, and Uriscreen tests, were performed 4-6 times from inoculation to death. Three control calves received the same management as 3 inoculated calves, but with colostrum and without inoculation.

RESULTS

Bacteremia was demonstrated in all of the inoculated colostrum-free calves and in none of the control calves. The E. coli O78+ strain, E. coli, and Klebsiella spp. were recovered from 4/5, 5/5, and 2/5 inoculated colostrum-free calves, respectively. Urine cultures were negative for the 2 groups at the start of the experiment; 5/5 colostrum-deprived inoculated calves were positive for E. coli thereafter whereas 3/3 controls remained negative. Concordance of Uriscreen tests with bacteremia and bacteriuria was 0.86 and 0.88, respectively. Kappa value of agreement between Uriscreen and bacteremia and bacteriuria was 0.73 and 0.76, respectively. Sensitivity of Uriscreen for bacteremia and bacteriuria was 80.0 and 86.6%, respectively, and specificity was 92.8 and 88.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The results suggest that Uriscreen can be used for detection of bacteremia in neonatal calves in connection with a constant bacteriuria.