Phenotypic and genotypic characterisation of ESBL multidrug‐resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> subsp. <i>pneumoniae</i> isolated from a canine urinary tract infection

Abstract Urinary tract infections in pets are becoming a public health concern due to the isolation of multidrug‐resistant bacteria. This case report shows a 5‐year‐old, male, mixed‐breed dog referred for strangury, dysuria, inappetence, balanitis and a mass on the glans. Urine culture and antibiogram showed a multidrug‐resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae . Despite antimicrobial treatment with amikacin, clinical signs reappeared, and K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae infection persisted until meropenem treatment was started. PCR detected the presence of several resistance genes and virulence factors. The results revealed a convergent K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae , which limits its treatment, becoming a risk to public health. Molecular characterisation of pathogens is a necessary tool to understand the epidemiological dynamics of the pathogens in companion animals and assess their potential risk for public health.