Report of Mollicutes in the Ear Canal of Domestic Dogs in Brazil

Several microorganisms as bacteria, fungi, yeast and ectoparasitescompose canine ear canal microbiota. These agents can be native or invasivepathogens that cause clinical otitis. The aim of this study was to associate Mollicutes in external ear canal withclinical otitis. 41 domestic dogs were examined, and a total of 82 otologic sampleswere collected using sterile swabs, placed in a plastic storage tube containing2 milliliters of sterile phosphate buffer saline (PBS, pH 7.2) and appropriatelylabeled. The samples were processed for isolation of Mollicutes using Hayflick’smedium. The frequency of Mollicutes class in the isolation was 32.9% (27/82).14.8% (4/27) of the dogs, which were positive for Mollicutes, had externalotitis and 85.2% (23/27) were healthy dogs. The genus Mycoplasma spp. was detected in 7.4% (2/27) by digitonin test. Itwas the first isolation of Mollicutes fromthe external ear canal in dogs. Although there have been important findings inthis study, the presence of these bacteria cannot indicate the onset andperpetuation of external otitis in dogs.