Third- and Fourth-Generation Cephalosporin Resistant Morganella morganii Associated to an Abscess on the Perineum of a Male Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

A male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) of approximately 16 years of age was found to have a swollen lesion on the skin of the perineum. This lesion first appeared as a regular cutaneous wound that had problems healing due to the swelling, extension, and depth. It was treated using systemic antibiotics, NSAIDs, and wound care. Three years later, the animal presented new superficial skin lesions in the same area. Although they resolved with basic wound care, a 5-cm circular and erythematous swelling developed. Leukocytosis with neutrophilia and increased gamma-globulins resulted from the blood exams. However, no abnormalities were found in the serum biochemistry. Ultrasound examination of the swelling together with a cytological sample and its culture confirmed the diagnosis of a septic abscess. Due to the nature and location of the abscess, a medical approach was preferred. Systemic antibiotherapy, analgesics, periodic drainage and irrigation of the lesion with an antibiotic solution, and inoculation of plasma rich in growing factors resulted in the successful control of the infection. Morganella morganii was isolated in pure culture. Initial antibiogram showed sensitivity of the bacterium to third-generation cephalosporins. However, successive control demonstrated resistance not only to third-generation cephalosporins but also to fourth-generation cephalosporins.