Considering the clinical relevance of commensal yeasts (Malassezia and Candida) and zoophilic dermatophytes (Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes) in dogs and cats, this study determines the prevalence of fungal species involved in ear and superficial skin infections in dogs and cats in Grenada and examines their antifungal susceptibility. The etiological agents were isolated from ear, skin, and hair samples of suspected clinical fungal cases using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SAB). The isolates’ identification comprised morphological, biochemical, and molecular methods encompassing micro-/macroscopy analysis. Biochemically, yeast isolates were identified by the BD Phoenix M50 microbial identification system, and additional validation of all fungal isolates was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of the ITS region. Furthermore, the E-Test (Epsilometer Test) was used to determine the susceptibility patterns for four azole drugs: ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, and voriconazole. A total of 405 samples (266 ear, 61 skin, and 78 hair) were collected from 136 dogs and 43 cats. The identified species were Malassezia pachydermatis, Candida tropicalis, and Trichophyton spp. All isolates demonstrated (100%) resistant activity to fluconazole. Importantly, this knowledge will significantly contribute to our understanding of the epidemiology of fungal infections as well as provide guidelines for preventive measures against fungal infections in Grenada.

Rice (Oryzae sativa L.) is a significant cereal consumed widely by over one- half of the world's population. There are numerous unique rice varieties present, some of them known as Traditional or Ancient grains. Black rice or 'Karupu Kauvni' is one such colored rice varieties known for their rich source of dietary fiber, resistant starch, minerals, carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols and intake of these pigmented varieties help in improving human health. This study shows the difference in the physicochemical properties of these glutinous rice samples. The physicochemical properties of three samples of Black rice soluble extract (control, roasted and cooked) were analyzed to determine pH, color, enzyme activity, viscosity and pasting properties. The tested samples and their results could serve as the baseline for further research and information on rice-based beverages and products' quality evaluation parameters. The soluble extract from such a plant-based source displays numerous benefits in comparison to other plant-based extracts. Despite its high carbohydrates, significantly lower amount of calcium and no cholesterol, it has been used significantly less in the food industry area.

Background: Clinical infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, imposing a severe economic burden. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative bacterium, had demonstrated a prominent level of acquired antimicrobial resistance to its selective antimicrobials. Currently, there is no updated information about the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Grenada. Hence, the present study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of P. aeruginosa from the clinical isolates of dogs in Grenada. Methods: This retrospective study used the diagnostic reports from January 2015 to December 2022. The diagnostic microbiology laboratory reports of canine patients at the Small Animal Clinic of St. George’s University in Grenada were analyzed to study the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of P. aeruginosa. Result: Among the various bacterial clinical isolates, ninety-one clinical samples were positive for P. aeruginosa. The antimicrobial susceptibility test pattern of these isolates revealed susceptibility to gentamicin (95.6 %), ceftazidime (96.7%), imipenem (97.7%) and ciprofloxacin (97.8%). The result of the present retrospective study illustrates that P. aeruginosa isolates from canine patients in Grenada are susceptible to the recommended antimicrobial drugs. However, this study also revealed the recent development of progressive antimicrobial resistance. This mandates the judicious use of antibacterial drugs against bacterial infections in Grenada.

Background/objectives: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are becoming increasingly difficult to treat with recommended antimicrobials. Considering the critical and growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), this study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli clinical isolates from dogs in Grenada. This research project consists of two distinct studies: a retrospective analysis of AMR in canine E. coli isolates collected between 2010 and 2020, and a cross-sectional study characterizing the genotypic AMR profiles of E. coli isolates obtained between April and June 2023. Methods: A retrospective analysis of antibacterial sensitivity test (ABST) reports from canine clinical samples submitted to the Small Animal Clinic at St. George’s University (SGU), St. George’s, Grenada, between 2010 and 2020 revealed a notable prevalence of AMR among canine E. coli isolates. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms of this resistance, the study analyzed canine E. coli isolates that exhibited phenotypic resistance in ABST assays. These isolates were subsequently screened for AMR-associated genes using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results: The retrospective study identified 153 canine clinical isolates positive for E. coli. The antimicrobial drugs, imipenem, cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin were found to be highly effective against these isolates. However, a gradual increase in AMR was observed for amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (34.88%), ampicillin–sulbactam (17.31%), cephalexin (43.08%), cefpodoxime (22.31%), cephalothin (68.42%), and doxycycline (37.04%). In the prospective study, PCR analysis of resistant canine E. coli isolates detected the tetA (577 bp) and blaTEM (686 bp) genes. These AMR determinants were further confirmed through analysis of NGS reads and assembled contigs. Additionally, NGS-based predictions identified genes associated with resistance to aminoglycosides and potentiated sulfonamides. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that E. coli from dogs in Grenada exhibits resistance to tetracycline and several β-lactam antimicrobials. These findings underscore the need for rational antimicrobial stewardship and continuous AMR surveillance in small animal practice within the region.