Risk factors for Candida urinary tract infections in dogs and cats

BACKGROUND: Candida urinary tract infections occur in both dogs in cats but there is limited data about risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for candiduria in dogs in cats. ANIMALS: Eighteen dogs and 8 cats with candiduria. METHODS: A retrospective case‐control study, using univariate exact logistic regression. Medical records were searched for a diagnosis of Candida and animals with culture‐confirmed candiduria were enrolled. Controls had bacterial cystitis (dogs and cats) or cutaneous Malassezia infection (dogs only). RESULTS: Administration of antibacterial drugs in the 30 days before diagnosis was associated with candiduria in dogs compared to controls with bacterial cystitis (OR 14.5; 95% CI 3.1‐66.9) or with Malassezia infection (OR 26.4; 95% CI 3.4‐206.7). Antecedent antibacterial drug administration was associated with candiduria in cats (OR 15.7; 95% CI 1.9‐132.3). Immunosuppression was associated with candiduria in dogs when compared to controls with Malassezia infection (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.4‐12.8), but not significantly when compared to dogs with bacterial cystitis (OR 2.7, 95% CI 0.9‐8.0). Lower urinary tract diseases other than infection were associated with candiduria in cats (OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.6‐27.9), but not significantly in dogs (OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.7‐8.7). Neither diabetes mellitus nor history of hospitalization was significantly associated with candiduria in either species. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The recent administration of antibacterial drug therapy is a potential risk factor for development of candiduria in dogs and cats. Judicious use of antibacterial drugs might help to prevent candiduria.