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León-Sosa A, Orlando SA, Mora-Jaramillo N, Calderón J, Rodriguez-Pazmino AS, Carvajal E, Guizado-Herrera D, Narváez Y, Sánchez E, Arreaga A, Zevallos JC, Carrillo C, Garcia-Bereguiain MA. First report of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae carriage in stray cats from Ecuador and its link to a cat scratch disease outbreak in 2022. Acta Trop 2024; 257:107278. [PMID: 38851625 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The genus Bartonella includes species and subspecies of fastidious, facultative intracellular Gram-negative bacilli that infect a wide variety of mammalian reservoirs including cats and humans. In 2022, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health reported an outbreak of cat scratch disease caused by B. henselae in the city of Guayaquil. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the presence of Bartonella spp. in domestic and stray cats from the area of Guayaquil where the outbreak happened in 2022. METHODS Whole blood samples of 100 domestic and stray cats were collected. Riboflavin synthase (ribC) and 16S rRNA genes detection was performed by PCR using Bartonella spp. specific primers, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS 14 cats were positive for Bartonella spp. carriage. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of 12 cats infected with B. henselae and 2 cats with B. clarridgeiae. CONCLUSIONS There is a high prevalence of Bartonella spp. carriage in cats in the city of Guayaquil within the area where a recent cat scratch disease outbreak happened. Considering the high presence of cats and other domestic and stray animals in the city of Guayaquil, a One Health approach for surveillance and prevention of zoonotic diseases like cat scratch disease is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana León-Sosa
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Solon Alberto Orlando
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Naomi Mora-Jaramillo
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Joselyn Calderón
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Elsy Carvajal
- One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - David Guizado-Herrera
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Yolanda Narváez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Eusebio Sánchez
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Alma Arreaga
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública "Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez", Dirección Técnica de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Schroers M, Meyer-Lindenberg A. Performance and overview of clinically relevant areas of application of saliva testing in the cat. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1385345. [PMID: 38840640 PMCID: PMC11150842 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1385345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The cat represents an important model in order to investigate basic physiological knowledge of salivary secretion as well as pharmacokinetics of active substances. Objective The aim of the study was to review in which diagnostic application areas saliva testing is routinely used and in which areas it could be further explored in the future. Materials and methods Literature relevant to the research question was collected in March 2022 using the Pubmed database. Results The diagnosis of infectious diseases in cat saliva is one of the most important fields of application. Saliva diagnostics may also indicate dental diseases, allergies or kidney and other metabolic diseases. Sexual and stress hormones can also be measured in cat saliva. A number of clinically relevant allergens in cat saliva that may cause allergies in humans has been investigated and described, in addition to infectious agents that can be transmitted from cats to humans. Conclusions Saliva testing in cats can be useful in many areas, including the detection of infectious diseases, allergies and dental disease. However, it is far from being used to its full potential within veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Schroers
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Veterinary Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Stepanić M, Duvnjak S, Reil I, Hađina S, Kempf VAJ, Špičić S, Mihaljević Ž, Beck R. Epidemiology of Bartonella henselae infection in pet and stray cats in Croatia with risk factors analysis. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:48. [PMID: 38303085 PMCID: PMC10832190 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats are the primary reservoirs of the bacterium Bartonella henselae, the main cause of cat-scratch disease in humans. The main vector of the bacterium is the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. In southeastern Europe, data are lacking on the prevalence of B. henselae infection in cats, the strains of B. henselae involved and the risk factors associated with the infection. METHODS Blood samples collected in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-containing tubes from 189 domestic cats (156 pet cats and 33 stray cats) from Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, and 10 counties throughout Croatia were cultured for Bartonella spp. Following culture, bacterial isolates were genotyped at eight loci after using PCR to amplify 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and the internal transcribed spacer region between the 16S and 23S rRNA sequences. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for B. henselae infection in cats. RESULTS Bartonella spp. was detected in 31 cats (16.4%), and subsequent genotyping at the eight loci revealed B. henselae in all cases. Thirty complete multilocus sequence typing profiles were obtained, and the strains were identified as four sequence types that had been previously reported, namely ST5 (56.7%), ST6 (23.3%), ST1 (13.3%) and ST24 (3.3%), as well as a novel sequence type, ST33 (3.3%). The univariate analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of B. henselae infection in cats residing in coastal areas of Croatia (odds ratio [OR] 2.592, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.150-5.838; P = 0.0191) and in cats with intestinal parasites (OR 3.207, 95% CI 1.088-9.457; P = 0.0279); a significantly lower risk was identified in cats aged > 1 year (OR 0.356, 95% CI 0.161-0.787; P = 0.0247) and in cats sampled between April and September (OR 0.325, 95% CI 0.147-0.715; P = 0.005). The multivariate analysis that controlled for age showed a positive association with the presence of intestinal parasites (OR 4.241, 95% CI 1.243-14.470; P = 0.0119) and coastal residence (OR 2.567, 95% CI 1.114-5.915; P = 0.0216) implying increased risk of infection, and a negative association with sampling between April and September (OR 0.379, 95% CI 0.169-0.848; P = 0.018) implying a decreased risk of infection. After controlling for the season, an increased risk of infection remained for the coastal region (OR 2.725, 95% CI 1.200-6.186; P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Bartonella henselae is prevalent throughout Croatia and is a public health threat. Environmental and host factors can significantly affect the risk of infection, and these should be explored in more detail. The presence of intestinal parasites highlights the need to eliminate the flea vector, Ctenocephalides felis, as the most effective approach to control infections in cats and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Stepanić
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sanja Duvnjak
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Irena Reil
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suzana Hađina
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Volkhard A J Kempf
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene and Consulting Laboratory for Bartonella Infections, University Hospital Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 40, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Silvio Špičić
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željko Mihaljević
- Department of Pathology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Relja Beck
- Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Bush JC, Maggi RG, Breitschwerdt EB. Viability and Desiccation Resistance of Bartonella henselae in Biological and Non-Biological Fluids: Evidence for Pathogen Environmental Stability. Pathogens 2023; 12:950. [PMID: 37513797 PMCID: PMC10383451 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen environmental stability is an often-neglected research priority for pathogens that are known to be vector-transmitted. Bartonella henselae, the etiologic agent of Cat Scratch Disease, has become a "pathogen of interest" in several serious human illnesses, which include neoplastic, cardiovascular, neurocognitive, and rheumatologic conditions. Survival in the flea gut and feces as well as the association with a biofilm in culture-negative endocarditis provides insight into this organism's ability to adjust to environmental extremes. The detection of B. henselae DNA in blood and tissues from marine mammals also raises questions about environmental stability and modes of pathogen transmission. We investigated the ability of B. henselae to survive in fluid matrices chosen to mimic potential environmental sources of infective materials. Feline whole blood, serum and urine, bovine milk, and physiologic saline inoculated with a laboratory strain of B. henselae San Antonio 2 were subsequently evaluated by culture and qPCR at specified time intervals. Bacterial viability was also assessed following desiccation and reconstitution of each inoculated fluid matrix. Bartonella henselae SA2 was cultured from feline urine up to 24 h after inoculation, and from blood, serum, cow's milk, and physiologic saline for up to 7 days after inoculation. Of potential medical importance, bacteria were cultured following air-desiccation of all fluid inoculates. The viability and stability of Bartonella within biological and non-biological fluids in the environment may represent a previously unrecognized source of infection for animals and human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice C Bush
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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Liedig C, Neupane P, Lashnits E, Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG. Blood Supplementation Enhances Bartonella henselae Growth and Molecular Detection of Bacterial DNA in Liquid Culture. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0512622. [PMID: 37227273 PMCID: PMC10269525 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05126-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Bartonella, a member of the Alphaproteobacteria, are fastidious, Gram-negative, aerobic bacilli that comprise numerous species, subspecies, and genotypes. Bartonella henselae, with a worldwide distribution, infects cats, dogs, horses, humans, and other mammals. Diagnostically, direct detection of Bartonella henselae in patient blood specimens by culture or molecular methods is required to confirm infection with this bacterium. Enrichment blood culture combined with quantitative PCR (qPCR) or ddPCR enhances the sensitivity of direct detection. The addition of sheep blood to liquid culture media increased the Bartonella henselae DNA concentration compared to controls, additionally improving PCR direct detection sensitivity. IMPORTANCE This study aims to improve diagnostic detection of Bartonella henselae. Patient samples are combined with enriched bacterial cultures aimed at growing Bartonella henselae for the best possible chance at detection. However, current Bartonella growth methods could be improved. The DNA extraction method used by most laboratories should also be optimized. Sheep blood was added to increase the growth of Bartonella henselae and multiple DNA extraction methods were to be compared to each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chance Liedig
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ricardo G. Maggi
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Raimundo JM, Guimarães A, Amaro GM, Silva ATD, Rodrigues CJBC, Santos HA, Lemos ERSD, Favacho ARDM, Baldani CD. Prevalence of Bartonella species in shelter cats and their ectoparasites in southeastern Brazil. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e014221. [PMID: 35195184 PMCID: PMC9901869 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Feline Bartonella can be transmitted to humans through cat scratches or bites, and between cats, by the flea Ctenocephalides felis. The study was carried out in order to investigate the occurrence of Bartonella DNA in cats living in shelters and their ectoparasites and the relationship between the infection status of cats and ectoparasites they host. Bartonella DNA was detected in 47.8% of the cat blood samples, 18.3% of C. felis fleas, 13.3% of flea egg pools and 12.5% of lice pools. B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae DNA were detected in cat fleas, while B. henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. koehlerae were found in blood samples from bacteremic cats. Cats infested by positive ectoparasites showed approximately twice the odds of being infected. Our results indicate that shelter cats have high prevalence of Bartonella species that are known to be human pathogens. This highlights the importance of controlling infestations by ectoparasites to avoid cat and human infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Macedo Raimundo
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Andresa Guimarães
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Gleice Marques Amaro
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Aline Tonussi da Silva
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Caio Junior Balduino Coutinho Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Controle Microbiano, Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Huarrisson Azevedo Santos
- Laboratório de Sanidade Avícola, Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | - Cristiane Divan Baldani
- Laboratório de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Departamento de Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
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Bartonella henselae Antibodies in Serum and Oral Fluid Specimens from Cats. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10030329. [PMID: 33799577 PMCID: PMC8001045 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats are the primary reservoir host for Bartonella henselae(B. henselae), an etiological agent of human bartonellosis, including cat scratch disease. Although Bartonella DNA has been amplified from salivary swabs from cats, dogs and humans, we are not aware of studies investigating Bartonella antibodies in oral fluid (OF). Using inhouse and commercial immunofluorescence antibody assays (IFA), the objective of this study was to detect and compare antibodies against B. henselae in paired OF and serum specimens from cats. Specimens were collected from shelter and client-owned cats. For serum specimens, B. henselae seroreactivity was 78% for both the inhouse and commercial IFA assays and 56.8% for OF specimens. Comparing serum and OF specimens, there was moderate Kappa agreement (Cohen's k = 0.434) for detection of B. henselae antibodies. Oral fluid antibodies were more likely measurable in cats with high B. henselae serum antibody titers when compared with low antibody titers. In conclusion, B. henselae OF IFA antibody measurements were less sensitive compared to serum IFA measurements of ≥1:64. Oral fluid antibodies were detected more often in cats with high B. henselae serum antibody titers. Therefore, OF antibodies, detectable by IFA, is of limited utility for epidemiological or diagnostic testing in cats.
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Overgaauw PA, Vinke CM, van Hagen MA, Lipman LJ. A One Health Perspective on the Human-Companion Animal Relationship with Emphasis on Zoonotic Aspects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E3789. [PMID: 32471058 PMCID: PMC7312520 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over time the human-animal bond has been changed. For instance, the role of pets has changed from work animals (protecting houses, catching mice) to animals with a social function, giving companionship. Pets can be important for the physical and mental health of their owners but may also transmit zoonotic infections. The One Health initiative is a worldwide strategy for expanding collaborations in all aspects of health care for humans, animals, and the environment. However, in One Health communications the role of particularly dogs and cats is often underestimated. OBJECTIVE Evaluation of positive and negative One Health issues of the human-companion animal relationship with a focus on zoonotic aspects of cats and dogs in industrialized countries. METHOD Literature review. RESULTS Pets undoubtedly have a positive effect on human health, while owners are increasing aware of pet's health and welfare. The changing attitude of humans with regard to pets and their environment can also lead to negative effects such as changes in feeding practices, extreme breeding, and behavioral problems, and anthropozoonoses. For the human, there may be a higher risk of the transmission of zoonotic infections due to trends such as sleeping with pets, allowing pets to lick the face or wounds, bite accidents, keeping exotic animals, the importation of rescue dogs, and soil contact. CONCLUSIONS One Health issues need frequently re-evaluated as the close human-animal relationship with pet animals can totally differ compared to decennia ago. Because of the changed human-companion animal bond, recommendations regarding responsible pet-ownership, including normal hygienic practices, responsible breeding, feeding, housing, and mental and physical challenges conforming the biology of the animal are required. Education can be performed by vets and physicians as part of the One Health concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A.M. Overgaauw
- Department Population Health Sciences, Division of Veterinary Public Health, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Claudia M. Vinke
- Unit Animals in Science & Society, Animal Behaviour, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80166, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.V.); (M.A.E.v.H.)
| | - Marjan A.E. van Hagen
- Unit Animals in Science & Society, Animal Behaviour, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80166, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands; (C.M.V.); (M.A.E.v.H.)
| | - Len J.A. Lipman
- Department Population Health Sciences, Division of Veterinary Public Health, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80178, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands;
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Raimundo JM, Guimarães A, Amaro GM, da Silva AT, Botelho CFM, Massard CL, de Lemos ERS, Favacho ARM, Baldani CD. Molecular Survey of Bartonella Species in Shelter Cats in Rio De Janeiro: Clinical, Hematological, and Risk Factors. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 100:1321-1327. [PMID: 31017080 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to detect Bartonella DNA in cats belonging to shelters, and to evaluate risk factors, clinical signs, and hematological abnormalities associated with infection. Complete blood counts and screening for the presence of Bartonella DNA were performed on cats' ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid anticoagulant-blood samples. Eighty-three cats (39.9%) were positive for Bartonella species. Bartonella DNA was also detected in fleas and in the blood of cats infested by positive flea. Cats that had not been sterilized, had outdoor access, had histories of fights, and had concurrent flea infestation were more likely to be infected by Bartonella species (P < 0.05). Age and sex were not associated with infection. Fifty-one (38.6%) symptomatic cats were positive to Bartonella species (P > 0.05). Clinical conditions most commonly observed were signs of respiratory abnormality and Sporothrix species coinfection (P > 0.05). Regarding hematological changes, eosinophilia was associated with infection (P < 0.05). A high frequency of Bartonella species infection was found in shelter cats and highlights the importance of adequate flea-control programs to prevent infection in cats and consequently in adopters and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M Raimundo
- Departament of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Andresa Guimarães
- Departament of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Gleice M Amaro
- Departament of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Aline T da Silva
- Departament of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Camila F M Botelho
- Departament of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Carlos L Massard
- Departament of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cristiane D Baldani
- Departament of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
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Lashnits E, Neupane P, Maggi RG, Linder KE, Bradley JM, Balakrishnan N, Southern BL, McKeon GP, Chandrashekar R, Breitschwerdt EB. Detection of Bartonella spp. in dogs after infection with Rickettsia rickettsii. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 34:145-159. [PMID: 31891215 PMCID: PMC6979086 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dynamics of infection by Bartonella and Rickettsia species, which are epidemiologically associated in dogs, have not been explored in a controlled setting. Objectives Describe an outbreak investigation of occult Bartonella spp. infection among a group of dogs, discovered after experimentally induced Rickettsia rickettsii (Rr) infection. Animals Six apparently healthy purpose‐bred Beagles obtained from a commercial vendor. Methods Retrospective and prospective study. Dogs were serially tested for Bartonella spp. and Rr using serology, culture, and PCR, over 3 study phases: 3 months before inoculation with Rr (retrospective), 6 weeks after inoculation with Rr (retrospective), and 8 months of follow‐up (prospective). Results Before Rr infection, 1 dog was Bartonella henselae (Bh) immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) seroreactive and 1 was Rickettsia spp. IFA seroreactive. After inoculation with Rr, all dogs developed mild Rocky Mountain spotted fever compatible with low‐dose Rr infection, seroconverted to Rickettsia spp. within 4‐11 days, and recovered within 1 week. When 1 dog developed ear tip vasculitis with intra‐lesional Bh, an investigation of Bartonella spp. infection was undertaken. All dogs had seroconverted to 1‐3 Bartonella spp. between 7 and 18 days after Rr inoculation. Between 4 and 8 months after Rr inoculation, Bh DNA was amplified from multiple tissues from 2 dogs, and Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (Bvb) DNA was amplified from 4 of 5 dogs' oral swabs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Vector‐borne disease exposure was demonstrated in research dogs from a commercial vendor. Despite limitations, our results support the possibilities of recrudescence of chronic subclinical Bartonella spp. infection after Rr infection and horizontal direct‐contact transmission between dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Lashnits
- Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Pradeep Neupane
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Ricardo G Maggi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Keith E Linder
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Julie M Bradley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Nandhakumar Balakrishnan
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Brittany L Southern
- Laboratory Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Gabriel P McKeon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Laboratory Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | | | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Álvarez-Fernández A, Breitschwerdt EB, Solano-Gallego L. Bartonella infections in cats and dogs including zoonotic aspects. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:624. [PMID: 30514361 PMCID: PMC6280416 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that can infect humans and a large number of mammals including small companion animals (cats and dogs). In recent years, an increasing number of studies from around the world have reported Bartonella infections, although publications have predominantly focused on the North American perspective. Currently, clinico-pathological data from Europe are more limited, suggesting that bartonellosis may be an infrequent or underdiagnosed infectious disease in cats and dogs. Research is needed to confirm or exclude Bartonella infection as a cause of a spectrum of feline and canine diseases. Bartonella spp. can cause acute or chronic infections in cats, dogs and humans. On a comparative medical basis, different clinical manifestations, such as periods of intermittent fever, granulomatous inflammation involving the heart, liver, lymph nodes and other tissues, endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis, peliosis hepatis, uveitis and vasoproliferative tumors have been reported in cats, dogs and humans. The purpose of this review is to provide an update and European perspective on Bartonella infections in cats and dogs, including clinical, diagnostic, epidemiological, pathological, treatment and zoonotic aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Álvarez-Fernández
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Edward B. Breitschwerdt
- Department of Clinical Sciences and the Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607 USA
| | - Laia Solano-Gallego
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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12
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Pennisi MG, Marsilio F, Hartmann K, Lloret A, Addie D, Belák S, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink H, Frymus T, Gruffydd-Jones T, Hosie MJ, Lutz H, Möstl K, Radford AD, Thiry E, Truyen U, Horzinek MC. Bartonella species infection in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 15:563-9. [PMID: 23813816 PMCID: PMC11148970 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13489214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OVERVIEW Over 22 Bartonella species have been described in mammals, and Bartonella henselae is most common worldwide. Cats are the main reservoir for this bacterium. B henselae is the causative agent of cat scratch disease in man, a self-limiting regional lymphadenopathy, but also of other potentially fatal disorders in immunocompromised people. INFECTION B henselae is naturally transmitted among cats by the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis, or by flea faeces. A cat scratch is the common mode of transmission of the organism to other animals, including humans. Blood transfusion also represents a risk. DISEASE SIGNS Most cats naturally infected by B henselae do not show clinical signs but cardiac (endocarditis, myocarditis) or ocular (uveitis) signs may be found in sporadic cases. B vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii infection has reportedly caused lameness in a cat affected by recurrent osteomyelitis and polyarthritis. DIAGNOSIS Isolation of the bacterium is the gold standard, but because of the high prevalence of infection in healthy cats in endemic areas, a positive culture (or polymerase chain reaction) is not confirmatory. Other compatible diagnoses must be ruled out and response to therapy gives a definitive diagnosis. Serology (IFAT or ELISA) is more useful for exclusion of the infection because of the low positive predictive value (39-46%) compared with the good negative predictive value (87-97%). Laboratory testing is required for blood donors. DISEASE MANAGEMENT Treatment is recommended in the rare cases where Bartonella actually causes disease.
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Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Bartonellae are small, vector-transmitted Gram-negative intracellular bacteria that are well adapted to one or more mammalian reservoir hosts. Cats are the natural reservoir for Bartonella henselae, which is a (re-)emerging bacterial pathogen. It can cause cat scratch disease in humans and, in immunocompromised people, may lead to severe systemic diseases, such as bacillary angiomatosis. Cats bacteraemic with B henselae constitute the main reservoir from which humans become infected. Most cats naturally infected with B henselae show no clinical signs themselves, but other Bartonella species for which cats are accidental hosts appear to have more pathogenicity. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE Several studies have reported a prevalence of previous or current Bartonella species infection in cats of up to 36%. B henselae is common in cats worldwide, and bacteraemia can be documented by blood culture in about a quarter of healthy cats. The distribution of B henselae to various parts of the world has largely occurred through humans migrating with their pet cats. The pathogen is mainly transmitted from cat to cat by fleas, and the majority of infected cats derive from areas with high flea exposure. No significant difference in B henselae prevalence has been determined between male and female cats. In studies on both naturally and experimentally infected cats, chronic bacteraemia has mainly been found in cats under the age of 2 years, while those over 2 years of age are rarely chronically bacteraemic. EVIDENCE BASE This article reviews published studies and case reports on bartonellosis to explore the clinical significance of the infection in cats and its impact on humans. The article also discusses possible treatment options for cats and means of minimising the zoonotic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Stützer
- Clinic for Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic for Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
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14
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Abstract
Bartonella spp. are facultative intracellular pathogens that employ a unique stealth infection strategy comprising immune evasion and modulation, intimate interaction with nucleated cells, and intraerythrocytic persistence. Infections with Bartonella are ubiquitous among mammals, and many species can infect humans either as their natural host or incidentally as zoonotic pathogens. Upon inoculation into a naive host, the bartonellae first colonize a primary niche that is widely accepted to involve the manipulation of nucleated host cells, e.g., in the microvasculature. Consistently, in vitro research showed that Bartonella harbors an ample arsenal of virulence factors to modulate the response of such cells, gain entrance, and establish an intracellular niche. Subsequently, the bacteria are seeded into the bloodstream where they invade erythrocytes and give rise to a typically asymptomatic intraerythrocytic bacteremia. While this course of infection is characteristic for natural hosts, zoonotic infections or the infection of immunocompromised patients may alter the path of Bartonella and result in considerable morbidity. In this review we compile current knowledge on the molecular processes underlying both the infection strategy and pathogenesis of Bartonella and discuss their connection to the clinical presentation of human patients, which ranges from minor complaints to life-threatening disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Harms
- Focal Area Infection Biology, Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland
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15
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Schaefer JD, Kasten RW, Coonan TJ, Clifford DL, Chomel BB. Isolation or detection of Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii and Bartonella rochalimae in the endangered island foxes (Urocyon littoralis). Vet Microbiol 2011; 154:135-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2011.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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