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Almendros A, Giuliano A, Tse M, Barrs VR. Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia associated with Candida albicans. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e70000. [PMID: 39212262 PMCID: PMC11362976 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.70000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF) is a rare and poorly understood disease characterised by the infiltration of eosinophils and the development of fibrous tissue within the gastrointestinal tract of cats. A 2-year-old female neutered Ragdoll was presented for signs consistent with extrahepatic biliary tract obstruction (EHBO), including jaundice, hyporexia and lethargy. Marked progressive hyperbilirubinemia and mild anaemia were also present. Abdominal ultrasonography suggested a duodenal mass and pancreatitis as the cause of EHBO. Cytopathological results from fine needle aspirates detected mast cells and eosinophils in the duodenal mass and eosinophils in the spleen and the liver, suggestive of a possible mast cell tumour. A cholecystojejunostomy and a duodenotomy were performed to divert the biliary outflow and obtain biopsy samples, respectively. Eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia in the duodenal mass and fungal elements in an abdominal lymph node were reported on histopathological examination. A pan-fungal PCR targeting ITS2 performed on DNA extracted from an abdominal lymph node detected Candida albicans. This report adds to the growing body of evidence that FGESF can occur in association with fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Almendros
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesJockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life SciencesCity University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Veterinary Medical Centre, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Antonio Giuliano
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesJockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life SciencesCity University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Veterinary Medical Centre, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - May Tse
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesJockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life SciencesCity University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Vanessa Rosemary Barrs
- Department of Veterinary Clinical SciencesJockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life SciencesCity University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Centre for Animal Health and WelfareCity University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
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Tham HL, Davis JL. Pharmacology of drugs used in autoimmune dermatopathies in cats and dogs: A narrative review. Vet Dermatol 2024; 35:453-476. [PMID: 38708551 DOI: 10.1111/vde.13253] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Immunosuppressive drugs are the mainstay of treatment for many feline and canine autoimmune skin diseases, either as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Treatment with these drugs is often lifelong and may have long-term consequences on the affected animal's overall quality-of-life. Clinicians need to understand the pharmacology of immunosuppressants in planning and executing the treatment regimen for the best possible clinical outcome, as well as reducing the risk of adverse effects. This review paper will focus on the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, clinical uses and adverse effects of immunosuppressive drugs used to treat autoimmune dermatoses in cats and dogs. These include glucocorticoids, ciclosporin A, azathioprine, chlorambucil, mycophenolate mofetil, oclacitinib and Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng L Tham
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Jennifer L Davis
- Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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Honarchian R, Yen T, Ganz E, Kang G. Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG positive cats in Los Angeles County, California. JFMS Open Rep 2024; 10:20551169231222107. [PMID: 38419950 PMCID: PMC10901050 DOI: 10.1177/20551169231222107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG positive cats in Los Angeles County, California. T gondii antibodies are common in sera from cats in most reported studies around the world. Although the majority of infected cats never develop clinical disease, development of acute infection and recrudescence of latent infection secondary to immunosuppression has been reported. Knowledge of the serologic status of T gondii may be important when considering immunosuppressive treatments. Methods T gondii IgM and IgG antibody titers were measured in 225 cats. Sera from owned cats tested at a multispecialty veterinary hospital were included both retrospectively and prospectively (n = 125). Sera from feral cats tested through a collaborating humane society were included prospectively (n = 100). Results Of the 13 (5.8%) cats with IgM titers, 10 were positive at the minimal cut-off titer (1:64), one cat was clinically ill and none were currently positive for IgG antibodies, suggesting false-positive results for nine cats, giving an adjusted IgM prevalence rate of 1.8% (95% CI 0.7-4.5). A total of five (2.2%) cats were positive for IgG antibodies and no cat was positive for both antibodies. Conclusions and relevance Most studies of T gondii antibodies in cat sera from California have shown higher prevalence rates, suggesting the cats in this municipality have a low risk of exposure. The study emphasizes that serological test results do not necessarily correlate to the presence of clinical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tracy Yen
- Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eva Ganz
- Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gie Kang
- Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Bezerra JAB, Haisi A, Rocha GDS, Lima SG, Brasil AWDL, Tomaz KLR, Fornazari F, Langoni H, Araújo Junior JP, Antunes JMADP, de Azevedo SS. Coinfection with Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii in Domestic Cats from a Region with a High Prevalence of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Microorganisms 2023; 12:71. [PMID: 38257898 PMCID: PMC10820695 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010071] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the coinfection of feline retroviruses (feline immunodeficiency virus-FIV, and the feline leukemia virus-FeLV) with Leishmania infantum and Toxoplasma gondii and the factors associated with these pathogens in domestic cats from Mossoró, a city endemic for canine and human leishmaniasis situated in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Blood samples from 120 cats were collected, and an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to investigate the risk factors associated with the infections. Retroviruses, L. infantum, and T. gondii infections were assessed using a point-of-care ELISA and quantitative PCR (qPCR), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and qPCR, and IFAT, respectively. The overall seroprevalences observed were 35% (95% CI = 27.0-43.8%) for FIV, 0.8% (95% CI = 0.1-4.5%) for FeLV, 25.8% (95% CI = 18.8-34.3%) for T. gondii, and 4.2% (95% CI = 1.7-9.3%) for L. infantum. Coinfection with FIV and L. infantum was observed in 2.5% (3/120) of the assessed cats, while 12.5% (15/120) were coinfected with FIV and T. gondii. No significant association was found among the investigated agents (p > 0.05). The factors associated with FIV infection in the multivariable analysis were male sex and age above 78 months. The findings of this study demonstrated a high rate of FIV infection in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region and the exposure of these animals to zoonotic and opportunistic agents. Due to the immunosuppressive potential of FIV, cats infected with this retrovirus should be screened for coinfections with L. infantum and T. gondii, and preventative measures should be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Artur Brilhante Bezerra
- Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, Brazil;
| | - Amanda Haisi
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Alameda das Tecomarias, s/n, Chácara Capão Bonito, Botucatu 18607-440, Brazil; (A.H.); (J.P.A.J.)
| | - Gabrielle dos Santos Rocha
- Departamento de Produção Animal e Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rua Prof. Doutor Walter Mauricio Correa, s/n, Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil; (G.d.S.R.); (S.G.L.); (F.F.); (H.L.)
| | - Suellen Gonçalves Lima
- Departamento de Produção Animal e Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rua Prof. Doutor Walter Mauricio Correa, s/n, Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil; (G.d.S.R.); (S.G.L.); (F.F.); (H.L.)
| | - Arthur Willian de Lima Brasil
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Cidade Universitária, s/n, Campus I, Castelo Branco, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil;
| | - Klívio Loreno Raulino Tomaz
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Av. Francisco Mota, 572, Costa e Silva, Mossoro 59625-900, Brazil;
| | - Felipe Fornazari
- Departamento de Produção Animal e Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rua Prof. Doutor Walter Mauricio Correa, s/n, Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil; (G.d.S.R.); (S.G.L.); (F.F.); (H.L.)
| | - Helio Langoni
- Departamento de Produção Animal e Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Rua Prof. Doutor Walter Mauricio Correa, s/n, Rubião Júnior, Botucatu 18618-681, Brazil; (G.d.S.R.); (S.G.L.); (F.F.); (H.L.)
| | - João Pessoa Araújo Junior
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Alameda das Tecomarias, s/n, Chácara Capão Bonito, Botucatu 18607-440, Brazil; (A.H.); (J.P.A.J.)
| | - João Marcelo Azevedo de Paula Antunes
- Hospital Veterinário Jerônimo Dix-Huit Rosado Maia, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA), Av. Francisco Mota, 572, Costa e Silva, Mossoro 59625-900, Brazil;
| | - Sérgio Santos de Azevedo
- Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Av. Universitária, s/n, Santa Cecília, Patos 58708-110, Brazil;
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Fietz SA, Grochow T, Schares G, Töpfer T, Heilmann RM. Fulminant Pneumonia Due to Reactivation of Latent Toxoplasmosis in a Cat-A Case Report. Pathogens 2023; 13:7. [PMID: 38276153 PMCID: PMC10818954 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma (T.) gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with felids, including domestic cats, as definitive hosts. In immunocompetent individuals, T. gondii infection is usually asymptomatic. However, under immunosuppression, it may have severe pathological impacts, which often result from the reactivation of a chronic infection. In this case study, a 21-month-old female domestic shorthair cat-diagnosed with primary immune-mediated hemolytic anemia three months prior and treated with cyclosporine and prednisolone-presented with acute tachypnea, dyspnea, diarrhea, and anorexia. Thoracic radiography suggested severe pneumonia. Testing for Mycoplasma spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., and lungworm infection was negative. Serology for T. gondii revealed seroconversion of IgG, but not of IgM, indicating previous exposure to T. gondii. The cat remained stable but tachypneic for three days, followed by an acute onset of dyspnea and clinical deterioration, after which euthanasia was elected. Numerous protozoa were present in a postmortem transtracheal bronchoalveolar lavage and fine-needle aspiration of the lung. Microsatellite typing classified the extracted DNA as T. gondii type II variant TgM-A. This case demonstrates that T. gondii reactivation, leading to fulminant pneumonia, can be a sequela of immunosuppressive treatment in cats and should, therefore, be considered as a differential diagnosis in immunosuppressed cats with acute-onset respiratory signs. Rapid diagnosis may prevent fatal consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone A. Fietz
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, DE-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (S.A.F.); (T.G.)
| | - Thomas Grochow
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, DE-04103 Leipzig, Germany; (S.A.F.); (T.G.)
| | - Gereon Schares
- National Reference Laboratory for Toxoplasmosis, Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, DE-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Tanja Töpfer
- Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, DE-04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Romy M. Heilmann
- Department for Small Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, DE-04103 Leipzig, Germany;
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Žagar Ž, Schmidt JM. A Scoping Review on Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Cats: Current Evidence and Future Directions. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3059. [PMID: 37835664 PMCID: PMC10572079 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become invaluable in the treatment of human and canine malignancies, but their role in feline oncology is less defined. While toceranib phosphate and masitinib mesylate are licensed for use in dogs, no TKI is yet approved for cats. This review systematically maps the research conducted on the expression of tyrosine kinases in neoplastic and non-neoplastic domestic feline tissues, as well as the in vitro/in vivo use of TKIs in domestic cats. We identify and discuss knowledge gaps and speculate on the further research and potential indications for TKI use in cats. A comprehensive search of three electronic databases and relevant paper reference lists identified 139 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The most commonly identified tumors were mast cell tumors (MCTs), mammary and squamous cell carcinomas and injection-site sarcomas. Based on the current literature, toceranib phosphate appears to be the most efficacious TKI in cats, especially against MCTs. Exploring the clinical use of TKIs in mammary carcinomas holds promise. Despite the progress, currently, the evidence falls short, underscoring the need for further research to discover new indications in feline oncology and to bridge the knowledge gaps between human and feline medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Žiga Žagar
- IVC Evidensia Small Animal Clinic Hofheim, 65719 Hofheim am Taunus, Germany
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