1
|
Moore CO, Lashnits E, Lappin M, Hawley J, Breitschwerdt EB. A case of mistaken identity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and reinvestigation of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea). Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:209. [PMID: 38720359 PMCID: PMC11078739 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06292-8] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline-associated hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasmas) are believed to be transmitted by two primary mechanisms: (1) direct transmission via fighting and (2) vector-borne transmission by the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). While the efficiency of transmission by C. felis appears low, most manuscripts focus on the prevalence of hemoplasmas in wild-caught fleas and report either a very low (< 3%) or a high (> 26%) prevalence. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of sample processing and PCR methods on C. felis hemoplasma infection prevalence. METHODS A systemic review of PubMed articles identified 13 manuscripts (1,531 fleas/flea pools) that met the inclusion criteria (performed PCR for >1 hemoplasma on C. felis collected from cats). Risk of bias was assessed utilizing the ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis performed in R of these manuscripts found that not washing samples and a common set of 16S rRNA primers first published in Jensen et al. 2001 were associated with increased hemoplasma prevalence. To evaluate the influence of washing on newly collected fleas, we assessed the hemoplasma status of 20 pools of 5 C. felis each, half of which were washed and half not washed. RESULTS Flea washing did not influence the detection of hemoplasma but instead amplified Spiroplasma. To assess non-specific amplification with the Jensen et al. 2001 primers, 67 C. felis samples (34% previously reported hemoplasma infected) were subject to PCR and sequencing. By this method, hemoplasma was detected in only 3% of samples. In the remaining "hemoplasma infected" fleas, PCR amplified Spiroplasma or other bacteria. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, we concluded that hemoplasma infection in C. felis is rare, and future flea prevalence studies should sequence all positive amplicons to validate PCR specificity. Further investigation of alternative methods of feline-associated hemoplasma transmission and the ability of C. felis to maintain hemoplasma infection is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O Moore
- Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Erin Lashnits
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Hawley
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Račka K, Bártová E, Hamidović A, Plault N, Kočišová A, Camacho G, Mercier A, Halajian A. First detection of Toxoplasma gondii Africa 4 lineage in a population of carnivores from South Africa. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1274577. [PMID: 38352059 PMCID: PMC10861644 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1274577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There have only been a few molecular studies conducted on the detection of T. gondii in tissues of carnivores in South Africa, with no data on the genetic diversity of this parasite. That is why the aim of this study was to detect and genotype T. gondii DNA in tissues of selected wild and domestic carnivores in South Africa. Methods Samples were collected from 80 animals of 20 species (mainly road-killed) in the four provinces of Limpopo (n=57), Mpumalanga (n=21), Gauteng (n=1) and Free State (n=1) during the period 2014-2018. Samples of brain (n=31), heart (n=4), liver (n=40), spleen (n=2) and lung (n=3) were used to detect T. gondii by real-time PCR targeting a 529 bp repeating fragment of T. gondii DNA. Samples that were positive in real-time PCR were genotyped using 15 microsatellite markers. Results T. gondii DNA was detected in 4 (5 %) samples: in the brain from a Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas), in the liver from a African Wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) and in the liver and heart of two Rusty-spotted Genets (Genetta maculata) respectively. The DNA sample from Black-backed Jackal was genotyped and characterized as belonging to the type Africa 4 lineage (equivalent to RFLP genotype ToxoDB#20), that is a widespread lineage in Africa. Discussion This is the first genetic characterization of T. gondii isolated from a wild carnivore on the African continent and the first report of T. gondii in Black-backed Jackal. The Africa 4 lineage was also confirmed in the region of Southern Africa for the first time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karol Račka
- Department of Epizootology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Eva Bártová
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Azra Hamidović
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des Maladies Chroniques en zone Tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, OmegaHealth, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Nicolas Plault
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des Maladies Chroniques en zone Tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, OmegaHealth, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Alica Kočišová
- Department of Epizootology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Gerrie Camacho
- Department of Scientific Services, Mpumalanga Tourism & Parks Agency (MTPA), Nelspruit, South Africa
| | - Aurelién Mercier
- Inserm U1094, IRD U270, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidémiologie des Maladies Chroniques en zone Tropicale, Institut d’Epidémiologie et de Neurologie Tropicale, OmegaHealth, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Ali Halajian
- Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zarea AAK, Tempesta M, Fouad EA, Ndiana LA, Mahmoud MS, Mrenoshki D, Martella V, Decaro N, Chomel B, Greco G. Prevalence of Bartonella spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and others vector-borne pathogens in private-owned dogs and cats, Egypt. Acta Trop 2023; 240:106857. [PMID: 36775003 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne pathogens have been increasingly investigated for their impact on dog and cat health and their zoonotic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence estimates of selected vector-borne pathogens in client-owned pets from the Giza and Cairo governorates, Egypt. Out of 200 dogs and 100 cats, 94 (47%) and 23 (23%) were positive for at least one of the tested pathogens (P<0.0001). In particular, 84 (42%) dogs and 3 (3%) cats tested PCR-positive for Bartonella spp. (P<0.0001). A significantly higher prevalence of Bartonella spp. was detected in dogs from the rural areas of the Giza governorate (60/77, 79.2%, P<0.0001) compared to those from Cairo governorate. Bartonella henselae was the dominant species infecting dogs (81/200, 40.5%) followed by Candidatus Bartonella merieuxii (3/200, 1.5%), while B. henselae (2/100, 2%) and B. clarridgeiae were rare in cats. Haemoplasma DNA was detected in 17% (34/200) of dogs and 20% (20/100) of cats with increased risk in dogs from Giza rural areas (21/77, 27.27%, P=0.002) and from both dogs (16/63, 25.40%, P=0.03) and cats (7/14, 50%, P<0.002) with anemia. Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum (30/200, 15%) and Mycoplasma haemocanis (4/200, 2%) in dogs and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (18/100, 18%) and M. haemofelis (2/100, 2%) in cats were detected. Additionally, 2 dogs were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coinfections were detected in dogs, with the majority (23/200, 11.5%) including B. henselae and C.M. haematoparvum, followed by Mycoplasma haemocanis and C.M. haematoparvum (2/200, 1%) and B. henselae, CMhp and C. burnetii (2/200, 1%). Haemoplasma infection was high in Egyptian dogs and cats with a high prevalence for zoonotic Bartonella spp. in dogs with anemia, highlighting the need to investigate these agents in the diagnostic algorithm of anemia and to adopt preventive measures to protect both animal and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A K Zarea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Tempesta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - E A Fouad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - L A Ndiana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - M S Mahmoud
- Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - D Mrenoshki
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - V Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - N Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - G Greco
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hemotropic Mycoplasma. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1319-1340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
5
|
Spada E, Galluzzo P, Torina A, Loria GR, Perego R, Grippi F, Blanda V, Baggiani L, D'Amico A, Pennisi MG, Helps CR, Malik R, Westman M, Gandolfi B, Spencer S, Proverbio D, Tasker S. Evaluating the association between blood genotype or phenotype and haemoplasma infection in UK and Italian cats. Vet Rec 2022:e2282. [PMID: 36222468 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2282] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, blood groups are associated with varying prevalence of infections. The aim of this study was to determine if associations exist between the feline AB blood group system and haemoplasma infection. METHODS Data from two studies were combined. In the first study, DNA samples from 131 haemoplasma-infected and 132 haemoplasma-uninfected UK cats underwent pyrosequencing to determine their blood genotype as AA, Ab or bb. In the second study, blood samples from 160 Italian cats of known blood phenotype A, B or AB underwent PCR testing for feline haemoplasma species DNA. RESULTS Haemoplasma infection was demonstrated in cats of all phenotypes and genotypes. A significantly higher number of Ab genotype cats tested positive for overall haemoplasma infection status (p = 0.04) and for Mycoplasma haemofelis infection (p = 0.03). LIMITATIONS Haemoplasma-infected Italian cats were few, possibly increasing the chance of type II error, and the presence of purebred cats in the sample population may have had a confounding effect. CONCLUSIONS Feline haemoplasmas do not appear to preferentially use either blood type A or B antigens as attachment sites for erythrocyte colonisation. Further investigations in a larger number of haemoplasma-infected cats of known blood phenotype are warranted to explain the association between genotype Ab and haemoplasma infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Spada
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Paola Galluzzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia 'Adelmo Mirri', Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Torina
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia 'Adelmo Mirri', Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido R Loria
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia 'Adelmo Mirri', Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberta Perego
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Francesca Grippi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia 'Adelmo Mirri', Palermo, Italy
| | - Valeria Blanda
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia 'Adelmo Mirri', Palermo, Italy
| | - Luciana Baggiani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessia D'Amico
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria G Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Chris R Helps
- Langford Vets, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barbara Gandolfi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah Spencer
- Comparative Biological Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK.,Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Daniela Proverbio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Linnaeus Veterinary, Shirley, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Toxoplasma gondii Infections in Animals and Humans in Southern Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11020183. [PMID: 35215126 PMCID: PMC8880191 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite with zoonotic importance worldwide especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised people. This study is set to review the literature on T. gondii infections in humans and animals in southern Africa. Methods: We extracted data regarding T. gondii infections from published articles from southern Africa from 1955 to 2020 from four databases, namely Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO Host, and Science Direct. Forty articles from eight southern African countries were found eligible for the study. Results: This review revealed a paucity of information on T. gondii infection in southern African countries, with an overall prevalence of 17% (95% CI: 7–29%). Domestic felids had a prevalence of 29% (95% CI: 7–54%), wild felids 79% (95% CI: 60–94), canids (domestic and wild) 69% (95% CI: 38–96%), cattle 20% (95% CI: 5–39%), pigs 13% (95% CI: 1–29%), small ruminants (goats and sheep) 11% (95% CI: 0–31%), chicken and birds 22% (95% CI: 0–84%), and humans 14% (95% CI: 5–25%). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) constituted the most frequently used diagnostic tests for T. gondii. Conclusions: We recommend more focused studies be conducted on the epidemiology of T. gondii in the environment, food animals and human population, most especially the at-risk populations.
Collapse
|
7
|
Hemotropic Mycoplasma and Bartonella Species Diversity in Free-Roaming Canine and Feline from Luanda, Angola. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060735. [PMID: 34200906 PMCID: PMC8230469 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Free-roaming dogs and cats represent potential reservoirs for zoonotic vector-borne pathogens shedding to the human population. Given the health impact of these pathogens, we searched free-roaming dogs and cats included in an animal population control program from Luanda, Angola, for Bartonella and hemotropic mycoplasma infection. We report the detection of Bartonella henselae (2/66; 3%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (5/66; 7.5%) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (1/66; 1.5%) in cats. One dog was found positive for Mycoplasma haemocanis (1/20; 5%). This is the first report of Bartonella henselae infections in stray cats and of hemotropic mycoplasmas in cats and dogs from Angola. Despite the relatively small sample size, our results sustain the hypothesis of uncontrolled circulation of these agents in highly mobile synanthropic animal populations of Luanda. Population and vector control could contribute to reducing the likelihood for animal-to-animal and animal-to-human transmission.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dubey JP, Cerqueira-Cézar CK, Murata FHA, Kwok OCH, Yang YR, Su C. All about toxoplasmosis in cats: the last decade. Vet Parasitol 2020; 283:109145. [PMID: 32645556 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Toxoplasmosis continues to be of public health concern. Cats (domestic and wild felids) are the most important host in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis because they are the only species that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts in feces. Cats can excrete millions of oocysts and a single cat can spread infection to many hosts. The present paper summarizes information on prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical signs, and diagnosis of T. gondii infections in domestic and wild cats for the past decade. Special emphasis is paid to genetic diversity of T. gondii isolates from cats. Review of literature indicates that a unique genotype (ToxoDB genotype #9 or Chinese 1) is widely prevalent in cats in China and it has been epidemiologically linked to outbreaks of clinical toxoplasmosis in pigs and deaths in humans in China; this genotype has rarely been detected in other countries. This review will be of interest to biologists, parasitologists, veterinarians, and public health workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Dubey
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA.
| | - C K Cerqueira-Cézar
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - F H A Murata
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - O C H Kwok
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
| | - Y R Yang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, PR China
| | - C Su
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-0845, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lappin MR, Tasker S, Roura X. Role of vector-borne pathogens in the development of fever in cats: 1. Flea-associated diseases. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:31-39. [PMID: 31916873 PMCID: PMC11135721 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19895941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE There has been increasing identification of vector-borne pathogens in cats presented to veterinary clinics around the world for evaluation of fever and the associated secondary effects, such as signs of depression and loss of appetite. AIM The aim of this article is to summarize the clinically relevant information concerning fever in cats that is associated with pathogens known or suspected to be vectored by fleas, with an emphasis on presenting clinical abnormalities and optimal diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies. Fever in cats that is associated with pathogens vectored by ticks or sandflies is discussed in Part 2 of this article series.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, 300 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
- The Linnaeus Group, Shirley B90 4BN, UK
| | - Xavier Roura
- Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kellner A, Carver S, Scorza V, McKee CD, Lappin M, Crooks KR, VandeWoude S, Antolin MF. Transmission pathways and spillover of an erythrocytic bacterial pathogen from domestic cats to wild felids. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:9779-9792. [PMID: 30386574 PMCID: PMC6202716 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many pathogens infect multiple hosts, and spillover from domestic to wild species poses a significant risk of spread of diseases that threaten wildlife and humans. Documentation of cross-species transmission, and unraveling the mechanisms that drive it, remains a challenge. Focusing on co-occurring domestic and wild felids, we evaluate possible transmission mechanisms and evidence of spillover of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (CMhm), an erythrocytic bacterial parasite of cats. We examine transmission and possibility of spillover by analyzing CMhm prevalence, modeling possible transmission pathways, deducing genotypes of CMhm pathogens infecting felid hosts based on sequences of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, and conducting phylogenetic analyses with ancestral state reconstruction to identify likely cross-species transmission events. Model selection analyses suggest both indirect (i.e., spread via vectors) and direct (i.e., via interspecific predation) pathways may play a role in CMhm transmission. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that transmission of CMhm appears to predominate within host species, with occasional spillover, at unknown frequency, between species. These analyses are consistent with transmission by predation of smaller cats by larger species, with subsequent within-species persistence after spillover. Our results implicate domestic cats as a source of global dispersal and spillover to wild felids via predation. We contribute to the emerging documentation of predation as a common means of pathogen spillover from domestic to wild cats, including pathogens of global conservation significance. These findings suggest risks for top predators as bioaccumulators of pathogens from subordinate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annie Kellner
- Graduate Degree Program in EcologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
- Department of BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Valeria Scorza
- Department of Clinical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Clifton D. McKee
- Graduate Degree Program in EcologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
- Department of BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Michael Lappin
- Department of Clinical SciencesColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Kevin R. Crooks
- Graduate Degree Program in EcologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Sue VandeWoude
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and PathologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Michael F. Antolin
- Graduate Degree Program in EcologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
- Department of BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lukášová R, Kobédová K, Halajian A, Bártová E, Murat JB, Rampedi KM, Luus-Powell WJ. Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in birds from South Africa. Acta Trop 2018; 178:93-96. [PMID: 29092798 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
There are not any records on the detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in tissues of wild birds in the African continent. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of DNA from these protozoan parasites in brain tissue samples collected in years 2014-2015 from 110 wild and domestic birds of 15 orders. Birds came mainly from the province of Limpopo (n=103); the other seven birds came from other five provinces of South Africa. Parasite DNAs were detected by PCR in animal brains. While all samples were negative for N. caninum, T. gondii DNA was detected in three (2.7%) birds: a Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata), a Laughing Dove (S. senegalensis) and a Southern-Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas), all from Limpopo province. Positive samples were selected for genotyping by a 15 microsatellite markers method in a single multiplex PCR assay. Only the sample from the Red-eyed Dove was successfully genotyped and characterized as type II. This is the first detection of T. gondii in tissue of native African wild birds and the first study focusing on N. caninum in birds from South Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radka Lukášová
- University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Kobédová
- University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ali Halajian
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo, Sovenga 0727, South Africa
| | - Eva Bártová
- University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jean-Benjamin Murat
- INSERM, UMR_S 1094, Neuroépidémiologie Tropicale, Université de Limoges, 87025 Limoges, France; National Reference Centre for Toxoplasmosis, Biological Resource Center for Toxoplasma, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges, Limoges, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lopes AP, Oliveira AC, Granada S, Rodrigues FT, Papadopoulos E, Schallig H, Dubey JP, Cardoso L. Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania spp. in domestic cats from Luanda, Angola. Vet Parasitol 2017; 239:15-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
14
|
Raimundo JM, Guimarães A, Botelho CFM, Peixoto MP, Pires MS, Machado CH, Santos HA, Massard CL, André MR, Machado RZ, Baldani CD. Hematological changes associated with hemoplasma infection in cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 25:441-449. [PMID: 27982300 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612016086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to detect Mycoplasma spp. in naturally infected cats from Rio de Janeiro and to evaluate hematological abnormalities and factors associated with this infection. Out of the 197 cats sampled, 11.2% presented structures compatible with hemoplasma organisms on blood smears. In contrast, 22.8% were positive for Mycoplasma spp. by means of 16S rRNA gene real-time polymerase chain reaction, which reflects the weak concordance between techniques. The infection rates, by means of 16S rRNA gene conventional polymerase chain reaction, was 4.6%, 4.6% and 11.7% for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (CMt) and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm), respectively. Mhf and CMhm infections are more frequent in the summer (p>0.05). Presence of anemia (p < 0.02), lymphocytosis (p < 0.03), thrombocytopenia (p < 0.04) and activated monocytes (p < 0.04) was associated with Mhf infection. No hematological abnormality was associated with CMt or CMhm infection. Male cats were more prone to be infected by Mhf or CMhm (p < 0.01). Adult cats had more chance to be infected by CMhm. Three hemoplasma species occur in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro and Mhf seems to be the most pathogenic of them. Anemia is the most important hematological abnormality.
Collapse
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
| | - Camila Flávia Magalhães Botelho
- 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
| | - Maristela Peckel Peixoto
- Laboratório de Hemoparasitos e Vetores, Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcus Sandes Pires
- Laboratório de Hemoparasitos e Vetores, Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Carlos Henrique Machado
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Carlos Luiz Massard
- Laboratório de Hemoparasitos e Vetores, Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brasil
| | - Rosangela Zacarias Machado
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, 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
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Prevalence, risk factor analysis, and hematological findings of hemoplasma infection in domestic cats from Valdivia, Southern Chile. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 46:20-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
16
|
Sævik BK, Krontveit RI, Eggen KP, Malmberg N, Thoresen SI, Prestrud KW. Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in Norway and risk factors for seropositivity. J Feline Med Surg 2015; 17:1049-56. [PMID: 25666851 PMCID: PMC10816337 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15569616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of the study were to estimate Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in pet cats in Norway and to evaluate risk factors for seropositivity. Additionally, serum biochemistry and haematological variables for T gondii seropositive and seronegative cats were compared. METHODS A convenience sample of surplus sera submitted to the Central Laboratory, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, was collected. The samples were from healthy cats and cats with a variety of diseases. Analyses for IgG antibodies to T gondii were performed with a commercial direct agglutination test, with 1:40 as the threshold value. For risk factor analysis a logistic regression model of the relationship between predictors and the outcome was applied. RESULTS One hundred and ninety-six of 478 cats were seropositive for T gondii, and the estimated seroprevalence in the study sample was 41.0% (95% confidence interval 36.6-45.4). Compared with domestic cats, pedigree cats had reduced risk for Toxoplasma seropositivity (odds ratio [OR] 0.42). Males had increased risk (OR 1.63) compared with females. The effect of age was highly significant, and an increase in the cats' age across the interquartile range (IQR; 52-160 months/4-13 years of age) doubled the risk of Toxoplasma seropositivity (OR 2.11). The risk for Toxoplasma seropositivity among cats living in Oslo was significantly reduced (OR 0.51) when compared with the rest of Norway. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Pet cats in Norway appear to be commonly exposed to T gondii. Signalment and geographical region influenced the odds of Toxoplasma seropositivity, whereas health status did not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bente Kristin Sævik
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kristine P Eggen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nina Malmberg
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein I Thoresen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin W Prestrud
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Oslo, Norway Norwegian Kennel Club, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Aquino LC, Hicks CAE, Scalon MC, Lima MGDM, Lemos MDS, Paludo GR, Helps CR, Tasker S. Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of haemoplasmas from cats infected with multiple species. J Microbiol Methods 2015; 107:189-96. [PMID: 25447887 PMCID: PMC4263531 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ (CMhm) and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ (CMt) are agents of feline haemoplasmosis and can induce anaemia in cats. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and phylogeny of haemoplasma species in cats from Brazil's capital and surrounding areas, and whether correlation with haematological abnormalities existed. Feline haemoplasmas were found in 13.8% of 432 cats. CMhm was the most prevalent species (in 13.8% of cats), followed by Mhf (11.1%) and CMt (4.4%). Over 80% of haemoplasma-infected cats harboured two or more feline haemoplasma species: 7.1% of cats were co-infected with Mhf/CMhm, 0.4% with CMhm/CMt and 3.9% with Mhf/CMhm/CMt. Male gender was significantly associated with haemoplasma infections. No association was found between qPCR haemoplasma status and haematological variables, however CMhm relative copy numbers were correlated with red blood cell (RBC) numbers and packed cell volume (PCV). Haemoplasma 16S rRNA gene sequences (> 1 Kb) were derived from co-infected cats using novel haemoplasma species-specific primers. This allowed 16S rRNA gene sequences to be obtained despite the high level of co-infection, which precluded the use of universal 16S rRNA gene primers. Within each species, the Mhf, CMhm and CMt sequences showed > 99.8%, > 98.5% and > 98.8% identity, respectively. The Mhf, CMhm and CMt sequences showed > 99.2%, > 98.4% and > 97.8% identity, respectively, with GenBank sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed all Mhf sequences to reside in a single clade, whereas the CMhm and CMt sequences each grouped into three distinct subclades. These phylogeny findings suggest the existence of different CMhm and CMt strains. Over 80% of haemoplasma-infected cats had more than one haemoplasma species. The use of species-specific primers allowed derivation of 16S rDNA sequences from co-infected cats. Male gender was significantly associated with haemoplasma infection. Phylogenetic analysis showed subclade formation within two of the haemoplasma species sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Campos Aquino
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, College of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 709010-900, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Duarte A, Marques V, Correia JHD, Neto I, Bráz BS, Rodrigues C, Martins T, Rosado R, Ferreira JP, Santos-Reis M, Tavares L. Molecular detection of haemotropic Mycoplasma species in urban and rural cats from Portugal. J Feline Med Surg 2015; 17:516-22. [PMID: 25228167 PMCID: PMC10816787 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x14550172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of haemoplasma infection in cats in Portugal and to assess risk factors for infection. METHODS Real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques were used to assess 236 urban and rural cats from central and southern Portugal. RESULTS The overall prevalence of haemoplasma in the target population was 27.1% (64/236), with individual species' prevalences as follows: 17.8% (42/236) 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (CMhm), 14.4% (34/236) Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and only 5.9% (14/236) 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' (CMt). Multiple infections were detected in 8.1% (19/236) of the samples, with triple and double infections with Mhf and CMhm being most commonly detected (5.9% [14/236] of cats). Haemoplasma infection was significantly higher in shelter cats (P = 0.015) than in cats with other lifestyles (eg, free-roaming/house pet/blood donors). Haemoplasma prevalence was also higher in cats with feline immunodeficiency virus infection (FIV; P = 0.011). Although sex was not significantly associated with haemoplasma infection (P = 0.050), CMt was predominantly found in males (P = 0.032). Also, the presence of haemoplasma multiple infections was statistically associated with being in a shelter (P = 0.021), male (P = 0.057) and with FIV co-infection (P = 0.004). No evidence of an association between haemoplasma infection and geographical location, age or feline leukaemia virus co-infection was found. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The results obtained in our study are consistent with the documented worldwide prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections, suggesting that the three main feline haemoplasma species are common in Portugal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Duarte
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Foundation for Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vânia Marques
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Foundation for Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Henrique Duarte Correia
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Foundation for Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Neto
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Foundation for Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Berta São Bráz
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Foundation for Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Rodrigues
- Vetoeiras Central Veterinary Hospital of Cascais Line, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Telma Martins
- Vetoeiras Central Veterinary Hospital of Cascais Line, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Rosado
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway
| | - Joaquim Pedro Ferreira
- Centre for the Study of the Environment and the Sea, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Santos-Reis
- Centre for Environmental Biology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luis Tavares
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Foundation for Science and Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Prevalence of haemoplasma infections in stray cats in northern Italy. ISRN MICROBIOLOGY 2014; 2014:298352. [PMID: 24707436 PMCID: PMC3953429 DOI: 10.1155/2014/298352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections in a number of stray cat colonies in Milan, Northern Italy. Blood samples from 260 stray cats were evaluated, with conventional PCR, for the presence of DNA associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (CMhm). Odd ratios (OR) were calculated to identify risk factors for haemoplasma infections. PCR was positive in 86 out of 260 subjects (33.1%), with a prevalence of 10.8% (28/260 cats) for Mhf and 22.3% (58/260 cats) for CMhm. No coinfections were registered. There were significant associations between infections and season of sampling, that is, a negative association between winter sampling and a haemoplasma positive status (OR = 0.29, P = 0.001), or CMhm positive status (OR = 0.29, P = 0.01). Haemoplasma infections are common in stray cats in Milan. Thus, domestic cats with outdoor access should be routinely monitored and treated for ectoparasites to minimize risks of disease acquisition. Moreover, as these infections are transmitted via blood, feline blood donors from this area should be screened by PCR and preferably be drawn from a population of indoor cats regularly treated for fleas.
Collapse
|