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Hoseinpoor E, Goudarztalejerdi A, Sazmand A. Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in cats in different regions of Iran. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:198. [PMID: 38849724 PMCID: PMC11162091 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03356-8] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemotropic Mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) cause hemolytic anemia in cats worldwide and are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens. There is no comprehensive study on the prevalence and species diversity of hemoplasmas in domestic cat populations in different regions in Iran. Thus, the aims of the present study were to provide data on the prevalence and molecular characterization of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in apparently healthy cats from six Iranian provinces with different climates. In addition, potential risk factors associated with hemoplasmosis in cats were assessed. RESULTS Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 56 / 361 cats (15.5%) using genus-specific PCR. Further examinations with species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing showed that 38 cats (10.5%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 8 cats (2.2%) tested positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 2 cats (0.6%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Co-infection with CMhm, and Mhf was observed in 7 cats (1.9%). One cat (0.3%) showed mixed infection with CMhm, Mhf, and CMt. There were statistically significant relationships between Mycoplasma positivity and being female, living in shelter (cattery), and being over 3 years old (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed for the cat breed and sampling localities. CONCLUSIONS Current study findings revealed that hemoplasma infections are common among Iran cat populations. Considering the impact of such emerging zoonotic pathogens on the One Health, routine screenings, increasing public awareness, effective control, and prophylactic strategies for minimizing infection in cats and subsequently in human are strongly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hoseinpoor
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
| | - Ali Goudarztalejerdi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran.
| | - Alireza Sazmand
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, 6517658978, Iran
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Kitson L, Becker AAMJ, Hartmann K, Bergmann M, Sepulveda-Garcia P, Canales N, Muller A. Characterizing the blood microbiota in healthy and febrile domestic cats via 16s rRNA sequencing. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10584. [PMID: 38719878 PMCID: PMC11079020 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61023-4] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the blood bacterial microbiota in healthy and febrile cats. High-quality sequencing reads from the 16S rRNA gene variable region V3-V4 were obtained from genomic blood DNA belonging to 145 healthy cats, and 140 febrile cats. Comparisons between the blood microbiota of healthy and febrile cats revealed dominant presence of Actinobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. Upon lower taxonomic levels, the bacterial composition was significantly different between healthy and febrile cats. The families Faecalibacterium and Kineothrix (Firmicutes), and Phyllobacterium (Proteobacteria) experienced increased abundance in febrile samples. Whereas Thioprofundum (Proteobacteria) demonstrated a significant decrease in abundance in febrile. The bacterial composition and beta diversity within febrile cats was different according to the affected body system (Oral/GI, systemic, skin, and respiratory) at both family and genus levels. Sex and age were not significant factors affecting the blood microbiota of febrile cats nor healthy ones. Age was different between young adult and mature adult healthy cats. Alpha diversity was unaffected by any factors. Overall, the findings suggest that age, health status and nature of disease are significant factors affecting blood microbiota diversity and composition in cats, but sex is not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Kitson
- Graduate Program, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Anne A M J Becker
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Paulina Sepulveda-Garcia
- Instituto de Medicina Preventiva Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Escuela de Graduados, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Nivia Canales
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Ananda Muller
- One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Department, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, West Farm, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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Razgūnaitė M, Lipatova I, Paulauskas A, Snegiriovaitė J, Karvelienė B, Zamokas G, Laukutė M, Radzijevskaja J. Prevalence and Diversity of Haemotropic Mycoplasma Species in Cats and Their Ectoparasites (Fleas and Ticks). Vet Sci 2024; 11:81. [PMID: 38393099 PMCID: PMC10892483 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020081] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma spp. pathogens frequently cause chronic and acute diseases in cats. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence and genetic diversity of Mycoplasma spp. in cats and their ectoparasites using PCR and sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. Blood samples were collected from 541 domestic and stray cats in Lithuania. Ectoparasites (153 fleas and 321 ticks) were collected from owned domestic cats that live both outdoors and indoors. Mycoplasma spp. were detected in 7.2% of cat blood samples and 4.4% of Ctenocephalides felis fleas. The sequence analysis revealed the presence of Mycoplasma haemofelis in 1.1% of cats and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematominutum' in 4.8% of cats. Ct. felis fleas harboured M. haemofelis. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence and molecular characterisation of Mycoplasma bacteria in cats in Lithuania and cat fleas in the Baltic States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miglė Razgūnaitė
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Indrė Lipatova
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Algimantas Paulauskas
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Justina Snegiriovaitė
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Birutė Karvelienė
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.K.); (G.Z.)
| | - Gintaras Zamokas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.K.); (G.Z.)
| | - Monika Laukutė
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilžės Str. 18, LT-47181 Kaunas, Lithuania; (B.K.); (G.Z.)
| | - Jana Radzijevskaja
- Department of Biology, Vytautas Magnus University, K. Donelaičio Str. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania; (M.R.); (I.L.); (A.P.); (J.S.); (M.L.)
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Kabir A, Shaker Chouhan C, Habib T, Pratik Siddique M, Nazir KNH, Anisur Rahman A, Amimul Ehsan M. Epidemiology of feline bartonellosis and molecular characteristics of Bartonella henselae in Bangladesh. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:103881. [PMID: 38125733 PMCID: PMC10730849 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103881] [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] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonellosis, a neglected vector-borne zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans, continues to threaten human and animal health significantly. This study aims to determine the epidemiology of feline bartonellosis and the molecular characteristics of Bartonella spp. in cats. From June 2018 to June 2020, 304 oral swabs were randomly collected from Bangladesh's Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to collect data. Oral swabs were subjected to PCR targeting htrA gene to confirm Bartonella spp., which was subsequently validated through sequencing. Risk factors were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. The overall prevalence of feline bartonellosis was found to be 15.1 %. The following factors were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with Bartonella infection in risk factor analysis: cats aged ≥ 1 year (OR: 3.23, 95 % CI: 1.38-24.40), local breed cats (OR: 3.37, 95 % CI: 1.05-10.81), cats carrying fleas (OR: 2.33, 95 % CI: 1.93-13.45), antifleacidal drugs inconsistently administered cats (OR: 6.74, 95 % CI: 3.17-14.31), outdoor access cats (OR: 2.54, 95 % CI: 1.16-5.57). Notably, zoonotic B. henselae was confirmed through sequencing, establishing it as the causal agent of cat scratch disease. Phylogenetic analysis showed homology with B. henselae sequences from Brazil, Saint Kitts, and Nevis. We recommend consistent and appropriate flea control measures to curb its spread among Bangladeshi cats. Moreover, limiting outdoor exposure or implementing preventive measures for outdoor cats could reduce the disease burden. The associated human health risk can be decreased by effectively controlling this disease within the cat population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajran Kabir
- Department of Microbiology & Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | | | - Tasmia Habib
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubul Pratik Siddique
- Department of Microbiology & Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | | | - A.K.M. Anisur Rahman
- Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Amimul Ehsan
- Department of Medicine, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
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Maggi RG, Halls V, Krämer F, Lappin M, Pennisi MG, Peregrine AS, Roura X, Schunack B, Scorza V, Tasker S, Baneth G, Bourdeau P, Bowman DD, Breitschwerdt EB, Capelli G, Cardoso L, Dantas-Torres F, Dobler G, Ferrer L, Gradoni L, Irwin P, Jongejan F, Kempf VAJ, Kohn B, Little S, Madder M, Maia C, Marcondes M, Miró G, Naucke T, Oliva G, Otranto D, Penzhorn BL, Pfeffer M, Sainz Á, Shin S, Solano-Gallego L, Straubinger RK, Traub R, Wright I. Vector-borne and other pathogens of potential relevance disseminated by relocated cats. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:415. [DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLarge populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue worldwide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relieving suffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat’s lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those working with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unowned cats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list of practical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consensus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in 2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping to prevent and manage vector-borne and other pathogens in relocated cats.
Graphical Abstract
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Taber R, Pankowski A, Ludwig AL, Jensen M, Magsamen V, Lashnits E. Bartonellosis in Dogs and Cats, an Update. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:1163-1192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.06.006] [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]
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Freitas JP, de Jesus ILR, Chaves JKDO, Gijsen IS, Campos DR, Baptista DP, Ferreira TP, Alves MCC, Coumendouros K, Cid YP, Chaves DSDA. Efficacy and residual effect of Illicium verum (star anise) and Pelargonium graveolens (rose geranium) essential oil on cat fleas Ctenocephalides felis felis. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2021; 30:e009321. [PMID: 34910016 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612021088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The essential oils (EOs) of Illicium verum and Pelargonium graveolens were evaluated for lethality, inhibition of development and residual efficacy against the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis. Their chemical composition was characterized by means of gas chromatography with a flame ionization and mass spectrometry detection. Mortality at different immature stages and among adult fleas was measured through in vitro filter paper tests at different concentrations of EOs. The chemical characterization of I. verum volatile oil showed that E-anethole (79.96%) was the major constituent, while the major compounds in P. graveolens were citronellol (29.67%) and geraniol (14.85%). Insecticidal activity against both immature and adult flea stages were observed. The EO of I. verum had insecticidal activity for approximately 18 days, while the EO activity of P. graveolens lasted for 13 days. The pulicidal activity of I. verum remained above 70% for up to 9 days, while the activity of P. graveolens was 41.7% for up to 2 days. Essential oils, especially that of I. verum, showed insecticidal activity for flea control at different life cycle stages and have potential for the development of ectoparasiticides (biopesticides) for veterinary use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Pereira Freitas
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Ingrid Lins Raquel de Jesus
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Jéssica Karoline de Oliveira Chaves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Isabela Scalioni Gijsen
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Diefrey Ribeiro Campos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Debora Pereira Baptista
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro -- UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Thais Paes Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Melina Cardilo Campos Alves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Katherina Coumendouros
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Yara Peluso Cid
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro -- UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Douglas Siqueira de Almeida Chaves
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Química, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro -- UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
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Prevalence of Vector-Borne Pathogens in Reproductive and Non-Reproductive Tissue Samples from Free-Roaming Domestic Cats in the South Atlantic USA. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091221. [PMID: 34578253 PMCID: PMC8472639 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reservoir to multiple species of zoonotic pathogens, free-roaming cats (FRCs) interact with domestic and wild animals, vectors, and humans. To assess the potential for feline vector-borne pathogens to be vertically transmitted, this study surveyed ear tip and reproductive tissues of FRCs from two locations in the South Atlantic United States for Anaplasma, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, hemotropic Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia species. We collected ovary (n = 72), uterus (n = 54), testicle (n = 74), and ear tip (n = 73) tissue from 73 cats, and fetal (n = 20) and placental (n = 19) tissue from 11 queens. Pathogen DNA was amplified utilizing qPCR, confirmed by sequencing. Cats were more frequently Bartonella henselae positive on reproductive tissues (19%, 14/73) than ear tip (5%, 4/73; p = 0.02). B. henselae was amplified from fetus (20%, 4/20) and placenta samples (11%, 2/19). Bartonella spp. infection was more common in cats from North Carolina (76%, 26/34) than Virginia (13%, 5/39; p < 0.0001). Fourteen percent (10/73) of both ear tip and reproductive tissues were positive for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia spp. DNA was not amplified from any cat/tissue. These findings suggest that B. henselae preferentially infected cats' reproductive tissue and reinforces the importance of investigating the potential for B. henselae vertical transmission or induction of reproductive failure.
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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.
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Lavan R, Normile D, Husain I, Singh A, Heaney K. Analysis of gaps in feline ectoparasiticide purchases from veterinary clinics in the United States. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:264. [PMID: 34016157 PMCID: PMC8135142 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04768-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The study objective was to examine cat owner ectoparasiticide purchases in the United States and estimate the impact of purchase gaps on timely ectoparasite protection administration. These purchase gaps lead to periods of time when cats are unprotected from ectoparasites. Methods Ectoparasiticide purchase transactions for individual cats from 671 U.S. veterinary clinics from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019 were evaluated to determine time “gaps” between doses of ectoparasiticides purchased in a defined 12-month period. Ectoparasiticides examined were topically applied products that contained fluralaner, fipronil/(S)-methoprene/pyriproxyfen, imidacloprid/pyriproxyfen or selamectin as active ingredients. The duration of protection following administration of one dose was 8–12 weeks for the fluralaner-containing product and one month for the other products. Results Ectoparasiticide purchase records were obtained from 114,853 cat owners and analysis found that most owners bought ≤ 6 months of protection during the year, with 61–75% (depending on the product) purchasing just 1–3 months of protection. The size of the average purchase gap was determined for all dose combinations out to 12 months of protection (5–7 doses for fluralaner and 12 doses for the other three products dosed monthly. The largest gaps occurred between the first and second doses and the second and third doses. Average purchase gaps for the four different products between doses 1 and 2 ranged from 11.2 to 13.9 weeks and between doses 2 and 3 ranged from 7.7 to 12.2 weeks. The fraction of purchases separated by gaps and the average length of the gap tended to decrease with increasing number of doses purchased. Owners purchasing the 8 to 12-week duration product containing fluralaner provided ectoparasite protection (“doses plus gap period”) for a larger proportion of each 2-dose period compared with owners purchasing products administered monthly. Conclusions When cat owners purchase flea and tick medication, gaps between subsequent purchases reduces the proportion of time ectoparasite protection can be provided. The duration of the gap between doses has an impact on the effectiveness of flea/tick medication because it inserts a period without flea and tick protection between doses of flea and tick medication. The gaps between purchases were shorter and the period of ectoparasite protection was larger for owners purchasing a 12-week product than for owners purchasing a monthly product. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lavan
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA.
| | | | - Imran Husain
- Celeritas Solutions LLC, 157 Columbus Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amita Singh
- Zickin School of Business, Baruch College CUNY, 55 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, USA
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Lappin MR, Tasker S, Roura X. Role of vector-borne pathogens in the development of fever in cats: 2. Tick- and sandfly-associated diseases. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:41-48. [PMID: 31916874 PMCID: PMC11135722 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19895942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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 vectored by ticks or sandflies, with an emphasis on presenting clinical abnormalities and optimal diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies. Fever in cats associated with pathogens known or suspected to be vectored by fleas was discussed within Part 1 of this two-part article series.
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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
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