Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Toxoplasmosis diagnosis and treatment in cats on cyclosporin
By Barrs, V R et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2006·University Veterinary Centre, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Antemortem diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis in two cats on cyclosporin therapy.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two cats being treated with cyclosporin for other health issues developed clinical toxoplasmosis, which is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. One cat showed respiratory symptoms, and tests revealed the presence of the parasite in their lung fluid, while the other had it in their pleural fluid. Despite receiving aggressive treatment, only one of the cats survived. This situation highlights the risk of reactivating latent infections in cats on immunosuppressive medications like cyclosporin, so it's important for veterinarians to monitor for respiratory signs in these pets.
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Abstract
Clinical toxoplasmosis was diagnosed antemortem in two cats being treated with therapeutic doses of cyclosporin. The diagnosis was made by detecting tachyzoites on cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from one case and pleural effusion from the other. Despite early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in both cases, only one cat survived. Reactivation of latent Toxoplasma gondii infection secondary to cyclosporin-induced immunosuppression was considered likely in both cases. The presence of respiratory signs in cats treated with cyclosporin should alert clinicians to the possibility of clinical toxoplasmosis. Consideration should be given to determining the serostatus of cats to T gondii prior to use of drugs which are potent inhibitors of cell mediated immunity, such as cyclosporin. Two cases of feline toxoplasmosis are presented.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16498831/