Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Erysipelothrix infection causing depression and weight loss in a cat
By Lee, Jin Ju et al.·Published in The Journal of veterinary medical science·2011·Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Characterization and identification of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae isolated from an unnatural host, a cat, with a clinical manifestation of depression.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 4-month-old Russian Blue cat was brought to the vet showing signs of depression and very poor body condition. Tests revealed the presence of a bacteria called Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which is usually not reported in cats. The cat also had skin lesions and pus around its eyes. While the cat was treated, it was noted that the bacteria could potentially be harmful to other animals and even humans. The cat's condition highlights the importance of monitoring unusual infections in pets.
People also search for: cat depression symptoms · Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in cats · cat skin lesions treatment
Abstract
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is pathogenic for humans, many domestic animals and wild birds, but infectious cases with clinical symptoms in cats have not been reported. E. rhusiopathiae was recovered from a 4-month Russian blue breed cat with a very poor body condition score of 1 (BCS: 1/5). The isolate was typed as serotype 2b. Mice experimentally infected with the clinical isolate of E. rhusiopathiae through subcutaneous or intraperitoneal routes survived, and the organism was recovered from the spleen and synovial and pericardial fluids. Cats experimentally inoculated with the isolate either orally or subcutaneously survived but commonly exhibited depression and emaciation together with localized erythemal lesion of the skin accompanied by purulent ocular discharge. On hematological analysis, the number of total white blood cells was high compared with that in normal cats. Histological examination revealed congestion and moderate inflammation with focal necrosis. This observation may provide insight on E. rhusiopathiae infection in cats with the possible epidemiological significance and implications as a potential source of infection to other animals and humans.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20834197/