Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cytauxzoonosis in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2015
- Authors:
- Lloret, Albert et al.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Cytauxzoonosis is a serious disease caused by a parasite called Cytauxzoon felis, which is mainly spread by ticks and affects domestic cats, as well as big cats like lions and tigers. This infection has mostly been seen in North and South America, but it has recently appeared in parts of Europe, including Spain, France, and Italy. In the United States, infected cats often show severe symptoms like high fever and anemia, while in Europe, the strains seem to be less harmful, and many infected cats remain healthy. Diagnosis typically involves finding the parasite in blood samples, and the recommended treatment includes a combination of specific medications along with supportive care. Cats that recover may carry the parasite for life, so it's important for outdoor cats in areas where ticks are common to receive proper tick prevention.
Abstract
OVERVIEW: Cytauxzoon species are apicomplexan haemoparasites, which may cause severe disease in domestic cats, as well as lions and tigers. For many years, cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats was only reported in North and South America, but in recent years the infection has also been seen in Europe (Spain, France and Italy). INFECTION: Cytauxzoon felis is the main species; it occurs as numerous different strains or genotypes and is transmitted via ticks. Therefore, the disease shows a seasonal incidence from spring to early autumn and affects primarily cats with outdoor access in areas where tick vectors are prevalent. Domestic cats may experience subclinical infection and may also act as reservoirs. CLINICAL SIGNS: Cytauxzoonosis caused by C felis in the USA is an acute or peracute severe febrile disease with non-specific signs. Haemolytic anaemia occurs frequently; in some cats neurological signs may occur in late stages. The Cytauxzoon species identified in Europe differ from C felis that causes disease in the USA and are probably less virulent. The majority of infected cats have been healthy; in some cases anaemia was found, but disease as it occurs in the USA has not been reported to date. DIAGNOSIS: Diagnosis is usually obtained by Cytauxzoon detection in blood smears and/or fine-needle aspirates from the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. PCR assays are able to detect low levels of parasitaemia and may be used for confirmation. TREATMENT: Currently a combination of the antiprotozoal drugs atovaquone and azithromycin is the treatment of choice. Concurrent supportive and critical care treatment is extremely important to improve the prognosis. Cats that survive the infection may become chronic carriers for life. PREVENTION: Cats with outdoor access in endemic areas should receive effective tick treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26101317/