Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Encephalitozoon cuniculi found in cataracts of cats
By Benz, Petra et al.·Published in Veterinary ophthalmology·2011·Department for Companion Animals and Horses·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Detection of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in the feline cataractous lens.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of European shorthair cats, averaging 3.5 years old, were brought in for eye problems, specifically cataracts and uveitis (inflammation of the eye). Testing revealed that nearly all the affected cats had a parasite called Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which was found in their cataractous lenses and eye fluid. This parasite was linked to the development of cataracts and eye inflammation in these cats. Treatment options were not detailed, but identifying the cause is crucial for managing their eye health.
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Abstract
PURPOSE: Identification of Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) as a possible causative agent for cataracts and uveitis in cats. METHODS: Within a 12-month study period, cats that were presented with focal anterior cortical or mature cataract and secondary uveitis underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, serologic tests for E. cuniculi and tests for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). PCR for DNA detection of E. cuniculi and T. gondii as well as cytologic examination of aqueous humor after paracentesis and phacoemulsified lens material were also performed. In addition histopathologic examination of the resected anterior lens capsule and attached lens epithelial cells was performed. Serologic testing for antibodies against E. cuniculi was also performed in 100 ophthalmologically healthy cats. RESULTS: Eleven (19 eyes) European shorthair cats with a median age of 3.5 years were included. Nine of 11 cats had bilateral cataracts, with 12/19 eyes having focal anterior cortical cataracts and 7/19 eyes having mature cataracts. In 14/19 eyes anterior uveitis was present. All cats had a positive antibody titer (1:80-1:10,000) for E. cuniculi. Encephalitozoon cuniculi DNA was detected by PCR and sequencing in 18/19 lenses and in 10/19 aqueous samples. Five tentative positive results were detected by cytologic examination. Spores were detected in 15/19 samples of lens material with histopathologic staining. Only 2/100 ophthalmologically healthy cats showed a positive antibody titer for E. cuniculi. CONCLUSION: Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a cause of focal anterior cortical cataract and anterior uveitis in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21923822/