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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Cat diagnosed with Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in Finland

By Pfister Kurt et al.·Published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica·2010·View original on DOAJ

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Original publication title: <it>Anaplasma phagocytophilum </it>infection in a domestic cat in Finland: Case report

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

A domestic cat in Finland was brought to the vet with symptoms of fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite after being exposed to ticks. The vet suspected anaplasmosis, a tick-borne infection caused by the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Blood tests confirmed the diagnosis, and the cat was treated with doxycycline, an antibiotic effective against this infection. After treatment, the cat's condition improved, and it returned to its normal self.

People also search for: cat fever after tick exposure · anaplasmosis treatment in cats · lethargy and loss of appetite in cats

Abstract

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Anaplasmosis is a vectorborne disease caused by the gram-negative bacterium <it>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</it>. This species displays positive tropism to granulocytes and can cause illness in several mammalian species, including cats, dogs, and humans. It is considered as an emerging disease in Europe. The clinical signs are nonspecific and include fever, lethargy, and inappetence. The most typical hematologic abnormality is thrombocytopenia. A tentative diagnosis can be made by detecting intracytoplasmic morulae inside neutrophils. The diagnosis is confirmed by PCR and serology in paired serum samples. A sample for PCR analysis should be taken before treatment. Anaplasmosis is treated with doxycycline.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A feline case of anaplasmosis is presented. The history, clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up are discussed.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This case indicates that <it>Anaplasma phagocytophilum </it>infects cats in Finland. To provide accurate treatment, anaplasmosis should be listed as a differential diagnosis in cats suffering from acute febrile illness with previous tick exposure.</p>

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Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-52-62