Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Molecular and serologic evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in cats in North America.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Lappin, Michael R et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- cat
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was detected in blood of clinically ill cats from Massachusetts (n = 4) and Connecticut (1) by use of polymerase chain reaction assay and DNA sequencing. All 5 cats were allowed outdoors, and Ixodes scapularis were found on 3 cats. Clinical signs of fever, anorexia, and lethargy resolved quickly after treatment with doxycycline or tetracycline. Serum samples from each cat reacted with A. phagocytophilum morulae via an indirect fluorescent antibody assay; positive antibody titers persisted even after 21 to 30 days of treatment with tetracycline. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of A. phagocytophilum infection of domestic cats in North America. Results suggest that infection with the organism may be associated with clinical illness in some cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15485049/