Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vector-borne infections found in cats tested for FIV and FeLV
By Melo, Thyara Bezerra de et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2023·Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Brazil·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens in cats tested for FIV and FeLV.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that 20% of tested cats had infections from various blood-borne pathogens, including Mycoplasma and Ehrlichia, which can be transmitted by ticks and fleas. Out of 119 cats, some were also found to have Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The most common infection was from Mycoplasma haemofelis, which can cause anemia. To protect your cat, it's important to keep them free from fleas and ticks and to manage aggressive behavior that could lead to bites.
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to detect molecularly vector borne pathogens (VBPs) in domiciled cats tested for Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Blood samples (n = 119) were analyzed microscopically and molecularly through PCR and sequenced for the detection of the following pathogens: piroplasmids., Bartonella henselae, Cytauxzoon felis, Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania spp., hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Trypanosoma spp., and Ricketssia spp. Animals were also serological assessed for detection of antibodies against FIV and FeLV. Out of all animals, 20.16% (24/119) tested positive for at least one VBPs at molecular examination. Conversely, no animal resulted positive at microscopic analysis. The most prevalent pathogen was hemotropic Mycoplasma haemofelis (8.40%; 10/119), followed by Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (5.88%; 7/119), E. canis (5.04%; 6/119), C. felis (0.84%; 1/119) and B. henselae (0.84%; 1/119). One animal (0.84%; 1/119) was co-infected with. E. canis and B. henselae. A total of 5.88% (7/119) and 1.68% (2/119) tested positive for FIV and FeLV, respectively. Data of this study demonstrate that owned cats can be at risk of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp., E. canis, C. felis and B. henselae. Therefore, preventive measures against vectors of these pathogens should be implemented in order to reduce the risk of exposition and consequently infection. Additionally, aggressive behaviors among cats should be avoided, especially because hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. may be transmitted through the bite of animals.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37068860/