Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common are Bartonella and other infections in cats and their
By Lappin, Michael R et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2006·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of Bartonella species, haemoplasma species, Ehrlichia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Neorickettsia risticii DNA in the blood of cats and their fleas in the United States.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that over half of the cats tested in Alabama, Maryland, and Texas had DNA from certain bacteria in their blood, which can be transmitted by fleas. Specifically, 60.9% of the cats and 65.2% of their fleas carried DNA from bacteria like Bartonella and Mycoplasma. This suggests that fleas can spread these infections to cats, making it important for pet owners to keep their cats on effective flea prevention, especially in areas where these infections are common. Keeping up with flea control can help protect your cat's health.
Abstract
Ctenocephalides felis were killed and collected from 92 cats in Alabama, Maryland, and Texas. The fleas and blood from the corresponding cat were digested and assessed in polymerase chain reaction assays that amplify DNA of Ehrlichia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Neorickettsia risticii, Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus M haemominutum' and Bartonella species. DNA consistent with B henselae, B clarridgeiae, M haemofelis, or 'Candidatus M haemominutum' was commonly amplified from cats (60.9%) and their fleas (65.2%). Results of this study support the recommendation to maintain flea control on cats in endemic areas.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16290092/