Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rickettsial infections found in 0.4% of cats in Southern Germany
By Bergmann, Michèle et al.·Published in Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases·2015·Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of selected rickettsial infections in cats in Southern Germany.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Two cats in Southern Germany were found to have a rare blood infection caused by a type of bacteria called Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Both cats had outdoor access and were experiencing health issues, but their problems were likely related to other diseases. One cat showed signs of increased white blood cells, while the other had low platelet counts, which could be linked to the infection. The study suggests that while these infections are uncommon, pet owners should ensure proper tick control to help prevent such infections in their cats.
People also search for: cat blood infection symptoms · Anaplasma in cats · tick prevention for outdoor cats
Abstract
Prevalence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neorickettsia, and Wolbachia DNA in blood of 479 cats collected in different veterinary clinics in Southern Germany was determined using a previously published conventional PCR using 16S-23S intergenic spacer primers (5' CTG GGG ACT ACG GTC GCA AGA C 3' - forward; 5' CTC CAG TTT ATC ACT GGA AGT T 3' - reverse). Purified amplicons were sequenced to confirm genus and species. Associations between rickettsial infections, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), as well as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) status were evaluated. Rickettsial prevalence was 0.4% (2/479; CI: 0.01-1.62%). In the two infected cats, Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was amplified. These cats came from different environment and had outdoor access. Both were ill with many of their problems likely related to other diseases. However, one cat had neutrophilia with left shift and the other thrombocytopenia potentially caused by their A. phagocytophilum infection. There was no significant difference in the FIV and FeLV status between A. phagocytophilum-negative and -positive cats. A. phagocytophilum can cause infection in cats in Southern Germany, and appropriate tick control is recommended.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26387062/