Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat antibodies to Bartonella and Toxoplasma higher in feral cats than
By Nutter, Felicia B et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2004·Environmental Medicine Consortium and Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Seroprevalences of antibodies against Bartonella henselae and Toxoplasma gondii and fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia spp, and Toxocara cati in feral and pet domestic cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that 93% of feral cats tested positive for antibodies against Bartonella henselae (which can cause cat scratch fever in humans) and 63% for Toxoplasma gondii (which can cause flu-like symptoms in people), compared to 75% and 34% in pet cats, respectively. Both feral and pet cats showed similar levels of fecal shedding of parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Overall, the health status of feral and pet cats appeared comparable based on blood tests, but feral cats had more exposure to certain infections. Pet owners should be aware of these risks, especially if their cats interact with feral populations.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare seroprevalences of antibodies against Bartonella henselae and Toxoplasma gondii and fecal shedding of Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia spp, and Toxocara cati in feral and pet domestic cats. DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional serologic and coprologic survey. ANIMALS: 100 feral cats and 76 pet domestic cats from Randolph County, NC. PROCEDURE: Blood and fecal samples were collected and tested. RESULTS: Percentages of feral cats seropositive for antibodies against B. henselae and T. gondii (93% and 63%, respectively) were significantly higher than percentages of pet cats (75% and 34%). Percentages of feral and pet cats with Cryptosporidium spp (7% of feral cats; 6% of pet cats), Giardia spp (6% of feral cats; 5% of pet cats), and T. cati ova (21% of feral cats; 18% of pet cats) in their feces were not significantly different between populations. Results of CBCs and serum biochemical analyses were not significantly different between feral and pet cats, except that feral cats had a significantly lower median PCV and significantly higher median neutrophil count. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that feral and pet cats had similar baseline health status, as reflected by results of hematologic and serum biochemical testing and similar prevalences of infection with Cryptosporidium spp, Giardia spp, and T. cati. Feral cats did have higher seroprevalences of antibodies against B. henselae and T. gondii than did pet cats, but this likely was related to greater exposure to vectors of these organisms.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15552314/