Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with breathing trouble diagnosed with toxoplasmosis
By Salant, H et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2021·Koret School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Systemic toxoplasmosis in a cat under cyclosporine therapy.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A male neutered domestic cat developed breathing problems after being treated with cyclosporine for obsessive self-grooming and itching. After several tests, the vet found severe pneumonia and fluid in the abdomen caused by a Toxoplasma gondii infection. Despite aggressive treatment with antibiotics and specific medications for the infection, the cat unfortunately passed away. It's recommended that cats on cyclosporine be tested for T. gondii antibodies and kept indoors, avoiding raw meat to prevent infection.
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite infecting warm-blooded animals, can cause toxoplasmosis, a major zoonosis. A male neutered, domestic cat was referred to the Hebrew University Veterinary Teaching Hospital due to dyspnea after long term treatment with cyclosporine for obsessive self-grooming and pruritis. After thorough diagnostics, including non - invasive imaging, broncho-alveolar lavage, blood serology, hematology and biochemistry, and evaluation of the aspirated fluid components, a severe pneumonia and abdominal effusion were detected with observation of free tachyzoites under light microscopy from lavage fluids. PCR and DNA sequencing of broncho-alveolar lavage was positive for T. gondii. Despite aggressive treatment with antibiotics, oxygen supplementation and T. gondii specific antimicrobials, the cat died. It is suggested that potential candidates for cyclosporine be screened for T. gondii antibodies, kept entirely indoors and not fed uncooked meat in order to prevent exposure to T. gondii infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33678395/