Feline leishmaniosis due to Leishmania infantum in Italy

A case of leishmaniosis in domestic cats (Felis catus domesticus) is described. The subject showed a nodular lesion on the eyelid. The diagnosis was achieved by serological, parasitological, and light and electron microscopic investigations. By molecular techniques the aetiological agent was identified as belonging to Leishmania infantum, the species implicated in human and canine leishmaniosis in southern Europe. A preliminary study on the prevalence of asymptomatic feline leishmaniosis, performed in the areas where the infected cat was identified, revealed a low seroprevalence of infection: only 1 (0.9%) of the 110 cat sera examined by indirect fluorescent antibody test was positive for anti-Leishmania antibodies. Because clinical signs in feline leishmaniosis are unspecific and similar to those observed in other diseases commonly found in this species, leishmaniosis must be added to the differential diagnosis by feline veterinary practitioners and adequate serologic and histopathologic investigations must be performed in endemic areas.     

Feline cutaneous toxoplasmosis: a case report

A 9-year-old female, domestic short hair cat was presented with sudden onset of polyuria/polydipsia, and hundreds of cutaneous nodules. Prior to referral, the cat had had four skin nodules that were treated with steroids. The four skin nodules then multiplied to form more than 100 ulcerated and nonulcerated nodules located all over the trunk. Clinical evaluation revealed hypothermia and respiratory distress. Cytology from both skin nodules and bronchoalveolar lavage showed macrophages and small organisms whose shape and size were indicative of Toxoplasma spp., or similar organisms. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) serology results were negative. The cat was seropositive for Toxoplasma (IgG 1 : 640) and Neospora (1 : 80) infections. The cat died soon after referral. Necropsy revealed pyothorax, necrotic/purulent pneumonia, haemorrhagic spots on kidneys and mesentery. Histopathology from skin nodules showed diffuse, deep necrotic dermatitis/panniculitis, vasculitis and disseminated free and grouped protozoa. The parasites were found in lungs, spleen, kidneys and liver. Immunohistochemistry on skin tissue with anti-Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies gave positive results with both. Electron microscopy showed single and grouped tachyzoites with morphological features of T. gondii, often within macrophages. Samples of cutaneous nodules and bronchoalveolar fluid were examined by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detecting apicomplexa coccidia. PCR results were consistent only with T. gondii infection. Therefore, immunohistochemistry positivity for N. caninum was considered a cross-reaction and a diagnosis of cutaneous and visceral toxoplasmosis was made.     

Feline cryptococcosis: a review and seven case reports

Systemic infection of the cat with the yeast-like fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans , is reviewed. Seven cases of the disease are reported, two of which were treated unsuccessfully with the anti-fungal agent, amphotericin B.     

Feline cytauxzoonosis: a case report and literature review

A 5.5-year-old Siamese presented for evaluation of a three-day history of anorexia and lethargy. Upon physical examination, the cat was depressed, dehydrated, pyrexic, had injected conjunctiva and sclera, pale mucous membranes, and a grade II/VI systolic heart murmur. Thoracic radiographs revealed moderate to severe, diffuse, bronchointerstitial pulmonary changes with enlarged and tortuous pulmonary vessels. With continued hospitalization, the cat became dyspneic and died. The postmortem cytopathological examination of the liver, spleen, and lung impressions revealed reticuloendothelial cell infection with Cytauxzoon felis.     

The socioeconomic burden of parasitic zoonoses: global trends

Diseases resulting from zoonotic transmission of parasites are common. Humans become infected through food, water, soil and close contact with animals. Most parasitic zoonoses are neglected diseases despite causing a considerable global burden of ill health in humans and having a substantial financial burden on livestock industries. This review aims to bring together the current data available on global burden estimates of parasitic zoonoses and indicate any changes in the trends of these diseases. There is a clear need of such information as interventions to control zoonoses are often in their animal hosts. The costs of such interventions together with animal health issues will drive the cost effectiveness of intervention strategies. What is apparent is that collectively, parasitic zoonoses probably have a similar human disease burden to any one of the big three human infectious diseases: malaria, tuberculosis or HIV in addition to animal health burden. Although the global burden for most parasitic zoonoses is not yet known, the major contributors to the global burden of parasitic zoonoses are toxoplasmosis, food borne trematode infections, cysticercosis, echinococcosis, leishmaniosis and zoonotic schistosomosis. In addition, diarrhoea resulting from zoonotic protozoa may have a significant impact.     

Claw histopathology and parasitic load in natural cases of canine leishmaniosis associated with Leishmania infantum

Histological lesions and the presence of Leishmania spp. amastigotes in claw tissues were investigated in 40 dogs with leishmaniosis, with (16/40--group A) or without (24/40--group B) generalized onychogryphosis. Following euthanasia, the entire third phalanx with intact claw was amputated, formalin fixed, decalcified in a formic acid solution, embedded in paraffin, sectioned longitudinally and stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and acid orcein-Giemsa. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the detection of Leishmania amastigotes. Lichenoid mononuclear infiltration (all dogs in group A, 21 of 24 dogs in group B), basal keratinocyte vacuolation (nine of 16 dogs in group A, 15 of 24 dogs in group B) and dermoepidermal clefting (13 of 16 dogs in group A, 18 of 24 dogs in group B) were the most prominent histopathological findings. There was no difference in the frequency and severity of these lesions between the two groups. Leishmania amastigotes could not be visualized in the dermis of any of the H&E sections, but their presence was demonstrated by nested PCR in three of 16 dogs in group A and two of 24 dogs in group B. However, the frequency of positive nested PCRs was not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, claw histopathology in symptomatic dogs with leishmaniosis, either with or without onychogryphosis is mainly characterized by mononuclear lichenoid dermatitis with or without interface dermatitis and dermoepidermal clefting, and is not accompanied by substantial local parasitism.     

Feline periocular peripheral nerve sheath tumor: a case series

The objective of this retrospective study was to describe signalment, clinical presentation, surgical treatment, outcome, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical characteristics of periocular peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a series of cats. Six cats with a histologic diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the eyelid and/or conjunctiva were identified from 3997 feline ocular histopathologic submissions to the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin between 1976 and 2002. Medical records were reviewed and data were collected for signalment, eye affected, location, duration, and history of tumor recurrence. Ancillary diagnostic tests, surgical approach, and histopathology were also described. Special stains and immunohistochemistry panels were performed on the tissue. Follow-up information was obtained through telecommunications with the owner and local veterinarian. The mean age of the cats was 8 years (range: 5-15 years). There was an equal distribution of males and females. Breeds represented were two Domestic Long-haired (DLH) cats, three Domestic Short-haired (DSH) cats, and one Manx. The right eye was affected in four cats and the left eye in two cats. The superior eyelid was affected in four cats, the superior conjunctiva in two cats, and the inferior eyelid in one cat. All of the cats that underwent surgical excision, cryoablation, or laser ablation had an average of three recurrences of the tumor. Four of six cats undergoing wide excision with enucleation, exenteration or rhomboid flap had no recurrence of the tumor. Histomorphologically, all of the tumors were of spindle cell type with five of six tumors showing histologic features of Antoni type B tissue. All six tumors stained positive for vimentin. Five of six tumors stained positive for S-100 and laminin. All six tumors were negative for smooth muscle actin. Definitive histologic diagnoses of spindle cell tumors can be difficult. The presence of Antoni A and B histologic patterns as well as immunohistochemical reactivity for vimentin, S-100, and laminin suggest a diagnosis of peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Our findings suggest that local aggressive recurrence is common and that wide surgical excision combined with enucleation or exenteration may be indicated.     

Canine visceral leishmaniosis: a remarkable histopathological picture of one case reported from Brazil

This report describes a remarkable histopathological presentation of a symptomatic dog naturally infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi from Brazil. An intense inflammatory granulomatous reaction was observed in the liver and spleen associated with hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the mononuclear system (the classical histopathological picture of the disease). In addition, a spectrum of vascular lesions was observed in many organs. However, we did not find parasites (amastigotes of Leishmania) in any skin fragments of the ear, nose and or abdominal tissue. In fact, this animal had severe clinical signs, showed parasites in many organs, but no parasites in the skin. It appears that the presence or absence of parasites in the skin is not a good indicator of parasites in other organs or vice versa.     

Feline giardiasis: a review

Giardia is a widespread and common protozoan parasite of domestic cats, with reported prevalences of infection ranging from 1 to 11 per cent. Chronic diarrhoea, either intermittent or continuous, which does not respond to routine antidiarrhoeal treatments is characteristic of giardiasis; although illness does not necessarily result from infection. Giardia cysts or trophozoites may be detected in the faeces of infected cats; however, the small size of the cysts (relative to helminth ova), their transparency, and their discontinuous excretion by cats may frustrate diagnosis. Zinc sulphate centrifugal flotation is the method of choice for detection of faecal Giardia cysts. Clinically affected cats respond well to oral metronidazole or furazolidone treatments. The relationship of G. felis to the Giardia spp. of other mammals (including man) remains controversial.     

Feline spongiform encephalopathy: first clinical case in Switzerland

A six-year-old female Birman cat was referred to our clinic because of chronic progressive changes in behavior. Additionally, generalized vestibular ataxia and psychomotor seizures were noticed. A multifocal lesion in the forebrain as well as brainstem was suspected. Ancillary investigations such as complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis and cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed no significant abnormalities. Electroencephalography showed diffuse changes in the cortical activity. Feline spongiform encephalopathy was confirmed by histological brain examination and positive immunohistochemistry for PrPSc. This is the first time that a case of feline spongiform encephalopathy is diagnosed in Switzerland.     

Feline diabetes mellitus: low carbohydrates versus high fiber?

Treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the cat relies primarily on the adequate insulin therapy and controlled dietary intake. The goals of managing DM in the cat have changed from attaining glycemic control to achieving diabetic remission (transient diabetes) in a large proportion of cases. Remission rates of up to 68% have been published. The used of low-carbohydrate foods for cats improves the odds of achieving diabetic remission by fourfold. Nonetheless, some cats show an improved response to high-fiber food. Clinical judgement, trial, and personal preference to currently dictate which diet to offer an individual animal.     

Myocarditis and generalised vasculitis associated with leishmaniosis in a dog

A three-year-old, female bulldog was presented with bilateral uveitis, apathy, listlessness, generalised lymphadenopathy and perivulvar haematoma. The initial laboratory studies showed non-regenerative anaemia, polyclonal gammopathy and a high urine protein:creatinine ratio. Serology for leishmaniosis was positive and treatment with allopurinol and meglumine antimoniate was started. Despite treatment, the dog's clinical condition deteriorated. Signs included cutaneous ecchymosis, respiratory distress and finally cardiorespiratory arrest. Histopathological studies of postmortem tissue samples revealed a generalised vasculitis of several internal organs and severe myocarditis. Leishmania species organisms were identified in affected tissues using immunoperoxidase labelling and PCR techniques.     

Feline retroviruses: a brief review

Representatives of all three retrovirus subfamilies are recognized in the cat: feline leukaemia virus (an Oncovirus), feline syncytium-forming virus (a Spumavirus) and feline immunodeficiency virus (a Lentivirus). Each of these is briefly reviewed.     

Feline histiocytic colitis. A case report with electron microscopy.

A 5-year-old cat with clinical colitis had histiocytic inflammation of colonic mucosa. Light and electron microscopy demonstrated bacilli, 0.7 x 3.0 micrometers, in various stages of degradation within macrophage cytoplasm. The disease is similar to histiocytic granulomatous bowel disease of other species. The cat responded to long-term treatment with antibiotics.