Prevalence and factors associated with fecal shedding of Giardia spp. in domestic cats

The prevalence of cats shedding Giardia cysts (13.6%) in the present study was found to be higher than previously reported (1% to 11%) and may reflect a higher sensitivity for the diagnostic test used. The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, coccidial oocysts, and a clinical history of chronic (>2 weeks) gastrointestinal signs were significantly associated with the presence of Giardia spp. cysts in the feces. There were no associations between the presence of Giardia spp. cysts and type of housing, acute gastrointestinal signs, vomiting, gender, source of cat (i.e., animal shelter versus private breeder), or gastrointestinal parasites other than Cryptosporidium spp. and intestinal coccidial agents.     

Anthelmintic efficacy of milbemycin D against Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme in domestic cats.

Anthelmintic efficacy of milbemycin D was evaluated against Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme in domestic cats. Twelve cats naturally infected with each nematode species were allocated among 2 groups of 6 animals each, and milbemycin D was orally administered to the 2 groups of cats in doses of 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg body weight, respectively. In all the cats infected with T. cati, fecal egg counts decreased followed by their disappearance from the feces and 2-35 worms were excreted into the feces after the medication in both doses of 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg. At postmortem of these medicated groups, no worms were detected from 4 cats of each group, but 1 and 2 immature worms were recovered from the other 2 cats respectively. In the cats infected with A. tubaeforme, fecal egg counts decreased followed by the disappearance from the feces and 2-62 worms were excreted into the feces in all the cats of the 2 groups, no nematodes remaining at postmortem. These results indicate that milbemycin D is fully effective against T. cati and A. tubaeforme in cats in a dose of 0.05-0.1 mg/kg.     

Prevalence of Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and the 16S rRNA gene types of Bartonella henselae among pet cats in Japan

The authors investigated bacteriologically the prevalence of Bartonella infection among 690 pet cats derived from 10 private animal hospitals in six cities (Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture; Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture; Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture; Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecutre; Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture; Sanda, Hyogo Prefecutre) and 4 counties (Mishima, Osaka Prefecture; Hikawa, Shimane Prefecture; Aira, Kagoshima Prefecture; Shimajiri, Okinawa Prefecture) located from the north to the south of Japan. Bartonella species were isolated from 7.2% (50/690) of all the cats examined. No Bartonella species were isolated from the cats in Sapporo or Sendai. The isolation rate varied from 2% in Joetsu and Sanda to 20% in Shimajiri. Bartonella clarridgeiae was isolated from two of 50 cats in Kyoto, three of 50 in Mishima and one of 50 in Shimajiri, but not in cats from the other cities or counties. Though the cats of Joetsu, Fujisawa, Kyoto, Sanda, Aira and Shimajiri were infected with either B. henselae or B. clarridgeiae, one of eight infected cats in Mishima was harboring both Bartonella species. Type I of 16S rRNA gene was the predominant type among the isolates of B. henselae, but only one isolate derived from Shimajiri was found to be of type II. Prevalence of B. clarridgeiae and the 16S rRNA gene type of B. henselae among cats in Japan was demonstrated for the first time in this investigation.     

The prevalence of Toxocara cati in domestic cats in Mexico City

The faeces of 520 domestic cats, resident in the 16 municipal authorities of Mexico City, were analysed using the method of centrifuging with zinc sulphate (at 33%). Three hundred and ninety-nine animals lived in houses, 121 in apartments. For the purpose of this study they were divided into seven age groups, of 6 months each. Toxocara cati eggs were found in the faeces of 42.5% of the animals. 20.7% of apartment cats and 49.1% of house cats were infected. This difference in the rate of infection is statistically significant (P<0.002.) for the house cats. T. cati was found in all the age groups although most infection was found in animals less than 1 year old.The fact that infection occurred in the whole age range of the cats and in all the municipal authorities means that the risk of being contaminated with this helminth in Mexico City is high. As a consequence, the possibility of developing illness as a result of becoming a host to larva migrans is also high.     

Seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae and Toxoplasma gondii among healthy individuals in Thailand

The seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae and Toxoplasma gondii among apparently healthy individuals, mainly blood donors, in Thailand was investigated by an indirect fluorescent antibody technique and by a latex agglutination test, respectively. Of 163 serum samples examined, 9 (5.5%) were found to be positive for B. henselae-IgG, 2 (1.2%) for B. henselae-IgM, and 5 (3.1%) for the T. gondii antibody. No significant difference was observed between male and female samples in the serological test with either B. henselae or T. gondii. The age of individuals with B. henselae-IgG was distributed from the 20s to the 70s, and B. henselae-IgM was found in the individuals of the 30s and 60s. The age of T. gondii positive samples ranged from the 20s to the 60s. In this study, the prevalence of B. henselae infection among healthy individuals in Thailand was serologically demonstrated for the first time.     

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana infections among pet cats in Jordan

To determine the seroprevalences of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana antibodies in Jordanian pet cats, serum samples from 153 cats from three geographical regions were analyzed. Seroprevalences were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. The true seroprevalences to B. henselae and B. quintana were 32 and 1.5%, respectively. The seroprevalence of B. henselae-specific antibodies in cats from northern Jordan was significantly higher than in cats from the central or southern parts of Jordan. The seroprevalence to B. henselae increased to age 2 years. Odds of seropositivity were higher in cats living outdoors, showing hunting behavior, having a flea infestation and of a mixed breed. No association was detected with sex.     

Seroprevalences of antibodies to Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in zoo animals

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite that causes neuromuscular disease in dogs and abortions in cattle. Little is known about the prevalence of antibodies to this parasite in zoo animals. Sera from 556 animals, from 13 Czech and Slovak zoos were tested for antibodies to N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by indirect fluorescent antibody test. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 31 of 556 zoo animals (5.6%), representing 18 of 114 species tested: Eurasian wolf (Canis lupus lupus), Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), fennec (Vulpes zerda), cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yaguarondi), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), Indian lion (Panthera leo goojratensis), fisher (Martes pennanti), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), European bison (Bison bonasus), lechwe (Kobus leche), African buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer), eland (Taurotragus oryx), sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei gratus), Thorold's deer (Cervus albirostris), Eastern elk (C. elaphus canadensis), Vietnam sika deer (C. nippon pseudaxis) and Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus). Titres ranged from 1:40 to 1:2560. The highest prevalence 50% was found in family mustelidae of the order carnivora. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 193 of 556 zoo animals (34.7%) representing 72 of 114 species tested, with titres ranging from 1:40 to 1:40960. The highest prevalence 100% was found in families: hyaenidae, mustelidae, ursidae and viveridae of the order carnivora. The results of this study indicate that zoo animals have more exposure to T. gondii than to N. caninum. It is the first report of seroprevalence of antibodies to N. caninum in European zoo animals.     

Molecular detection of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae in clinical samples of pet cats from Southern Italy

Bartonella henselae is considered an emerging pathogen of veterinary and medical interest that can be occasionally transmitted to humans. Cats are considered to be the only reservoir host for B. henselae. In this study, we used a nested-PCR assay to investigate the prevalence of B. henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae DNA in peripheral blood samples, fine needle lymph node aspirate specimens and oral swabs from 85 cats in order to develop an easy diagnostic strategy for the selection of infection-free cats that are being considered as pets, especially for immunocompromised patients. Overall, molecular analysis showed that 71 cats (83.5%) tested PCR positive for the presence of B. henselae DNA. PCR amplification of DNA B. henselae produced positive products from lymph node aspirate specimens (62/85; 72.9%) similar to those obtained from blood samples (60/85; 70.6%) and higher than those from oral swabs (51/85; 60%) of cats. No PCR product was obtained for B. clarridgeiae. The simultaneous analysis of three different clinical samples in our study increased the diagnostic possibilities for B. henselae infection in the examined cats from 60–72.9% to 83.5%. Lymph node aspirates were found to be the most effective clinical samples for the detection of B. henselae and blood samples were the next best. Oral swab samples were used in this study with good results when considered in combination with blood and/or lymph node aspiration. The use of nested-PCR assay on these three clinical samples may enhance the diagnostic sensitivity for bartonellosis in cats irrespective of the clinical status of animals.     

Prevalence of Bartonella species, haemoplasmas and Toxoplasma gondii in cats in Scotland

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence rates for select infectious agents of cats presented to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Whole blood, serum, and oral mucosal and nail bed swabs were collected. While Ehrlichia species, Anaplasma species or Rickettsia felis DNA were not amplified from any cat, 44.2% of the cats had evidence of infection or exposure to either a Bartonella species (15.3% were seropositive and 5.8% polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive), a haemoplasma (28.6% PCR positive), and/or Toxoplasma gondii (19.2% seropositive). No Bartonella species DNA was amplified from the nail or oral mucosal swabs despite a 5.8% amplification rate from the blood samples. This finding likely reflects the absence of Ctenocephalides felis infection from our study population, as this organism is a key component for Bartonella species translocation in cats. The results from this study support the use of flea control products to lessen exposure of cats (and people) to Bartonella species and support discouraging the feeding of raw meat to cats and preventing them from hunting to lessen T gondii infection.     

Occurrence of Bartonella henselae types I and II in Central Italian domestic cats

Serological and molecular surveys were conducted to determine the occurrence of Bartonella henselae in domestic cats in Central Italy. Samples from 234 pet cats were tested for B. henselae antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence with 78 (33.3%) positive. A PCR assay specific for the Bartonella 16S rRNA gene was carried out on DNA samples extracted from blood of the 234 cats; 26 (11.1%) of the seropositive cats were positive. Two PCR protocols, which discriminate genotypes I and II of B. henselae, were performed on all DNA samples. Sixteen (6.8%) cats were infected by genotype I, 6 (2.5%) by genotype II, and two males (0.8%) by both genotypes. Two female (0.8%) cats which were Bartonella sp. PCR positive, gave negative results with the types I and II PCR. This protocol facilitates the direct and rapid detection of Bartonella DNA in feline blood samples, and differentiates B. henselae genotypes.     

Relation between the occurrence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and clinical findings in cats

Within a three-year period, 178 clinically healthy and 442 sick cats (patients of the Clinic for Small Animal Diseases of the University of Veterinary Medicine, Brno) were examined for the presence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 34.8% of the animals without clinical signs of the disease and in 54.3% of the sick cats (P less than 0.01). Compared with the group of clinically healthy cats, the specific antibodies occurred significantly more frequently in the cats suffering from diseases of the digestive tract (P less than 0.01), particularly in those with acute gastroenteritis, and in those having liver disorders (P less than 0.01; P less than 0.05). A statistically significantly higher occurrence of antibodies to T. gondii was also recorded in the cats with disorders of the nervous system (P less than 0.05; P less than 0.01), particularly in those with symptoms of extraordinary aggressivity at the age span from four months to three years. Enlarged lymph nodes were found out in 44% of the cats having antibodies to T. gondii. This is 15% more than the average for the investigated set of animals, which is a statistically significant dependence (P less than 0.01).     

Investigation of Bartonella henselae in cats in Ankara, Turkey

The purpose of this study was to determine Bartonella henselae prevalance in cats in Ankara. Whole bloods and sera collected from 256 cats were investigated for the presence feline Bartonella species by culture and sera were tested for the presence of antibodies against B. henselae IgG using immunofluorescence assay. Bartonella species were isolated by blood culture from 24 (9.4%) cats. Bartonella isolates were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) by using TaqI and HhaI endonucleases to identify species. Twenty-one isolates were determined as B. henselae and three of 24 isolates were determined as Bartonella clarridgeiae with RFLP. The bacteraemia prevalence and seroprevalence of B. henselae IgG antibodies in cats was detected as 8.2% and 18.6% respectively. This is the first report on B. henselea and B. clarridgeiae in cats in Turkey.     

Bartonella spp antibodies and DNA in aqueous humour of cats.

Bartonella spp antibodies were measured in the serum and aqueous humour of cats with and without uveitis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Bartonella spp DNA was performed on aqueous humour from most of the cats. Serum and aqueous humour were assayed from 49 client-owned cats with uveitis, 49 healthy shelter cats, and nine cats experimentally inoculated with either B henselae or B clarridgeiae, 454 days after inoculation. An aqueous antibody coefficient (C value) was calculated for cats positive for Bartonella spp antibodies in the aqueous humour. Ocular production of Bartonella spp IgG (C value >1) was detected in seven of 49 cats with uveitis, none of 49 healthy shelter cats, and four of nine experimentally inoculated cats. The organism was detected by PCR in the aqueous humour of three of 24 cats with uveitis, one of 49 healthy shelter cats, and four of nine experimentally inoculated cats. Bartonella spp infect the eyes of some cats following natural exposure or experimental inoculation and may cause uveitis in some cats.     

Prevalence of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae in cats and dogs in Korea

Blood, saliva, and nail samples were collected from 54 dogs and 151 cats and analyzed for the presence of Bartonella henselae with a novel nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Bartonella (B.) henselae was detected in feral cat blood (41.8%), saliva (44.1%), and nail (42.7%) samples. B. henselae was also detected in pet cat blood (33.3%), saliva (43.5%), and nail (29.5%) samples and in pet dog blood (16.6%), saliva (18.5%), and nail (29.6%) samples. Nine samples were infected with B. clarridgeiae and 2 were co-infected with B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae of blood samples of dogs. This report is the first to investigate the prevalence of B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae in dogs and cats in Korea, and suggests that dogs and cats may serve as potential Bartonella reservoirs.     

Anthelmintic efficacy of febantel combined with praziquantel against Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Toxocara cati, and Taenia taeniaeformis in cats

Forty cats, each harboring 2 or 3 parasitic infections (Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Toxocara cati, and/or Taenia taeniaeformis), were used to titrate the anthelmintic efficacy of a paste containing 3.4% febantel and 0.34% praziquantel. The cats were allotted into 4 groups (10 cats/group). For 3 consecutive days, the cats were given febantel/praziquantel at 5/0.5 mg/kg/day, 10/1 mg/kg/day, 15/1.5 mg/kg/day, or a blank paste vehicle (control) at 0.29 g/kg of body weight. The recommended dosage of 10 mg of febantel and 1 mg of praziquantel/kg cleared greater than or equal to 98% of the 3 helminth species.     

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora species infections in pet cats with clinical signs of gastrointestinal disease

This study reports the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Isospora species in cats showing signs of gastrointestinal disease. Records from a United Kingdom commercial diagnostic laboratory between December 2003 and December 2005 were reviewed. Of 1355 cats, Cryptosporidium species oocysts were found in 13 cats (1%), Giardia species trophozoites in 74 (6%), and Isospora felis oocysts in 46 (3%). In a second group of 48 cats, prevalence of Giardia species was 15% using an immunoassay for detection of antigen compared to 4% detected with microscopy. Prevalence of Giardia (9%) and Isospora (9%) species was higher in cats less than 6 months old. Gender and breed did not affect prevalence. There was a trend for Cryptosporidium and Isospora species infections to be detected in late autumn and early winter. Regional differences in prevalence were not detected. None of these organisms show a characteristic pattern of clinical signs. This study demonstrates that enteric protozoal infection is common in domestic cats showing signs of alimentary disease.     

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in stray cats in Sari, northern Iran

Cats are important in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii because they are the only hosts that can excrete environmentally resistant oocysts. T.gondii is a major zoonotic agent which infects up to one-third of the world population. Toxoplasmosis in neonates and immunocompromised patients can lead to severe disease and death. A cross- sectional parasitological and serological survey with latex agglutination test (LAT) to detect anti-T. gondii antibodies was conducted on 100 serum samples collected from stray cats in five urban areas of Sari, Northern Iran, from April to November 2004. Classification by age, sex, weight, season and region was made. Results analyzed according to specific variables. The overall prevalence of T. gondii IgG antibodies (LAT titre ≥1:1) were found in 40 of 100(40%) of stray cats, with regional variations. Overall 16 of 100(16%) of stray cats had diagnostically significant antibody titres (LAT ≥ 1:64). Prevalence was significantly higher in adult cats (1.5–3.0 kg, 54.5% of 66) than in juvenile cats and kittens (≤1.4 kg, 11.8% of 34) and higher in female stray cats (44.4% of 72) than in male stray cats (28.6% of 28). Toxoplasma seroprevalence was highest in the season of spring (22.4%). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of infection relative to host age and weight (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the prevalence of infection relative to host gender, urban sites and season (P > 0.05). Prevalence of T. gondii oocyst was also analyzed by a routine coprological method in 100 cats. T. gondii oocysts were not found in any faecal samples analyzed. Only 2 out of 100 smear preparations of intestinal mucosa showed trophozoites of T. gondii.