A serological study of exposure to arthropod-borne pathogens in dogs from northeastern Spain

There is limited information regarding the prevalence of many vector borne pathogens in Europe and especially in Spanish dogs. We investigated 206 sick and 260 clinically healthy dogs from three different regions in northeastern Spain for antibodies to Rickettsia conorii (Rc), Ehrlichia canis (Ec), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (Ap), Bartonella henselae (Bh), Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii (Bvb), Leishmania infantum (Li) and Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) and for antigen of Dirofilaria immitis (Di). Total prevalences were the following: Rc (56.4%), Li (30%), Ec (16.7%), Bh (16.8%), Ap (11.5%), Bvb (1.07%), Di (0.6%) and Bb (0.6%). Seroprevalences for Rc, Ec, Ap, Bh, and Bvb and Bb and Di antigens were similar among the three different study sites. The Ec seroprevalence, as determined by Snap 3DX, was statistically lower in dogs from Mallorca (0%) than Tarragona (16%) and Barcelona (5%) (P < 0.0001). Detection of Rc antibodies was associated with seroreactivity to Ec and Ap antigens (P = 0.018 and P = 0.002, respectively). IFA Ec antibodies were associated with Ap seroreactivity (P < 0.0001). There was no association between the clinical status, sex, time of the year when samples were collected, life-style or exposure to fleas or ticks and a positive test result for Ec, Bh, Bvb, or Bb antibodies or Di antigens. Li seroreactivity was associated with illness and living outdoors (P < 0.0001, P = 0.029; respectively), Rc seroreactivity with the male gender (P = 0.028) and Ap seroreactivity with living outdoors (P = 0.045). This study indicates that exposure to Rc, Li, Ec or related Ehrlichia spp., Bh and Ap or a related spp., is common whereas Di, Bb and Bvb is uncommon among dogs from the Mediterranean basin. We also provide serological data that suggests the existence of a novel Ehrlichia species on Mallorca island.     

Bartonella henselae IgG antibodies are prevalent in dogs from southeastern USA

In contrast to the large body of literature regarding Bartonella henselae in humans and cats, there is little information about B. henselae as an infectious agent in dogs. Due to the paucity of information regarding the B. henselae serology in dogs, we performed a cross-sectional serosurvey using B. henselae antigen in order to compare the seroprevalence between sick and healthy dogs from the south-eastern USA. Ninety-nine sera were collected from clinically healthy dogs. Three hundred and one sera from sick dogs were submitted to North Carolina State University for serologic screening against a panel of arthropod-transmitted organisms. Serological tests were performed using B. henselae (Bh), Rickettsia rickettsii (Rr), Ehrlichia canis (Ec), Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii (Bvb), Babesia canis (Bc) and Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) antigens. Serum B. henselae IgG antibodies were detected in 10.1% of healthy dogs and in 27.2% of sick dogs. The difference in seroprevalence between the two groups was statistically significant. The majority of seroreactive dogs (80%) had low titers of 1:64 or 1:128. In healthy dogs, seroprevalence for Rr was 14.1% and for Bvb was 1%. In sick dogs, Rr seroprevalence was 29.7%, Ec 6.5%, Bvb 4.7%, Bb 1.7% and Bc was 0.85%. Of the sick dogs that were seroreactive to B. henselae antigens, 40.6% were also seroreactive to Rr, 15.0% reactive to Bvb antigens, 14.8% reactive to Ec antigens, 1.8% reactive to Bc antigens and 1.75% reactive to Bb antigens. Sera from dogs experimentally infected with B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii, E. canis or R. rickettsii did not cross react with B. henselae antigens, by IFA testing. This study indicates that B. henselae IgG antibodies are prevalent in healthy and sick dogs living in the south-eastern USA. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical and zoonotic relevance of B. henselae infection in dogs.     

Relevance of feline calicivirus, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, feline herpesvirus and Bartonella henselae in cats with chronic gingivostomatitis

Despite its common occurrence, the aetiology of chronic gingivostomatitis in cats remains uncertain. Aetiology is likely multifactorial, and several infectious agents may be associated with chronic gingivostomatitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of feline calicivirus (FCV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), and Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) in cats with chronic gingivostomatitis and in an age-matched control group. In addition, other factors, e. g., environmental conditions were investigated. In 52 cats with chronic gingivostomatitis and 50 healthy age-matched control cats, the presence of FCV ribonucleic acid (RNA), and FHV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (polymerase chain reaction [PCR] from oropharyngeal swabs), and B. henselae DNA (PCR from oropharyngeal swabs and blood), as well as FeLV antigen (serum), and antibodies against FCV, B. henselae, and FIV (serum) were examined. FCV RNA was significantly more common in cats with chronic gingivostomatitis (53.8%, p < 0.001) than in controls (14.0%); a significant difference was also found in the prevalence of antibodies to FCV between the cats with chronic gingivostomatitis (78.8%, p = 0.023) and controls (58.0%). Of the other infectious agents investigated, there was no significant difference in the prevalence between the cats with chronic gingivostomatitis and the controls. The results of this study allow the conclusion that FCV, but no other infectious agents, is commonly associated with chronic gingivostomatitis in cats.     

Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) infections in pet cats in Bangkok and vicinities, Thailand

The seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections was examined using serum or plasma samples from 746 pet cats collected between May and July 2009 from clinics and hospitals located in and around Bangkok, Thailand. The samples were tested for heartworm, FIV, and FeLV using a commercial ELISA. Of the 746 samples, 4.6% (34/746) were positive for heartworm antigen, 24.5% (183/746) had circulating FeLV antigen, and 20.1% (150/746) had antibodies against FIV. In addition, the first 348 submitted samples were tested for T. gondii antibodies using a modified agglutination test (MAT, cut off 1:25); 10.1% (35/348) were seropositive. Of the 348 cats sampled for all four pathogens, 11, 10, and 1 were positive for T. gondii antibodies and FIV antibodies, FeLV antigen, or D. immitis antigen, respectively. Of the 35 T. gondii-seropositive cats, 42.9% (15/35) were co-infected with at least one of the other three pathogens. The presence of antibodies to FIV was significantly associated with both age and gender, while FeLV antigen presence was only associated with age. In the case of FIV, males were twice as likely to be infected as females, and cats over 10 years of age were 13.5 times more likely to be infected than cats less than 1 year of age. FeLV antigen was more common in younger cats, with cats over 10 years of age being 10 times less likely to be FeLV positive than cats under 1 year of age. This is the first survey for these four pathogens affecting feline health in Thailand.     

Prevalence of selected infectious disease agents in cats from Arizona

The objective of this study was to use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to determine the prevalence of Ehrlichia species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and Bartonella species from feral and relinquished cats in Phoenix and Nogales, Arizona. DNA from one or more of the organisms was amplified from 31 of 112 blood samples (27.7%). DNA consistent with Bartonella clarridgeiae 15 (13.4%), Bartonella henselae 14 (12.5%), 'Candidatus M haemominutum' 9 (8.0%), and M haemofelis 5 (4.5%) were detected. DNA of Ehrlichia species, Neorickettsia risticii, or A phagocytophilum was not amplified. Failure to amplify DNA of A phagocytophilum may relate to the absence of appropriate tick vectors. Failure to amplify Ehrlichia species DNA suggests that cats were not exposed, exposed but not infected, or infected but the DNA was not detected by the PCR assay used in this study. The Bartonella species and hemoplasma results suggest flea control should be maintained.     

Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii,feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus in urban stray cats in Belgium

Three hundred and forty-six serum samples taken between 1998 and 2000 from urban stray cats in the city of Ghent were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and antigens of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Of these 346 samples, 243 (70.2 per cent) were seropositive for Tgondii. Thirty-nine cats (11.3 per cent) had antibodies against FIV and 13 (3.8 per cent) had circulating antigens of FeLV. Fewer of the female cats had FIV and heavier cats had a higher seroprevalence of FIV. Exact logistic regression showed that cats that were infected with FIV were more likely to be infected with T gondii (P = 0.04), and the cats with FIV had a higher titre of Tgondii antibodies than FIV-negative animals. However, FeLV was not associated with either T gondii or FIV.     

The low seroprevalence of tick-transmitted agents of disease in dogs from southern Ontario and Quebec

Infectious diseases caused by pathogens transmitted by ticks and other insect vectors are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in both dogs and humans throughout North America. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of selected vector-transmitted pathogens in southern Ontario and Quebec. Samples submitted to the Vector Borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (VBDDL) at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine were evaluated for antibodies to Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia canis, Bartonella henselae, Borrelia burgdorferi, Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii, and Rickettsia rickettsii. Information regarding breed and the city or province from which the sample originated was recorded; however, travel history was unknown for the majority of dogs. Overall seroprevalence to these tick-borne pathogens in southern Ontario and Quebec is low compared with most regions of the United States, suggesting that veterinarians in this region of Canada should pursue diagnostic evidence of infection in dogs with a travel history or prior residence in areas endemic for exposure to tick-borne infections.     

Prevalence of infectious diseases in feral cats in Northern Florida

Objectives of this study were to determine prevalence of infection in feral cats in Northern Florida with a select group of infectious organisms and to determine risk factors for infection. Blood samples or sera from 553 cats were tested with a panel of antibody, antigen or PCR assays. Male cats were at higher risk for FIV, Mycoplasma haemofelis, and M. haemominutum. Infection with either FeLV or FIV was associated with increased risk for coinfection with the other retrovirus, M. haemofelis, or M. haemominutum. Bartonella henselae had the highest prevalence and was the only organism that did not have any associated risk for coinfection with other organisms. Feral cats in this study had similar or lower prevalence rates of infections than those published for pet cats in the United States. Thus, feral cats assessed in this study appear to be of no greater risk to human beings or other cats than pet cats.     

Feline immunodeficiency virus status of Australian cats with lymphosarcoma

OBJECTIVE: To determine the FIV status of Australian cats with lymphosarcoma and relate this to patient characteristics, tumour characteristics (tissue involvement, histological grade and immunophenotype), haematological and serum biochemical values and FeLV status of affected cats. DESIGN: Prospective study of 101 client-owned cats with naturally-occurring lymphosarcoma. PROCEDURE: Western blot analysis, ELISA and immunochromatography were used to detect FIV antibodies in serum from cats with lymphosarcoma. RESULTS: On the basis of Western blot analysis (which was considered the most accurate method for determining FIV status), 50/101 (50%) of cats with naturally-occurring lymphosarcoma were positive for FIV antibodies. Of these 50 cats, 35 had tumours of B-cell phenotype, 13 had T-cell tumours and 2 had tumours classified as non-B/non-T. Tumours from eight of these FIV-positive cats contained FeLV gene sequences, including a 9-month-old cat with FeLV antigenaemia. Compared with FlV-negative cats with lymphosarcoma, FIV-positive cats were more likely to be domestic crossbreds (P = 0.004), male (P = 0.048) and have atypical (especially nasal) forms of lymphosarcoma (P = 0.09). Only 39 of 107 (36%) blood or sera tested using ELISA were positive for FIV antibodies (including 5 false-positives). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of FIV infection was considerably higher in our cohort of cats compared with series of lymphosarcoma cases from the Northern hemisphere. A positive FIV status was strongly associated with lymphosarcoma in Australian cats and it is possible that this infection may predispose to the development of lymphoid neoplasia. The presence of FIV infection would have been underestimated if commercial kits alone had been used for serology.     

Epidemiology of Bartonella infection in domestic cats in France

Blood samples were collected between February and June 1996 from a convenience sample of 436 domestic French cats living in Paris and its environs and were tested for Bartonella bacteremia and seropositivity. Seventy-two cats (16.5%) were Bartonella bacteremic, of which 36 cats (50%) were infected with Bartonella henselae type II (B.h. II) only, 15 cats (21%) were infected with Bartonella clarridgeiae (B.c.) only, and 11 cats (15%) were infected with B. henselae type I (B.h. I) only. Eight cats (11%) were co-infected with B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae (B.h. II/B.c.: five cats; B.h. I/B.c.: three cats). Two cats (2.8%) were concurrently bacteremic with B. henselae types I and II. Risk factors associated with bacteremia included ownership for <6months (prevalence ratio (PR)=1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.13-2.85), adoption from the pound or found as a stray (PR=1.67, 95% CI=1.05-2.65), and cohabitation with one or more cats (PR=1.60, 95% CI=1.01-2.53). Bartonella antibodies to either B. henselae or B. clarridgeiae were detected in 179 cats (41.1%). Risk factors associated with seroposivity paralleled those for bacteremia, except for lack of association with time of ownership. Prevalence ratios of bacteremic or seropositive cats increased with the number of cats per household (p=0.02). The lack of antibodies to B. henselae or B. clarridgeiae was highly predictive of the absence of bacteremia (predictive value of a negative test=97.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that bacteremia, after adjustment for age and flea infestation, and positive serology, after adjustment for age, were associated with origin of adoption and number of cats in the household. Flea infestation was associated with positive serology.     

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.     

Prevalence of feline leukemia virus infection and serum antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus in unowned free-roaming cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of FeLV infection and serum antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in unowned free-roaming cats. DESIGN: Cross-sectional serologic survey. ANIMALS: 733 unowned free-roaming cats in Raleigh, NC, and 1,143 unowned free-roaming cats in Gainesville, Fla. RESULTS: In Raleigh, overall prevalence of FeLV infection was 5.3%, and overall seroprevalence for FIV was 2.3%. In Gainesville, overall prevalence of FeLV infection was 3.7%, and overall seroprevalence for FIV was 4.3%. Overall, FeLV prevalence was 4.3%, and seroprevalence for FIV was 3.5%. Prevalence of FeLV infection was not significantly different between males (4.9%) and females (3.8%), although seroprevalence for FIV was significantly higher in male cats (6.3%) than in female cats (1.5%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prevalence of FeLV infection and seroprevalence for FIV in unowned free-roaming cats in Raleigh and Gainesville are similar to prevalence rates reported for owned cats in the United States. Male cats are at increased risk for exposure to FIV, compared with female cats.     

Prevalence of feline leukemia virus and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus in cats in Norway.

Serum samples from 224 Norwegian cats were analyzed for the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) p27 common core antigen, and for antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Ninety specimens originated from the serum bank at the central referral clinic at the Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine, which had been collected during the years 1983-1989; 67 sera were submitted from veterinarian practitioners; while 67 sera originated from cats presented for euthanasia. The cats were classified into one "healthy" and one "sick" group. Only 2.2% of sick cats and 1.2% of healthy cats showed FeLV antigenemia, a finding which is lower than which has been reported from many other countries. The prevalence of FIV antibodies was 10.1% in sick cats and 5.9% in healthy cats. Antibodies to FIV was most prevalent in male cats (14.7%) than in female cats (2.1%), and more prevalent among domestic cats (12.0%) compared to pedigree cats (2.4%). Antibodies to FIV in the cats demonstrated increasing prevalence with increasing age. It may be concluded that FeLV causes minor problems in Norwegian cats, while FIV is present in a similar prevalence to what is reported from other countries.     

Seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukaemia virus and Toxoplasma gondii in stray cat colonies in northern Italy and correlation with clinical and laboratory data

Stray cat colonies in urban and rural areas of Lombardy, northern Italy, were surveyed for seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigen and Toxoplasma gondii IgG. Of 316 cats tested, 6.6% were positive for FIV and 3.8% were positive for FeLV infection; 203 cats were tested for T gondii IgG antibodies and a prevalence of 30.5% was detected. Statistical analysis tested the influence of provenience, age, gender, health status and laboratory results on seroprevalence and found male gender and adult age were risk factors for FIV infection. FIV-infected cats were more likely to have a decreased red blood cell count than FIV seronegative cats. No predictors were significantly associated with FeLV and T gondii seropositivity. Colony cats in this study posed a limited risk for retrovirus infection to pet cats allowed outdoors, whereas toxoplasmosis exposure was comparable with the worldwide data.     

Prevalence of and factors associated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cats of the state of Santa Catarina,Brazil

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 274 cats for determination of FeLV antigenemia and FIV seropositivity and factors associated with those infections in cats presented at the Veterinary Hospital of the Santa Catarina State University - UDESC (Brazil). Apparent prevalence for sick cats at the hospital population was 28.41% (95%CI 21.88–34.94%) for FeLV, 7.65% (95%CI 3.71–11.50%) for FIV and 2.18% (95%CI 0.56–5.47%) for both viruses. For healthy cats, the apparent prevalence was 9.89% (95%CI 3.75–16.02%) for FeLV, 2.20% (95%CI 0.34–7.75%) for FIV by immunoassay (ELISA). Average age for FeLV- and FIV-positive individuals was 38.32 and 64.25 months, respectively. Behavior such as aggressiveness and sex (male) were both associated with increased odds of result positivity test for FeLV and FIV; older animals were also associated with FIV test results. A very small proportion of the animals were vaccinated against FeLV and none against FIV. Most of the animals were adopted from shelters or rescued from streets, living with multiple cats that had access to outdoors. The high prevalence of FeLV suggests a need for better control strategies against this disease.     

Prevalence of feline leukaemia virus and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus and feline coronavirus in stray cats sent to an RSPCA hospital

A total of 517 stray cats at an RSPCA veterinary hospital were tested for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline coronavirus (FCoV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The prevalence of FeLV was 3.5 per cent in all the cats, 1.4 per cent in healthy cats and 6.9 per cent in sick cats. FeLV positivity was associated only with disease of non-traumatic origin. Antibodies to FCoV were present in 22.4 per cent of the cats, and their prevalence was significantly higher in cats over two years old and in feral/semiferal cats. The prevalence of antibodies to FIV was 10.4 per cent in all the cats, 4.9 per cent in healthy cats and 16.7 per cent in sick cats. The prevalence of FIV antibodies was significantly higher in entire males and neutered males than in females, in cats over two years old compared with younger cats, and in cats suffering disease of non-traumatic origin rather than in healthy cats or cats suffering only from trauma. Sex, age and health status were each independently highly associated with FIV antibodies.     

Serologic and molecular evidence of coinfection with multiple vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Thailand

Forty-nine dogs from Thailand were evaluated for serologic evidence of exposure or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) evidence of infection with vectorborne pathogens, including Ehrlichia sp. (Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia equi, and Ehrlichia risticii), Bartonella vinsonii subsp. berkhoffi (Bvb), spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae (Rickettsia rickettsii), Typhus group (TG) rickettsiae (Rickettsia canada, Rickettsia prowazekii, and Rickettsia typhi), and Babesia sp. (Babesia canis and Babesia gibsonii). All study dogs had at least 1 of 3 entry criteria: fever, anemia, or thrombocytopenia. By immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) testing, seroreactivity was most prevalent to E chaffeensis (74%) and E canis (71%) antigens, followed by E equi (58%), Bvb (38%), E risticii (38%), R prowazekii (24%), B canis (20%), R rickettsii (12%), R canada (4%), and B gibsonii (4%) antigens. There was 100% concordance between E canis IFA and Western blot immunoassay (WI) for 35 of 35 samples; 2 samples were IFA and WI reactive only to E equi antigens. By PCR amplification, 10 dogs were found to be infected with E canis, 5 with Ehrlichia platys, and 3 with B canis. Sequencing of PCR products was undertaken to compare Ehrlichia strains from Thailand to strains originating from the United States. Partial DNA sequence analysis confirmed infection with E canis and E platys, with identical 16S rRNA sequence alignment to E canis (U26740) and to E platys (M83801), as reported in GenBank. Partial E canis P28.1 and P28.2 amino acid sequences from Thai dogs were divergent from analogous sequences derived from North American E canis (AF082744) strains, suggesting that the Thai dogs were infected with a geographically distinct strain of E canis compared to North American strains. The results of this study indicate that dogs in Thailand have substantial exposure to vectorborne diseases and that coinfection with these pathogens may be common.     

Antibodies reactive with Bartonella henselae and Ehrlichia canis in dogs from the communal lands of Zimbabwe

The prevalences of antibodies against Bartonella henselae and Ehrlichia canis were determined in sera from 228 dogs in 5 communal lands of Zimbabwe, areas where traditional subsistence agro-pastoralism is practised. The sera were collected from apparently healthy dogs during routine rabies vaccination programmes and tested with indirect fluorescent antibody assays using B. henselae (Houston-I) and E. canis (Oklahoma) as antigens. We found reactive antibodies (> or =1:80) against B. henselae in 14% of the dogs tested. Seropositive animals were found in Bikita (41%; 17/42), Omay (13%; 6/48), Chinamora (5%; 2/38) and Matusadona (15%; 7/48). No seropositive dogs were found in Chiredzi (0%; 0/52). Antibodies reactive with E. canis (> or =1:80) were found in 34% of the dogs tested, from Bikita (88%; 37/42), Chiredzi (31%; 16/52), Omay (17%; 8/48), Chinamora (26%; 10/38) and Matusadona (15%; 7/48). Our survey shows dogs in the communal lands of Zimbabwe are frequently exposed to E. canis and B. henselae or closely related species. Further studies are indicated to determine the pathogenicity of the organisms infecting these dogs and their clinical significance.     

Prevalence of feline leukaemia virus and antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus in cats in the United Kingdom

A representative sample of the pet cat population of the United Kingdom was surveyed. Blood samples from 1204 sick and 1007 healthy cats of known breed, age and sex were tested for antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). The prevalence of FIV was 19 per cent in sick cats and 6 per cent in healthy cats, and the prevalence of FeLV was 18 per cent in sick cats and 5 per cent in healthy cats; both infections were more common in domestic cats than in pedigree cats. Feline immunodeficiency virus was more prevalent in older cats but FeLV was more prevalent in younger cats. There was no difference between the prevalence of FeLV in male and female cats but male cats were more likely to be infected with FIV than female cats. No interaction was demonstrated between FIV and FeLV infections. Of the cats which were in contact with FIV in households with more than one cat, 21 per cent had seroconverted. The prevalence of FeLV viraemia in cats in contact with FeLV was 14 per cent. The clinical signs associated with FIV were pyrexia, gingivitis/stomatitis and respiratory signs, and with FeLV, pyrexia and anaemia. It was concluded that both viruses were significant causes of disease, and that the cats most likely to be infected with FIV were older, free-roaming male cats and for FeLV, younger, free-roaming cats.     

Prevalence of Bartonella infection in domestic cats in Denmark

Whole blood and serum from 93 cats (44 pets and 49 shelter/stray cats) from Denmark were tested for the presence of feline Bartonella species by culture and for the presence of Bartonella antibodies by serology. Bartonella henselae was isolated from 21 (22.6%) cats. Bacteremia prevalence was not statistically different between shelter/stray cats (13/49, 26.5%) and pet cats (8/44, 18.2%), but varied widely by geographical origin of the cats, even after stratification for cat origin or age (p < 0.001). All isolates but one were B. henselae type II. The only cat bacteremic with B. henselae type I was not co-infected with B. henselae type II. None of the cats was harboring either B. clarridgeiae or B. koehlerae. Almost half (42/92, 45.6%) of the cats were seropositive for B. henselae and antibody prevalence was similar in shelter/stray cats (23/49, 46.9%) and pet cats (19/43, 44.2%). This is the first report of isolation of B. henselae from domestic cats in Denmark. This study also indicates that domestic cats, including pet cats, constitute a large Bartonella reservoir in Denmark.