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Adam J. Birkenheuer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Cytauxzoon felis cytochrome b gene mutation associated with atovaquone and azithromycin treatment
Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Ashley N. Hartley, Henry S. Marr, Adam J. BirkenheuerAbstract:Background Atovaquone and azithromycin (A&A) with supportive care improve survival rates in cats with Cytauxzoonosis. Resistance to atovaquone via parasite cytochrome b gene (cytb) mutations occurs in other Apicomplexan protozoans but is not described in Cytauxzoon felis. Objective To serially characterize the C. felis cytb sequences from a cat that remained persistently infected after A&A treatment. Animal A cat with naturally occurring C. felis infection. Methods Case report of the anemic cat persistently infected with C. felis before, during and after A&A treatment. Cytauxzoon felis cytb genes were amplified and sequenced before, during and after A&A treatment. Results Cytauxzoon felis was detected before, during and after A&A treatment including samples collected 570 days after treatment. After A&A treatment, the cat's anemia improved slightly. Cytb sequencing revealed only wild-type cytb methionine (M128) in samples collected before treatment. In samples collected after treatment, the cytb coded for isoleucine (M128I) and valine (M128I) at 2- and 4-months after treatment. These M128I and M128V mutations persisted even after a repeat treatment course with a higher dose atovaquone combined with the standard dose of azithromycin. Conclusions and clinical importance This report documents C. felis atovaquone resistance associated with M128 cytb mutations. This study suggests parasites with mutations of cytb M128 can be selected and impart resistance to A&A treatment even with higher atovaquone dosing.
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second illness due to subsequent Cytauxzoon felis infection in a domestic cat
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports, 2020Co-Authors: Leah A. Cohn, Dan Shaw, Catherine Shoemake, Adam J. BirkenheuerAbstract:Case summaryA castrated male domestic shorthair cat from a wooded area in Missouri had recovered from typical severe Cytauxzoonosis at 4 years of age, after intensive in-hospital supportive care an...
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Molecular detection of vector-borne pathogens in Greek cats.
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases, 2017Co-Authors: Mathios E. Mylonakis, Megan E. Schreeg, Manolis K. Chatzis, Julian Pearce, Henry S. Marr, Manolis N. Saridomichelakis, Adam J. BirkenheuerAbstract:Abstract Infectious diseases have been increasingly recognized in cats worldwide. The objective of this study was the molecular investigation of the prevalence of selected pathogens in healthy and sick cats from Greece, a country highly endemic for several canine vector-borne pathogens. Blood and/or bone marrow samples from 50 clinically healthy and 50 sick adult (>1 year-old) cats were retrospectively examined for the amplification of Bartonella spp., haemoplasmas, Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Cytauxzoon spp. DNA. Overall, 14.9% of the cats were found to be infected or co-infected by haemoplasmas, including Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and M. haemofelis. In addition, 8.5% of the cats were infected by Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae or Bartonella koehlerae. In contrast, DNA of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp. and Cytauxzoon spp. was not amplified from the blood or bone marrow of any cat. There was no significant difference in either haemoplasma or Bartonella infection rates when comparing healthy and sick cats. This study represents the first description of Bartonella koehlerae in Greek cats.
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Mitochondrial Genome Sequences and Structures Aid in the Resolution of Piroplasmida phylogeny
PloS one, 2016Co-Authors: Megan E. Schreeg, Henry S. Marr, Michael G. Levy, Jaime L. Tarigo, Leah A. Cohn, David Mck. Bird, Elizabeth H. Scholl, Brian M. Wiegmann, Adam J. BirkenheuerAbstract:The taxonomy of the order Piroplasmida, which includes a number of clinically and economically relevant organisms, is a hotly debated topic amongst parasitologists. Three genera (Babesia, Theileria, and Cytauxzoon) are recognized based on parasite life cycle characteristics, but molecular phylogenetic analyses of 18S sequences have suggested the presence of five or more distinct Piroplasmida lineages. Despite these important advancements, a few studies have been unable to define the taxonomic relationships of some organisms (e.g. C. felis and T. equi) with respect to other Piroplasmida. Additional evidence from mitochondrial genome sequences and synteny should aid in the inference of Piroplasmida phylogeny and resolution of taxonomic uncertainties. In this study, we have amplified, sequenced, and annotated seven previously uncharacterized mitochondrial genomes (Babesia canis, Babesia vogeli, Babesia rossi, Babesia sp. Coco, Babesia conradae, Babesia microti-like sp., and Cytauxzoon felis) and identified additional ribosomal fragments in ten previously characterized mitochondrial genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated mitochondrial and 18S sequences as well as cox1 amino acid sequence identified five distinct Piroplasmida groups, each of which possesses a unique mitochondrial genome structure. Specifically, our results confirm the existence of four previously identified clades (B. microti group, Babesia sensu stricto, Theileria equi, and a Babesia sensu latu group that includes B. conradae) while supporting the integration of Theileria and Cytauxzoon species into a single fifth taxon. Although known biological characteristics of Piroplasmida corroborate the proposed phylogeny, more investigation into parasite life cycles is warranted to further understand the evolution of the Piroplasmida. Our results provide an evolutionary framework for comparative biology of these important animal and human pathogens and help focus renewed efforts toward understanding the phylogenetic relationships within the group.
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prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis infection in healthy cats from enzootic areas in arkansas missouri and oklahoma
Parasites & Vectors, 2015Co-Authors: Theresa E Rizzi, Mason V Reichard, Adam J. Birkenheuer, Leah A. Cohn, Jared D Taylor, James H MeinkothAbstract:Background Infection with Cytauxzoon felis in domestic cats can cause fever, lethargy, depression, inappetence, icterus, and often death. With a high mortality rate, Cytauxzoonosis was historically considered a fatal disease. Within the last 15 years, cats with or without treatment have been recognized as chronically infected survivors of C. felis infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of C. felis in healthy domestic cats from Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Barbara Willi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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First report of Cytauxzoon sp. infection in domestic cats in Switzerland: natural and transfusion-transmitted infections.
Parasites & vectors, 2018Co-Authors: Alice Nentwig, Marina L. Meli, Johanna Schrack, Iris M. Reichler, Barbara Riond, Corinne Gloor, Judith Howard, Regina Hofmann-lehmann, Barbara WilliAbstract:Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging tick-borne disease of domestic and wild felids. Cytauxzoon felis induces severe and often fatal disease in domestic cats. In Europe, clinical and subclinical infections caused by Cytauxzoon sp. are described. We report the first cases of Cytauxzoon sp. infection in domestic cats in Switzerland. Clinical and laboratory data and results of PCR analyses were collected from Cytauxzoon sp. PCR-positive cats and the cats followed for up to 851 days. The cases were three two-month old kittens from the same litter (Cases 1–3) and two adult domestic shorthair cats (Cases 4 and 5). The cats originated from the north-west and west of Switzerland. Cases 1–3 presented with moderate to severe regenerative anaemia and intraerythrocytic inclusions. Cytauxzoon sp. was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The kittens made a clinical and haematological recovery after blood transfusion and/or treatment with azithromycin and atovaquone, but erythroparasitaemia persisted. Case 4 presented with severe non-regenerative anaemia. Case 5 was healthy and used as a blood donor for Case 4. Following blood transfusion, Case 4 showed intraerythrocytic inclusions, and Cytauxzoon sp. was confirmed in both Cases 4 and 5 using PCR and sequencing. Case 4 achieved clinical and haematological remission after treatment with azithromycin, atovaquone and immunosuppressive drugs. Eight months later, Case 4 was presented again with anaemia but tested Cytauxzoon sp. PCR-negative. Sequencing of 1637 bp of the 18S rRNA gene of Cytauxzoon sp. revealed 100% nucleotide sequence identity among isolates of Cases 1–3 and between isolates of Cases 4 and 5, and 99% sequence identity between isolates of all cases. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the closest relationship of the Swiss isolates to Cytauxzoon sp. isolates from domestic cats and wild felids from France, Spain and Romania and to Cytauxzoon manul from a Pallas’s cat. This is the first report of Cytauxzoon sp. infection in domestic cats in Switzerland. It is also the first report of infection in very young kittens and transmission of Cytauxzoon sp. to an adult cat by transfusion of blood from an asymptomatic cat. The cats recovered but some developed chronic asymptomatic erythroparasitaemia for up to 28 months. Domestic cats may act as reservoirs for Cytauxzoon sp. in Europe and blood donor cats should be screened for this agent by PCR.
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First report of Cytauxzoon sp. infection in domestic cats in Switzerland: natural and transfusion-transmitted infections
Parasites & Vectors, 2018Co-Authors: Alice Nentwig, Marina L. Meli, Johanna Schrack, Iris M. Reichler, Barbara Riond, Corinne Gloor, Judith Howard, Regina Hofmann-lehmann, Barbara WilliAbstract:Background Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging tick-borne disease of domestic and wild felids. Cytauxzoon felis induces severe and often fatal disease in domestic cats. In Europe, clinical and subclinical infections caused by Cytauxzoon sp. are described. We report the first cases of Cytauxzoon sp. infection in domestic cats in Switzerland. Methods Clinical and laboratory data and results of PCR analyses were collected from Cytauxzoon sp. PCR-positive cats and the cats followed for up to 851 days. Results The cases were three two-month old kittens from the same litter (Cases 1–3) and two adult domestic shorthair cats (Cases 4 and 5). The cats originated from the north-west and west of Switzerland. Cases 1–3 presented with moderate to severe regenerative anaemia and intraerythrocytic inclusions. Cytauxzoon sp . was confirmed by PCR and sequencing . The kittens made a clinical and haematological recovery after blood transfusion and/or treatment with azithromycin and atovaquone, but erythroparasitaemia persisted. Case 4 presented with severe non-regenerative anaemia. Case 5 was healthy and used as a blood donor for Case 4. Following blood transfusion, Case 4 showed intraerythrocytic inclusions, and Cytauxzoon sp . was confirmed in both Cases 4 and 5 using PCR and sequencing. Case 4 achieved clinical and haematological remission after treatment with azithromycin, atovaquone and immunosuppressive drugs. Eight months later, Case 4 was presented again with anaemia but tested Cytauxzoon sp. PCR-negative. Sequencing of 1637 bp of the 18S rRNA gene of Cytauxzoon sp . revealed 100% nucleotide sequence identity among isolates of Cases 1–3 and between isolates of Cases 4 and 5, and 99% sequence identity between isolates of all cases. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the closest relationship of the Swiss isolates to Cytauxzoon sp . isolates from domestic cats and wild felids from France, Spain and Romania and to Cytauxzoon manul from a Pallas’s cat. Conclusions This is the first report of Cytauxzoon sp . infection in domestic cats in Switzerland. It is also the first report of infection in very young kittens and transmission of Cytauxzoon sp . to an adult cat by transfusion of blood from an asymptomatic cat. The cats recovered but some developed chronic asymptomatic erythroparasitaemia for up to 28 months. Domestic cats may act as reservoirs for Cytauxzoon sp. in Europe and blood donor cats should be screened for this agent by PCR.
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Surveillance using serological and molecular methods for the detection of infectious agents in captive Brazilian neotropic and exotic felids
Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians Inc, 2011Co-Authors: Claudia Filoni, Cristina Harumi Adania, Marina L. Meli, José Luiz Catão-dias, Valentino Cattori, Barbara Willi, Sandra Helena Ramiro Corrêa, Mara Cristina Marques, Jean Carlos Ramos Silva, Maria Fernanda Vianna MarvuloAbstract:The aim of the current study was to investigate the exposure of captive wild felids to various infectious pathogens using serological and molecular methods. One hundred and fifty-nine neotropic felids and 51 exotic felids from 28 captive settings in Brazil were tested. While antibodies against Feline parvovirus and Feline coronavirus (FCoV), Feline calicivirus and Bartonella spp. were frequently detected by serologic tests, antibodies against Felid herpesvirus 1 or infection with hemotropic mycoplasmas were less prevalent. Serologic evidence of exposure to Ehrlichia spp., Feline immunodeficiency virus, and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was detected rarely, and infections with FeLV, Ehrlichia spp., and Cytauxzoon spp. were found infrequently. The detected Bartonella sequence was molecularly similar to B. koehlerae and B. henselae; for Cytauxzoon, the sequence resembled those from domestic cats. No Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Theileria spp. infections were detected. The positive test results varied significantly among different facilities and species. Additionally, FCoV seropositivity was more prevalent in captivity than in free-ranging populations. Results suggest that testing is appropriate prior to relocation of felids.
Fabrizia Veronesi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Three new species of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids.
Veterinary parasitology, 2021Co-Authors: Luciana Cătălina Panait, Călin Mircea Gherman, David Modrý, Andrei Daniel Mihalca, Jana Juránková, Angela Monica Ionică, Georgiana Deak, Mike Heddergott, Adnan Hodžić, Fabrizia VeronesiAbstract:Abstract Protists of the genus Cytauxzoon infect a wide variety of wild and domestic felids worldwide. While the American Cytauxzoon felis has been well described, data on the European isolates of Cytauxzoon are still scant. The aim of the current study was to determine the genetic diversity of European Cytauxzoon spp. in wild felids across Europe by analyzing one nuclear and two mitochondrial genes, along with representative complete mitochondrial genomes. Overall, 106 biological samples from wild felids (92 from Felis silvestris and 14 from Lynx lynx) from Germany, Romania, Czech Republic, and Luxembourg were collected and screened for the presence of Cytauxzoon spp. using nested PCR protocols, targeting the highly conserved 18S rDNA, mitochondrial cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. Furthermore, 18 previously confirmed wild felid biological samples from Europe, and comparative material from USA positive for C. felis, were included in the study. In 18S rDNA sequences analyses, Cytauxzoon spp. from felids formed two separate clades of New World and Old World isolates, with a low inner diversity of the European clade. In contrast to 18S rDNA, the phylogenetic analyses of CytB and COI genes affirmatively revealed three highly supported clades, resulting in three defined genotypes. Similar intra- and interspecific variability of CytB and COI genes was observed in the case of different Babesia spp. Considering geography, host species and analyses of three genes, we conclude that the three detected genotypes of Cytauxzoon in European wild felids represent three new species, which we herein describe.
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Emerging feline vector-borne pathogens in Italy
Parasites & vectors, 2019Co-Authors: Giulia Morganti, Fabrizia Veronesi, Valentina Stefanetti, Trentina Di Muccio, Eleonora Fiorentino, Manuela Diaferia, Azzurra Santoro, Fabrizio Passamonti, Marina GramicciaAbstract:Background The epidemiology of feline vector-borne pathogens (FeVBPs) has been less investigated in cats than in dogs. The present study assessed the prevalence of Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp. and Leishmania infantum infections in cat populations living in central Italy, by molecular and serological tools.
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Emerging feline vector-borne pathogens in Italy
BMC, 2019Co-Authors: Giulia Morganti, Fabrizia Veronesi, Valentina Stefanetti, Trentina Di Muccio, Eleonora Fiorentino, Manuela Diaferia, Azzurra Santoro, Fabrizio Passamonti, Marina GramicciaAbstract:Abstract Background The epidemiology of feline vector-borne pathogens (FeVBPs) has been less investigated in cats than in dogs. The present study assessed the prevalence of Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp. and Leishmania infantum infections in cat populations living in central Italy, by molecular and serological tools. Results A total of 286 healthy cats were randomly selected from catteries and colonies in central Italy. Peripheral blood and conjunctival swab (CS) samples were collected during surgical procedures for regional neutering projects. Sera were analysed by IFAT to detect anti-Rickettsia felis, R. conorii, Babesia microti and Leishmania IgG antibodies using commercial and home-made antigens. DNA extracted from buffy coats (BCs) was tested for Rickettsia spp., and Piroplasmida species, including Cytauxzoon spp. and Babesia spp. by PCR. Buffy coats and CS samples were assayed by a nested (n)-PCR for Leishmania spp. Sixty-two cats (21.67%) were seropositive to at least one of the tested pathogens. The serological assay revealed 23 (8.04%) and 18 (6.29%) positive cats for R. felis and R. conorii, respectively, with low titers (1/64–1/128). No antibodies against B. microti were detected. Neither Rickettsia nor Piroplasmida DNA were amplified using the specific PCR assays. Thirty-one cats (10.83%) tested positive to anti-Leishmania IgG, with titers ranging from 1:40 to 1:160 and 45 animals (15.73%) tested positive to Leishmania CS n-PCR, whereas none of the animals tested positive to BC n-PCR. Considering the results obtained by IFAT and CS n-PCR, a moderate agreement between the two tests was detected (κ = 0.27). Conclusions The results of the serological and molecular surveys showed a moderate exposure to Leishmania in the investigated cats and highlighted the limited molecular diagnostic value of BC versus CS samples for this pathogen. Conversely no evidence supported the circulation of Cytauxzoon spp. in domestic cats, in contrast with previous detections in European wild cats in the same areas monitored. The low positive titres for R. felis in association with no DNA BC amplification prevent speculation on the exposure of feline populations to this FeVBP due to the cross-reactivity existing within spotted fever group rickettsiosis (SFGR)
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First detection of Cytauxzoon spp. infection in European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) of Italy.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 2016Co-Authors: Fabrizia Veronesi, Azzurra Santoro, Silvia Ravagnan, Matteo Cerquetella, Erika Carli, Emanuela Olivieri, S. Pesaro, Sara Berardi, Giacomo Rossi, Bernardino RagniAbstract:Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging, tick-transmitted, protozoan disease affecting domestic and wild felids and caused by Cytauxzoon felis, Cytauxzoon manul and Cytauxzoon spp. This study aimed to determine the presence of infection with Cytauxzoon spp. in Felis silvestris silvestris in Italy, in order to enhance the comprehension of its pattern distribution among domestic cat populations. In addition, wildcats were tested for other endemic vector-borne pathogens in Italy. The carcasses of 21 F. s. silvestris were collected from central and northern regions of Italy. All the animals were submitted to necropsy and samples of the spleens were collected. Cytauxzoon infection was surveyed by a conventional PCR amplifying a portion of the SSU-rDNA of species of Piroplasmida. The samples were also screened for Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Theileria spp., and Leishmania spp. using SYBR Green Real-Time PCR (rPCR) assays. Four animals (19%) were positive for Piroplasmida-PCR assay and three sequenced amplicons were obtained (14.3%), clustering with the Italian, Spanish, French and Romanian Cytauxzoon spp. isolates and with C. manul found in Mongolia. The samples were negative for the other pathogens screened. The present results showed that Cytauxzoon spp. may infect both F. s. silvestris and F. s. catus.
Mason V Reichard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Transmission of Cytauxzoon felis to domestic cats by Amblyomma americanum nymphs.
Parasites & vectors, 2019Co-Authors: Kelly E. Allen, Jennifer E Thomas, Megan L. Wohltjen, Mason V ReichardAbstract:Successful Cytauxzoon felis transmission studies have occurred using Amblyomma americanum adults acquisition-fed as nymphs on an experimentally infected domestic cat or Dermacentor variabilis adults fed as nymphs on a splenectomized bobcat. Here, we evaluated A. americanum and D. variabilis nymphs acquisition-fed as larvae on a C. felis-infected carrier domestic cat for competence to transmit the protozoan parasite as nymphs to naive, healthy domestic cats. Amblyomma americanum and D. variabilis larvae were applied to a chronically infected, parasitemic C. felis donor cat (Felis catus) and allowed to feed to repletion. Engorged larvae were collected and held through ecdysis. Three cats were each infested with 66 A. americanum or 66 D. variabilis emerged nymphs. Cytauxzoon felis infections in principal cats were determined by clinical signs and detection of circulating parasite by blood smear and PCR evaluation. Clinical signs of Cytauxzoonosis were observed in cats infested with A. americanum nymphs beginning 12–15 days post-infestation (dpi). The same cats were PCR positive on 12–14 dpi; piroplasms were evident in blood smears at 16 dpi, and macrophage schizonts were observed in stained spleen impression smears in two animals at necropsy. Cats infested with acquisition-fed D. variabilis nymphs remained clinically normal and did not develop detectable parasitemia over the course of the study as determined by blood smear and PCR. Cytauxzoon felis was successfully transmitted to domestic cats by A. americanum nymphs acquisition-fed as larvae on the donor cat. However, we were not able to transmit C. felis to healthy domestic cats with D. variabilis nymphs that were simultaneously acquisition-fed on the same donor cat. Results from this study suggest that larval and nymphal A. americanum likely play important roles in natural transmission cycles of C. felis.
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Transmission of Cytauxzoon felis to domestic cats by Amblyomma americanum nymphs
BMC, 2019Co-Authors: Kelly E. Allen, Jennifer E Thomas, Megan L. Wohltjen, Mason V ReichardAbstract:Abstract Background Successful Cytauxzoon felis transmission studies have occurred using Amblyomma americanum adults acquisition-fed as nymphs on an experimentally infected domestic cat or Dermacentor variabilis adults fed as nymphs on a splenectomized bobcat. Here, we evaluated A. americanum and D. variabilis nymphs acquisition-fed as larvae on a C. felis-infected carrier domestic cat for competence to transmit the protozoan parasite as nymphs to naïve, healthy domestic cats. Methods Amblyomma americanum and D. variabilis larvae were applied to a chronically infected, parasitemic C. felis donor cat (Felis catus) and allowed to feed to repletion. Engorged larvae were collected and held through ecdysis. Three cats were each infested with 66 A. americanum or 66 D. variabilis emerged nymphs. Cytauxzoon felis infections in principal cats were determined by clinical signs and detection of circulating parasite by blood smear and PCR evaluation. Results Clinical signs of Cytauxzoonosis were observed in cats infested with A. americanum nymphs beginning 12–15 days post-infestation (dpi). The same cats were PCR positive on 12–14 dpi; piroplasms were evident in blood smears at 16 dpi, and macrophage schizonts were observed in stained spleen impression smears in two animals at necropsy. Cats infested with acquisition-fed D. variabilis nymphs remained clinically normal and did not develop detectable parasitemia over the course of the study as determined by blood smear and PCR. Conclusions Cytauxzoon felis was successfully transmitted to domestic cats by A. americanum nymphs acquisition-fed as larvae on the donor cat. However, we were not able to transmit C. felis to healthy domestic cats with D. variabilis nymphs that were simultaneously acquisition-fed on the same donor cat. Results from this study suggest that larval and nymphal A. americanum likely play important roles in natural transmission cycles of C. felis
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Prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis infection in healthy free-roaming cats in north-central Oklahoma and central Iowa.
JFMS open reports, 2016Co-Authors: Yoko Nagamori, Jennifer E. Slovak, Mason V ReichardAbstract:Case summary Cytauxzoonosis is a tick-borne disease of cats, and Oklahoma (OK), USA, is considered an enzootic state. To determine the prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis, blood was collected from free-...
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prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis infection in healthy cats from enzootic areas in arkansas missouri and oklahoma
Parasites & Vectors, 2015Co-Authors: Theresa E Rizzi, Mason V Reichard, Adam J. Birkenheuer, Leah A. Cohn, Jared D Taylor, James H MeinkothAbstract:Background Infection with Cytauxzoon felis in domestic cats can cause fever, lethargy, depression, inappetence, icterus, and often death. With a high mortality rate, Cytauxzoonosis was historically considered a fatal disease. Within the last 15 years, cats with or without treatment have been recognized as chronically infected survivors of C. felis infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of C. felis in healthy domestic cats from Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
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Prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis infection in healthy cats from enzootic areas in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma
Parasites & Vectors, 2015Co-Authors: Theresa E Rizzi, Mason V Reichard, Adam J. Birkenheuer, Leah A. Cohn, Jared D Taylor, James H MeinkothAbstract:Background Infection with Cytauxzoon felis in domestic cats can cause fever, lethargy, depression, inappetence, icterus, and often death. With a high mortality rate, Cytauxzoonosis was historically considered a fatal disease. Within the last 15 years, cats with or without treatment have been recognized as chronically infected survivors of C. felis infection. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of C. felis in healthy domestic cats from Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Methods Infection with C. felis was determined using DNA extracted from anticoagulated whole blood and PCR amplification using C. felis -specific primers. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and odds ratios were used to compare proportions of cats infected with C. felis . Results Blood samples were collected from 902 healthy domestic cats between October 2008 and April 2012. DNA from Cytauxzoon felis was detected in 56 of 902 (6.2%; 95% confidence interval, 4.7–7.9) samples. The highest prevalence of C. felis infection (15.5%; 10.3–21.7) was observed in cats from Arkansas, followed by cats from Missouri (12.9%; 6.1–24.0), and cats from Oklahoma (3.4%; 2.2–5.1). Cats sampled in Arkansas and Missouri were 5.1 and 4.2, respectively, times more likely to be chronically infected with C. felis than cats from Oklahoma. Conclusions Infection with C. felis is common in domestic cats through Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. The high prevalence of C. felis reported herein suggests that infected domestic cats are likely reservoirs of infection for naive felines. The high prevalence of C. felis substantiates the importance for the use of approved acaricides on cats to prevent Cytauxzoonosis.
Rosangela Zacarias Machado - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Relationships between vector-borne parasites and free-living mammals at the Brazilian Pantanal
Parasitology Research, 2021Co-Authors: Filipe Martins Santos, Marcos Rogério André, Rosangela Zacarias Machado, Keyla Carstens Marques De Sousa, Nayara Yoshie Sano, Wesley Arruda Gimenes Nantes, Sany Caroline Liberal, Heitor Miraglia HerreraAbstract:In nature, parasitic infections must be addressed as complex systems involving parasite-host relationships on a temporal and spatial scale. Since the parasites cover a great biological diversity, we can expect that wildlife are exposed simultaneously to different parasites. In this sense, the objective of this work was to determine the relationships between free-living mammals and their associated hemoparasites in the Brazilian Pantanal. We used the data published during 2017 and 2018 by de Sousa et al. regarding the detection of vector-borne pathogens (VBP), namely Anaplasma , Babesia , Bartonella , Cytauxzoon , Ehrlichia , Hepatozoon , Mycoplasma , and Theileria , in nine species of free-living mammals belonging to orders Carnivora, Rodentia, and Didelphimorphia. We assume as infected an individual positive on any of parasitological, molecular, and/or serological tests. We observed a strong association between the wild felid Leopardus pardalis with Cytauxzoon , the wild canid Cerdocyon thous with Hepatozoon , the small rodent Thrichomys fosteri with Bartonella , and the procyonid Nasua nasua with Mycoplasma and Theileria . Therefore, N . nasua , C . thous , T . fosteri , and the small rodent Oecomys mamorae can be considered key species for the maintenance of selected VBP in the Pantanal region, because they showed a high number of single and coinfections. Together, our results highlighted the importance of coinfection as a common phenomenon in nature.
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Co-infection with arthropod-borne pathogens in domestic cats.
Revista Brasileira De Parasitologia Veterinaria, 2017Co-Authors: Marcos Rogério André, Kilder Dantas Filgueira, Ana Cláudia Calchi, Keyla Carstens Marques De Sousa, Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves, Vitor Brasil Medeiros, Poliana Araújo Ximenes, Ivana Cristina Nunes Gadelha Lelis, Maria Vanuza Nunes De Meireles, Rosangela Zacarias MachadoAbstract:Abstract The role of several feline vector-borne pathogens (FVBP) as a cause of disease in cats has not been clearly determined. In fact, with the exception of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas, FVBP in cats has not been clearly determined in Brazil yet. The present study aimed at identifying, by using molecular methods, the presence of FVBP in three cats showing non-specific clinical signs and inclusions suggestive of hemoparasites in blood smears. Cytauxzoon felis , ‘ Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, Ehrlichia sp. closely related to Ehrlichia canis , and Anaplasma sp. closely related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in blood samples from two out of three sampled cats. Both cats positive for multiple FVBP did not show hematological and biochemical abnormalities. The present work emphasizes the need for molecular confirmation of co-infection by multiple FVBP in cats presenting non-specific clinical signs and inclusions resembling hemoparasites in blood smears. Keywords: Anaplasma, Cytauxzoon, Ehrlichia, Mycoplasma
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Co-infection with arthropod-borne pathogens in domestic cats
Colégio Brasileiro de Parasitologia Veterinaria, 2017Co-Authors: Marcos Rogério André, Kilder Dantas Filgueira, Ana Cláudia Calchi, Keyla Carstens Marques De Sousa, Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves, Vitor Brasil Medeiros, Poliana Araújo Ximenes, Ivana Cristina Nunes Gadelha Lelis, Maria Vanuza Nunes De Meireles, Rosangela Zacarias MachadoAbstract:Abstract The role of several feline vector-borne pathogens (FVBP) as a cause of disease in cats has not been clearly determined. In fact, with the exception of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas, FVBP in cats has not been clearly determined in Brazil yet. The present study aimed at identifying, by using molecular methods, the presence of FVBP in three cats showing non-specific clinical signs and inclusions suggestive of hemoparasites in blood smears. Cytauxzoon felis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, Ehrlichia sp. closely related to Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma sp. closely related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in blood samples from two out of three sampled cats. Both cats positive for multiple FVBP did not show hematological and biochemical abnormalities. The present work emphasizes the need for molecular confirmation of co-infection by multiple FVBP in cats presenting non-specific clinical signs and inclusions resembling hemoparasites in blood smears
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Tick-borne agents in domesticated and stray cats from the city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, midwestern Brazil
Ticks and tick-borne diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Marcos Rogério André, Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves, Heitor Miraglia Herrera, Simone De Jesus Fernandes, Keyla Cartens Marques De Sousa, Iara Helena Domingos, Gabriel Carvalho De Macedo, Rosangela Zacarias MachadoAbstract:Anaplasmataceae agents, piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. have emerged as important pathogens among domestic and wild felines. The present work aimed to detect the presence of species belonging to the Anaplasmataceae family, piroplasmas and Hepatozoon spp. DNA in blood samples of domesticated and stray cats in the city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, midwestern Brazil. Between January and April 2013, whole blood samples were collected from 151 cats (54 males, 95 females and two without gender registration) in the city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. DNA extracted from cat blood samples was submitted to conventional PCR assays for Theileria/Babesia/Cytauxzoon spp. (18S rRNA, ITS-1), Ehrlichia spp. (16S rRNA, dsb, groESL), Anaplasma spp. (16S rRNA, groESL) and Hepatozoon spp. (18S rRNA) followed by phylogenetic reconstructions. Out of 151 sampled cats, 13 (8.5%) were positive for Ehrlichia spp. closely related to Ehrlichia canis, 1 (0.66%) for Hepatozoon spp. closely related to Hepatozoon americanum and Hepatozoon spp. isolate from a wild felid, 1 (0.66%) for Cytauxzoon sp. closely related do Cytauxzoon felis, and 18 (11.9%) for Babesia/Theileria (one sequence was closely related to Babesia bigemina, eight for Babesia vogeli, five to Theileria spp. from ruminants [Theileria ovis, Theileria lestoquardi] and four to Theileria sp. recently detected in a cat). The present study showed that Ehrlichia spp., piroplasmids (B. vogeli, Theileria spp. and Cytauxzoon spp.) and, more rarely, Hepatozoon spp. circulate among stray and domesticated cats in the city of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, midwestern Brazil.
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Molecular detection of feline arthropod-borne pathogens in cats in Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso, central-western region of Brazil.
Revista brasileira de parasitologia veterinaria = Brazilian journal of veterinary parasitology : Orgao Oficial do Colegio Brasileiro de Parasitologia , 2013Co-Authors: Natasha Gandolfi Miceli, Marcos Rogério André, Keyla Carstens Marques De Sousa, Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves, Fernando Antonio Gavioli, Valéria Régia Franco Sousa, Rosangela Zacarias MachadoAbstract:Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas), Bartonella sp., Hepatozoon sp. and Cytauxzoon felis are prominent pathogens that circulate between cats and invertebrate hosts. The present study aimed to detect the presence of DNA from hemoplasmas, Bartonella sp., Hepatozoon sp. and Cytauxzoon felis, and then confirm it by means of sequencing, in blood samples from cats in Cuiaba, MT, Brazil. From February 2009 to February 2011, blood samples with added EDTA were collected from 163 cats that were being housed in four different animal shelters in the city of Cuiaba, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil and from 15 cats that were admitted to the veterinary hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT). Out of the 178 cats sampled, 15 (8.4%) were positive for hemoplasmas: four (2.2%) for Mycoplasma haemofelis, 12 (6.7%) for 'Candidatus M. haemominutum' and one (0.5%) for 'Candidatus M. turicensis'. One cat (0.5%), a patient that was attended at the veterinary hospital, was coinfected with M. haemofelis, 'Candidatus M. haemominutum' and 'Candidatus M. turicensis', based on sequencing confirmation. Four cats were positive for Bartonella spp.: three (1.7%) for B. henselae and one (0.5%) for B. clarridgeiae. None of the animals showed Cytauxzoon sp. or Hepatozoon sp. DNA in their blood samples. This study showed that cats housed in animal shelters in the city of Cuiaba, state of Mato Grosso, are exposed to hemoplasmas and Bartonella species.
