scholarly journals Prevalence of Haemoplasma Infections in Stray Cats in Northern Italy

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Spada ◽  
Daniela Proverbio ◽  
Paola Galluzzo ◽  
Alessandra Della Pepa ◽  
Giada Bagnagatti De Giorgi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Conventional Pcr ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
Stray Cat

This study investigated the prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections in a number of stray cat colonies in Milan, Northern Italy. Blood samples from 260 stray cats were evaluated, with conventional PCR, for the presence of DNA associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” (CMhm). Odd ratios (OR) were calculated to identify risk factors for haemoplasma infections. PCR was positive in 86 out of 260 subjects (33.1%), with a prevalence of 10.8% (28/260 cats) for Mhf and 22.3% (58/260 cats) for CMhm. No coinfections were registered. There were significant associations between infections and season of sampling, that is, a negative association between winter sampling and a haemoplasma positive status (OR=0.29, P=0.001), or CMhm positive status (OR=0.29, P=0.01). Haemoplasma infections are common in stray cats in Milan. Thus, domestic cats with outdoor access should be routinely monitored and treated for ectoparasites to minimize risks of disease acquisition. Moreover, as these infections are transmitted via blood, feline blood donors from this area should be screened by PCR and preferably be drawn from a population of indoor cats regularly treated for fleas.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Geographic Distribution, Risk Factors and Co-Infections of Feline Gammaherpesvirus Infections in Domestic Cats in Switzerland

Viruses ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Novacco ◽  
Kohan ◽  
Stirn ◽  
Meli ◽  
Díaz-Sánchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Feline Leukemia Virus ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Neoplastic Tissue ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
Swiss Cantons ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Recently, a gammaherpesvirus was described in domestic cats (FcaGHV1). The goal of the present study was to investigate the presence of FcaGHV1 in Swiss domestic cats and analyze potential risk factors. Blood samples from 881 cats presented to veterinarians in all Swiss cantons and from 91 stray cats and neoplastic tissue samples from 17 cats with lymphoma were evaluated. FcaGHV1 was detected by real-time PCR targeting the glycoprotein B gene, followed by sequencing. Blood samples were also tested for feline hemoplasmas, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The molecular prevalence of FcaGHV1 was 6.0% (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.5–7.8%) in cats presented to veterinarians and 5.5% (95% CI, 1.8–12.4%) in stray cats. FcaGHV1 PCR-positive cats originated from 19/26 Swiss cantons. Factors significantly associated with FcaGHV1 detection included male sex, age >3 years, nonpedigree status and co-infection with FIV and hemoplasmas. Moreover, FeLV viremia tended to be associated with FcaGHV1 detection. High FcaGHV1 blood loads were found more frequently in FeLV-viremic cats and less frequently in hemoplasma-infected cats than in uninfected cats. Clinical information was unavailable for most of the 881 cats, but leukemia, carcinoma and cardiomyopathy were reported in FcaGHV1-positive cats. None of the tissue samples from the 17 cats with lymphoma tested positive for FcaGHV1. Sequence analyses revealed homogeneity among the Swiss isolates and >99.7% identity to published FcaGHV1 sequences. In conclusion, FcaGHV1 is present in Switzerland with a similar prevalence in cats presented to veterinarians and in stray cats. The pathogenic potential of FcaGHV1 needs further evaluation.

scholarly journals Frequency of PiroplasmsBabesia microtiandCytauxzoon felisin Stray Cats from Northern Italy

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Spada ◽  
Daniela Proverbio ◽  
Paola Galluzzo ◽  
Roberta Perego ◽  
Giada Bagnagatti De Giorgi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Reservoir Host ◽  
Babesia Microti ◽  
Conventional Pcr ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
Cytauxzoon Felis ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Good Clinical Condition ◽  
Stray Cat

Emerging diseases caused by piroplasms pose a health risk for man and other animals, and domestic cats have been proposed as potential reservoirs for some piroplasm infections. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency of the piroplasmsBabesia microtiandCytauxzoon felisin stray cats from northern Italy and to identify possible risk factors associated with these infections. Blood samples from 260 stray cats enrolled in a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program in northern Italy were examined with conventional PCR for the presence ofBabesia microtiandCytauxzoon felisDNA. No sample (0.0%) tested positive forC. felis, whilstB. microtiDNA was detected in two samples (0.8%). Both infected cats were in good clinical condition and recovered well from the neutering surgery. One of these two cats had a triple coinfection withBabesia microti,CandidatusMycoplasma haemominutum, andAnaplasma phagocytophilum. Evidence presented in this study indicates that the blood borne protozoansBabesia microtiandCytauxzoon felisare not widely distributed in stray cat populations in Milan, northern Italy, and that the significance of cats as a reservoir host forB. microtiin this area is limited.

First report of Feline Calicivirus (FCV) infection in stray cats in northeast China

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 595-598
Author(s):  
Kai Wang ◽  
Zhihua Pei ◽  
Guixue Hu
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Northeast China ◽  
Feline Calicivirus ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
First Report ◽  
Elisa Kit ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
And Gender

Abstract To improve our understanding of Feline calicivirus (FCV) infection in cats in Northeast China, 1584 serum samples from 974 domestic cats and 610 stray cats were collected between 2012 and 2015. The samples were tested for FCV antibodies using a commercially available ELISA kit. The results revealed an overall seroprevalence of 37.56% (595/1584), a seroprevalence in domestic cats of 32.85% (320/974) and a seroprevalence in stray cats of 45.08% (275/610). Risk factor analysis indicated that species was the only risk factor for the presence of FCV (OR=1.678, 95% CI=1.362-2.066, P<0.001); age, season, region and gender were not risk factors. This is the first report of FCV infection in stray cats in China, and the results of this study can aid in FCV infection control in the felidae family.

scholarly journals A pre- and during Pandemic Survey of Sars-Cov-2 Infection in Stray Colony and Shelter Cats from a High Endemic Area of Northern Italy

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 618
Author(s):  
Eva Spada ◽  
Fabrizio Vitale ◽  
Federica Bruno ◽  
Germano Castelli ◽  
Stefano Reale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Swab ◽  
Elisa Test ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Endemic Region ◽  
Lombardy Region ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
Stray Cat

Cats are susceptible to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Whilst a number of studies have been performed worldwide on owned cats, limited data are available on stray, colony or shelter cats. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 infection in a stray cat population before and during human outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in cities in the Lombardy region in northern Italy, a high endemic region for SARS-CoV-2, using serological and molecular methods. A cohort of different samples were collected from 241 cats, including frozen archived serum samples from 136 cats collected before the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and serum, pharyngeal and rectal swab samples from 105 cats collected during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. All pre-pandemic samples tested seronegative for antibodies against the nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, while one serum sample collected during the pandemic was seropositive. No serological cross-reactivity was detected between SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and antibodies against feline enteric (FECV) and infectious peritonitis coronavirus (FIPC), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), Feline Parvovirus (FPV), Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Toxoplasma gondii or Chlamydophila felis. No pharyngeal or rectal swab tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA on real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Our data show that SARS-CoV-2 did infect stray cats in Lombardy during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with lower prevalence than found in owned cats. This should alleviate public concerns about stray cats acting as SARS-CoV-2 carriers.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii prevalence and risk factors in owned domestic cats from Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 557-566
Author(s):  
Ruenruetai Udonsom ◽  
◽  
Ruangrat Buddhirongawatr ◽  
Yoshifumi Nishikawa ◽  
Ragab M. Fereig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Latex Agglutination ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Stray Cat ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Domestic cats are a potential source of Toxoplasma gondii infection for humans. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for T. gondii infection in domestic cats. Cat sera (n = 182) were tested for T. gondii IgG antibodies using the latex agglutination test (LAT) and the GRA7 of T. gondii (TgGRA7)-indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with T. gondii infection. The overall prevalence rates were 18.1% (33/182) according to LAT, 19.2% (35/182) according to the iELISA and 17.0% (31/182) according to LAT and iELISA. Univariable analyses identified, outdoor access (P = 0.006), being a former stray cat (P = 0.001) and successful hunting behaviors (P = 0.04) as risk factors for T. gondii infection. Outdoor access (OR 2.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–6.72) and is a former stray cat (OR 3.69, 95% CI 1.52–8.96) remained significant risk factors in multivariable analyses. This study indicated a relatively high seroprevalence of T. gondii among domestic cats. Cat owners can reduce the risk for T. gondii infection by not allowing their cats to roam free. Furthermore, education about the transmission of the parasite should be provided to prevent infection to the owners.

scholarly journals Occurrence of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in cats

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 2245-2249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valéria Maria Lara ◽  
Sueli Akemi Taniwaki ◽  
João Pessoa Araújo Júnior
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Paulo State ◽  
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus

The occurrence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in Brazil has been previously described. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of FIV infection in 454 blood samples from healthy and sick domestic cats from 13 cities of São Paulo State, Brazil as well as to evaluate the risk factors associated with the infection. The results showed that 14.7% (67/454) of the cats were infected with FIV. The clinical evaluation showed that 29.2% of the FIV-positive animals were sick, while 7.3% did not show any type of clinical manifestation. In addition, the vast majority (23.1%) of positive cases corresponded to free-roaming owned cats. The incidence of FIV infection was higher in males (20.3%) than in females (9.7%). The results suggest that certain characteristics such as gender, health status and lifestyle may be associated with the risk of being infected with FIV in the population of cats studied.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of IgG Anti-SARS-CoV-2 among Voluntary Blood Donors in Dubai: Demographic and Risk Factors

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
May Raouf ◽  
Mariem Rabeh ◽  
Suminder Kaur ◽  
Ranjita Sharma ◽  
Nimmy Thottumkal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Blood Donation ◽  
Collection Site ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Additional Risk ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Site Type ◽  
History Of ◽  
First Time

<b><i>Background and Objectives:</i></b> During the pandemic of CO­VID-19, additional blood donor eligibility criteria have been added to ensure safety of donors and donations. The aim of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in eligible donors and to study the demography and lifestyle of asymptomatic cases. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> One thousand four hundred eighteen eligible donors were enrolled in this study in the Dubai Blood Donation Center from August to December 2020. Blood samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibody. Donors’ demographic characteristics and lifestyle were studied further. The χ<sup>2</sup> test was used to analyze the data association. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 88.4% of the studied group were males, 85% were from age 17 to 45 years, and 53% were regular donors. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody was 13.5% and significantly related to gender, frequency of donation, collection site, type of donation, and more frequent when donors shared transport and accommodation. Blood group and age had no significant association. 5.5% were found to have cough/fever or a history of contact with positive COVID-19 patients. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody was 13.5% among eligible blood donors, and hence the current eligibility criteria allow asymptomatic COVID-19 patients to donate blood. The seroprevalence was seen more in first time donors, suggesting that regular blood donors are safer. Additional risk factors related to lifestyle can be identified to ensure safety of transfusion during COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondiiin Blood Donors: A Study in Boyer-Ahmad County, Southwest Iran

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdolali Moshfe ◽  
Nasir Arefkhah ◽  
Bahador Sarkari ◽  
Saadat Kazemi ◽  
Ahmad Mardani
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Buffy Coat ◽  
Seroprevalence Rate ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Infected Blood ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Related Risk ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Southwest Iran

Toxoplasma gondiiis an important foodborne protozoan that can be transmitted through infected blood containing tachyzoite form of the parasite. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence ofT. gondiiinfection and related risk factors among healthy blood donors in Boyer-Ahmad County, southwest Iran. Blood samples were taken from 285 healthy blood donors who voluntarily agreed to participate in this study. Sera and buffy coat were isolated from the blood samples for serological and molecular evaluations. The sera were tested for anti-T. gondiiantibodies (both IgG and IgM), using a commercial ELISA kit. The buffy coat of seropositive cases was evaluated for detection ofT. gondiiDNA by PCR. Moreover, a structured questionnaire, containing socioepidemiological data and possible risk factors, was filled out by each participant during sample collection. Anti-T. gondiiantibodies were detected in sera of 48/285 (16.8%) participants. Only two of the subjects (0.7%) were seropositive for both IgG and IgM antibodies.T. gondiiDNA was not detected in buffy coat of any of the seropositive cases. Risk factors such as contact with soil (OR, 9.7; 95% CI, 4.9–19.4) and consumption of semicooked meat (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2–5.03) were statistically associated with seropositivity toT. gondii. The seroprevalence rate ofT. gondiiantibodies in the blood donors of Boyer-Ahmad County was not high in comparison with other regions in Iran. In this study, consumption of undercooked meats, job, and contact with soil were independent risk factors associated withT. gondiiinfection, which can be considered as potential sources ofT.gondiiinfection.

scholarly journals Hemoplasma prevalence and hematological abnormalities associated with infection in three different cat populations from Southern Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 428-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Pires dos Santos ◽  
Francisco de Oliveira Conrado ◽  
Joanne Belle Messick ◽  
Alexander Welker Biondo ◽  
Simone Tostes de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Donors ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Conventional Pcr ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Hematological Abnormalities ◽  
Complete Blood Counts ◽  
Candidatus Mycoplasma Turicensis ◽  
Hematological Alterations

Three hemoplasma species are recognized in domestic cats: Mycoplasma haemofelis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. We report the prevalence and hematological abnormalities of hemoplasma infection in 369 domestic cats from three different populations (blood donors, hospitalized cats and shelter cats) from Southern Brazil. Complete blood counts were performed at the time of blood collection, and DNA was extracted and tested by conventional PCR for each hemoplasma species. A total of 79 samples (21.40%) were positive for at least one species. The most prevalent hemoplasma was ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, with 50/369 (13.55%) positive cats, followed by ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’, 10/369 (2.71%), and Mycoplasma haemofelis, 8/369 (2.16%). Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ coinfection was observed in 4/369 (1.08%), whereas ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’ in 5/369 (1.35%). Three cats (0.81%) were infected with all three hemoplasmas. There was no association between infection and the different populations. Anemia was associated with Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, but not with ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis’. Male cats and cats with outdoor access were more likely to be infected. Although ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ is believed to cause minimal or no hematological alterations, the infected cats studied herein were more likely to be anemic.

scholarly journals Serological and Molecular Evaluation of Leishmania infantum Infection in Stray Cats in a Nonendemic Area in Northern Italy

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Spada ◽  
Daniela Proverbio ◽  
Antonella Migliazzo ◽  
Alessandra Della Pepa ◽  
Roberta Perego ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Leishmania Infantum ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Antibody Titers ◽  
Immunofluorescence Antibody Test ◽  
Immunofluorescence Antibody

Infection by Leishmania species is increasing worldwide. It was hypothesized recently that cats act as a secondary reservoir for Leishmania infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Leishmania infantum antibodies and DNA in blood samples collected in a sample of stray cats in metropolitan area of Milan in northern Italy, which is a nonendemic area for leishmaniasis. An indirect immunofluorescence antibody test for L. infantum showed that 59 of 233 cats (25.3%) were seroreactive, 38 samples (16.3%) had antibody titers of 1 : 40, 15 (6.4%) had antibody titers of 1 : 80, and 6 (2.6%) had antibody titers of 1 : 160. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) seropositive status was statistically associated with seroreactivity to L. infantum (P=0.01) as shown by univariate and multivariate logistic regression (P=0.0098; OR = 7.34). All blood samples that were tested using real-time PCR were negative for parasite DNA. These results were surprising, since no autochthonous human or canine cases of leishmaniasis have ever been reported in this region of northern Italy. It is possible that this high seroreactivity to L. infantum could be due to cross-reaction with antigens from other parasites. Additional studies that include parasite isolation are needed to clarify our findings on feline leishmaniasis in this region.

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