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Giardia duodenalis is the most common intestinal protozoan in humans and animals worldwide, including eight morphologically identical assemblages, infecting pets, livestock, wildlife and human beings. Assemblages A and B are those with the higher zoonotic potential, and they have been detected in several mammals other than humans; the others (C to H) show a higher host specificity. Cats can harbour both the specific Assemblage F and the zoonotic ones A and B. Several studies have been carried out on G. duodenalis genotypes in cats; however, the role of this species in the epidemiology of giardiasis is still poorly understood. In this scenario, the present study carried out the detection and genetic characterization at sub‐assemblage level of G. duodenalis from colony stray cats in central Italy. In the period 2018–2019, 133 cat faecal samples were analysed for the presence of G. duodenalis cysts by a direct immunofluorescence assay. Positive samples were subsequently subjected to molecular analyses for assemblage/sub‐assemblage identification. Forty‐seven samples (35.3%) were positive for G. duodenalis cysts by immunofluorescence. G. duodenalis DNA was amplified at SSU‐rDNA locus from 39 isolates: 37 were positive for zoonotic Assemblage A and 2 showed a mixed infection (A + B). Positive results for the β‐giardin gene were achieved for 25 isolates. Sequence analysis revealed 16 isolates belonging to Sub‐assemblage AII and 8 to Sub‐assemblage AIII. One isolate resulted as ambiguous AI/AIII. Large sequence variability at the sub‐assemblage level was detected, with several double peaks and mutations, making complex a proper isolate allocation. When compared with previous studies, the 35.3% prevalence of G. duodenalis in cats reported in the present article was surprisingly high. Moreover, all positive cats resulted to be infected with zoonotic assemblages/sub‐assemblages, thus indicating stray cats as a possible source of human giardiasis and highlighting the sanitary relevance of cat colonies in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ascertain the potential transmission of influenza A viruses to dogs and cats, a serological survey was carried out in North-eastern Italy. In a 4-year period, 637 serum samples were screened using a Mab-based competitive ELISA for anti-nucleoprotein A (NPA) antibody detection of influenza viruses. No evidence of anti-NPA antibodies was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To describe a case of a conjunctivo-corneal mass in a cat associated with acid-fast bacilli. Methods A 2-year-old female black European Short-Hair cat, living outdoors in a suburban environment in Italy, was referred for evaluation of a nodular, vascularized mass of 2 weeks duration. The mass involved the dorsal bulbar conjunctiva at the temporal canthus of OS and invaded the sclera and cornea. Routine ophthalmic and systemic examination, serologic testing, cytology and histology of the mass were performed. Mycobacterium specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of variable regions 1, 2 and 3 of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was also performed. Results Neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages and giant cells with intracytoplasmic acid-fast bacilli were seen on cytological examination. The histological examination confirmed the presence of a granulomatous lesion with acid-fast bacilli within macrophages. Bacteriological culture of the material from the lesion was negative for Mycobacterium spp. Mycobacterium 16S rRNA gene specific PCR was positive. A diagnosis of feline leprosy was made. The owners refused any treatment, and 1 year later the lesion was still present. Conclusions Veterinary ophthalmologists should be aware of conjunctivo-corneal leproma as an unusual symptom of leprosy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Strongylida) lives in the terminal respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts of cats. The infection may present with respiratory signs of varying severity and can be life threatening. Despite the importance of A. abstrusus in feline medicine and recent reports of clinical cases of aelurostrongylosis in Italy, epidemiological data are sparse and molecular information available on the parasite are lacking. The present work reports recent insights into the epidemiology of feline lungworm infection in Italy and contributes to the molecular knowledge of A. abstrusus. Individual stool samples were collected from 100 animals and examined with flotation and Baermann methods. The risk factors were analyzed by binary logistic multiple-regression models. All positive fecal samples ( n= 16) were subjected to the PCR-coupled sequencing of the rDNA internal trancribed spacer 2 (ITS2). The detected infection rate differs significantly from data reported in the literature, and stray and free-ranging cats and the presence of respiratory symptoms were risk factors for the infection. The molecular characterization showed that the ITS2 sequence is a promising genetic target for a holistic approach to the study of cat lungworm infection. Epidemiological and molecular insights and avenues are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]