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The tapeworm Dipylidium caninum is the most widely distributed cestode infecting dogs, cats, and sometimes humans, worldwide. The diagnosis of the infection caused by D. caninum is achieved via the visualization of proglottids in feces or with traditional microscopic tests, but both lack sensitivity. The present study has evaluated and compared the diagnostic performance of a PCR protocol on different feline biological samples to detect D. caninum. A sample of feces, a Scotch tape test from the perianal area, and a rectal swab were collected from a total of 100 privately owned cats from Italy and Greece. All fecal samples were subjected to macroscopic examination and to floatation. Based on the results of the above tests the cats were divided in three groups, i.e. (i) cats positive for D. caninum (regardless of positivity for other endoparasites (Group A; n = 50 cats), (ii) cats negative for D. caninum but infected by other helminths (Group B; n = 25 cats), and (iii) cats negative for intestinal endoparasites (Group C; n = 25 cats). For each sample, the DNA was extracted from feces, floatation supernatant, Scotch tape test and rectal swabs and subjected to PCR. For 33 cats from Group A, at least one sample type scored positive at PCR. Of these, all were PCR-positive in the floatation aliquot, while nine and one cats were positive by PCR on feces and Scotch tape test, respectively. Swabs were negative by PCR for all the cats. None of the samples from cats of Groups B and C was positive by any PCR. Sequences obtained from amplicons generated from samples of cats enrolled in Italy had 99-100 % identity with the recently described D. caninum feline genotype. The data presented here suggest that PCR could be a useful tool for diagnosing D. caninum infections, under certain circumstances, e.g. when proglottids are unidentified, unseen or overlooked, even though it has limitations, e.g. false negative results due to fecal PCR inhibitors, uneven distribution of parasitic elements, or to intermittent proglottid and/or egg shedding. Thus, it may not be, currently, the best diagnostic choice for dipylidiosis., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Simone Morelli reports financial support was provided by IDEXX Laboratories Inc. Simone Morelli reports a relationship with IDEXX Laboratories Inc that includes: funding donations. This Study has been supported with a donation to the University of Teramo from IDEXX Laboratories, of which MB and JB are employees, and KD was employee at the time of the Study. No funding number is available. In the past years DT and AdC have acted as occasional consultants for IDEXX Laboratories. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The zoonotic nematodes Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are endemic in many European countries and their distribution is changing. A correct diagnosis is the starting point to reduce their spread and veterinary practitioners represent the first line of defense against these two vector-borne diseases in pets and humans. With the aim to better understand current knowledge by veterinarians and to compare them with the previous survey, an online questionnaire was sent to Italian companion animal veterinary facilities. The overall response rate was 22.3%. Approximately 50% and 5% of facilities have diagnosed at least one case of Dirofilaria spp. in the last year in dogs and cats, respectively. In agreement with international guidelines, of the 665 facilities that responded to the questionnaire, 16.8% used Knott's test in combination with serology (Antigenic test-Ag-) to diagnose heartworm infection in dogs. For the diagnosis of D. repens infection, 13.8% used Knott's test in dogs and cats, and 10.5% used Knott's test only in dogs. Most facilities recommended beginning prevention of canine heartworm disease in April and ending in November. Injectable moxidectin and oral ivermectin were the two most commonly used preventives for D. immitis in dogs, while selamectin was most frequently used in cats. The drug most commonly used for heartworm adulticide treatment in dogs was melarsomine followed by the combined ivermectin-doxycycline treatment. The results of this study suggest that, on the one hand, veterinarians are aware of the recent developments in adulticide therapy, while on the other hand, diagnosis is not always made according to what is recommended by international guidelines and that the start and end times of prevention may not be optimal. Furthermore, the data show an increase in cases of coinfection compared to the previous survey., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Parasites that infect cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods, many of which are transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on a good knowledge of parasite distribution and the risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and the risk factors associated with their occurrence., Methods: Over a 12-month study period, feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats from feral colonies, shelters and private households were analyzed at 13 study centers across Italy. Samples from these cats (n = 987) were analyzed at all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for the identification of predictors of risk., Results: The overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal and broncho-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). Toxocara cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by Ancylostomatidae (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites, of which the most common were fleas (29.4%, 290/987), followed by ear mites Otodectes cynotis (9.8%, 97/987). Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of antiparasitic treatment., Conclusions: Both ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human-animal bond using proper endo- and ectoparasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Vaccination plays an important role in feline healthcare as it is the most effective measure for prevention against feline infectious diseases. Therefore, it is important to know owners' opinion towards cats' vaccination and current veterinary practices in order to advice owners on the use of the correct vaccination protocol. This study aimed to investigate the proportion of cats regularly vaccinated and identify the main factors motivating cat owners' decisions related to vaccination in Italy. A questionnaire was disseminated online (mainly via social networks) to collect data regarding Italian cat owners' demographics, information about cats, factors regarding cats' vaccination, and veterinary-owner relationship., Results: A total of 1264 owners participated in the survey and 1247 questionnaires were completed and statistically analyzed. The majority (91%; n = 1131) of cats were vaccinated and 80% (n = 998) had been vaccinated within the last 3 years. Age of 2-4 years old cats and the acquisition from a breeder or cat shop were significantly associated with vaccination within the last 3 years. Cats vaccinated but not within the last 3 years were significantly associated with cat's indoor lifestyle, cats' age ≥ 5 years old and low annual household income. Importance of vaccination cost, low annual household income and owners' job not related to healthcare was statistically associated with the lack of cat's vaccination. In addition, 86% of the owners took their cat regularly to veterinary clinics. Veterinarians play a significant role in owners' decision, and they are considered the most useful source of information about vaccination by 97% of owners., Conclusions: The high number of recently vaccinated cats suggests owner's attention towards feline vaccination and cat's health. The importance of veterinarian's advice along with the knowledge of factors associated to the unvaccinated status of cats may help veterinarians to grow owner's confidence and increase prevention of feline infectious diseases. However further investigations based on a more comprehensive sample of the general population are needed to confirm the results of this survey., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was isolated for the first time in 2012 with an association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggested. This study aimed at investigating in cats from southern Italy FeMV prevalence and risk factors for exposure to FeMV, including the relationship with CKD; sequencing amplicons and analyzing phylogeny of PCR positive samples. Blood serum, K 3 EDTA blood and urine samples from 223 cats were investigated. Ten carcasses were also evaluated. FeMV RNA was detected in 2.4% (5/211) blood and 16.1% (36/223) urine samples. One carcass tested positive by qPCR FeMV from kidney, urinary bladder, and submandibular lymph nodes. Antibodies against FeMV were detected in 14.5% (28/193) cats. We followed up 27 cats (13 FeMV positive cats) and documented in some cases urine shedding after up to 360 days. Older and foundling cats and cats living in rescue catteries, were more frequently infected with FeMV. A significant correlation between FeMV and higher serum creatinine values or low urine specific gravity was found. FeMV positivity was significantly associated with retroviral infection, and the presence of some clinical signs apart from CKD clinicopathological markers. Our study highlights the possibility of a link between FeMV exposure and CKD and a general impairment of feline health.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) typically causes self-limiting acute viral hepatitis, however chronic infection and extrahepatic manifestations have increasingly become a significant health problem. Domestic pigs and wild boars are the main reservoirs of HEV genotype 3 and genotype 4 for human infections in industrialized countries, although molecular and serological evidence suggest that several additional animal species may act as HEV hosts. In this study, by assessing serologically and molecularly the sera of 324 household cats from Apulia region (Italy), HEV antibodies were detected with an overall prevalence of 3.1%. Viral RNA was not detected in the sera of the animals using both HEV-specific assays and a pan-hepevirus broadly reactive set of primers for Hepeviridae. These findings document a low seroprevalence to HEV in cats in the investigated geographical setting. The exact nature of the HEV-like strains circulating in feline population remains to be established., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Although purebred cat breeding is growing in popularity in European countries, most research and publications concern dog reproduction. Infertility in queens has been poorly studied. It may not come as a surprise as common domestic shorthair cats are well known for their excellent fertility. However, even in the latter, the infertility rate is around 20%. Only recently, published articles have analyzed the reproductive performances in different breeds, for example in UK, Sweden, France and Italy, and found similar figures. In cats, infertility may arise from many factors such as mismating, prolonged anestrus or silent heats, hormonal, nutritional, genetical or chromosomal causes. Also, infectious diseases, probably frequent in breeding facilities, include pathological agents that are well recognized as having a negative effect on pregnancy or other pathogens for which the involvement in fertility problems is unclear. However, analyzing the literature, it appears that the most prevalent causes of infertility in pedigree cats may well be, in females, uterine pathology (sub-clinical endometritis, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, or mucometra), and in males, teratospermia, which may be "permanent" and linked to reduced heterozygosity or "transient" in tomcats that present normal quantitative spermatogenic parameters. The influence of the breed is unknown. There is an urgent need to study the origin of infertility in purebred cats in order to improve the diagnosis and to develop treatments that may restore normal fertility in subfertile or infertile animals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Feline vector-borne pathogens (FeVBPs) have been increasingly investigated for their impact on cat health and their zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of FeVBPs and haemoplasmas in cats across Italy and to identify potential risk factors linked to their occurrence., Methods: Blood samples from 958 owned cats living in the North (n = 556), Centre (n = 173) and South (n = 229) of Italy were tested for Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp. and filarioids by conventional PCR (cPCR) and for haemoplasmas and Bartonella spp. by SYBR green real-time PCR. Cats included in the study represent a sub-sample from a larger number of animals enrolled in a previous study, which were selected based on the geographical origin. Data on cats' positivity for Leishmania infantum, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), available from the previous study, were included and examined. Potential risk factors for pathogen infection were assessed in relationship to categorical variables including sex, geographical origin, breed, neutering status and age of cats., Results: Out of the 958 cats, 194 (20.2%) were positive for at least one of the tested pathogens, 89 (16%) from the North, 32 (18.5%) from the Centre and 73 (31.9%) from the South of Italy. A high prevalence of FeVBPs was detected in male cats (n = 125, 27.8%), living in the southern part of the country (n = 73, 31.9%), younger than 18 months of age (n = 24, 22.4%) and not neutered (n = 39; 27.5%). In particular, 24 cats (2.5%) tested PCR-positive for Bartonella spp., of which 1.6% for B. henselae and 0.9% for B. clarridgeiae. A total of 111 cats scored PCR-positive for haemoplasmas (11.6%), specifically "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" (n = 95, 9.9%), M. haemofelis (n = 14, 1.5%) and "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" (n = 2, 0.2%). Moreover, 39, 31 and 8 cats were positive for FeLV (4.1%), L. infantum (3.2%) and FIV (0.8%), respectively. Co-infections were registered for 19 (9.8%) cats., Conclusions: These results confirm the occurrence of haemoplasmas and FeVBPs throughout Italy. Preventive measures to protect both animal and human health should be carried out also for owned cats, even if no health status of animals has been assessed in this study.

Zoonotic Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) represent a relevant health issue for pets and humans. Italy is a major epidemiological hub for feline VBDs, because of suitable conditions for vector biology and disease transmission patterns. The present study investigated the exposure to major zoonotic arthropod-borne pathogens of cats in Italy, along with the evaluation of clinic-pathological features and a risk factor analysis. Out of 167 examined cats, 52 (31.1%) were seropositive for at least one vector-borne pathogen, being positivity for Bartonella henselae the most recorded (18%). Also, various cats seroreacted for Rickettsia felis (10.8%) and Rickettisa typhi (4.2%), Leishmania infantum (3%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (2.4%) and Ehrlichia canis (2.4%). Forty-six cats were tested also for antibodies against D. immitis and two (4.3%) scored positive. The statistical analysis showed a positive association between flea infestation and seropositivity to B. henselae, other than an association between the administration of monthly ectoparasiticide treatments and seronegativity for Rickettsia spp.; seropositive cats were older than negative animals and the lifestyle (i.e. indoor vs outdoor) was not correlated with exposure to vector-borne pathogens. The majority of seropositive cats appeared clinically healthy or showed aspecific clinical signs. Around 80% of seropositive cats had one or more biochemical and/or complete blood count abnormalities. The present data confirm the endemicity of zoonotic feline VBDs in Italy and indicate that awareness on arthropod infections and transmitted pathogens should be kept high and possible implemented, towards the protection of animal and human health with adequate surveillance plans., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, the genotypic diversity, the antimicrobial resistance traits of canine and feline clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) isolates in a diagnostic laboratory in Italy during 2015-2016. All isolates were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC)-mec typing and staphylococcal protein A (spa)-typing. The resistance profiles were assessed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and confirmed genotypically by the detection of mecA gene and by microarray analyses. The prevalence of MRSP isolates was high (31.6%). All the strains were multidrug resistant and the most frequent clone was ST71-SCCmec type II-III. These results confirm a high prevalence of MRSP amongst clinical samples from pets in Italy. These isolates show multidrug resistance features that are of concern both in veterinary and human medicine for clinical and epidemiological reasons., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (Nematoda, Metastrongyloidea) is a worldwide occurring lungworm causing verminous pneumonia in cats. To date the Baermann method is the most used procedure to diagnose A. abstrusus infection by isolating first stage larvae from faeces, though its sensitivity and specificity can be impaired by several factors. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies against A. abstrusus has been recently developed as a diagnostic alternative. The present study evaluated the seroprevalence for A. abstrusus infection in cats from two endemic areas of Italy. Overall, 250 sera were sampled and tested for the presence of antibodies against A. abstrusus. Based on the results obtained from 20 cats proven to be infected by A. abstrusus using Baermann technique and molecular methods, and from 20 negative cats (Subset A), a cut off value of 0.347 optical density (OD) was determined, leading to a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 100%. Two-hundred and ten cats (142 and 68 from Abruzzo and Umbria regions, respectively) were included in Subset B (i.e. 202 negative by Baermann examination and 8 positive for Troglostrongylus brevior). Antibodies against A. abstrusus were detected in forty-five (21.4%, 95% CI: 16.1-27.6%) samples. This study confirms the occurrence of A. abstrusus in endemic areas of Italy and indicates that one-fifth of randomly selected cats have or had a lungworm infection with production of antibodies., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Feline lungworms affect the respiratory tract of domestic cats causing respiratory conditions of various degrees. In this study, we investigated the exposure of cats to feline lungworm infections by detecting antibodies in a large population of animals from several regions of Italy. Sera of 1087 domestic cats living in regions of the north (n = 700), the centre (n = 227) and the south (n = 160) of Italy were examined by a newly developed indirect ELISA conceived for detection of antibodies against the most frequently occurring feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Individual cat data (i.e., age, sex, neutering status and provenience) were analysed as potential risk factors for exposure to lungworm infections. Samples were additionally screened for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) proviral DNAs. Overall, 9% (98/1087; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4-10.9%) of the animals tested seropositive to lungworm antibodies. Positive cats were identified in the north (7.1%; CI 5.5-9.3%), in the centre (5.3%; CI 3.0-9.0%) and in the South (22.5%; CI 16.7-29.6%), with more seropositive animals in the latter area (p < 0.05). The risk of lungworm infection in cats was significantly associated with age less than 6 months (i.e. 24.4%, p < 0.05) and FIV infection (p < 0.05). This large-scale serological survey confirms the exposure of cats to lungworm infections in Italy and that serological tests can be used to assess the distribution of lungworm infections in large populations of animals.

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).

Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens are vector-borne parasites of dogs and cats, with zoonotic potential, endemic in many parts of Europe, including Italy. Control and prevention of dirofilariosis are essential points to reduce their diffusion in animals and humans and veterinarians are the main subjects involved in this "battle". With the aim to better understand current practice by veterinarians, an online questionnaire on different aspects of D. immitis and D. repens was sent to companion animal veterinary facilities registered with the Italian Veterinary chamber. The overall response rate was 25%. Approximately 47% had diagnosed at least one case of Dirofilaria spp. in dogs in the last year and approximately 6% had diagnosed at least one case of Dirofilaria spp. in cats. Of the 662 facilities surveyed, 83.8% used serology to diagnose heartworm infection. For the diagnosis of D. repens infection in dogs and cats, a high percentage of facilities relied on an external laboratory. Most recommended beginning prevention of canine heartworm disease in April-May. Topical and injectable moxidectin and oral ivermectin were the two most commonly used preventives for D. immitis in dogs. The drug most commonly used for heartworm adulticide treatment in dogs was melarsomine. This study show that veterinary facilities ians working in an endemic area for D. immitis and D. repens are aware of recent developments in adulticide therapy. Results would suggest however that diagnosis is not always carried out according to what is currently recommended by international guidelines and that the timing for starting prevention may not be optimal., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Orthopoxviruses (OPV) are emerging zoonotic pathogens, and an increasing number of human infections is currently reported in Europe and in other continents, warranting heightened attention on this topic. Following two OPV infections reported in veterinarians scratched by sick cats in 2005 and 2007 in North-Eastern-Italy, involving a previously undescribed OPV, a similar strain was isolated by a sick cat from the same territory in 2011, i.e., 6 years later, raising attention on OPV circulation in this region. A surveillance program was launched to assess the OPV seroprevalence among the veterinarians working in local veterinary clinics and in the local wild and domestic cat population; seroprevalence was 33.3% in veterinarians and 19.5% in cats. Seroprevalence in cats was unevenly distributed, peaking at 40% in the area where OPV-infected cats had been observed., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, and in the decision to publish the results.

We report detection and full-genome characterization of a novel orthopoxvirus (OPXV) responsible for a fatal infection in a cat. The virus induced skin lesions histologically characterized by leukocyte infiltration and eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions. Different PCR approaches were unable to assign the virus to a defined OPXV species. Large amounts of typical brick-shaped virions, morphologically related to OPXV, were observed by electron microscopy. This OPXV strain (Italy&#95;09/17) was isolated on cell cultures and embryonated eggs. Phylogenetic analysis of 9 concatenated genes showed that this virus was distantly related to cowpox virus, more closely related to to ectromelia virus, and belonged to the same cluster of an OPXV recently isolated from captive macaques in Italy. Extensive epidemiologic surveillance in cats and rodents will assess whether cats are incidental hosts and rodents are the main reservoir of the virus. The zoonotic potential of this novel virus also deserves further investigation.

Background: Cats can be carriers of infected arthropods and be infected with several vector-borne pathogens (VBP) but there is limited knowledge about their pathogenic role in cats., Results: A cross-sectional controlled study investigated the clinical status and antibody (Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti and Leishmania infantum) and/or blood PCR (Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., piroplasmids, L. infantum, Hepatozoon felis) prevalence in 197 cats. Outdoor cats lacking ectoparasiticide treatment or hosting ectoparasites (study group [SG], n = 134) and indoor cats treated against ectoparasites (control group [CG], n = 63) were enrolled. Clinical data and retroviral co-infections were compared between the two groups. Multivariable analysis tested associations between variables and VBP exposure. Lymphadenia, stomatitis, and various haematological abnormalities were statistically more frequent in SG. Antibodies against R. conorii, B. henselae, A. phagocytophylum, B. microti, E. canis and L. infantum were detected. Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Mycoplasma haemofelis, "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum" and "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" DNA were identified. Very high antibody (87.8%) and PCR (40.1%) positivity to at least one pathogen were detected and were significantly higher in SG. Co-infections were confirmed in about one-third of the cats and were more frequent in SG cats. Molecular and overall (antibody and PCR) positivity to Bartonella and antibody positivity to R. conorii were higher in SG. Multivariable analysis found significant associations of Bartonella spp. infection with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infection and increased globulins, and of Mycoplasma spp. infection with adult age, FIV infection, anaemia, and increased creatinine., Conclusions: A very high prevalence of exposure to zoonotic VBP was found in cats, with Rickettsia and Bartonella infections being most prevalent. Some risk factors were documented namely for Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. The lifestyle of cats is clinically relevant and requires specific preventative measures to protect their health.

Nematodes infecting the cardiorespiratory system of cats have recently stimulated high scientific interest. Over the past few years, different aspects of these parasites have been clarified and various issues elucidated. This increased knowledge has improved awareness on this topic but, at the same time, some dilemmas have not been solved and new questions have been raised. In this review, we underline and discuss current knowledge of, and new doubts relating to, feline lungworms and heartworms, with the aim of stimulating new studies to fill gaps of basic (i.e., epidemiology and biology) and applied (i.e., clinical aspects) knowledge of the old and new parasites affecting the cardiorespiratory system of cats., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a metastrongyloid nematode infesting the respiratory system of domestic cats worldwide. Troglostrongylus brevior and Troglostrongylus subcrenatus, two lungworms thought to infest wild felids, have been found recently in domestic cats from Spain and Italy. These unexpected findings have raised doubts about the assumed past and present occurrence of Troglostrongylus spp., especially T. brevior, in domestic hosts and suggest that there may have been missed detection or misdiagnosis. The present retrospective study evaluated the presence of lungworms in cats from Italy with a diagnosis of respiratory parasitism or with compatible lung lesions from 2002 to 2013. Sixty-eight samples of DNA and larvae from cats with a diagnosis of aelurostrongylosis, and 53 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung samples from cats confirmed as lungworm infested or with compatible lesions, were investigated using two DNA-based assays specific for A. abstrusus or T. brevior. All DNA and larval samples were positive for A. abstrusus and one was additionally positive for T. brevior. Most paraffin-embedded lung tissues were positive only for A. abstrusus, but two samples tested positive for both lungworms and one for T. brevior only. This study supports the major role of A. abstrusus in causing feline respiratory parasitism in endemic areas of Italy., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In recent years Aelurostrongylus abstrusus has often been reported in Italy. This lungworm is very common in cat colonies due to its route of transmission. Deciding a therapeutic approach can be difficult in such colonies, because there is no certainty whether oral medicines administered with food, or with what dose, will be taken. In this field study, stool samples were taken from 42 cats and analysed for A. abstrusus L1 larvae with Baermann technique. Ten cats testing positive were treated with a spot-on formulation of selamectin 45 mg. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests, repeated four times in two months, demonstrated the success of the treatment in 9 of the 10 cats. Improvements in respiratory signs and general clinical condition were reported after treatment., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Feline cutaneous mast cell tumors (FeCMCTs) are characterized by variable biological behavior. Development of multiple nodules and potential visceral involvement, along with inconsistency of conventional prognostic aids, justify uncertainty in differentiating benign from malignant forms. c-Kit proto-oncogene activating mutations have been reported in feline mast cell tumors (MCTs), but their prognostic relevance was not investigated. This study was performed on FeCMCTs with variable clinical outcome to assess whether Kit cytoplasmic immunohistochemical labeling can be regarded as indicative of c-Kit mutations and to evaluate the relationship between Kit dysregulation and survival. Twenty-four cats diagnosed with a primary cutaneous MCT were enrolled. Kit immunohistochemical pattern and c-Kit (exons 8, 9, 11) mutational status were assessed in 34 tumor samples. Risk factors affecting survival were a number of mitoses greater than 5 per 10 HPFs (P = .017) and cytoplasmic Kit labeling (P = .045). Increased mitotic activity was associated with Kit cytoplasmic expression (P = .01). c-Kit encoding mutations were present in 19 (56%) tumors (exon 8, 19%; exon 9, 71%; exon 11, 10%), however, they were not significantly related to protein expression and they had no influence on prognosis. Additionally, in 6 of 9 (67%) cats, multiple nodules from the same cat had different mutational statuses. Mutations in the fifth immunoglobulin-like domain of Kit occur frequently in FeCMCT, but they are variably associated with aberrant protein expression and do not appear to be strictly correlated with biological behavior. These findings need to be confirmed in larger series, and exploration of further genomic regions of c-Kit is warranted.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is the most important respiratory nematode of domestic cats. Effective control options are crucial to protect health and welfare of cats and to reduce the spread of aelurostrongylosis in both enzootic and free regions. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a spot-on formulation containing 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin (Bravecto® Plus, MSD) in the prevention of aelurostrongylosis in cats under field conditions. One hundred and fifty-two cats from Italy, Hungary and Bulgaria, were randomly divided in two groups, one treated with Bravecto® Plus on Study Days (SDs) 0 and 84 (74 cats, IVP Group) and one left untreated (78 cats, control group). Faecal samples were collected from all animals on SDs 42 ± 4, 84, 126 ± 4 and 168 ± 4 and subjected to the Baermann's technique and species-specific PCR for A. abstrusus. Each cat was subjected to a clinical examination on SDs 0, 84 and 168 ± 4 to check health condition and possible adverse events. The results of the faecal analysis were statistically analyzed for treatment group differences in the percentage of cats negative to the Baermann's test and PCR and percentage of reduction of fecal larvae counts as the primary and secondary efficacy criteria, respectively. The percentage of negative cats was higher in the IVP group compared to the control group and the percentage of reduction of fecal larvae counts in the IVP group compared to the control group was 100%. These results show that two administrations of Bravecto Plus® spot-on 12 weeks apart were safe and effective in the prevention of aelurostrongylosis for a period of almost 6 months. • The nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus causes a major respiratory disease in cats. • Chemopreventative approaches are advocated in enzootic areas. • Bravecto ® Plus, MSD, containing 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin, was useful to prevent aelurostrongylosis. • Chemoprophylaxis is an effective strategy to prevent cat aelurostrongylosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Two cats infected by Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, respectively, were taken to two different private practitioners for a clinical examination. The analyses conducted on the first cat revealed a microfilaraemia due to D. repens of 66 mfs/mL by a modified Knott's test. No clinical signs of D. repens infection were observed in the cat. The animal was euthanised because of a lymphoma condition, and two adult females of D. repens were found in the subcutaneous tissue of the lumbar and left scapular regions at the post-mortem examination. The second cat showed severe abnormalities in the white blood cells, including eosinophil count. Microfilariae of D. immitis were detected in the blood smear, with an average length (n = 2) of 296.2 μm. These clinical cases represent the first reports of feline dirofilarioses in southern Italy and are indicative of a common occurrence of dirofilarial infection in the local canine population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae were isolated in two cats in Sardinia, Italy. Infection by B. clarridgeiae was characterized by fever and submandibular lymph nodes enlargement while B. henselae infection was asymptomatic. This is the first report of B. clarridgeiae in a cat in Italy and the first isolation of B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae in Sardinia. [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]

Simple Summary: Cats have been closely linked to humans for thousands of years. Nowadays, stray cats are frequently hosted in colonies, protected, and enrolled in programs of trap–neuter-–return to control population increase. Italian public veterinary services work in collaboration with voluntary colony caretakers and are responsible for neutering and monitoring the health of colony cats. This retrospective study, conducted by the Anatomical Pathology Unit of the Teaching Veterinary Hospital of Milan in collaboration with the public veterinary services, was undertaken because of the limited information available regarding causes of death of colony cats. The study reports on and statistically analyzes the causes of death of colony cats in the city of Milan as assessed by necropsy. Inflammatory processes including those consistent with the most relevant feline infectious diseases were most common in kittens and young cats. Trauma was more frequent in adult cats, while organ failure was the most common cause of death in aged cats. Considering the possible animal welfare issues deriving from colony cats, awareness of the most common causes of death and collaboration between university veterinary pathologists and public veterinary services represent an essential contribution to health monitoring of colony cats and can assist in the rapid detection of possible emerging animal welfare concerns. The presence of cats in urban environments has a long history. In Italy, stray cats are protected by national and regional laws, and programs of neutering and reintroduction to colonies are ongoing. Colony cats have been widely studied from a behavioral perspective, while surveys regarding their causes of death are limited, although they may provide relevant information related to public health and cat welfare. This retrospective study provides pathological descriptions and statistical analyses of the causes of death of 186 cats from 100 colonies in the city of Milan. Inflammatory processes represent the primary cause of death (37.7%) and include common feline infectious diseases such as feline panleukopenia (67.5%), particularly in kittens, and feline infectious peritonitis (32.5%), most common in adult cats. Trauma was found to be a common cause of death of young/adult cats (14%) with a generally good body condition, while severe parasitosis was less represented (2.6%). The death of old cats was statistically associated with organ failure (24.7%), particularly renal failure, and tumors (11.8%). Knowledge of the most common causes of death of colony cats could make an important contribution to the health monitoring of these cats and sanitary control of their habitats and provide information on possible related emerging animal welfare concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Infection by the cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is considered uncommon. Here, the authors report the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features of five infections recently observed in Italy. All cats were under 12 months of age. All except one cat had symptomatic infections, with cough, dyspnea, and weight loss with radiographic signs of broncopneumonia. All cats were eosinophilic. Larvae were present in fresh fecal smears and on flotation exam in all cats. Baermann larval recovery permitted definitive identification and, in one case, larvae per gram of feces (lpg) counts. One dose of ivermectin (400μg/kg) was not effective in one cat, while one dose of selamectin (6mg/kg) was effective in one of three cases and fenbendazole at 50mg/kg given daily for 15 days was effective in four of four cases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]