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The cat gut-inhabitant conjoint microbiota is a peculiar ecosystem in relationship with several bodily functions and immunity. Gut microbiota dysbiosis could participate within autoimmune disease pathogenesis, whereas its niche, whether causative or influencing role regarding systemic immunity in autoimmune diseases, remains fugitive. The purpose of the present study was to identify gut microbiota alterations and probable mechanisms that participated in the development of Pemphigus foliaceus for a better understanding of future effective therapeutical armamentarium based on gut microbiota. In the present article, the authors investigated gut microbiota alterations to those of eight cats diagnosed with Pemphigus foliaceus. Furthermore, the study thoroughly analyzed pathogenic bacteria species as triggers of autoimmunity. The diagnostic algorithm involved two distinct sides: i) on referral with the first criteria was proof of evidence for possible autoimmunity, and ii) Pemphigus foliaceus diagnosis with relevant analytes. A total of eight cats were enrolled, and gut microbiomes were detected by the use of the MIDOG All-in-One Microbial Test targeting Next-Generation DNA Sequencing. By this methodology, we analyzed the dysbiosis network for bacterial kingdoms and determined the relationship between disease activity related to Pemphigus foliaceus and gut microbiota. The data showed increasing abundances of Collinsella, Lachnospiroceae, and Escherichia coli and decreasing Desulfovibrio piger, Prevotella copri, and Helicobacter cianedi among cats with pemphigus foliaceus. For the first time in Turkey, the gut microbiota of cats with pemphigus foliaceus were detected, the results of which could be cautiously taken into consideration for novel and effective therapeutical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular protozoan parasite in the Apicomplexa phylum that can be widely seen all over the world. In this study was performed to evaluate the study areas, test methods, positivity rates, regional results and studies. In this study, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus and National Thesis Center databases were examined until 01.04.2022 and T. gondii studies in cats in Turkey were documented. Microscopic, serological [SFDT (Sabin Feldman Dye test), IHA (Indirect hemagglutination test), IFA (Indirect fluorescent antibody test), ELISA (Enzyme lynked immunosorbent assay), CFT (Complement fixation test)] and molecular analysis methods in cats in Turkey (PCR = Polymerized Chain Reaction) was used. 21 publications were identified in this metaanalysis. It has been determined that toxoplasmosis studies in cats are mostly seroprevalence studies (16/21). Studies were carried out in Eastern Anatolia (5/21) and Mediterranean Region (4/21), mostly in Central Anatolia (11/21) and Aegean Region (4/21). No study was found in the Marmara, Black Sea and Southeastern Anatolia Regions. It was determined that the regional distributions were Central Anatolia Region (52.32%), Eastern Anatolia Region (45%), Aegean Region (36.33%) and Mediterranean Region22.2%). The positivity rate for cats in Turkey is 41.5%. Rates in prevalence studies in final host cats indicate that infection is still an important public health concern. For this purpose, it is thought that researches and preventive activities should be increased, especially in areas where no studies have been made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. are one of the most common intestinal protozoan parasites in cats. This parasite can infect a wide range of hosts including humans and domestic animals. This aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in stray cats of Mardin province, located in the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey, using microscopic and molecular methods. The result of the microscopic examination and Nested PCR, 2.5% (1/40) were positive. Sequence analysis revealed that the positive sample showed 100% similarity with Cryptosporidium felis. The result of this study indicated that Cryptosporidium spp. was detected for the first time in cats in Mardin province. Further studies are needfull to investigate in details the epidemiological status of cryptosporidiosis in domestic and stray cat populations in Mardin province of Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen in veterinary medicine. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is highly preferred today as a valid method for molecular typing of bacterial pathogens due to its high discriminatory power and characterization efficiency. This study describes the WGS-based characterization of an MRSP strain named HMKU-VET-MRSP-2020 from a case of cat otitis externa in Türkiye. The strain was classified as MLST sequence type 71 and SCCmec type IIIA. WGS analysis indicated the presence of several antimicrobial resistance genes and mutations consistent with the resistance phenotype. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the strain was clusterized with the isolates from dog clinical cases previously reported from different countries of Europe and one human isolate from the USA. The study is the first report on the isolation and molecular characterization of MRSP from a cat in Türkiye and provides insights into the zoonotic potential of this microorganism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence and spread of high-level gentamicin resistant (HLGR) enterococci have been a concern due to the eliminatation of bactericidal effect between aminoglycosides and cell-wall-active antimicrobials. Therefore, this study to determine the fecal carriage of (HLGR) enterococci in dogs and cats, to investigate the antimicrobial resistance, resistance mechanisms implicated and virulence genes of the isolates. A total of 465 rectal swab samples from dogs (n=226) and cats (n=239) from three different cities (Istanbul, Ankara and Mersin) of Turkey were used for the analysis of HLGR enterococci. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of HLGR isolates were searched by disc diffusion method, resistance and virulence genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for gentamicin were determined by macrodilution method. HLGR enterococci were detected in 25 (11.1%) dogs and in 28 (11.7%) cats. Based on PCR results, 12 were identified as Enterococcus feacalis and 41 as Enterococcus faecium. All of the isolates showed a MIC value of ≥2048 µg/ml for gentamicin, and except one isolate, the rest of the isolates showed multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. None of the isolates displayed vancomycin resistance phenotype. The bifunctional enzyme encoded by aac(6)-Ie-aph(2)-Ia were detected in HLGR isolates as well as other aminoglycoside resistance genes at varying rates. Virulens genes were only detected in 11 (20.8%) E. faecalis isolates with different combinations. However, none of the isolates carried the hly gene. The results showed that both dogs and cats are a potential reservoir for MDR HLGR enterococci which may play an important role in the spread of these nosocomial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of lungworm larvae by examining fecal samples collected from cats and dogs in Kırıkkale and Ankara. For this purpose, feacal saples 100 cats and 100 dogs were taken into separate stool containers and delivered to the laboratory within the same day, following the cold chain rules. These samples were analyzed using the Baermann-Wetzel method. While A. abstrusus first instar larvae were found in 4 (4%) of the cat feces examined, lung nematode larvae were not found in any of the dogs. In cats, A. abstrusus larvae were found at a higher rate in cats 1 year old and younger than cats older than 1 year, males compared to females, cross breeds compared to pure breeds, and cats that received antiparasitic treatment compared to those that did not. However, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of the presence of this parasite in cats according to breed, age, sex, ownership and treatment status. As a result; It has been concluded that the dominant species as lungworm in cats in Turkey is A. abstrusus and that this parasite should be considered as the cause of infection in cats with respiratory system symptoms. In the diagnosis of lung nematodes in dogs, it is thought that the examination of the saliva together with the stool examination will be more useful for the definitive diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that has a widespread distribution among mammalians and birds. One of the reasons for the high prevalence may be due to ingesting oocyst disseminated by stray cats' feces. In Turkey, most of the citizens are closely associated with stray cats and they love to pet and feed them on the streets. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of T. gondii DNA in feces of stray cats living in İzmir, Turkey in order to identify the transmission potential to humans and other animals. Methodology: Feces and blood samples of 465 stray cats were investigated for the presence of T. gondii oocysts by microscopy and for the presence of T. gondii DNA by two real time PCR methods. Furthermore, serum samples were analyzed for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies using an ELISA. Results: Oocysts were detected in 0.43% of the stray cats by microscopy. T. gondii DNA was detected in 14.37% of the stray cats' feces samples. The seroprevalence rate was 37.84%. In the feces and/or blood PCR positive group, 35.89% of them were seropositive. Among the 176 seropositive cats, T. gondii DNA was detected in feces of 27 cats (15.34%). Conclusions: This study first time showed the inter relation of T. gondii DNA in feces and blood samples and seropositivity. In sum, over 14% of the stray cats living outdoor may have an important role in transmission of toxoplasmosis to humans in İzmir as well as to other animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium species are highly prevalent and significant zoonotic protozoan parasites that cause severe diarrhea in many hosts. To date, cryptosporidiosis has been molecularly reported from humans and different animal hosts in Turkey. The aim of this case report is to reveal the molecular characterization based on small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence of Cryptosporidium oocysts that were microscopically found in a three-month age female cat with severe diarrhea. SSU rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium was amplified for sequence and phylogenetic analyses. According to sequence analysis, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were characterized as C. felis (isolate name: ANK_1; accession number: MN394123). ANK_1 isolate showed a range from 99.1% to 100% identity with the most of C. felis sequences available in GenBank. However, it also exhibited high genetic distance (1.5-4.3%) with some of C. felis sequences. The intraspecific genetic differences among all SSU rRNA sequences of C. felis isolates included in the data set were determined ranged from 0.0% to 6.9%. As a conclusion, we provided the first microscopic and molecular evidence of the occurrence of C. felis in a house cat in Turkey. Although C. felis has a relatively low zoonotic risk to public health when compared with C. parvum, infected cats should not be neglected for zoonotic transmission due to close relationships between cats and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become more and more common and has a high morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. It is a multifactorial chronic disease affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Objectives. To evaluate the association between antioxidant enzyme activities and their genetic variations and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in type II diabetes patients living in the Adıyaman province in the southeast part of Turkey. Material and methods. One hundred patients diagnosed with type II DM (T2DM) and 100 healthy controls were included in the study. Malondialdehyde levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured spectrophometrically. DNA isolation was performed and genotyping was carried out using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results. Our results revealed no significant differences in genotype distributions and allele frequencies of all polymorphisms between groups (p > 0.05). Significantly elevated MDA levels and a significant reduction in catalase (CAT) and paraoxonase (PON) enzyme activities were observed in patients compared to the control group in terms of study groups and genetic variations (p < 0.05). Moreover, CAT activity was reduced in TT genotype in terms of CAT -262 C/T polymorphism in patients (p < 0.05). Paraoxonase activity was observed to be lower in MM genotype in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions. CAT -262 C/T polymorphism may be one of the factors that lead to severe clinical situation in DM. Our results suggest that TT genotype may be more prone to lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The material of this case report was consisted of a 5-year-old female British Shorthair cat brought to Harran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine with complaints of weakness, loss of appetite and stupor for a few days. The physical examination revealed prolonged capillary refilling time (5 sec), pallor and icteric mucous membranes, low body temperature (37.2 °C), hyperpnea (64 breath per minute) and bradycardia (96 beats per minute). In the haemogram, anemia (3.4 M/mm³ ) with decreased haematoctrit (17.6 %), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (2 pg), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (3.9 g/dl), platelet (35 m/mm³ ) and haemoglobin (0.7 g/dl) along with severe leucocytosis (50.2 m/mm³ ); in microscopic examination of blood smear, hemotropic mycoplasmas were determined. After the treatment involving tetracycline (10 mg / kg twice a day, oral), prednisolone (1 mg / kg twice a day, oral) and iron preparations (50 mg / kg once a day, intramuscular) administrations, clinical symptoms disappeared and hemogram parameters returned to normal reference range. This report is the first case of hemotropic mycoplasmosis identified in a cat in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, and as a result of diagnostic methods and treatment protocol performed in the case, it was concluded that hemotropic mycoplasma should be considered in the etiology of diseases associated with anemia and icterus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 11-year-old, male, crossbreed cat was presented for a subcutaneous mass affecting the prescapular region extending to the thoracic vertebrae. The diagnosis of fibrosarcoma was made according to the histopathological examination of the biopsy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) was used to determine the presence of aluminium in the tumor tissue. The owner did not accept further treatment, so the cat died 1 month after diagnosis. This is the first case report from Turkey which diagnoses verified by SEM and has shown that aluminium-containing vaccines may be associated with fibrosarcoma formation. Awareness of the side effects of adjuvants is still not enough level. Determining the frequency of VAS in fibrosarcoma cases will contribute to the increase of life span/survival by protective measures. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to the adjuvant contents of the vaccines and to scrutinize the relationship between vaccine applications and tumor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tritrichomonas foetus has been identified in the ileum, cecum and colon of cats with large bowel diarrhea. The objective of this study was to identify whether T. foetus was present in cats with chronic diarrhea in Turkey. Fecal samples (n=45) were collected from cats with diarrhea presented to a number of pet clinics in Ankara province, Turkey. Fecal analysis was performed using saline wet mount preparations, cultures and PCR. T. foetus was detected in 4 out of 45 (8.8%) of the cats with chronic diarrhea by PCR analysis. The infection rate was highest (12%) in the age group =6 months (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the frequency of infection in male and female cats (p>0.05). All cats in the study were mixed breed. The frequency of infection was higher in owned cats than in shelter cats (10% versus 6.6%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Giardia spp. and Toxocara leonina were found as co-infections in the cats infected with T. foetus. Two PCR positive results were sequenced and deposited in GenBank (MH400076 and MH490937). Pairwise genetic distance between our isolates and the isolates submitted to GenBank from other geographic areas displayed variation ranging from 0.0% to 1.2%. This is the first report of the presence of T. foetus in cats in Turkey. The results support the significance of T. foetus as a cause of chronic diarrhea in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This preliminary study was conducted to reveal that the molecular identity of Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in indoor domestic cats' fecal samples from Turkey was screened using the PCR. Nested PCR was performed using MSP and EBITS primers. All of the amplification products were sequenced to identify the microsporidia species. Four (5.5%) and three (4.1%) genomic DNA isolates of the fecal samples from 72 indoor domestic cats showed amplification of the ITS regions of E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., respectively. Two different genotypes, D and IV, of E. bieneusi were determined in two cats each based on the ITS sequence analyses. Moreover, Encephalitozoon spp. sequence analyses revealed three isolates belonging to E. intestinalis. This preliminary study has provided the first molecular data on the zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi and E. intestinalis in cats in Turkey. Furthermore, E. bieneusi genotype IV (accession number MG727664) was submitted to GenBank for the first time in the Western Palearctic Region as hosted by a domestic cat. Additionally, E. intestinalis (accession number MG570080) was also submitted to GenBank as a valid ITS sequence for the first time as hosted by a domestic cat worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniosis is a group of diseases caused by different species of Leishmania parasites in mammalian species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in cats using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) and heat-shock protein 70 gene (Hsp70) regions with Leishmania species-specific primers and probes. Blood samples were collected from 147 cats (73 female; 74 male) in the endemic regions for zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis in the western provinces of Turkey and analyzed using two RT-PCR assays. Additionally, Hsp70 RT-PCR products were sequenced. ELISA assays for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) were also carried out for 145 of the 147 samples. Overall, 13/147 (8.84%) cats were positive for Leishmania by RT-PCR (4 L. major and 9 L. tropica ). FIV and FeLV antibody and/or antigen was detected in 4 and 5 cats among Leishmania DNA positives, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate and report the presence of L. major and L. tropica infections in a large group of domestic cats in Turkey. The results obtained indicate that species identification of Leishmania is essential for epidemiological understanding and that clinical signs alone are not indicative for leishmaniosis in cats, as it is in dogs. This study suggests that extensive research should be carried out in cat populations in order to fully understand the role of cats in the epidemiology of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of nematode and cestode egg contamination in cats' and dogs' fecal samples collected from public grounds (public parks, streets, walks, shelter) in Samsun, Turkey and to evaluate the potential public health risks from parasites of concern. A total of 448 stool samples, 187 cat feces and 261 dog feces, were picked up off the ground. Sixty samples (32.1%) of cats and 74 samples (28.4%) of dogs were positive. Toxocara spp. (27.8%), Trichuris spp. (3.2%), hookworm (2.7%) and Toxascaris leonina (1.8%) eggs in cat samples and hookworm (13%), Toxocara sp. (10.3%), Trichuris sp. (6.9%), Toxascaris leonina (2.7%) and Taenia sp. (0.4%) eggs in dog samples were identified. Toxocara spp. + hookworm in 9 dog and 2 cat samples, Toxocara spp.+ Trichuris spp. in 2 cat and 1 dog samples, Trichuris spp. + hookworm 2 dog samples and Toxascaris leonina + kancalikurt in one dog samples were found as mix infections. Furthermore, non-identified rhabditoid type eggs (2.2%) and Isospora sp. oocysts (1.8%) were found. Some of helminth species found in this study, Toxocara sp., hookworm and Taenia sp. were zoonotic importance. These results were the first record from the Black Sea Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approximately 2-year old domestic short hair female cat weighting 2.750g was presented to Firat University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a history of depression, anorexia and weight loss for the last 15 days. Clinical examination revealed incoordination, hyperaesthesia, circling, head tilt, posterior paraparesis, absence of the pupillary reflex in both eyes, opisthotonus and anisocoria. Blood samples were examined for hematological, RT-PCR and biochemical analyses. The cat died without any improvement of clinical findings although symptomatic treatment was made. Necropsy revealed that distinct ocular lesions such as hyphema and thick proteinous exudate accumulation in vitreous in both eyes. Microscopically; there was pyogranulomatous vasculitis in meninges, sclera, corpus ciliare choroid, retina was partially detached in the right eye with retinal epithelial hypertrophy. The kidneys contained focal subcapsular, gray to yellow raised nodules varying from 3 to 10 mm in diameter, and there was discrete fatty degeneration in the liver. The RT-PCR revealed that RNA for FCoV was positive in the blood sample. As a result; the non-effusive form of FIP with distinct ocular involvement was diagnosed through clinical, pathological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bartonella spp. are vector-borne pathogens that cause zoonotic infections in humans. One of the most well-known of these is cat-scratch disease caused by Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae, with cats being the major reservoir for these two bacteria. Izmir, Turkey is home to many stray cats, but their potential role as a reservoir for the transmission of Bartonella to humans has not been investigated yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Bartonella species and their genetic diversity in stray cats living in Izmir., Methods: Molecular prevalence of Bartonella spp. in stray cats (n = 1012) was investigated using a PCR method targeting the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer gene (ITS), species identification was performed by sequencing and genetic diversity was evaluated by haplotype analysis., Results: Analysis of the DNA extracted from 1012 blood samples collected from stray cats revealed that 122 samples were Bartonella-positive, which is a molecular prevalence of 12.05% (122/1012; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.1-14.2%). Among the Bartonella-positive specimens, 100 (100/122; 81.96%) were successfully sequenced, and B. henselae (45/100; 45%), B. clarridgeiae (29/100; 29%) and Bartonella koehlerae (26/100; 26%) were identified by BLAST and phylogenetic analyses. High genetic diversity was detected in B. clarridgeiae with 19 haplotypes, followed by B. henselae (14 haplotypes) and B. koehlerae (8 haplotypes)., Conclusions: This comprehensive study analyzing a large number of samples collected from stray cats showed that Bartonella species are an important source of infection to humans living in Izmir. In addition, high genetic diversity was detected within each Bartonella species., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

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This study was performed to determine the tapeworm infections of stray dogs and cats in İstanbul, Turkey. Stool samples were obtained from animals in a temporary animal rehabilitation center in İstanbul. Stools were examined microscopically for tapeworm eggs by saturated salt water flotation and by Teleman's sedimentation (for fatty stools) method and macroscopically for proglottids. Infected animals were treated with praziquantel (Cestacit Injectable Solution® Topkim, Turkey) at a dose of 5.68 active ingredient/kg bw and stools were re-examined daily until no parasite was seen for two consecutive days in terms of proglottids and scolices macroscopically and eggs microscopically. Out of 250 dogs, 26 (10.4%) were found to be infected with tapeworms, 16 (6.4%) with Dipylidium caninum, 10 (4%) with Taenia spp., and 2 (0.8%) with Echinococcus granulosus and, 2 (4.65%) of 43 cats had Joyeuxiella pasqualei infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to give information about cats and dogs in the use of scientific research and the contributions to the science. The "ISI Web of Science" database was used and the study investigated companion animals in a 10 year period from1997-2006. It was found that there where 4.405 publications made in the world by scientists related to dogs and cats in veterinary science. The proportion of cats and dogs investigated in these publications where 30% and 70%, respectively. In this time period 99 studies were conducted about cats and dogs, in Turkey. The proportion of studies which were made in Turkey has been consisted the whole of 2.24% at the world. The 27% of these were by cats and 73% of those were with dogs. The average citations of the studies on cats and dogs were 4.00 and 4.13, respectively, in the world. Although the studies relatively appeared similar in proportion in the world, the averages of dogs (1.90) was approximately double of the averages of cats (0.96), in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the species of dermatophytes isolated from dogs and cats and their prevalence in the two big provinces of Western Turkey. A total of 362 animals (198 dogs and 164 cats) with skin lesions (alopecia and desquamation) were examined from March 2006 to February 2008. Of the 362 samples examined, 52 (14.4%) were positive for fungal elements by direct microscopic examination, and 70 (19.3%) were culture positive for dermatophytes. The isolation rates of dermatophyte species from dogs and cats were 18.7% and 20.1%, respectively. Microsporum canis (57.1%) was the most common species isolated from dogs and cats. The prevalence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes was five-fold greater in dogs than in cats (odds ratio=5.226; CI=1.152–23.696). No association was detected between prevalence of infection and provinces, and also sex of dogs and cats. The only risk factor found to be significantly associated with infection was age. Dogs and cats younger than one year of age showed a statistically significant higher prevalence of dermatophytes than other age groups (P <0.05). The isolation rate of dermatophytes was relatively high in the spring and winter for dogs, and in the spring, summer and autumn for cats. However, the association of season and prevalence was found not to be significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility and to determinate the resistance genes by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) among enterococci isolated from healthy cats and dogs in İzmir, Turkey. From a total of 114 rectal swabs, 91(31 cats and 60 dogs) stains were isolated as enterococci. Twenty eight isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecalis and 63 as Enterococcus faecium with the API 20 IDStrep system. Antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined by disc diffusion. Susceptibility rates of all enterococci strains were found as 100.0%, 95.6%, 94.5%, 87.9%, 84.6%, 30.8%, 29.7%, and 0.0% for teicoplanin, penicillin, vancomycine, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and clindamicin, respectively. Of 91 enteroccocci isolates 14 (15.4%) were found susceptible to all antimicrobials tested while 77 (84.6%) strains were resistant. All isolates were found resistant to clindamicin while 5 E. faecium strains had an intermediate resistance to vancomycin. None of the intermediate resistant vancomycin strains has any vanA, vanB, or vanC genes. From 91 isolates 4, 11, 14, 63, and 64 were found resistant to penicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline, respectively. Sixty two tetracycline resistant strains had tet(M) gene. From erythromycin resistant strains 2 and 54 had erm(A) and erm(B). Gentamycin resistance was detected for 14 isolates from which 10 had aac(6′)-aph(2′) genes. Seven strains have the cat gene of 11 chloramphenicol resistant strains. The results revealed that there was a high level of antimicrobial resistance among enterococci isolated from healthy cats and dogs and they pose a potential risk for transmission of enterococci to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine Bartonella henselae prevalance in cats in Ankara. Whole bloods and sera collected from 256 cats were investigated for the presence feline Bartonella species by culture and sera were tested for the presence of antibodies against B. henselae IgG using immunofluorescence assay. Bartonella species were isolated by blood culture from 24 (9.4%) cats. Bartonella isolates were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) by using TaqI and HhaI endonucleases to identify species. Twenty-one isolates were determined as B. henselae and three of 24 isolates were determined as Bartonella clarridgeiae with RFLP. The bacteraemia prevalence and seroprevalence of B. henselae IgG antibodies in cats was detected as 8.2% and 18.6% respectively. This is the first report on B. henselea and B. clarridgeiae in cats in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever (Coxiellosis) in humans and animals worldwide. The present study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Q fever among stray cats in 3 providences (Ankara, Niğde, and Kayseri) in Central Anatolia, Turkey. A total of 143 sera from stray cats were examined for the presence of IgG against C. burnetiiphase II antigen by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Seven out of the 143 (4.9%) stray cats were seropositive for Q fever, with titers of 1:64 to 1:256. Seroprevalences in Ankara, Niğde, and Kayseri provinces were 1.6%, 7.4%, and 8.3%, respectively. This is the first report of the presence of C. burnetii in cats in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic felines' re-emerging infectious and neglected zoonotic diseases are a significant focus of global "One Health" efforts. This study aimed to rapidly diagnose 14 pathogens, including zoonoses by using PCR primers in 167 client-owned symptomatic cats, routinely accepted to the Veterinary Clinics of Tekirdag. The prevalence of pathogens investigated were as follows: Babesia canis canis (24%), Babesia microti (2.4%), Hepatozoon felis (10.8%), Cytauxzoon felis (6.6%), Bartonella henselae (40.1%), Anaplasma platys (30.5%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (7.2%), Rickettsia felis (26.3%), Borrelia burgdorferi (21%), and hemotropic Mycoplasma sp. (11.4%). There was a significant difference between the prevalence of the pathogens (χ2 = 152.26, df = 9, p < 0.001). There was also a statistical difference between the gender of the cats in terms of the prevalence of all pathogens considered together (χ2 = 4.80, df = 1, p = 0.028), where the female cats showed a higher prevalence. This was not the case for the different age groups (χ2 = 2.92, df = 1, p = 0.088). The lowest infection was observed for B. microti (p < 0.001), while the highest infection was observed for B. henselae (p < 0.01). Leishmania donovani, Plasmodium spp., Ehrlichia chaffeensis, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis PCR test results were negative in all samples. In conclusion, house cats of Tekirdag are apparently highly susceptible to some neglected zoonoses important for "One Health", and their prevalence in the region is most probably underestimated. Hence, applying PCR tests to assist fast clinic diagnosis in routine, may be an efficient option to protect the public as well as the cats from severe diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, a case of generalized tuberculosis with alimentary primary focus in a two-year old cat was described. Feline tuberculosis had once reported 25 years ago in Turkey and in the world the disease is seen infrequently and only occacional epidemiologies or single cases are reported from various countries. The current epidemiology of tuberculosis in cats is still unclear. This disease is generally not included in the differential diagnosis of the clinicians dealing with cats presenting commonly seen non-spesific symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, cough and anorexia, therefore the importance of considering tuberculosis in differential diagnosis and paying attention at precautions when taking care of cats with unknown infection was emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Although dogs are considered to be primary reservoir hosts of Leishmania spp., several mammals, such as foxes, jackals and small rodents may also be hosts of different Leishmania spp. Previously, cats were considered as asymptomatic hosts of the parasite without acting as a reservoir. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of leishmaniasis cases in cats, especially in regions where the infection endemically occurs. This data indicate that cats are more likely to be one of the main reservoirs of Leishmania spp. rather than being a non-reservoir host. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Leishmania spp. by molecular and serological techniques among owned and stray cats in four different cities located in western part of Turkey. A total of 386 blood and 301 serum samples were collected from cats in Western Turkey where leishmaniasis is endemic. Feline serum samples were tested by IFAT to detect IgG antibodies against Leishmania spp. antigens. Blood samples collected from 386 cats were examined by PCR for the presence of Leishmania spp. According to PCR results using RV1/RV2 primers, nine (2.3%) out of 386 samples were positive for Leishmania spp. Further PCR analysis using MC1/MC2 primers showed that one cat in Izmir was found to be infected with L. infantum/donovani complex. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of L. infantum, L. major and L. tropica among sampled cats in western part of Turkey. On the other hand, IFAT results indicated that an overall of 47 out of 301 (15.6%) cats that examined by PCR were found to have anti-Leishmania antibodies. Also, six of the seropositive cats were owned animals. The present study demonstrated that both owned and stray cats can be infected with Leishmania spp. and might be potential reservoirs for other animals and humans. Therefore, all communities living in or nearby endemic regions should be made aware of the role of cats as potential reservoirs of infection. In endemic regions, all animals should be protected against infection with insecticides and monitored routinely to control the spread of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Giardia duodenalis is a common zoonotic protozoan parasite with a broad host distribution. The main objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of giardiasis and to reveal the genetic and haplotype diversity of G. duodenalis in symptomatic cats in Turkey. Fecal samples were collected from cats (n = 102) with diarrhea that were admitted to different pet clinics in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. All samples were analyzed by microscopic examination (ME), rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT), and PCR targeting the β-giardin (bg) loci of the parasite. Phylogenetic, haplotype, and network analyses of G. duodenalis based on the bg gene were carried out. Overall, G. duodenalis was detected in 70/102 (68.6%) of the cats with diarrhea by ME (38/102, 37.3%), ICT (51/102, 50%), and PCR (30/102, 29.4%). According to sequence analyses of the bg gene region, all isolates were identified as G. duodenalis assemblage B. Haplotype analyses revealed 2 known and 8 novel haplotypes for G. duodenalis assemblage B. This study provides first prevalence and genetic and haplotype diversity data on G. duodenalis assemblage B from cats in Turkey., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2020.)

Parasitic bronchopneumonia plays an important role, especially in the respiratory diseases of cats. Troglostrongylus species have been reported as lung parasites of wild cats; however, in recent years, they have also been found in domestic cats, especially from the Mediterranean and Balkan countries. In this report, Troglostrongylus brevior was found during the examination of lung samples of a tabby cat who was euthanized at the age of 2 years. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Troglostrongylus brevior in Turkey.

The presence of antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), together with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen was investigated in 169 ill household and stray cats attending a veterinary surgery in Istanbul in 2009-14. The estimated FCoV and FIV seroprevalence (95% confidence intervals) were 37% (30-45%) and 11% (6-16%), respectively and FeLV prevalence was 1% (0-3%). FCoV seroprevalence increased until 2 years of age, was highest in 2014 and among household cats living with other cats and with outdoor access, and was lower in FIV seropositive compared to seronegative cats. Symptoms typically associated with wet feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) including ascites, abdominal distention or pleural effusion, coupled in many cases with non-antibiotic responsive fever, were observed in 19% (32/169) of cats, and 75% (24/32) of these cats were FCoV seropositive. FCoV seropositivity was also associated with a high white blood cell count, high plasma globulin, low plasma albumin and low blood urea nitrogen. The percentage of FCoV seropositive and seronegative cats that died in spite of supportive veterinary treatment was 33% (21/63) and 12% (13/106), respectively. These results indicate that FCoV is widespread and has a severe clinical impact in cats from Istanbul. Moreover, the incidence of FCoV infections could be rising, and in the absence of effective vaccination cat owners need to be made aware of ways to minimize the spread of this virus., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)