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Emerging feline vector-borne pathogens in Italy.
- Source :
-
Parasites & vectors [Parasit Vectors] 2019 May 02; Vol. 12 (1), pp. 193. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 May 02. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Background: The epidemiology of feline vector-borne pathogens (FeVBPs) has been less investigated in cats than in dogs. The present study assessed the prevalence of Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp. and Leishmania infantum infections in cat populations living in central Italy, by molecular and serological tools.<br />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).<br />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).
- Subjects :
- Animals
Apicomplexa classification
Apicomplexa genetics
Babesia classification
Babesia genetics
Cat Diseases epidemiology
Cats
Communicable Diseases, Emerging microbiology
Communicable Diseases, Emerging parasitology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Italy epidemiology
Leishmania infantum classification
Leishmania infantum genetics
Male
Rickettsia classification
Rickettsia genetics
Rickettsia Infections microbiology
Apicomplexa isolation & purification
Babesia isolation & purification
Cat Diseases microbiology
Cat Diseases parasitology
Communicable Diseases, Emerging veterinary
Leishmania infantum isolation & purification
Protozoan Infections, Animal parasitology
Rickettsia isolation & purification
Rickettsia Infections veterinary
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1756-3305
- Volume :
- 12
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Parasites & vectors
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31046822
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-019-3409-8