Exposure of client-owned cats to zoonotic vector-borne pathogens: Clinic-pathological alterations and infection risk analysis.
Exposure of client-owned cats to zoonotic vector-borne pathogens: Clinic-pathological alterations and infection risk analysis.
Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis. 2019 Aug 09;66:101344
Authors: Morelli S, Crisi PE, Di Cesare A, De Santis F, Barlaam A, Santoprete G, Parrinello C, Palermo S, Mancini P, Traversa D
Abstract
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 t...
Source: Comparative immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases. - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Morelli S, Crisi PE, Di Cesare A, De Santis F, Barlaam A, Santoprete G, Parrinello C, Palermo S, Mancini P, Traversa D Tags: Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis Source Type: research
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