98 - Cytauxzoonosis

Abstract

•First Described: Cytauxzoonosis was first recognized in domestic cats from Missouri during the mid-1970s.•Cause: Cytauxzoon felis is a hematoprotozoal pathogen of domestic and wild felids.•Affected Hosts: Only felids are infected with C. felis. Domestic cats often develop a severe disease but occasionally only a mild, brief or unapparent illness. The bobcat reservoir host is believed to typically demonstrate mild illness but can die as a result of infection. Other felids (e.g., cougars, tigers, lions) can also become infected.•Arthropod Vectors: Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) is the primary vector for pathogen transmission, although Dermacentor variabilis (American dog ticks) may also be competent vectors.•Geographic Distribution: In the United States, cytauxzoonosis is identified in the midwest, south-central, south-eastern, and the mid-Atlantic states; the geographic range has expanded with the expanded range of A. americanum ticks. Cytauxzoonosis is also reported in South America (especially Brazil). Other species of Cytauxzoon cause infection in felidae in Eurasia.•Route of Transmission: Cytauxzoon felis is transmitted by the feeding of vector ticks.•Major Clinical Signs: Cytauxzoonosis is a rapidly progressive febrile illness characterized by anorexia, lethargy or depressed mentation, elevation of the third eyelid, vocalization, increased respiratory effort, icterus, pallor, lymphadenomegaly, splenomegaly or hepatomegaly, and sometimes seizures.•Differential Diagnosis: Tularemia is an important differential for outdoor cats. Depending on clinical signs present, other differentials include hemotropic mycoplasmosis, cholangiohepatitis, histoplasmosis, sepsis, primary IMHA, oxidative toxicities, toxoplasmosis, and FIP.•Human Health Significance: None.