Wild Felids Blood Group System.

Ana Silvestre-Ferreira,Josep Pastor

doi:10.3390/ani11123533

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe AB blood group system has been identified in wild felids, as well as in the domestic cat. In both, type A blood seems to be the most common, although the majority of wild felid species exhibit one single blood type, showing that there seems to be variation between species, but not within species, and no evidence of geographical variation was yet found, showing apparently no genetic variability. Further studies are necessary to determine the clinical relevance of the AB blood group on wild felids. This manuscript makes a complete and comprehensive review of the knowledge on wild felids blood groups and transfusion medicine.Wild felids and domestic cats share the AB blood group. However, there have been few studies regarding the characterization and prevalence of the different blood types in wild animals. The erythrocyte membrane glycolipids of the wild cats correspond to the major disialoganglioside patterns observed in domestic cats. Like in domestic cats, type A blood seems to be the most common, although wild felid species seem to exhibit one single blood type. Of the species studied, the wild domestic cats, and the Panthera and ocelot lineages, all had type A blood; the Puma lineage showed almost exclusively type B blood. The prevalence of wild felids blood types show that there seems to be variation between species, but not within species, and no evidence of geographical variation has yet been found, showing apparently no genetic variability. The presence of alloantibodies has also been demonstrated, so the risk of life-threatening transfusion reactions due to mismatched transfusions and neonatal isoerythrolysis is a possibility. Like in other species, the recognition of wild felids blood groups is clinically relevant, as it can also be important in establishing phylogenetic relationships within the Felidae family. We will review the current knowledge on this topic and give insights into the wild felids blood groups potential for zoo transfusion medicine and phylogenetic studies in order to help support reintroduction projects and to preserve genetic diversity.

Highlights

IntroductionKnowledge of blood type systems in animals is of paramount importance mainly for blood transfusion medicine, phylogenetic studies, and reproductive compatibilities
Knowledge of blood type systems in animals is of paramount importance mainly for blood transfusion medicine, phylogenetic studies, and reproductive compatibilities.Concerning phylogenetic studies, the analysis of the phylogenetic tree for the primateABO blood group allowed for an estimation of the divergence time between human and nonhuman primates [1]
In Brazil, crossmatch tests performed between haystack (Leopardus colocolo) and domestic cats were compatible, some demonstrated the presence of rouleaux, which suggests that blood transfusions between these species can be safe [7]

Summary

Introduction

Knowledge of blood type systems in animals is of paramount importance mainly for blood transfusion medicine, phylogenetic studies, and reproductive compatibilities. ABO blood group allowed for an estimation of the divergence time between human and nonhuman primates [1]. The phylogenetic relationships among the felids need to be further studied, and it is unknown how the feline blood type systems have been inhered among the Felidae family. Reports of blood transfusions in species other than dogs and cats are very scarce in the literature, even more so in regard to wild felids [6]. In order to perform a blood transfusion in a safe manner, there is a need for knowledge of feline blood groups; blood groups remain mostly unstudied or unknown for wild felids [5,6]. We review the state of the art of wild felids blood group system and future research needs

AB Blood System in Domestic Cats

Wild Felids AB Blood System

Typing Method

Findings

Conclusions