Asymptomatic Cats Research Articles

Molecular epidemiology and risk analysis for asymptomatic infection with feline enteric coronavirus in domestic and stray cats in Japan.

Feline enteric coronavirus (FECoV) causes subclinical infection; therefore, asymptomatic cats can act as transmitters of FECoV. However, there have been few studies on the prevalence of FECoV in asymptomatic cats in Japan. In this study, we used a nested RT-PCR assay targeting the S gene of FECoV to test 319 normal fecal samples from stray cats and domestic cats in Japan between 2019 and 2020. Seventy-five samples tested positive, and the presence of FECoV in domestic cats was significantly associated with age (p<0.01), but not with gender, breed, or living in a multi-cat household. The results provide insights into the current prevalence of FECoV in asymptomatic cats in Japan.

Complete genome sequences of feline astroviruses from asymptomatic stray cats in Japan.

We determined the complete genome sequences of two feline astroviruses (FAstVs) in non-diarrheic stool samples from apparently healthy stray cats in 2020 in Japan. Information on the complete genome sequence of FAstV from asymptomatic cats has great potential for a better understanding of the ecology of FAstV in cats.

Radiological Evaluation of Vascular Structures in Cats Infected with Immature Worms of Dirofilaria immitis.

This study aimed to assess thoracic radiographic abnormalities in cats infected with immature stages of Dirofilaria immitis to evaluate the utility of this diagnostic technique during early infection. A total of 123 cats from a hyperendemic area were classified into three groups: asymptomatic cats seronegative to anti-D.-immitis antibodies (Group A), seropositive asymptomatic cats (Group B), and seropositive cats with clinical signs that were at high risk of heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) (Group C). Radiographic measurements and lung parenchymal abnormalities were analyzed and compared across the groups. Significant differences in several parameters, including CrPA/R4, and CdPA/R9 ratios, were observed between healthy and seropositive cats, suggesting early arterial damage even in the absence of adult worms. Other parameters that showed differences between healthy and infected cats were CVC/Ao and CVC/R4 ratios, but not the VHS. Group C exhibited a marked bronchointerstitial pattern, indicating severe parenchymal alterations associated with clinical signs. The study demonstrated that thoracic radiography can detect early vascular and parenchymal changes in feline D. immitis infections, providing valuable information for diagnosing HARD. However, it also highlights the limitations of radiographic techniques, as some seropositive cats displayed no significant abnormalities. The findings underscore the importance of combining radiography with clinical and serological assessments for a more accurate diagnosis of feline heartworm disease.

The prevalence of intervertebral disc degeneration in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine in asymptomatic cats.

To investigate the prevalence and severity of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) throughout the spine of young, middle-aged, and old asymptomatic cats; identify differences between the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine; and investigate the influence of sex and neuter status on the prevalence of feline IVDD. 60 cadavers were collected from asymptomatic cats and subdivided into 3 age groups: young (≥ 1 to < 6 years), middle aged (≥ 6 to < 12 years), and old (≥ 12 years). T2 weighted sagittal MRI studies of the spine were obtained. Each IVD was graded according to the modified Pfirrmann grading for feline IVDD. Cumulative link mixed models were used to analyze the significance of spinal region, age, sex, and neuter status on the degenerative state of the IVDs. A total of 1,544 IVDs were evaluated; 884 (57.3%), 425 (27.5%), 147 (9.5%), 82 (5.3%), and 6 (0.4%) were graded Pfirrmann 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Irrespective of spinal region, middle-aged cats (OR, 4.03; P < .01) and old cats (OR, 12.5; P < .01) had significantly higher odds for IVDD compared to young cats. For old cats, thoracic (OR, 4.44; P < .01) and cervical IVDs (OR, 2.76; P < .01) had significantly higher odds of degenerating compared to lumbar IVDs. No significant effect of sex (P = .81) and neuter status (P = .61) was found. The prevalence of feline IVDD significantly increases with progressive age, with the thoracic and cervical IVDs showing the highest odds for degeneration. However, extreme stages of IVDD were only occasionally observed.

Identificación de genogrupos de protoparvovirus y sus variantes en leucocitos de gatos domésticos del Valle Central de Costa Rica

Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1) includes feline parvovirus (or feline panleukopenia virus, FPV) and canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2). Currently, although CPV-2 is not found in nature, its variants CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c are found and can infect cats as well. The objective of this research was to identify CPPV-1 and its variants as antibodies against CPPV-1 in the blood of domestic cats from the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Blood samples were collected from 155 cats, along with the following data: sex, age, breed, vaccination information, the environment where the animal lives (urban or rural), coexistence with other cats, health status, any chronic diseases, lifestyle (indoor or outdoor cat), and place of origin. Blood samples were analyzed by hemagglutination inhibition assay (HIA) and molecular techniques (polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing). Antibodies against CPPV-1 were detected using HIA in all cats; a total of 112 (72.3%) had protective titers (≥1:80). Using real-time PCR, CPPV-1 was detected in the blood of 42 (27.1%) cats, none of which presented anemia, leukopenia, or any chronic disease; five (11.9%) were vaccinated, and three (7.1%) had low body condition but showed appetite and had no other symptom or sign associated with CPPV-1. The group of qPCR-positive cats did not show significant differences compared to the qPCR-negative group regarding age, sex, lifestyle, coexistence with other cats, and antibody titers. Ten asymptomatic and healthy cats showed FPV (n=2) and CPV-2c (n=8) in blood with nucleotide similarities of 100% (GenBank M38246) and 99.8%-100% (GenBank AF401519), respectively.

Cytauxzoon brasiliensis sp. nov. (Apicomplexa: Theileriidae), a new species infecting a little-spotted-cat (Leopardus tigrinus) (Carnivora: Felidae) from Brazil.

Cytauxzoon spp. have been detected in Brazil infecting mainly asymptomatic domestic cats and wild felids. However, the supposed genetic similarity with the pathogenic Cytauxzoon felis is questionable because it is based on analysis of short sequences of the 18S rRNA gene. Herein, we describe a novel Cytauxzoon species infecting an asymptomatic little-spotted-cat (Leopardus tigrinus) based on morphological, histopathological, and molecular analyses. The animal was attended presenting a history of a run-over with multiple traumas. Although the little-spotted-cat was stabilized, he died a few days later. Ring-shaped merozoites within erythrocytes were found on blood smears and in the abdominal effusion. In addition, schizonts were observed in histiocytes in the liver. Phylogenetic analyses based on both near-complete 18S rRNA and cytb genes positioned the obtained sequences in a unique clade, albeit closely related to Cytauxzoon felis from the USA. Genetic divergences ranging from 0.004 and 0.067-0.068 were found between the near-complete 18S rRNA and cytb sequences of Cytauxzoon sp. detected in the little-spotted-cat and C. felis, respectively. This study evidenced the circulation of a novel Cytauxzoon species, herein named Cytauxzoon brasiliensis sp. nov., in an asymptomatic wild felid species from Brazil. Further studies are necessary to identify Cytauxzoon species from domestic and wild felids in the country.

Asymptomatic colonization of stray dogs and domestic cats with Trichophyton mentagrophytes II in Northern Iran

BackgroundDespite changes in the epidemiology of dermatophyte infections, the incidence of fungal infections associated with Trichophyton species still remains high among dogs and cats. The objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize dermatophytes from dogs and cats in Iran. Method:From December 2022 to May 2023, skin and hair samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic cats and dogs in Mazandaran, a northern province of Iran. The samples were then inoculated into Mycosel™ Agar. Dermatophyte isolates were identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region. Antifungal susceptibility tests were conducted using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI-M38-A3). ResultOf the 250 samples collected (from 200 dogs and 50 cats), 20 (from 19 dogs and one cat) (8.0 %) were positive for dermatophyte growth. Based on sequence and phylogenetic analysis, all isolates belonged to T. mentagrophytes II*. Of these positive samples, 14 (70.0 %), 3 (15.0 %), 2 (10.0 %), and 1 (2.0 %) were isolated from asymptomatic stray dogs, symptomatic stray dogs, symptomatic domestic dogs, and symptomatic cats, respectively. Luliconazole and terbinafine displayed potent activity against all T. mentagrophytes isolates, with Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.016 µg/ml. Miconazole and griseofulvin demonstrated higher MIC (1 and 8 µg/ml). ConclusionThe present study indicated that T. mentagrophytes II* asymptomatic carriage is frequent in stray dogs in Iran. The potential risk to public health needs to be evaluated However, T. mentagrophytes genotype VIII, considered as an endemic and emerging human pathogenic clone in several countries, was not detected during the present survey.

Seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira serogroups in asymptomatic domestic dogs and cats: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease transmitted by contact with the urine of animals infected with pathogenic species of the bacteria Leptospira or by contact with environments contaminated with the bacteria. Domestic dogs and cats may act as reservoirs or as sentinels of environmental contamination with leptospires, posing a public health concern. There is a great diversity of leptospires, and one common way to classify them is into serogroups that provide some information on the host species they are associated with. The aims of this study were: (1) to quantitatively summarize the overall prevalence and serogroup-specific prevalence of antibodies against pathogenic leptospires in asymptomatic dogs and cats and (2) to identify environmental and host characteristics that may affect the prevalence. Three electronic databases and the reference lists of eligible articles were screened, for epidemiological studies conducted between the years 2012-2022. We estimated overall and serogroup-specific prevalence using three-level meta-analysis models and assessed potential sources of heterogeneity by moderator analysis and meta-regression. Eighty-four studies met the inclusion criteria (dog studies 66.7%, cat studies 26.2%, and both species 7.1%). There were significant differences between dogs and cats in the overall prevalence model (P < 0.001), but not in the serogroup-specific model (P>0.05). In dogs, the prevalence of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicola was significantly higher than the other pathogenic serogroups (P < 0.001), while in cats there were no significant differences among serogroups (P = 0.373). Moderator analysis showed that the prevalence of L. kirschneri serogroup Grippotyphosa was significantly higher in stray/sheltered dogs than in domiciled dogs (P = 0.028). These results suggest that pathogenic serogroups associated with small mammals are circulating among asymptomatic pets and should be taken into account in the transmission cycle of leptospires, as well as in the standard MAT panel for diagnosis in dogs and cats. It also highlights the importance of including both dogs and cats as potential reservoirs when conducting eco-epidemiological studies in different geographical and ecological areas.

Multidrug-Resistant Commensal and Infection-Causing Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from Companion Animals in the Valencia Region.

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multidrug resistance (MDR) among microorganisms to commonly used antibiotics is a growing concern in both human and veterinary medicine. Companion animals play a significant role in the epidemiology of AMR, as their population is continuously increasing, posing a risk of disseminating AMR, particularly to strains of public health importance, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus strains. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of AMR and MDR in commensal and infection-causing Staphylococcus spp. in dogs and cats in Valencia region. For this purpose, 271 samples were taken from veterinary centers to assess antimicrobial susceptibility against 20 antibiotics, including some of the most important antibiotics for the treatment of Staphylococcus infections, including the five last resort antibiotics in this list. Of all the samples, 187 Staphylococcus spp. strains were recovered from asymptomatic and skin-diseased dogs and cats, of which S. pseudintermedius (≈60%) was more prevalent in dogs, while S. felis (≈50%) was more prevalent in cats. In the overall analysis of the isolates, AMR was observed for all antibiotics tested, including those crucial in human medicine. Furthermore, over 70% and 30% of the strains in dogs and cats, respectively, exhibited MDR. This study highlights the significance of monitoring the trends in AMR and MDR among companion animals. The potential contribution of these animals to the dissemination of AMR and its resistance genes to humans, other animals, and their shared environment underscores the necessity for adopting a One Health approach.

Characterization of platelet rich plasma in feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats: Cell, and PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1 growth factor analysis

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors (GFs) that modulate the expression of inflammatory cells; thus, these products could be considered a good strategy to favor tissue regeneration in feline immunodeficiency (FIV) positive cats. However, there is no scientific documentation on obtaining PRP in FIV-positive cats.Authors hypothesized that PRP can be obtained in FIV cats following the PRGF®-Endoret® methodology. The objectives of this study were to compare the platelet, erythrocyte, and leukocyte concentration between whole blood (WB) and the PRP; and determine the concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in FIV-positive cats. Sixteen adults FIV-positive asymptomatic cats were included in the study. WB samples were drawn and the PRP was obtained by centrifugation at 265g for 10 min. Erythrocyte and leukocyte, platelets, and mean platelet volume (MPV) were determined both in WB and in PRP. PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations were additionally determined in PRP.Platelet concentration increased 1.1 times in PRP fraction compared to WB, but no significant differences were reported. MPV was statistically higher in WB than in PRP (p = 0.001). Erythrocytes and leukocytes counts were decreased by 99% and 92%, respectively in the PRP fraction (p < 0.001). Regarding TGF-ß1, a higher concentration was shown in the PRP (p < 0.02). Although the product obtained could not be classified as PRP according to the PRGF®-Endoret® methodology, based on the drastic reduction of RBC and WBC, the PLT concentrate is of high purity.

Molecular Characterization and Zoonotic Significance of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Asymptomatic Adult Stray Cats and Dogs in Turkey

Background: Cryptosporidium species and Giardia duodenalis are important protozoan parasites due to their wide host range and potential as zoonotic diseases. These parasites, responsible for Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis, are significant health concerns and have garnered attention from both the public and veterinary fields. Pets, such as dogs and cats, are susceptible to these infections and play a crucial role in transmitting these protozoans to humans. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, species, genotypes and zoonotic significance of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in asymptomatic adult stray cats and dogs. Methods: Fecal samples from 75 adult stray animal, 42 dogs and 33 cats, were collected in Diyarbakýr city, southeastern Anatolia, Turkey. Direct immunofluorescence test was used to confirm the presence of G. duoenalis cysts and cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in collected fecal samples. Microscopic analysis was used to count the number of cysts/oocysts per gram as specified by the manufacturer. Molecular confirmation was done with Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using Giardia SSU-rDNA and Cryptosporidium spp. SSU rRNA gene. The secondary PCR products of all positive samples were sequenced in one directions on an automated sequencer. Nucleotide sequence analysis was performed by BLAST alignment using the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Result: The prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 7.14% in 42 cats and 9.09% in 33 dogs. The prevalence of G. duodenalis was 23.80% in cats and 54.54% in dogs. The average number of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts per gram of cat and dog feces was 1866.3 and 1813.3, respectively. The average number of G. duodenalis cysts per gram of cat and dog feces was 1011.6 and 4786, respectively. All Cryptosporidium isolates were determined as C. canis in dogs and C. felis in cats. C. canis and C. felis isolates identified in the study, MT329018.1 and MN696800.1, AF159113.1 and KM977642.1 showed similarity with Genbank number, respectively. Assemblages A, E, C, D were found in dogs and assemblages A and E in cats in the result of the sequence of 130 bp gene fragments obtained from G. duodenalis isolates. This study sequence analysis of G. duodenalis cat isolates identified assemblages A (50%/10) and E (50%/10). In this study, assemblage E was the most common genotype isolated in dogs (38.8%), followed by Assemblage C (27.7%), Assemblage D (16.6%) and Assemblage A (15.5%). Assemblage A, which has zoonotic importance, was detected in cats and dogs, while assemblage E in cats and dogs was reported for the first time in Turkey.

Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains to Last Resort Human Antibiotics Isolated from Healthy Companion Animals in Valencia Region.

Failure in antibiotic therapies due to the increase in antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria is one of the main threats to public and animal health. In recent decades, the perception of companion animals has changed, from being considered as a work tool to a household member, creating a family bond and sharing spaces in their daily routine. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess the current epidemiological situation regarding the presence of AMR and multidrug resistance (MDR) in companion animals in the Valencia Region, using the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli as a sentinel. For this purpose, 244 samples of dogs and cats were collected from veterinary centres to assess antimicrobial susceptibility against a panel of 22 antibiotics with public health relevance. A total of 197 E. coli strains were isolated from asymptomatic dogs and cats. The results showed AMR against all the 22 antibiotics studied, including those critically important to human medicine. Moreover, almost 50% of the strains presented MDR. The present study revealed the importance of monitoring AMR and MDR trends in companion animals, as they could pose a risk due to the spread of AMR and its resistance genes to humans, other animals and the environment they cohabit.

Intestinal injury and vasculitis biomarkers in cats with feline enteric coronavirus and effusive feline infectious peritonitis.

To investigate intestinal injury, repair and vasculitis biomarkers that may illuminate the progression and/or pathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) or feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infection. A total of 40 cats with effusive FIP (30 with abdominal effusion, AE group; 10 with thoracic effusion, TE group) and 10 asymptomatic but FECV positive cats (FECV group), all were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction either in faeces or effusion samples. Physical examinations and effusion tests were performed. Trefoil factor-3 (TFF-3), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), myeloperoxidase-anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) and proteinase 3-ANCA (PR3-ANCA) concentrations were measured both in serum and effusion samples. Rectal temperature and respiratory rate were highest in the TE group (p<0.000). Effusion white blood cell count was higher in the AE group than TE group (p<0.042). Serum TFF-3, IAP and I-FABP concentrations were higher in cats with effusive FIP than the cats with FECV (p<0.05). Compared with the AE group, TE group had lower effusion MPO-ANCA (p<0.036), higher IAP (p<0.050) and higher TFF-3 (p<0.016) concentrations. Markers of intestinal and epithelial surface injury were higher in cats with effusive FIP than those with FECV. Compared to cats with abdominal effusions, markers of apoptosis inhibition and immunostimulation to the injured epithelium were more potent in cats with thoracic effusion, suggesting the possibility of a poorer prognosis or more advanced disease in these patients.

Electrocardiography-documented sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation in a young cat without echocardiographic evidence of severe structural heart disease

An asymptomatic three-year-old male European Domestic Shorthair cat was referred for an irregular heart auscultation. Apart from localized concentric left ventricular septal hypertrophy, echocardiography was normal. However, ventricular ectopy was observed on electrocardiography (ECG) during echocardiography. The cat died suddenly 55 minutes after the start of the subsequent Holter ECG. Analysis showed sinus rhythm interrupted by 192 single ventricular premature complexes, a ventricular couplet, two incidents of ventricular bigeminy and two runs of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The last run of VT deteriorated into ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ultimately cardiac arrest. Structural heart disease including mild feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or myocarditis, primary arrhythmia (channelopathy) or extra-cardiac disease were maintained as differential diagnosis. Unfortunately, a necropsy was declined leaving no definitive diagnosis available. In this case report, it is shown that VF due to ventricular ectopy is a possible cause of SCD even in asymptomatic cats with only mild echocardiographic signs of structural heart disease.

Frequency of dermatophytes and yeasts on tegument of healthy dogs and cats

Skin is an organ that covers the body and acts as a protective layer against external aggressions. Changes in this organ, such as hair loss, evident blemishes, changes in skin pigmentation, and the presence of scaling or crusts, are the main signs of dermatological disease. The study aimed to verify the frequency of dermatophytes and yeasts in healthy cats and dogs. Samples of hair and shedding from 30 cats and 30 dogs were cultured on dermatophyte test medium and Sabouraud Dextrose agar enriched with yeast extract, thiamine, antibiotics (streptomycin and chloramphenicol) supplemented with cycloheximide and incubated at 25°C and 35°C for 10 days. The positive cultures were assessed macro and microscopically, and the fungi were identified by biochemical methods. It was found that 100% of the cats had a positive mycological culture for Microsporum canis, 33.33% for Microsporum gypseum, and 50% for Trichophyton mentagrophytes, with a prevalence of Microsporum canis (P&gt;0.001). In dogs, 86.66% were positive for Microsporum canis, showing a predominance over the other fungal species (P&lt;0.001). Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated in 50% of the dogs evaluated, although it was not found in cats, while positive cultures for Malassezia spp were found in 6.6% of cats and 26.66% of dogs. Candida albicans was isolated in samples of dogs and cats (26.66% and 33.33%, respectively). It was concluded that asymptomatic dogs and cats are carriers of agents of dermatophytosis and dermatomycoses and may be important sources of environmental spread and intra and interspecific infection.

Parvovirus-Infektionen bei Katzen in Tierheimen

Due to widespread vaccination programs against feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), the disease associated with this virus infection, feline panleukopenia, is rarely seen in privately owned cats in Germany. In contrast, the situation in animal shelters differs due to the constant intake of new cats that are often unprotected. In such facilities, panleukopenia outbreaks are common and often accompanied by a high number of fatalities. Due to the high contagiosity of the virus, some shelters do not accept cats with clinical signs suspicious for panleukopenia, since these animals can pose a risk to the shelter population. However, not only cats with panleukopenia shed parvovirus, but also healthy, asymptomatic cats can and thus contribute to risk of infection. Nevertheless, the risk for panleukopenia outbreaks in animal shelters can be reduced by rigorous outbreak management. This includes hygiene measures using correctly applied cleaning and disinfection protocols, quarantine measures, separate isolation units, as well as specific prophylactic measures, such as identification of infected animals and immunization of susceptible groups.

Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma by means of PRGF®-Endoret® protocol in leukemia cats: PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1 valuation.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a chronic disease that leads to the weakening of a cat's immune system. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) offers therapeutic effects for multiple diseases, the use of PRP and growth factors (GFs) determination could be an alternative treatment to improve the quality of life in these patients. The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the concentration of platelets (PLTs), red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) between samples of whole blood (WB), PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) fractions, and to evaluate the concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in both fractions in FeLV cats using a PRGF®-Endoret® protocol previously standardized in this species. WB was collected from 11 asymptomatic FeLV-positive cats. PRP and PPP was obtained following PRGF®-Endoret® technology according to centrifugation at 265 g for 10 min. Cellular components, RBCs, WBCs, PLTs, and the PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations in PRP and PPP fractions were determined. PLT in the PRP fraction was statistically higher than WB and PPP fraction, with no statistical differences between WB and PPP. PLT concentration increased 1.4 times in PRP fraction compared to WB. Mean platelet volume (MPV) did not differ significantly between the WB, PRP, and PPP fractions. Compared to WB, the absolute numbers of RBCs and WBCs were decreased by 99% and more than 95% in the PRP and PPP fractions, respectively. TGF-ß1 concentrations increased in PRP vs. PPP, with no changes in PDGF-BB. Based on the degree of PLT enrichment and the absence of RBCs and WBCs, this blood product could be classified as a Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma (P-PRP). The presence of GFs in PRP and PPP samples suggests that the PRGF®-Endoret® methodology is suitable for obtaining PRP in FeLV cats, despite future studies are necessary to optimize the technique, standardize the results and assess clinical efficacy.

One-Year Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Stray Cats and Kennel Dogs from Northeastern Italy.

Dogs and cats are susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). During the pandemic, several studies have been performed on owned cats and dogs, whereas limited data are available on the exposure to stray animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 of feral cats and kennel dogs in northeastern Italy, through serological and molecular methods. From May 2021 to September 2022, public health veterinary services collected serum, oropharyngeal, and rectal swab samples from 257 free-roaming dogs newly introduced to shelters, and from 389 feral cats examined during the routinely trap-neutered-return programs. The swabs were analyzed for viral RNA through a real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR), and sera were tested for the presence of the specific antibody against SARS-CoV-2 (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Serology was positive in nine dogs (9/257) and three cats (3/389), while two asymptomatic cats tested positive to rRT-PCR. One cat turned out to be positive both for serology and molecular analysis. In addition, this study described the case of a possible human-to-animal SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a cat that travelled in close contact to a COVID-19-positive refugee from Ukraine. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 can infect, in natural conditions, stray cats and kennel dogs in northeastern Italy, although with a low prevalence.

Prevalence and Prognosis of Atenolol-Responsive Systolic Anterior Motion of the Septal Mitral Valve Leaflet in Young Cats with Severe Dynamic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction.

Severe dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (DLVOTO) secondary to the systolic anterior motion of the septal mitral valve leaflet (SAM) can result either from congenital mitral valve disorders or left ventricular concentric hypertrophy of any cause, in cats commonly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Though HCM cannot be reversed, the question remains whether atenolol can cure cats with severe DLVOTO resulting from a presumed mitral valve dysplasia. In this retrospective case series, client-owned asymptomatic cats younger than 1.5 years with echocardiographic evidence of SAM and severe DLVOTO were included. Oral atenolol therapy and recheck echocardiography after 2-3 months were recommended. The owners and referring veterinarians were called for long-term follow-up information. Of the 28 included cats, 23 were treated with atenolol. Recheck echocardiography performed in 17 cats showed a resolution of SAM in 47%. In the long term, SAM remained absent in only 9% of the treated cats. Cardiac-related death occurred in 26% of the atenolol-treated cats. The long term benefit of twice-daily atenolol therapy was documented in 9% of cats. Whether the cats where atenolol failed to resolve DLVOTO on long-term had HCM, or a therapy-resistant congenital primary mitral valve disorder remains unclear.

Clinical, diagnostic and epidemiological implications of Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and Leishmania infantum infection in cats and dogs in a Mediterranean periurban setting

Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and Leishmania infantum are common parasites of dogs in Mediterranean countries and are less frequent in cats, particularly Babesia spp. and L. infantum. Moreover, there is limited information on coinfections between these parasites and on L. infantum’s distribution in blood, skin and lymphoid tissue in cats. We used PCR and DNA sequencing to investigate the prevalence of these parasites and the aetiology of Hepatozoon spp. and Babesia spp., in blood, skin, spleen and lymph node samples from up to 212 stray cats and 82 abandoned dogs in southeast Spain. All except 2 dogs were healthy; instead, 112 cats had clinical signs. The estimated PCR prevalences (95% confidence interval) were 25% (19–31%) Hepatozoon felis in cats, 13% (6–21%) Hepatozoon canis in dogs, 1% (0–4%) Babesia vogeli in dogs, 0% Babesia spp. in cats and 21% (15–26%) and 44% (33–55%) L. infantum in cats and dogs, respectively, and infections were not associated with each other. Leishmania infantum prevalence in lymphoid tissue was significantly higher in dogs than in cats (p < 0.001), and dogs had higher parasite loads than cats (p = 0.012). Moreover, L. infantum prevalence was significantly higher in the skin and lymphoid tissue compared to blood in infected, asymptomatic animals but it was similar in cats with clinical signs, which also had higher parasite loads compared to infected, asymptomatic cats (p < 0.05). The study highlights significant differences between sympatric dogs and cats with respect to the parasite infections investigated, as well as the need to examine both lymphoid tissue and skin samples to maximise the sensitivity of L. infantum infection diagnosis.