Cat Contact Research Articles

Rare case of septic shock combined with meningitis caused by Pasteurella multocida without a history of cat and dog bites

BackgroundPasteurella multocida is a zoonotic pathogen that mainly causes local skin and soft tissue infections in the human body through cat and dog bites. It rarely causes bacteraemia (or sepsis) and meningitis. We reported a case of septic shock and meningitis caused by P. multocida in a patient without a history of cat and dog bites.Case presentationAn 84-year-old male patient was urgently sent to the emergency department after he was found with unclear consciousness for 8 h, accompanied by limb tremors and urinary incontinence. In the subsequent examination, P. multocida was detected in the blood culture and wound secretion samples of the patient. However, it was not detected in the cerebrospinal fluid culture, but its DNA sequence was detected. Therefore, the patient was clearly diagnosed with septic shock and meningitis caused by P. multocida. The patient had no history of cat or dog contact or bite. The patient was subsequently treated with a combination of penicillin G, doxycycline, and ceftriaxone, and he was discharged after 35 days of hospitalisation.ConclusionThis report presented a rare case of septic shock and meningitis caused by P. multocida, which was not related to a cat or dog bite. Clinical doctors should consider P. multocida as a possible cause of sepsis or meningitis and should be aware of its potential seriousness even in the absence of animal bites.

Recurrence in Toxoplasma Chorioretinitis: A Case Report

Introduction : Toxoplasma is the most common cause of chorioretinitis and recurrency of toxoplasma chorioretinitis often occur. Recurrences risk factors are patients above 40 years, patients with de novo toxoplasmosis lesions or with less than one year after the first episode, macular area involvement, lesions greater than one disc diameter, congenital toxoplasmosis, and bilateral compromise.
 Case Illustration : Female, twenty years old, complained blurred vision on the RE for two years. The patient had a history of cat contact and no systemic manifestation. Anterior segment examination in both eyes is normal with right eye visual acuity 1/60 and left eye visual acuity VA 6/6. Posterior segment examination on the left eye showed normal limit while the right eye showed hyperpigmentation in inferotemporal optic disc and nasal macula. Retina showed hard exudate. Macula showed yellow- white exudate with subretinal bleeding and macular star appearance. Foveal reflex under normal limit. Toxoplasma serology was IgG (+) and IgM (-). The patient has been treated with cotrimoxazole 2x960mg and methylprednisolone 1x32mg.
 Discussion : Visual acuity is severely damaged in recurrence toxoplasma chorioretinitis. There are several factors that affect the recurrences of toxoplasma chorioretinitis. In this patient, the risk factors found are de novo lesion, lesions greater than 1 disc diameter, and macular involvement. Cotrimoxazole can reduce recurrence in toxoplasma chorioretinitis but still recurrency can occur.
 Conclusion : Recurrences in toxoplasma chorioretinitis affect visual acuity, and even with adequate therapy, recurrence is possible.

Seroprevalence of the specific antibody against Toxoplasma gondii among patients with hematological diseases

To investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections among patients with hematological diseases, so as to provide insights into improving the prognosis and quality of life among patients with hematological diseases. A total of 240 patients with hematological diseases (including 170 patients with hematological tumors and 70 patients with non-tumor hematological diseases) admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University during the period from January 1, 2021 through October 10, 2023 and 500 healthy volunteers in the hospital during the same period were enrolled. Subjects' demographics and serum samples were collected, and serum specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected using the chemiluminescence assay, with any of a positive IgG or IgM antibody defined as a positive T. gondii infection. The seroprevalence of specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii was compared between patients with hematological diseases and healthy volunteers. The mean age (F = 2.034, P > 0.05) and gender distribution (χ2 = 0.462, P > 0.05) were comparable among patients with hematological tumors, patients with non-tumor hematological diseases and healthy volunteers, and there was no significant difference in the proportion of history of cat or dog contacts between patients with hematological diseases and healthy volunteers (χ2 = 0, P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody was significantly higher among patients with hematological diseases than among healthy volunteers (15.8% vs. 0.6%; χ2 = 71.902, P < 0.01), and there was a significant difference in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody among patients with hematological tumors (18.2%), patients with non-tumor hematological diseases (10.0%) and healthy volunteers (χ2 = 78.327, P < 0.01). The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody was significantly higher among patients with hematological tumors and non-tumor hematological diseases than among healthy volunteers (both P values < 0.05), while no significant difference was seen in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody between patients with hematological tumors and non-tumor hematological diseases (P > 0.05). In addition, the proportion of history of cat or dog contacts was significantly higher among patients with hematological diseases that were positive for serum anti-T. gondii anti-body than among those negative for serum anti-T. gondii antibody (21.1% vs. 5.4%; χ2 = 8.653, P < 0.05). There is a high seroprevalene rate of T. gondii infections among hematological diseases, which is significantly greater than that among healthy volunteers.

Cat Ownership and Schizophrenia-Related Disorders and Psychotic-Like Experiences: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

It has been proposed that cat ownership may be a risk-modifying factor for schizophrenia-related disorders and psychotic-like experiences (PLE). This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze publications that reported the relationship between cat ownership and schizophrenia-related outcomes. We searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and gray literature for publications between January 1, 1980, and May 30, 2023, regardless of geographical location and language. Backward citation search methods were used to locate additional articles. We included studies that reported original data on cat ownership and schizophrenia-related outcomes. We meta-analyzed estimates based on broad definitions (cat ownership, cat bites, and cat contact) with estimates with or without covariate adjustments. We pooled comparable estimates using random-effects models and assessed the risk of bias, heterogeneity, and study quality. We identified 1915 studies, of which 106 were chosen for full-text review, ultimately resulting in the inclusion of 17 studies. We found an association between broadly defined cat ownership and increased odds of developing schizophrenia-related disorders. For the studies reporting unadjusted odds ratios (OR; n = 10), the pooled OR was 2.14 (95% CI: 1.29-3.55). Exclusion of one outlier study resulted in a pooled OR (n = 9) of 1.56 (95% CI: 1.27-1.92). For the studies reporting adjusted estimates (n = 5), the pooled OR was 2.44 (95% CI: 1.59-3.73). After excluding one study with suboptimal exposure/design features, the pooled adjusted OR (n = 4) was 2.40 (95% CI: 1.50-3.86). We were unable to aggregate the estimates for the PLE outcomes because of the broad range of measures. Our findings provide support for the hypothesis that cat exposure is associated with an increased risk of broadly defined schizophrenia-related disorders; however, the findings related to PLE as an outcome are mixed. There is a need for more high-quality studies in this field. PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023426974. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023426974.

Heartbreak From Puppy Love: A Case of Pasteurella multocida Endocarditis and Review of the Literature

Background Pasteurella multocida, a gram-negative coccobacillus associated with dog, cat, and other animal contact, often causes human bite infection, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis, but infective endocarditis is rare. We present a patient with P. multocida aortic valve endocarditis whose animal exposure was contact with his dog's saliva from frequent licking of patient's skin in the perioral area. Case Presentation A 62-year-old man with successfully treated hepatitis C presented to hospital after a syncopal episode while chasing his dog. He had previously noted night sweats, fever, generalized weakness, and dyspnea on exertion. He denied bites or scratches but admitted allowing his dog to lick around his mouth. On presentation, he was in septic shock with lactic acidosis. White blood cell count was 20,000/μL. Pasteurella multocida was isolated from both admission blood cultures. The patient was treated with antimicrobial therapy and resuscitated. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed critical bicuspid aortic valve stenosis with root abscess and ascending aortic aneurysm. Transesophageal echocardiogram showed reduced ejection fraction and severe aortic stenosis but no definitive vegetations. At surgery, there were nodular lesions on the aortic valve, left ventricular outflow tract perforation, and annular abscess of aortic valve. He had mechanical aortic valve replacement, annular reconstruction, and aortic aneurysm repair. The patient received 6 weeks of postoperative intravenous ceftriaxone and remained infection-free at 1-year follow-up visit.

A Case Series of Cat-Scratch Disease with Ocular Manifestations: Clinical Findings and Treatment Approach.

To present the clinical and demographic characteristics, imaging findings, diagnosis and treatment approach in cases of cat scratch disease (CSD) with ocular involvement. The records of 19 patients followed-up and treated between 2010 and 2020, including detailed ophthalmological examinations, imaging findings, and treatment approach, were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty-three eyes of 19 patients, 7 female (37%) and 12 male (63%), were included in the study. The mean age was 34.1±13.3 (range: 11-56) years, and the mean follow-up duration was 12.6±18.0 (range: 1-81) months. Unilateral involvement was observed in 15 cases (79%). Cat contact was reported in 14 cases (74%). In 6 cases (32%), flu-like symptoms were present before the ocular complaints. The mean visual acuity (VA) at presentation was 0.42±0.36 (range: 0.001-1.0). Anterior uveitis was observed in 3 eyes (13%). Posterior segment findings included neuroretinitis in 14 (61%), superficial retinal infiltrate(s) in 8 (35%), papillitis in 3 (13%), branch retinal artery occlusion in 2 (8%), and cilioretinal artery occlusion in 1 (4%) of the eyes. All cases were positive for Bartonella henselae immunglobulin (Ig)M and/or IgG. Systemic antibiotic therapy was administered to all patients. Intravenous pulse or oral corticosteroids were given, especially in cases with optic disc involvement. The mean final VA was 0.80±0.25 (range: 0.01-1.0). CSD may present with different ocular involvement patterns. Apart from the classical neuroretinitis and macular star appearance, patients may present with isolated optic disc edema, branch retinal artery occlusion, and retinal infiltrations. In such patients, cat contact history and Bartonella serology should be evaluated to differentiate CSD.

Lymphadenopathies associated with Cat-Scratch Disease in Turkiye

Aim: Bartonella henselae is the etiologic agent of cat-scratch disease. The disease affects children and young adults. The objective of this study is to analyze the epidemiology, clinical features, and course of this disease in Turkiye. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: Children without immunodeficiency, with relevant clinical signs and symptoms, and positive serology were included in the study. Clinical, demographic and laboratory data of patients diagnosed with cat-scratch disease between October 2018 and February 2021 were evaluated retrospectively.&#x0D; Results: A total of 46 patients were included. The mean age was 132 months (IQR 90- 153 months), and 69.6% (n = 32) were male. There was a history of cat contact in 73.9% of the patients and 43.5% of these were with household cats. Most of the lymphadenopathies were axillary (73.9%), and generalized lymphadenopathy was not observed. The median duration of symptoms before admission was 4 weeks. The median ultrasonographic lymphadenopathy size was 4 cm. The median clinical improvement time was 6.5 weeks. Azithromycin was given in 18 patients and intravenous and/or oral beta-lactamase inhibitor combination therapy in 18 patients while no treatment was necessary in 10 patients.&#x0D; Conclusion: The typical presentation is a solitary, enlarged lymph node, mostly in the axillary region. Bartonella henselae IgG level should be studied prior to invasive procedures. It should be known that cat scratch disease can develop without a history of cat contact. Meanwhile, it should be known that contact with a house cat may cause disease more often than contact with street cats.

Detection of Toxoplasmosis in Association with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease During Pregnancy in Duhok, Iraq

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is widely distributed in the human population and is responsible for corresponding global morbidity. Specifically, T. gondii causes toxoplasmosis, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, and neural disorders. This parasite attacks different human organs and glands, such as the thyroid gland, and causes various corresponding health issues. Recently, studies have established a link between T. gondii and autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), which contributes to preterm delivery, miscarriage, low birth weight, and death. Therefore, the aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of toxoplasmosis and its association with AITD among pregnant women. A total of 180 blood samples were collected from pregnant women and examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The patients were within the age range of 15–50 years old, and lived in Duhok City, Iraq; samples and clinical information was collected from August 2021 to February 2022. The corresponding blood samples were tested for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody, Toxoplasma IgG avidity, FT3, FT4, and TSH hormones, and TPO, Tg, and TSHR antibodies. Overall, our results showed that out of 180 pregnant women, 110 (61.1%) were seropositive for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody; specifically, 25 (22.7%) and 85 (77.3%) had recent and past infections, respectively. Approximately 54.4% (98) of the pregnant women had thyroid disorders; further, 22 (12.2%), 13 (7.2%), and 8 (4.4%) women had TPO, Tg, and TSHR antibodies, respectively. A total of 43 (23.8%) patients screened positive for AITD. Out of the 110 Toxoplasma IgG–positive women, 35 (31.8%) had AITD. The older women, rural residents, restaurant food consumers, and women with cat contact had relatively high infection rates. Toxoplasma seropositive women had more elevated autoantibodies than seronegative ones. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a high rate of toxoplasmosis and a corresponding association with thyroid hormones changes and AITD in pregnant women in Duhok, Iraq. Further, it is necessary to reduce overall infection rates through effective health and educational programs. Therefore, it is essential to measure Toxoplasma antibodies, screen for thyroid hormones and autoantibodies, and encourage gynecologist visits to reduce the risks to mothers and fetuses.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in immuno-compromised women and sheep of Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most significant worldwide zoonotic infections caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is a major public health and veterinary concern in terms of mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and assess the potential risk factors of T. gondii infection among pregnant women, HIV/AIDS patients, and sheep in Bahir Dar city, North West Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design and systematic random sampling techniques were employed. Serum samples were analyzed for anti-T. gondii antibodies using a commercially available Toxo-latex agglutination test kit. Logistic regression analysis was employed to test associations between variables. The seroprevalences of T. gondii infection in the examined pregnant women, HIV/AIDS patients, and sheep were 70.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 65.1-73.4%), 70% (95% CI: 63.3-76.8%), and 43% (95% CI: 38.5 - 47.4%) respectively. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that T. gondii infection was significantly associated with knowing the zoonotic nature of toxoplasmosis (adjusted Odds ratio [AOR] = 0.197, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.107 - 0.35), eating raw meat (AOR=3.27, 95% CI: 1.89-5.65), and owning a cat (AOR=9.35, 95% CI: 4.00-21.84) in pregnant women and HIV/ AIDS patients. Hence, comprehensive health education about toxoplasmosis, particularly for pregnant women and HIV/AIDS patients, avoiding consumption of uncooked meat, and cat contact for immune-compromised women are of paramount importance.

Interplay between cross sectional analysis of risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women and their domestic cats.

Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). The primary aim of this study was to identify hygienic and cat management practices that could affect the occurrence of T. gondii in cats and their owners in Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. T. gondii infection was evaluated in 80 pregnant women and 29 domestic cats using Real-time PCR. A questionnaire was administered to obtain information regarding the risk factors associated with T. gondii infection. Blood samples were collected from enrolled pregnant women, and fecal samples were collected from their pet cats. Firth logistic regression model complemented with random forest (RF) analysis was used to evaluate the association of different hygiene and cat management practices with T. gondii infection in pregnant women. T. gondii infection was identified in 27.5% of pregnant women and 17% of domestic cats. Drinking raw milk and contacting stray and pet cats were significantly associated with higher odds of T. gondii infection. The proportion of T. gondii-positive women who ate raw meat (60.0%) was higher than those ate heat-cooked meat (25.3%). Moreover, women who did not wash their hands after contact with cats were 6 times (OR 6.12; CI: 3.03-9.21) more likely to experience T. gondii infection than those washed their hands after cat contact. The RF analysis showed that washing hands constitute a serious yet preventable public health concern that requires targeted, community-specific efforts. Cat owners, particularly pregnant women, need to be aware about the risk of T. gondii infection, while handling cat and pet's owner should be advised to take necessary hygienic measures to prevent its infection.

Occurrence of parasites in the soil of public squares in Veranópolis, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Human health is threatened by diseases transmitted between animals and humans, denominated zoonoses. Public parks and squares are environments used by the population and easily accessed by domestic and stray animals. The contact of dogs and cats with the soil from those places may favor the transmission of zoonoses to humans. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of parasites in the soil of public squares in the city of Veranópolis in Rio Grande do Sul State. Forty sand samples were collected in four squares throughout the months of December 2021, January, February and March 2022. The samples were processed by the Hoffman, Pons and Janer (HPJ) and Rugai methods. The results showed that 32.5% (13/40) of samples were positive for the presence of parasitic structures. Nematode larvae, including hookworm, were the most prevalent parasitic structures in the samples. In addition, Capillaria sp. eggs, Strongyloides sp. larvae, free-living larvae and Entamoeba coli cysts were also found. Two collections conducted after rainy days had a higher rate of contamination. The presence of parasites was observed in both superficial and deep samples. Therefore, the presence of parasites in the sand of Veranópolis’ public squares demonstrates that there is a risk of parasitic infection for the local population. KEY WORDS: Animals; parasites; soil; squares; zoonoses.

Characteristics of children with cat sensitivity: a prospective cross-sectional study.

Animal dander is one of the most common respiratory allergens in children, and there is evidence that cat sensitivity is a risk factor for asthma and allergic rhinitis. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate children with cat sensitivity and to identify their demographic and clinical characteristics. Patients who were found to be sensitive to cats following skin prick tests performed in our allergy clinic over a period of one year (and two control groups), were included in the study. Patients in the study and control groups filled in a questionnaire including demographic and clinical characteristics. The prevalence of cat sensitivity in our allergy clinic was 6% (182/3033). The most common diagnoses in patients were 41.8% allergic rhinitis, 25.8% asthma, and 13.2% allergic rhinitis + asthma. Allergic rhinitis symptoms were the most prevalent symptom associated with cat contact (29.4%), whereas 28% of the patients were asymptomatic. Only 17.3% had a cat at home and 13.4% had cat exposure apart from home but having a cat at home was significantly higher than the control groups (p < 0.05). Eosinophilia was present in 54.6% of the patients, and 17.3% had blood tIgE levels of >1000 IU/mL. Eosinophilia and tIgE levels were significantly higher than both control groups (p < 0.05). Cat ownership can affect the development of cat sensitivity but the majority of patients with cat sensitivity are not cat owners. Elevated tIgE levels (> 1000 IU/mL) may be associated with cat sensitivity, these patients should be evaluated for cat sensitivity, even if they do not report symptoms with cat contact.

Serological and Molecular Detection of Toxoplasma Gondii among Pregnant Women Giving Birth at the University Of Gondar Specialized Hospital in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Objective: Congenital toxoplasmosis can be presented when immunosuppressed women are reactivating of this infection acquired before pregnancy in addition to women recently exposed to this disease during pregnancy, which causes of fetal death, neonatal death or congenital defects. Women mainly get this infection by ingested improperly cooked or raw meat consisting of viable tissue cysts or by contaminated foods and water within sporulated oocysts or through the placenta. Thus, this study aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women using serologically and molecularly at study area. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to October 2020 by collecting a total of 200 umbilical cord blood and matching discharged placental tissue samples from systematic randomly selected pregnant women giving birth at University of Gondar specialized hospital. Latex agglutination test and nested polymerase chain reaction were used for the detections of this infection. Findings: The overall serological, first polymerase chain reaction and nested polymerase chain reaction findings of this study were 46%, 24% and 10%, respectively. The univariant analysis indicated that seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were also significantly influenced by eating raw meat, eating raw vegetables, drinking raw milk, presence of domestic cat contacts and source of water (P  0.05). In the case of multivariate analysis drinking raw milk and source of water were also significantly associated to the seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii. Moreover, there were also fair concordant between latex agglutination within first polymerase reaction (Kappa: 0.290) andnested polymerase chain reaction tests of this parasite (Kappa: 0.231). Novelty: This nested polymerase chain reaction and the Toxo-latex agglutination tests had also fair agreements in pregnant women. Moreover, Consumption of raw meat, vegetables and milk; domestic cat contacts and source of water were the potential statically significant associated risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity. Conclusions: Generally, these comparative tests confirmed the existence of this infection in pregnant women that played up a pool of public health risks for their embryo and infants. Thus, thoroughly cooking raw meats and vegetables; pasteurized raw milk; avoid domestic cat contacts and boiling of water will be the best prevention and control strategies of this infection. Further works on its genotyping of this pathogen will be also convinced. Keywords: Latex agglutination; Nested polymerase chain reaction; Placental tissue; Pregnant women; Toxoplasma gondii; Umbilical cord blood

Çocuk Acil Servise Kuduz Şüpheli Hayvan Teması İle Başvuran Pediatrik Olguların Değerlendirilmesi

Aim: Rabies is a public health problem that can be prevented by vaccination and prophylaxis practices both in our country and in the world. It has a high risk of death if it cannot be prevented. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children admitted to the pediatric emergency department of our hospital with the suspicion of rabies. Material and Methods: In this study, patients who applied to the Pediatric Emergency Department of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine between January 2013 and June 2021 with contact with an animal with an animal at risk of rabies were evaluated retrospectively. Epidemiological and clinical features of 746 pediatric cases included in the study were evaluated. Results: 55% of 746 patients included in the study were male and the mean age was 102 months (4 months-216 months). 94% of the cases reside in the city and 6% reside in the countryside. There was cat contact in 54% and dog contact in 46% of the cases. Of the contact animals, 84% were stray and 89% were unvaccinated. While 82% of suspected rabies contacts were in category 2, 60% had upper extremity contact, and 21% had lower extremity contact. While wound cleaning was performed in all cases, rabies vaccine was administered to 99%, rabies immunoglobulin to 10%, tetanus prophylaxis to 32%, and antibiotic treatment to 21%. Immunoglobulin, antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis, suturing and hospitalization were higher in the dog contact group than in the cat contact group. Compliance with the rabies vaccination schedule was high in both groups. Conclusion: Our study shows that the contact cases with suspected rabies are mostly with stray and unvaccinated animals, and precautions such as vaccination and housing of stray animals should be increased. Rabies, which is still a deadly public health problem for the whole world and for our country, can be prevented by vaccination, post-exposure prophylaxis practices, and community education.

Dog and Cat Contact as Risk Factor for Human Toxocariasis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Toxocariasis, a neglected parasitic zoonosis with worldwide distribution, has been reportedly associated to different risk factors in several epidemiological and meta-analysis studies. However, dog and cat contact (environmental and animal exposure) as isolated associated risk factor for children and adults remains to be fully established. Accordingly, the present meta-analysis has aimed to directly assess dog and cat contact for toxocariasis seropositivity in under-18 and adult persons, using a survey strategy of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus and Scielo Databases, from January 2009 to December 2021. A meta-analysis model of random effects was applied to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). The statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by the Cochran Q-Test and I2 values. A total of 41 transversal studies (n = 20.515 individuals) from different geographic regions (classified by the World Health Organization) were included herein. In overall, 1,882/13,496 (13.95%; 95% IC = 13.4–14.5) youngers and 513/7.019 (7.3%; 95% CI = 6.7–7.9) adults in contact with dogs or cats were serologically reagent for anti-Toxocara antibodies. Association of dog and cat contact was observed only in youngers, with both dogs (OR = 1.53; p < 0.0001) and cats (OR = 1.64; p = 0.0001). In addition, association of dog and contact and serology was statistically significant in populations of Americas (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.1–1.7), Middle East (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.6–5.1) and West Pacific (OR = 1.6; 95% IC = 1.3–1.9). In conclusion, contact with dogs and cats, particularly by younger individuals and in regions such as Americas, Middle East, and West Pacific, should be always a public health concern for toxocariasis. Moreover, dogs and cats should be periodically dewormed, washed and hair cleaned prior to contact with youngers. Finally, robust statistical results herein may serve as basis for future strategies and preventive measures for safer dog and cat contact.

Cat Contact as A Risk Factor for Tinea Capitis Infection

Background: Tinea capitis (TC) is common infection caused by dermatophytes on the scalp. Cat contact is one of the TC risk factors. Microsporum canis is the most abundant fungi in cats and humans as a zoophilic infection. Cats and carrier cats can infect humans, mostly children. Purpose: To evaluate cat contact as a risk factor for TC patients at the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatients Unit of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya in January 2017 - December 2018. Methods: A retrospective study by observation and recording data. The results obtained as a result of the data recap were then processed using tabulation to obtain conclusions. Result: The results obtained from TC cases in 2017 and 2018 are 20 patients. The results were cat contact in 9 patients (45%), aged &gt; 5 years (55,6%), male (55,6%), and lived in Surabaya (88,9%), hair loss (88,9%), crust (100%), M. canis in culture (55,6%), Grey patch type (55,6%), combination of oral Griseofulvin and Ketoconazole 2% scalp solution (88,9%), and patients’ follow up (44,4%). Discussion: More people keeping cats will increase the risk of being infected with feline dermatophytosis. Combination therapy is the best treatment for M. canis. It is important to educate parents to be careful with pet cats that can become carriers. Conclusion: Cat contact was positive in almost half patients, mostly in a male and &gt; 5 years old. The most common signs and symptoms were crust and hair loss, and grey patch.

Prevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies in cats in Germany and other European countries in the early phase of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic.

During the first months of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), cases of human‐to‐cat transmission were reported. Seroconversion was shown in cats infected under experimental and natural conditions. This large‐scale survey of 1,005 serum samples was conducted to investigate anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody prevalence in domestic cats during the first 7 months of the pandemic in Germany and other European countries. In addition, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of two multispecies SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results were confirmed by using an indirect immunofluorescence test (iIFT) and a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Sera that were highly positive for feline coronavirus (FCoV) antibodies (n = 103) were included to correct for cross‐reactivity of the tests used. Our results showed an overall SARS‐CoV‐2 seropositivity of 1.9% (n = 19) in a receptor‐binding domain (RBD)‐based ELISA, additional 0.8% (n = 8) were giving inconclusive results. In contrast, a nucleocapsid‐based ELISA revealed 0.5% (n = 5) positive and 0.2% (n = 2) inconclusive results. While the iIFT and sVNT confirmed 100% of positive and 50%–57.1% of the doubtful results as determined in the RBD ELISA, the nucleocapsid‐based assay showed a high discrepancy and only one of the five positive results could be confirmed. The results indicate significant deficits of the nucleocapsid‐based ELISA with respect to sensitivity and specificity. Due to a significantly higher rate (5.8%) of positive results in the group of highly FCoV antibody‐positive samples, cross‐reactivity of the FCoV‐ELISA with SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies cannot be excluded. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of direct contact of domestic cats (n = 23) to SARS‐CoV‐2 positive owners. Considering one inconclusive result, which got confirmed by iIFT, this exposure did not lead to a significantly higher prevalence (4.4%; p = .358) among tested subjects. Overall, we conclude that cats are a negligible entity with respect to virus transmission in Europe.

Clinical Manifestations of Bartonella henselae Infection Among Children

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze clinical manifestations, epidemiology and laboratory parameters of B. henselae infection among children treated at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, Zagreb from January 2014 until June 2019. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the epidemiology, clinical and laboratory characteristics among children with positive indirect immunofluorescence assay for B. henselae IgM and IgG or positive B. henselae polymerase chain reaction from lymph node aspirate. Results: A total of 104 patients, 47 (45,1%) female and 57 (54,8%) male were enrolled. The median age was 9,7 (range, 1,1 to 17,3 years). A history of cat contact was present in 101 (97,1%) children. Acute infection was serologically confirmed in 87 (83,6%), in 5 (4,8%) with PCR while both methods were positive in 12 (11,5%) patients. The presentation on B. henselae infection were regional lymphadenopathy , disseminated disease, encephalopathy and fever of unknown origin. Suppurative inflammation was the most common complication in patients with lymphadenopathy 12/92 (13%). Full recovery was the most frequent outcome (96,1%). Conclusion lesion: B. henselae infection among children is usually a mild disease presented as regional lymphadenopathy. Serology and polymerase chain reaction are useful tests for diagnosis. Treatment duration and choice of therapy depend on clinical manifestation and developed complications.

Serosurvey and associated risk factors of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in bovines from slaughterhouses of southeastern Brazil

BackgroundToxocariasis, caused by a nematode species of the genus Toxocara, has been described as one of the most prevalent zoonotic helminthiases worldwide. Human transmission may occur by ingesting Toxocara spp. larvae from raw or undercooked meat or organs; however, no comprehensive serosurvey study has been conducted to date investigating the role of cattle as paratenic hosts. The aim of the study reported here was to assess the prevalence of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies and associated risk factors in bovines from two slaughterhouses located in Presidente Prudente, southeastern Brazil.MethodsBlood samples were collected and tested by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cattle farmers voluntarily responded to an epidemiologic questionnaire.ResultsOverall, 213 of the 553 (38.5%) bovine samples were assessed as seropositive for anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies by indirect ELISA. Multivariate analysis revealed that the source of beef cattle and the presence of dogs or cats at the farm were associated with seropositivity. The use of feedlot systems was associated with lower likelihood of seropositivity.ConclusionsThese results indicate a high level of anti-Toxocara seropositivity in slaughterhouse cattle, with potentially contaminated meat posing an infection risk to humans. In addition, the presence of dogs and cats where the slaughtered beef cattle were raised was statistically associated with bovine seropositivity, probably due to the overlapping environment at the farm and the lack of pet deworming. The use of feedlot systems was a protective factor likely due to the absence of dog and cat contact, elevated feeding troughs that avoid contact with contaminated soil or grass, and younger age at slaughter of feedlot cattle. In summary, bovines may be used as environmental sentinels of Toxocara spp. contamination, and high seropositivity of slaughterhouse cattle may indicate a potential risk of human toxocariasis through the ingestion of raw or undercooked contaminated meat.Graphical

Preventable public health challenge: Rabies suspected exposure and prophylaxis practices in southwestern of Turkey

BackgroundRabies is found in many countries of the eastern Mediterranean and is one of the most important zoonotic diseases in the world. The study aims to describe rabies suspected exposures (RSE) and rabies prophylaxis practices in Antalya-Turkey between 2010 and 2013. MethodsAll 2513 RSE cases presenting to a rabies vaccination center in Antalya, southwestern Turkey, were retrospectively investigated. ResultsThe mean age of the RSE cases was 30.04±19.63 years with male predominance (63.6%). The vast majority was from urban areas (91.7%), and a postexposure rabies vaccination program was applied to 79.7% of participants. Dogs were the primary source of RSE cases (61.2%). The 39.2% of animals were under observation, and 9.53% of them died. Forty-two animals (1.7%) were laboratory confirmed rabid; 61.9% of them were cows. The rabid animal rate in the rural area was significantly higher than the urban area (18.2% versus 0.2%; p=0.001). ConclusionsThis study includes a large number of RSE cases and prophylaxis practices in southwestern Turkey. Most RSE cases had dog or cat contact. As most RSE cases were in urban areas; more focused efforts should be made for elimination and vaccination of feral dog and cat population in Turkey.