Cats In Iran Research Articles

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.

Gastrointestinal helminths infection of free-roaming cats (Felis catus) in Southeast Iran.

Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free-roaming cat population. From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free-roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate. Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free-roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high-risk populations, such as pre-school and school-age children.

Feline dermatoses at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran): 154 cases (2009-2020).

Studies indicate that 6% to 20% of feline patients have at least one dermatopathy. This retrospective study aimed to provide comprehensive information about the types of skin diseases, diagnosis methods, treatments and follow-up data in a hospital population of domestic cats in Iran. The present survey of clinical observations was conducted on the medical records of 1825 individual cats brought to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (Iran) over a 12-year period (2009-2020). Feline dermatoses accounted for 154 (8.43%) of the 1,825 cats examined during the study period. The most prevalent dermatological manifestations in the studied population of 154 were erythema, macules, papules and/or pustules (36; 23.37%), alopecia (18; 11.68%) and erosive/ulcerative lesions (17; 11.03%). Specific dermatological diagnoses made were the following (in descending order, of 154): dermatophytosis (34; 22.07%), subcutaneous abscesses (16; 10.38%), atopic skin syndrome/environmental allergies (20; 10.38%), external parasites (15; 9.74%), otitis (10; 6.49%), flea infestation (6; 3.89%), food allergy (4; 2.59%) and primary pyoderma (2; 1.29%). Most lesions were observed in the head/face of cats (41 of 154; 26.62%) and their ears (39; 25.32%). Following treatment, 86 of 154 cats (69.35%) had complete remissions, 17 cats faced recurrent dermatoses and the owners of 21 cats were not satisfied. The prevalence of dermatoses among this cohort of Iranian cats is similar to that in other parts of the world. However, a noticeable difference was detected in the most prevalent dermatoses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the characteristics and outcomes of feline dermatological conditions in Iran.

Parasites of Stray Cats in Iran: A Parasitological and Histopathological Study.

Many zoonotic parasitic diseases, including Toxocara cati, may be spread by stray cat populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of parasites by performing parasitological and histopathological examinations on stray cats in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 106 stray cats from different geographical areas of Shiraz, southern Iran, were examined for the presence of parasites. The overall prevalence was found to be 83.02% (88/106), and eight parasites were found. The parasites included three genera of cestodes [Joyeuxiella echinorhynoides (52.83%), Taenia taeniaeformis (21.70%), and Dipylidium caninum (1.89%)], three nematodes [Physaloptera praeputialis (23.59%), Toxocara cati (15.09%), and Rictularia sp. (1.89%)], one protozoa [Isospora spp. (6.60%)], and one arthropod [Ctenocephalides felis (5.66%)]. The prevalence did not significantly differ between males and females. It did appear, nevertheless, that the age of cats may be regarded as a risk factor for these parasitic infections. Histopathological examination revealed some parasite-induced lesions in the intestine and stomach, including hyperemia, hemorrhage, mucosal destruction and inflammation. The lung tissues showed some histopathological lesions such as hemorrhage, edema, emphysema and mild inflammation, and dormant larvae were found in one tongue sample. The results of the present study showed that parasitic infections and, more importantly, T. cati are relatively prevalent in stray cats, and the people living in this area are at serious risk of this zoonotic disease. The cats in this region need to be monitored, and specific preventive measures should be developed by public health officials.

Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats in close contact with positively-infected owners in Tehran, Iran in 2021.

In 2019, COVID-19 emerged in China and has since spread worldwide. Owing to the virus's ability to adhere to specific receptors, cats are susceptible to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The popularity of pet cats in Iran has sparked fears of human-cat-human transmission of the virus. This study aimed to identify positive cases in cats owned by people infected with SARS-CoV-2, to determine if they remained positive for >3 weeks and to examine the virus genome isolated from a number of cats and one of their owners. A total of 30 cats were sampled approximately 3 days after their owners tested positive (day 1), and 3 weeks later, in strict accordance with health regulations. Rectal and oropharyngeal samples were collected. All samples were subjected to a qualitative PCR and reverse transcription PCR. The S-gene region was partially sequenced in positive samples and the results were used to create a phylogenetic tree. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 7/30 (23.3%) cats examined. In the third week, every cat tested negative. The sequence data of positive cats and one of their owners revealed that the retrieved RNAs belonged to the alpha variation. The genetic distance between the samples and the reference sequence (20I/B.1.1.7: OM003849, MZ344997) was minimal, with a 99% similarity. Positive samples of cats had four mutations in gene S. Amino acid substitutions in the spike glycoprotein at positions N501Y, A570D, D614G and P681H were recorded in the isolates compared with 780 other sequences of Iranian strains. This study confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2-infected cats living in close contact with infected owners. Despite cats' susceptibility to COVID-19, the risk of severe infection in these animals is low, as evidenced by the lack of clinical signs in positive cats.

Molecular detection and identification of Bartonella species in cats from Hamedan and Kermanshah, Western Iran

Bartonella species are emerging vector-borne zoonotic pathogens which infect a wide range of domestic and wild animals as well as humans. Cats are the primary reservoir hosts for several zoonotic Bartonella spp., the most common being B. henselae the causative agent of cat scratch disease. Despite the important role of cats in the epidemiology of bartonellosis, there is limited information about the prevalence and species infecting cats in Iran. The aim of present study was molecular detection and identification of Bartonella species in cats from two western provinces Hamedan and Kermanshah. From December 2018 to February 2021, 87 cats (n = 26 from Hamedan, n = 61 from Kermanshah) were examined clinically, their bodies were searched for collection of ectoparasites, and cephalic or saphenous blood specimens were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood specimens and conventional PCRs targeting the rpoB, and ITS regions of Bartonella spp. were performed. Positive samples were sequenced and analysed phylogenetically. Bartonella DNA was detected in 11/87 cats (12.64 %). Sequencing results revealed the presence of B. henselae in cats from Hamedan, and B. clarridgeiae and B. henselae in cats from Kermanshah. A statistical association between cat origin and the prevalence of Bartonella spp. was observed in the studied population. This study confirms for the first time the circulation of Bartonella spp. in cats in two western Iranian provinces. Prevention strategies e.g. ectoparasites control, and regular examination of pet and urban cats are suggested for minimising Bartonella infection in cats and subsequently in humans.

Evaluation of different types of feline blood groups in cats of Isfahan, Iran

There is a high demand for pet veterinary care due to the increasing tendency to keep pets in Iranian households. These include blood transfusions because incompatible blood groups can lead to some negative effects such as isoerythrolysis in cats. This study was the first attempt to evaluate the distribution of blood type of cats in Iran. Blood samples were collected from 63 domestic short hair cats in Isfahan, Iran and blood groups were determined by the kit card agglutination method (Rapid Vet-H IC Feline kits, Agrolabo, Scarmagno, Italy). According to the results, the frequency of blood types of A, B, and AB were 96.8%, 3.2%, and 0%, respectively. Card agglutination method is a fast method with high validity. Therefore, it is recommended for determining blood types in donor and recipient in veterinary hospitals and breeding centers.

Identification of Bordetella bronchiseptica in the throat and nose of dogs and cats by PCR.

B.bronchiseptica is pathogenic for some domestic and wild animals. Due to the importance of this bacterium, its presence in dogs and cats has been investigated using PCR. Pharyngeal and nasal swabs were taken from 135 dogs and 42 cats. Based on the PCR performed on the dogs' samples, in 25/63 (39.68%) pharyngeal samples and 20/59 (33.89%) nasal samplesDNA of B. bronchiseptica detected. On the other hand, according to the PCR performed on the cats' samples, in 9/23 (39.13%) pharyngeal samples and 319 (15.78%) nasal samples DNA of B. bronchiseptica was existed. According to the present study, the rate of B. bronchiseptica infection is high among dogs and cats in Iran. Also, due to the fact that the prevalence of this bacterium among pets animals is not exactly known in Iran, necessary measures should be taken for rapid diagnosis and treatment and proper control of the infection.

First Serological & Molecular Study of Coxiella burnetii in Stray, Domestic Cats, and Their Owners in Iran

Coxiella burnetii, the agent of Q fever, is recognized as a worldwide zoonosis a wide host and potentially complex reservoir systems. Infected ruminants are the main source of infection for humans, but cats also represent a potential source of infection. The prevalence of C burnetii in cats in Iran is unknown and the risks of transmission to humans are undetermined. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C burnetii in domestic cats and their owners. An Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for detection of anti-C burnetii antibodies in both cats and humans. Cats serum samples and humans serum samples (n = 85) were tested with indirect ELISA. C burnetii was diagnosed using real time- polymerase chain reaction. Antibodies were detected in 19 sera of 85 (22.35%) samples in stray cats, 9 sera of 78 (11.53%) samples of domestic cats and 4 sera of 78 (5.12%) samples of their owners. This first study of C burnetii prevalence in cats in Iran has indicated that positive samples can be found throughout the country and these results confirm that Iranian cats have been exposed to C burnetii. Moreover, this study demonstrates that cat owners, breeders and veterinary personnel might be at higher risk of exposure of C burnetii.

Seasonal Effects on the Corneoconjunctival Microflora in a Population of Persian Cats in Iran

This study was performed to determine the normal seasonal aerobic and an-aerobic corneoconjunctival bacterial flora in cats. Thirty eyes of 15 clinically normal client-owned Persian cats were evaluated. All cats lived in a similar indoor/outdoor home environment being fed the same diet for the entire year. The cats did not receive any medications and were found to be clinically healthy 1 week prior to each microbial sampling. The cats were not exposed to other cats during the study period. Microbial samples were collected at the same time of day on the first day of the second month of each of the four seasons. During sample collection, a sterile swab was rolled over the corneoconjunctival surface avoiding contact with surrounding skin or hair. Immediately after sample collection, microbiologic aerobic and anaerobic cultures were initiated. Gram-positive bacteria were the most prevalent isolates. The most commonly isolated bacterial organisms across all seasons were Staphylococcus epidermidis (41/95; 43.2%), β-hemolytic streptococcus (18/95; 18.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (17/95; 17.9%), and Escherichia coli (11/95; 11.5%). Twenty-five cultures of a total of 120 (20.8%) were negative. One negative culture was collected in the summer, while 21 cultures were negative in fall and winter. Gram-positive bacteria were the predominant micro-organisms of the normal ocular surface of healthy cats in all seasons in this study. This result is in agreement with previous publications.

Prevalence of thermotolerant Campylobacter species in dogs and cats in Iran

Campylobacter is considered the most common bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis in the world with C. jejuni being regarded as the primary cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. A broad range of other Campylobacter species, including C. coli have also been implicated in human gastroenteritis. This study sought to isolate, characterize and assess the antibiogram of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli from faecal samples obtained from cats and dogs in Isfahan and Shahrekord cities in Iran. Faecal samples were collected from 100 pets comprising of 50 dogs and 50 cats from March 2015 to March 2016; incorporating the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter). Campylobacter spp. was isolated by culture, characterized by biochemical tests and confirmed by PCR‐based assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, using Mueller Hinton agar. A total of 19 Campylobacter isolates among them two C. jejuni and one C. coli were recovered from dogs and cats’ faecal samples. The prevalence rates of Campylobacter spp. were 16.0% (8 out of 50) in dogs and 22.0% (11 out of 50) in cats. The highest (4 out of 16, 25%) Campylobacter spp. prevalence among dogs was reported in autumn and the lowest (1 out of 11, 9.1%) in spring, while among the cats, the highest (4 out of 12, 33.3%) Campylobacter spp. prevalence was reported in summer and lowest (1 out of 11, 9.09%) in spring. Campylobacter spp. isolated from faecal samples obtained from cats and dogs exhibited the most frequent antimicrobial resistance against tetracycline at 81.8% and 87.5%, respectively, compared to all other antimicrobial agents. These results show a low prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in faecal samples obtained from pet dogs and cats in Shahrekord and Isfahan cities in Iran. Given the relatively low prevalence of the C. jejuni and C. coli in pet dogs and cats in Isfahan and Shahrekord cities, it can be assumed that their importance as reservoirs for infection in humans is likely to be limited to the studied cities, but should not be neglected.

Survey of polycystic kidney disease and other urinary tract abnormalities using ultrasonography in Persian and Persian related cats in Iran.

Ultrasonography is an accurate and accessible method for detecting polycystic kidney disease (PKD), an inherited autosomal dominant disease, and other urinary tract diseases. The present work is a preliminary study of PKD and urinary tract abnormalities using ultrasonography in Persian and other long hair cats in Iran. This study was conducted on 83 cats including 68 Persian cats and 15 Persian related cats from December 2013 to March 2015. The age of cats ranged 3 to 72 months. Cats were classified as PKD-positive when at least one renal cyst was observed. Other urinary system abnormalities were recorded ultrasono-graphically. Association of personal and nutritional characteristics with PKD and other urinary tract disease detected by ultrasonography was statistically analyzed. The prevalence of PKD among Persian cats and in the total population was 33.80% and 31.30%, respectively. PKD was more prevalent among male cats compared to those in female cats. PKD occurrence was significantly more among cats fed by commercial dry foods compared to those fed by homemade foods. There was no significant association between PKD and age, hair color, eye color, related clinical signs and other kidney abnormalities in ultrasonographic findings. The prevalence of renal calculi, urine sediments and bladder calculus were 2.40%, 32.80% and 3.60%, respectively. Urine sediments were significantly raised with increasing age. Screening program is essential for on-time diagnosis of PKD and to plan therapeutic management and control of the disease.

Sequence Analysis of VP2 Gene of the Parvoviruses Isolated from Fecal Samples of Domestic Cats in Tehran, Iran

Panleukopenia is a viral enteritis of high mortality rate in Feline population. It is caused by a small single-stranded DNA virus, belonging to the Family Parvoviridae, called Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV). Parvoviruses are capable of adapting to new hosts and can simply mutate like RNA viruses, resulting in the emergence of different strains with antigenic changes. Unlike the original Canine Parvovirus (CPV) type 2, the antigenic variants (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, CPV-2c) earned the ability to replicate in cat hosts either with clinical signs or without any symptoms. Cats may be able to shed Parvoviruses for a long time and can serve as an important reservoir. Co-infection with FPV and CPV-2 variants has been also reported. These characteristics make the cat an important host for Parvoviruses. Since no molecular study has reported on Parvoviruses infected cats in Iran, a decision was made to study these strains of Parvovirus. Twenty-eight fecal samples were collected from kittens under 6 months of age, both male and female and different breeds which had leukemia. PCR was performed on each sample and 26 samples tested positive for Parvoviruses. Randomly, the PCR products of eight samples were sequenced and their phylogenetic tree was generated. Analysis of the results revealed that all eight samples are FPV and it appears that FPV is more clonal than the CPV-2 variants in Iran. Amino acid residue 232 from the VP2 gene of FPVs has been changed from isoleucine to valine, which has only been reported in CPV-2 and its variants. It seems that some FPVs of Iran are changing to the CPV-2 variants. Hence, it is expected that in the future, the CPV-2 variants will be observed in cats.

High prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasmosis among stray cats in Iran

ObjectiveTo understand the prevalence of the hemotropic mycoplasmosis among stray cats. MethodsIn this research, 52 cats (30 queens and 22 toms) of different municipal regions of Tehran, the capital of Iran, were restrained and injected with tranquilizer. Peripheral blood samples were taken in order to detect blood parasites and taken blood smears were transferred to the parasitology laboratory, fixed by methanol and stained by Giemsa. ResultsAbout 32.7% of samples were positive for Mycoplasma spp. and some abnormalities were observed in leukocyte numbers. ConclusionsThere are some unclear aspects of hemotropic mycoplasmosis in Iran. This disease also has zoonotic importance. Therefore, some further researches are necessary to clarify the importance of the disease in different parts of Iran and its potential vectors.

Cats and <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>: A systematic review and meta-analysis in Iran

Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan zoonotic intracellular coccidian of the phylum Apicomplexa infecting warm-blooded animals and human beings. This protozoan causes a significant public health problem in humans and imposes considerable economic losses and damages to husbandry industries. The final host, cats, accounts for all of these significant burdens. Hence the present study was designed to analyse and review the overall prevalence rate of T. gondii infection in cats in Iran for the first time. In the present study data collection (published and unpublished papers, abstracts of proceedings of national parasitology congresses and dissertations) was systematically undertaken on electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, Irandoc, IranMedex and Scientific Information Database. A total of 21 studies from 1975 to 2013 reporting prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in cats from different areas in Iran met the eligibility criteria. The pooled proportion of toxoplasmosis using the random-effect model amongst cats was estimated at 33.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 22.05–46.41). The prevalence rate of cat toxoplasmosis in various regions of Iran ranged from 1.2% to 89.2%. Firstly, this study establishes a crude prevalence rate of T. gondii infection in cats. Secondly, it discusses the role of significant risk factors including sex, age and being either household or stray cats, in the epidemiology of the disease. Furthermore, the current study determines gaps and drawbacks in the prior studies that are useful to keep in mind to assist in designing more accurate investigations in future.

Determination of Feline calicivirus in cats in Ahvaz district, Southwest of Iran by RT-PCR (a preliminary study)

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly infectious respiratory pathogen of domestic cats with a widespread distribution. In order to assess how FCV circulates in feral and household cats, we have carried out the first study on the FCV detection in Ahvaz district from December 2008 to November 2009. Oropharyngeal, nasal and ocular swabs of one hundred cats (70 feral and 30 household) were evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedure for the detection of FCV. The influence of sex, age, social status and clinical signs on the probability of infection was analyzed using statistical Fisher’s exact test. Overall, feline calicivirus was detected in 4/100 (4%) of sampled cats; 13.3% of the household cats were FCV positive compared to 0% of feral cats. According to several factors including younger cats (under 6 months of age), multiple cat household and clinical findings, differences were significant (p 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report indicating the presence of FCV in cats in Iran. Due to low prevalence of FCV infection and the fact that feral cats live solitarily, it was concluded that this viral infection don’t spread readily within feral populations. However special measures are recommended to avoid infection of susceptible and unvaccinated cats.

A molecular study of hemotropic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) in cats in Iran.

Three feline hemoplasma species are recognized: Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. These species can cause anemia in cats and have a worldwide distribution. There was no previous information on hemotropic mycoplasma spp in cats in Iran and the Middle East. Accordingly, we investigated the molecular presence, and clinical signs and hematological profile in cats infected with these microorganisms in Iranian cats. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and cytology were performed on 100 blood samples collected from Iranian Shorthair cats. ACBC and case history were also collected for each sample. By PCR, 22 (22%; 14-30%, 95% CI) samples were positive. The prevalence of M haemofelis, 'Ca M haemominutum', and 'Ca M turicensis' was 63.63% (14/22), 54.54% (12/22), and 18.18% (4/22), respectively. Some double and triple co-infections were also found. Using PCR as the reference method, cytology had poor sensitivity (27%) and reasonable specificity (89.74%). Male cats were at a higher risk of infection (P=.001). Cats older than 8years were more frequently infected than the younger cats (P=.0018). Lower HCT (P=.018), RBC count (P=.028) and HGB concentration (P=.003) were also associated with hemoplasma PCR-positive status. Based on this study, the most prevalent feline hemoplasma species in Iranian cats was M haemofelis, but double and triple co-infections are also documented. Age and sex, as well as reduced RBC parameters, were predisposing factors for hemoplasma infection.

Microsporidia in household dogs and cats in Iran; a zoonotic concern

Microsporidia in dogs and cats is primarily caused by the obligate, intracellular parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which is a member of the phylum Microsporidia. The aim of the current study is the detection of this parasite in stool samples of small animals of Iran, by polymerase chain reaction. Microsporidia spp. was found in 31% (31/100) of dogs (E. cuniculi (18/100), Encephalitozoon bieneusi (8/100) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (5/100)), and 7.5% (3/40) of the specimens obtained from cats were infected with E. bieneusi. Sequencing of PCR products confirmed these results. In conclusion, Microsporidia infection seems to be fairly common in pet animals of Iran, especially in dogs. This finding could indicate the importance of pet animals as zoonotic reservoirs of microsporidial human infections.

A serological survey of Leptospiral infection of cats in Ahvaz, south-western of Iran

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis with numerous reservoir hosts. The disease is caused by infection with various serovars of Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. This study was conducted to evaluate the seroprevalence of leptospiral infection in stray cats in Ahvaz (south-western Iran) from April 2007 to June 2008. Blood samples were collected from 102 stray cats and screened for leptospiral infection using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Five of the 102 cats (4.9%) were serologically positive for at least one serovar of L. interrogans. The greatest number of reactors was for L. interrogans serovar balum (five serum samples). Antibodies against more than one serovar (namely, serovars balum and australis) were detected in one sample. All positive titers were detected at 1:100 dilution. The prevalence of leptospiral infection was 5.3% and 4.4% in male and female cats, respectively. There was no significant difference in positive titer prevalence between different sexes but prevalence was significantly different between age groups (P = 0.021), as all cats with positive titers were three years of age or more. This is also the first report of infection with L. interrogans serovars balum and australis from cats in Iran.

Fungal flora of the hair coat of stray cats in Iran.

The fungal flora of the hair coat of 100 stray cats in different districts of the city of Isfahan, Iran, were examined. Saprophytic fungi were isolated from all cats. Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Mucor and Cladosporium spp. were the most frequently isolated saprophytes. Microsporum canis was isolated from all kittens with clinical signs of dermatophytosis. In other cases, M. canis was isolated only from 22 of the 96 cats. No significant differences in sex, hair length, and fungal flora of the hair coat were found between the M. canis-infected and M. canis-free cats.