Domestic Cats Research Articles

Morphological evaluation of adult domestic cat testicular biopsy after vitrification.

Testicular biopsies (9 mm3) from domestic cats (n = 10) submitted to orchiectomy were submitted to equilibrium vitrification in the presence of ethylene glycol (EG) alone or combined with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as intracellular cryoprotectants, and sucrose or trehalose as extracellular cryoprotectants. The samples were vitrified with 40% EG or 20% EG + 20% DMSO, plus 0.1 M or 0.5 M of sucrose or trehalose. The study was divided into Step 1 and Step 2. In Step 1, intratubular cells (spermatogonia, spermatids, spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells) were quantified and classified as intact or degenerated (pyknotic and/or vacuolated cells). Cryodamage of seminiferous cords was determined by spermatogonia and Sertoli cell scoring of nuclei alterations, tubular basement membrane detachment, epithelium shrinkage, and tubular measures (total area, epithelium area, larger and smaller diameter, and height of the epithelium). In Step 2, Hoechst 33342 stain and propidium iodide (PI) fluorescent stain were used to assess the cell viability of the four best experimental groups in Step 1. The effect of treatments on all analyses was accessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Fisher's post hoc test at P < 0.05 significance was considered. In Step 1, the mean percentage of spermatogonia and Sertoli cells morphological integrity did not show a difference when using both sugars at different concentrations, but their morphology was more affected when DMSO was used. EG use associated with 0.1 M of sucrose or trehalose positively affected spermatocyte and spermatid morphology, respectively. The larger diameter and epithelium height of seminiferous tubules were increased using DMSO plus 0.5 M sucrose and DMSO plus 0.1 M trehalose. The changes in spermatogonial/Sertoli nucleoli visualization were best scored in the EG groups, while the nuclei condensation was lower with sucrose. The basement membrane was satisfactorily preserved with 0.1 M sucrose. In Step 2, the percentage of cell viability was higher when EG plus 0.1 M sucrose was used. Therefore, DMSO's negative effect on the vitrification of testicular biopsies of adult domestic cats was evident. The EG plus 0.1 M of sucrose or trehalose associations are the most suitable CPAs to preserve the testicular histology structure of adult domestic cats in vitrification.

Prevalence and risk factors for gingivitis in a cohort of UK companion cats aged up to 6 years.

Prospectively collected data were used to estimate the prevalence of gingivitis in a cohort of companion cats aged up to 6 years and to investigate factors associated with the risk of gingivitis in cats aged 3 to 4 years. Data were obtained from a longitudinal study of domestic cats (the Bristol Cats Study), using owner-completed questionnaires and veterinary surgeon-completed oral health scores. Prevalence estimates of veterinary-reported gingivitis for cats aged up to 6 years old (n = 1534) were calculated for different age groups. Cat signalment, diet and dental care were assessed for association with gingivitis in cats aged 3 to 4 years (n = 317) using univariable and multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of gingivitis increased with age and ranged from 24.5% (<12 months old) to 56.3% (5 to 6 years old). Odds of gingivitis in cats aged 3 to 4 years were higher in cats fed a wet only or mixed wet/dry diet compared to dry only (odds ratio: 2.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 5.1), cats not reported to hunt compared to reported hunters (odds ratio: 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 4.2), cats reported to dribble whilst being stroked at age 6 months compared to reported non-dribblers (odds ratio: 3.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 8.4) and cats with orange variants in their coat colour compared to non-orange cats (odds ratio: 2.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.0 to 5.3). These results will help veterinary surgeons identify cats that may be at a greater risk of gingivitis and provide an evidence base to inform dietary and oral healthcare recommendations aimed at promoting gingival health in cats.

Effects of Phyllanthus niruri antiseptic skin cream on surgical wounds in Felis catus after ovariosalpingohysterectomy

Studies highlight the cost-effectiveness and lower adverse effects of herbal remedies than allopathic medicines, making them attractive amidst growing microbial resistance concerns. This investigation explored the in vitro antiseptic properties of Phyllanthus niruri alcoholic extract (EA) against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., and Candida albicans. Various in vitro methods were employed, including disk diffusion, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), and Bactericidal/Fungicidal Concentration (MBC/MFC). A skin cream formulation using P. niruri was developed, undergoing in vivo trials on ten feline subjects post-ovariosalpingohysterectomy (OSH). Felines were treated with P. niruri skin cream (100mg/ml), with 0.1% aqueous chlorhexidine as the positive control. Skin assessments included hyperemia, crust, edema, and exudation. Inhibition was observed in vitro at various EA concentrations, and cytotoxicity analysis showed no harm. The P. niruri skin cream at 100mg/ml exhibited consistent outcomes, with a minor deviation from the fifth day onwards, without compromising therapeutic efficacy (Tukey test, p &lt; 0.05). The formulation demonstrated stable physical-chemical properties with no adverse feline reactions. These findings suggest the skin cream's in vivo antimicrobial potential as a future antiseptic alternative.

Genomic analysis of the first multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing high-risk clonal lineage Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 isolated from a cat with urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are pervasive in human and veterinary medicine, notably affecting companion animals. These infections frequently lead to the prescription of antibiotics, contributing to the rise of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This escalating concern is underscored by the emergence of a previously undocumented case: a high-risk clone, broad-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant K. pneumoniae ST147 strain, denoted USP-275675, isolated from a cat with UTI. Characterized by a multidrug-resistant (MDR) profile, whole genome sequencing exposed several antimicrobial-resistance genes, notably blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1B, blaSHV-11, and blaOXA-1. ST147, recognized as a high-risk clone, has historically disseminated globally and is frequently associated with carbapenemases and extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Notably, the core-genome phylogeny of K. pneumoniae ST147 strains isolated from urine samples revealed a unique aspect of the USP-276575 strain. Unlike its counterparts, it did not cluster with other isolates. However, a broader examination incorporating strains from both human and animal sources unveiled a connection between USP-276575 and a Portuguese strain from chicken meat. Both were part of a larger cluster of ST147 strains spanning various geographic locations and sample types, sharing commonalities such as IncFIB or IncR plasmids. This elucidates the MDR signature inherent in widespread K. pneumoniae ST147 strains carrying these plasmids, highlighting their pivotal role in disseminating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Finally, discovering the high-risk clone K. pneumoniae ST147 in a domestic feline with a UTI in Brazil highlights the urgent need for thorough AMR surveillance through a One Health approach.

A new Finnish flavor of feline coat coloration, "salmiak," is associated with a 95-kb deletion downstream of the KIT gene.

Cats with a distinctive white hair pattern of unknown molecular cause have been discovered in the Finnish domestic cat population. Based on the unique appearance of these cats, we have named this phenotype salmiak ("salty licorice"). The use of a commercially available panel test to genotype four salmiak-colored cats revealed the absence of all known variants associated with white-haired phenotypic loci: full White (W), Spotting (Ws) and the Birman white Gloves associated (wg) allele of the KIT proto-oncogene (KIT) gene. Whole-genome sequencing on two salmiak-colored cats was conducted to search for candidate causal variants in the KIT gene. Despite a lack of coding variants, visual inspection of the short read alignments revealed a large ~95 kb deletion located ~65 kb downstream of the KIT gene in the salmiak cats. Additional PCR genotyping of 180 domestic cats and three salmiak-colored cats confirmed the homozygous derived variant genotype fully concordant with the salmiak phenotype. We suggest the newly identified variant be designated as wsal for "w salmiak".

Characterizing the blood microbiota in healthy and febrile domestic cats via 16s rRNA sequencing

This study aimed to evaluate the blood bacterial microbiota in healthy and febrile cats. High-quality sequencing reads from the 16S rRNA gene variable region V3-V4 were obtained from genomic blood DNA belonging to 145 healthy cats, and 140 febrile cats. Comparisons between the blood microbiota of healthy and febrile cats revealed dominant presence of Actinobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidetes. Upon lower taxonomic levels, the bacterial composition was significantly different between healthy and febrile cats. The families Faecalibacterium and Kineothrix (Firmicutes), and Phyllobacterium (Proteobacteria) experienced increased abundance in febrile samples. Whereas Thioprofundum (Proteobacteria) demonstrated a significant decrease in abundance in febrile. The bacterial composition and beta diversity within febrile cats was different according to the affected body system (Oral/GI, systemic, skin, and respiratory) at both family and genus levels. Sex and age were not significant factors affecting the blood microbiota of febrile cats nor healthy ones. Age was different between young adult and mature adult healthy cats. Alpha diversity was unaffected by any factors. Overall, the findings suggest that age, health status and nature of disease are significant factors affecting blood microbiota diversity and composition in cats, but sex is not.

Vesiculobullous Cutaneous Larva Migrans in the Absence of Domestic Dogs and Cats. Successful Treatment with Oral Ivermectin

While conducting research in a protected ecological reserve within Ecuador’s subtropical rainforest, a 49-year-old biologist, residing in an Andean city, contracted hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (Hr-CLM) in the vesiculobullous clinical form. Since there were no domestic dogs or cats in the reserve, it is likely that wild animals carrying Ancylostoma sp. larvae infected the patient. She was effectively treated with two doses of oral ivermectin, administered 31 days after getting the infection. This case was diagnosed in a temperate city; therefore, a comprehensive travel history and clinical assessments are crucial for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Dermatophytosis in domestic cats: Identification, and treatment in an Indian context

The surge in domestic cat adoption across India, particularly the rising preference for high-pedigree cats, coupled with environmental factors, has resulted in increased incidence of dermatophytosis among feline companions. Despite this growing concern, there is a noticeable scarcity of studies in India delving into the etiological factors contributing to dermatophytosis in cats. This disease is a threat to animal health and carries public health significance, given that cats are recognized reservoir hosts for Microsporum canis, a common dermatophyte affecting humans and animals. This study endeavours to identify the dermatophytes affecting cats and establish a standardized therapeutic regimen while accounting for the local stigma surrounding the regular bathing of cats. The study involved the examination of 82 cats presenting dermatological lesions, when subjected to cultural examination in dermatophyte test medium revealed 36 afflicted with dermatophytes. Isolates were presumptively identified by staining using lactophenol cotton blue, Chicago sky blue 6B, and Calcofluor white stains. Molecular-level identification of the isolates was confirmed through PCR-RFLP, amplifying the Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequence of 16 s rDNA, followed by restriction digestion using the Mva1 enzyme. Among the thirty-six isolates, 29 were identified as M. canis, while the remaining 7 were M. gypseum. The cases were categorized into five groups and treated with Lime Sulphur dip, 4 % chlorhexidine shampoo, a shampoo containing 2 % miconazole and 4 % chlorhexidine, oral itraconazole alone, and a combination of oral itraconazole with lime-Sulphur dip. Statistical analysis revealed that the response was notably swifter with lime Sulphur dip when considering only topical therapy. Moreover, the mycological cure was most expeditious when combining Lime Sulphur dip with oral itraconazole. These findings underscore the pivotal role of topical biocides in feline dermatophytosis treatment, potentially reducing the reliance on specific antifungals and thereby contributing to the mitigation of antimicrobial resistance emergence.

Human cat borne rabies as the new epidemiology of the disease in the Andes mountains.

Rabies virus (RABV) is the etiologic agent of rabies, a fatal brain disease in mammals. Rabies circulation has historically involved the dog has the main source of human rabies worldwide. Nevertheless, in Colombia, cats (Felis catus) have become a relevant species in the epidemiology of rabies. To characterize rabies cases in humans in Colombia in the last three decades in the context of the epidemiology of the aggressor animal. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal epidemiological study of human rabies caused by cats' aggression, collecting primary and secondary information. Variables considered included the demography of the patient, symptoms, information about the aggressor animal as the source of infection and the viral variant identified. We found that the distribution of rabies incidence over the years has been constant in Colombia. Nevertheless, between 2003 and 2012 a peak of cases occurred in rural Colombia where cats were the most frequent aggressor animal reported. Most cats involved in aggression were unvaccinated against rabies. Cat's clinical signs at the time of the report of the human cases included hypersalivation and changes in behaviour. Human patients were mostly children and female and the exposure primarily corresponded to bite and puncture lacerations in hands. The RABV lineage detected in most cases corresponded to variant 3, linked to the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus). The geographical presentation of cat borne RABV in humans occurred along the Andes mountains, epidemiologically known as the rabies red Andean corridor. By finding cats as the primary source of rabies spillover transmission in Colombia, this report highlights the importance of revising national rabies control and prevention protocol in countries in the Andes region. Our results demonstrate that rabies vaccination for outdoor cats needs to prioritize to reduce the number of rabies-related human deaths.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) of Comminuted Radial Fractures Using a Locking Plate Contoured on a 3D-Printed Model of the Feline Antebrachium: A Cadaveric Study.

(1) Background: Due to the unique structural and functional characteristics of the forelimb in cats, fractures of the radius and ulna are best repaired using internal fixation and stabilization in accordance with AO principles. This study presents the results of reduction of 42 cadaveric comminuted feline radial fractures reduced by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). (2) Methods: Radius fractures were created on 21 pairs of forelimbs with intact bones. MIPO was then performed using two locking bone plates pre-contoured on 3D-printed bone models of the antebrachium of a male and a female cat. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were taken, and radius length and anatomical lateral distal radial angle (aLDRA) were measured. (3) Results: All fractures were classified as complex diaphyseal fractures of the radius. The radial bone length did not change significantly after surgery (F1,18 = 0.01, p = 0.933). However, the aLDRA was modified after surgery (F1,18 = 7.51, p = 0.013), but this change was only observed in females, in whom the aLDRA was significantly reduced (p = 0.035) compared to the value determined by the shape of the plate. In males, the pre- and postoperative aLDRA values were similar (p = 0.824). In 40 cases, alignment, adjacency of bone fragments, and apparatus were judged to be satisfactory. In two cases, the plate was fixed to the proximal radius and distal ulna due to misidentification of the distal radius. In both cases, revision surgery and correct fixation of the radius gave proper alignment, adjacency, and apparatus. (4) Conclusion: A pre-contoured plate on a 3D-printed model of the male and female domestic cat antebrachium was suitable for the reduction and stabilization of comminuted radial fractures in a cohort of domestic cat cadavers without the need to print individual antebrachial bone models for each patient.

Fatty acid composition and biophysical characteristics of the cell membrane of feline spermatozoa

Sperm membrane composition and biophysical characteristics play a pivotal role in many physiological processes (i.e. sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction and fusion with the oocyte) as well as in semen processing (e.g. cryopreservation). The aim of this study was to characterize the fatty acid content and biophysical characteristics (anisotropy, generalized polarization) of the cell membrane of domestic cat spermatozoa. Semen was collected from 34 adult male cats by urethral catheterization. After a basic semen evaluation, the fatty acid content of some of the samples (n = 11) was evaluated by gas chromatography. Samples from other individuals (n = 23) were subjected to biophysical analysis: membrane anisotropy (which is inversely proportional to membrane fluidity) and generalized polarization (describing lipid order); both measured by fluorimetry at three temperature points: 38 °C, 25 °C and 5 °C. Spermatozoa from some samples (n = 10) were cryopreserved in TRIS egg yolk-glycerol extender and underwent the same biophysical analysis after thawing. Most fatty acids in feline spermatozoa were saturated (69.76 ± 24.45%), whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content was relatively low (6.12 ± 5.80%). Lowering the temperature caused a significant decrease in membrane fluidity and an increase in generalized polarization in fresh spermatozoa, and these effects were even more pronounced following cryopreservation. Anisotropy at 38 °C in fresh samples showed strong positive correlations with viability and motility parameters after thawing. In summary, feline spermatozoa are characterized by a very low PUFA content and a low ratio of unsaturated:saturated fatty acids, which may contribute to low oxidative stress. Cryopreservation alters the structure of the sperm membrane, increasing the fluidity of the hydrophobic portion of the bilayer and the lipid order in the hydrophilic portion. Because lower membrane fluidity in fresh semen was linked with better viability and motility after cryopreservation, this parameter may be considered an important factor in determination of sperm cryoresistance.

Update on feline calicivirus: viral evolution, pathogenesis, epidemiology, prevention and control

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a prevalent and impactful viral pathogen affecting domestic cats. As an RNA virus, FCV exhibits high mutability and genetic plasticity, enabling its persistence within cat populations. Viral genetic diversity is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic infections and mild oral and upper respiratory tract diseases to the potential development of virulent systemic, and even fatal conditions. This diversity poses distinctive challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases caused by FCV. Over the past four decades, research has significantly deepened understanding of this pathogen, with an emphasis on molecular biology, evolutionary dynamics, vaccine development, and disease management strategies. This review discusses various facets of FCV, including its genomic structure, evolution, innate immunity, pathogenesis, epidemiology, and approaches to disease management. FCV remains a complex and evolving concern in feline health, requiring continuous research to enhance understanding of its genetic diversity, to improve vaccine efficacy, and to explore novel treatment options.

Xanthinuria in a familial group of Munchkin cats and an unrelated domestic shorthair cat.

Four confirmed cases of xanthinuria in cats, and one suspected case based on pedigree analysis, were identified. Clinical presentations varied and included haematuria, pollakiuria, dysuria, and urethral and ureteral obstruction. All cats had upper urinary tract uroliths. Diagnosis was obtained through infrared mass spectrometry of uroliths or urine. Clinical signs commenced at 3-8 months of age and reduced in all cats in the medium to long term after the introduction of a protein-restricted diet. Four cats were castrated males and one was a spayed female. Cases consisted of four Munchkin pedigree cats and one unrelated domestic shorthair cat. All four affected Munchkin pedigree cats were related, with three cases full siblings and the fourth case a half-sibling. No connection to the Munchkin pedigree could be established for the domestic shorthair cat. A candidate causative genetic variant (XDH p.A681V) proposed for this cat was excluded in the Munchkin family. All affected cats presented diagnostic challenges and routine urinalysis was insufficient to obtain a diagnosis. Cases of feline xanthinuria may be underdiagnosed due to situations where uroliths cannot be retrieved for analysis and there is an inability to make a diagnosis using crystal morphology alone on routine urinalysis. Metabolic screening of urine may provide an effective mechanism to confirm xanthinuria in suspected cases where uroliths are inaccessible or absent. In this case series, male cats were more common. Their anatomy may increase the risk of lower urinary tract signs and urethral obstruction developing secondary to xanthine urolithiasis. A protein-restricted diet appears to reduce clinical signs as part of long-term management. Four closely related Munchkin cats and one domestic shorthair cat were found with a suspected genetic disease causing high levels of xanthine in their urine. The case series looks at similarities and differences in their clinical signs, as well as difficulties experienced in obtaining a correct diagnosis. All cats had upper urinary tract stones and required metabolic testing of the stones or urine to diagnose. All cats were young when their clinical signs started and were on a high-protein diet. Four cats were desexed males and one was a desexed female. A genetic variant that may have caused the disease in the domestic shorthair cat was ruled out in the Munchkin family. Cases of high xanthine levels in feline urine may be underdiagnosed as the stones may not be accessed for testing. In this case series, male cats were more common. Their anatomy may increase the risk of lower urinary tract signs. A protein-restricted diet appears to reduce clinical signs as part of long-term management.

Melatonin reduces oxidative stress and improves follicular morphology in feline (Felis catus) vitrified ovarian tissue

Ovarian tissue vitrification is associated with multiple events that promote accumulation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) which culminate in follicular apoptosis. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the role of melatonin in vitrification and culture of feline (Felis catus) ovarian tissue. In phase 1, domestic cat ovaries were fragmented into equal circular pieces of 1.5 mm diameter by 1 mm thickness and divided into four groups (fresh control and 3 treatments). The treatments were exposed to vitrification solutions supplemented with melatonin at 0 M, 10-9 M, and 10-7 M, then vitrified-warmed, histologically evaluated and assayed for ROS. Consequently, phase 2 experiment was designed wherein ovarian fragments were divided into two groups. One group was exposed to vitrification solution without melatonin and the other with 10-7 M melatonin supplementation, then vitrified-warmed and cultured for ten days with fresh ovarian fragments as control prior to assessment for histology, immunohistochemistry (Ki-67, MCM-7 and caspase-3) and ROS. Concentration of ROS was lower (p = 0.0009) in 10-7 M supplemented group in addition to higher proportion of grade 1 follicles. After culture, proportions of intact and activated follicles were higher (p < 0.05) in melatonin supplemented group evidenced by higher expression of Ki-67 and MCM-7. Follicular apoptosis was lower in melatonin supplemented group. In conclusion, melatonin at 10-7 M concentration preserved follicular morphological integrity while reducing ROS concentration in vitrified-warmed feline ovarian tissue. It has also promoted the follicular viability and activation with reduced apoptosis during in vitro culture of vitrified-warmed feline ovarian tissue.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in goats (Capra hircus) in the state of Espírito Santo, Southeast Brazil

Toxoplasma gondii is described as a potential cause of abortion in goats and as a threat to public health. To estimate the prevalence of goats infected by T. gondii, in different cities in the Espírito Santo State, and to identify possible risk factors for infection a serological study was conducted. A total of 146 goat serum samples from the cities of Cariacica, Serra and Vila Velha were analyzed. The presence of IgG Class Immunoglobulins was serologically evaluated by Immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii was 46.6% (68/146) in both techniques and the same samples got the same results in both techniques. Among the analyzed sera, 70.6% (48/68) exhibited high-avidity IgG antibodies, and 29.4% (20/68) exhibited low-avidity IgG antibodies, suggesting that the infection was chronic in the infected animals. Female sex, age group over two years old, water from the public supply system, storage of food and supplies in an open and unprotected place, and the presence of a domestic cat on the property were identified as risk factors for T. gondii infection in goats. The state of Espirito Santo has a high frequency of infected goats, and this is the first research on caprine toxoplasmosis seroepidemiology in that region.

Monitoring of environmental persistent organic pollutants in hair samples of cats and dogs

This study investigated 32 persistent organic pollutants, including 9 organochlorine pesticides, 15 polychlorinated biphenyls, 6 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and 2 organophosphate pesticides in the hair samples of domestic cats and dogs living in an urban area in Samsun, Turkiye. Hair samples were collected from 35 cats and 38 dogs, grouped by sex and age (<3 or >3 years old). Samples were extracted using a liquid-liquid extraction method and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The results revealed the presence of organochlorine pesticides (n = 58, 468.65 ± 92.30 ng/g), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (n = 57, 15.65 ± 3.91 ng/g), polychlorinated biphenyls (n = 55, 54.11 ± 9.47 ng/g), and organophosphate pesticides (n = 25, 568.43 ± 113.17 ng/g) in the samples. PCBs 81, 118, 128, 208, and 2,4-DDE were not detected in any samples. Only one sample did not contain any of the searched compounds. Fluorene was the most frequently detected pollutant (n = 53, 72.6 %), followed by β-hexachlorocyclohexane (n = 34, 46.6 %). The highest maximum concentration was observed for hexachlorobenzene (2748.03 ng/g), followed by aldrin (2313.45 ng/g) and fenitrothion (2081.13 ng/g). Pollutant concentrations did not differ between cats and dogs, sexes, and ages (p > 0.05). This study highlights the significant threat that urban areas pose to pets, and therefore, POPs should be monitored periodically in hair and other samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to investigate POP levels in hair samples from cats and dogs in Turkiye.

Infection with Clonorchis sinensis (Cobbold, 1875) Metacercariae in Fish from the East Lake of Wuhan: Freshwater Fish in Urban Lakes May Act as Infection Sources of Liver Fluke

The liver fluke disease caused by Clonorchis sinensis is one of the most serious food-borne parasitic diseases in China. Many freshwater fish and shrimps can be infected with C. sinensis metacercariae as the second intermediate hosts in endemic regions. Owing to the lack of infected humans and the good administration of pet dogs and cats in cities of non-endemic regions, few fish are expected to be infected with C. sinensis metacercariae in urban lakes. To determine the infection of C. sinensis metacercariae in freshwater fish and shrimps in urban lakes, a total of 18 fish species and one shrimp species were investigated in the East Lake of Wuhan City. Metacercariae were isolated by artificial digestive juice and identified using morphology and rDNA-ITS2 sequences. Five species of fish, Pseudorasbora parva, Ctenogobius giurinus, Squalidus argentatus, Hemiculter leuciclus, and Rhodeus spp., were infected with C. sinensis metacercariae. The overall prevalence of C. sinensis was 32.5%. The highest prevalence was found in P. parva with 57.9%, while S. argentatus exhibited the highest mean abundance (13.9). Apart from the C. sinensis metacercariae, four species of other trematode metacercariae were also identified across twelve fish species in total. Owing to the consumption of undercooked fish and feeding cats with small fish caught by anglers, there is a potential risk that the small fish infected with C. sinensis metacercariae may act as an infection source to spread liver fluke. Given the complete life cycle of C. sinensis, stray cats and rats were inferred to act as the important final hosts of C. sinensis in urban lakes in non-endemic areas.

Evaluation of Skin Prick Test Results Performed for the Diagnosis of Inhaled Allergens in Konya

Aims: We aimed to determine the distribution of inhaled allergens by evaluating the results of skin prick tests performed on patients with allergic complaints in Konya. Methods: The study included 2351 patients aged 2-18 years who underwent skin prick tests for the diagnosis of inhaled allergens at the Selçuk University Medical Faculty Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Outpatient Clinic between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023. Demographic characteristics and skin prick test results of 696 patients with sensitivity to at least one inhaled allergen were retrospectively evaluated. Results: Sensitivity to at least one inhaled allergen was detected in 696 (29.6%) of 2351 patients who underwent skin prick testing for allergic symptoms. The average age of patients with inhaled allergen sensitivity was 10.37 ± 4.14 years. 278 (39.9%) of the patients were girls and 418 (60.1%) were boys. Considering the distribution of inhaled allergens detected by skin prick test, the most frequent allergens were pollen allergens (78.2%), cat epithelium (38.8%) and dog epithelium (33.8%). The most common allergens detected in girls were pollen allergens (77.3%), cat epithelium (38.1%) and house dust mites (37.1%). The most common allergens detected in males were pollen allergens (78.7%), cat epithelium (39.2%) and dog epithelium (34.7%). When allergen sensitivities were evaluated according to gender, sensitivity to house dust mites was more common in girls than in boys. Sensitivity to pollen allergens was most frequently detected in all seasons. Statistically significant differences were detected between house dust mites, pollen allergens, rye, grass mix and cat epithelium sensitivities according to seasons. Conclusion: Our study shows the distribution of inhaled allergens in Konya province. Therefore, we assume that it can contribute to the implementation of environmental measures that can be taken to protect against allergens and thus to the treatment of patients.

Lions & sea lions & bears, oh my: utilizing museum specimens to study the ossification sequence of carnivoran taxa

BackgroundMammalian skeletons are largely formed before birth. Heterochronic changes in skeletal formation can be investigated by comparing the order of ossification for different elements of the skeleton. Due to the challenge of collecting prenatal specimens in viviparous taxa, opportunistically collected museum specimens provide the best material for studying prenatal skeletal development across many mammalian species. Previous studies have investigated ossification sequence in a range of mammalian species, but little is known about the pattern of bone formation in Carnivora. Carnivorans have diverse ecologies, diets, and biomechanical specializations and are well-suited for investigating questions in evolutionary biology. Currently, developmental data on carnivorans is largely limited to domesticated species. To expand available data on carnivoran skeletal development, we used micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to non-invasively evaluate the degree of ossification in all prenatal carnivoran specimens housed in the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology. By coding the presence or absence of bones in each specimen, we constructed ossification sequences for each species. Parsimov-based genetic inference (PGi) was then used to identify heterochronic shifts between carnivoran lineages and reconstruct the ancestral ossification sequence of Carnivora.ResultsWe used micro-CT to study prenatal ossification sequence in six carnivora species: Eumetopias jubatus (Steller sea lion, n = 6), Herpestes javanicus (small Indian mongoose, n = 1), Panthera leo (lion, n = 1), Urocyon cinereoargenteus (gray fox, n = 1), Ursus arctos arctos (Eurasian brown bear, n = 1), and Viverricula indica (small Indian civet, n = 5). Due to the relatively later stage of collection for the available specimens, few heterochronic shifts were identified. Ossification sequences of feliform species showed complete agreement with the domestic cat. In caniforms, the bear and fox ossification sequences largely matched the dog, but numerous heterochronic shifts were identified in the sea lion.ConclusionsWe use museum specimens to generate cranial and postcranial micro-CT data on six species split between the two major carnivoran clades: Caniformia and Feliformia. Our data suggest that the ossification sequence of domestic dogs and cats are likely good models for terrestrial caniforms and feliforms, respectively, but not pinnipeds.

Two Lineages of Papillomaviruses Identified from Caracals (Caracal caracal) in South Africa

Papillomaviruses (PV) infect epithelial cells and can cause hyperplastic or neoplastic lesions. In felids, most described PVs are from domestic cats (Felis catus; n = 7 types), with one type identified in each of the five wild felid species studied to date (Panthera uncia, Puma concolor, Leopardus wiedii, Panthera leo persica and Lynx rufus). PVs from domestic cats are highly diverse and are currently classified into three genera (Lambdapapillomavirus, Dyothetapapillomavirus, and Taupapillomavirus), whereas those from wild felids, although diverse, are all classified into the Lambdapapillomavirus genus. In this study, we used a metagenomic approach to identify ten novel PV genomes from rectal swabs of five deceased caracals (Caracal caracal) living in the greater Cape Town area, South Africa. These are the first PVs to be described from caracals, and represent six new PV types, i.e., Caracal caracal papillomavirus (CcarPV) 1–6. These CcarPV fall into two phylogenetically distinct genera: Lambdapapillomavirus, and Treisetapapillomavirus. Two or more PV types were identified in a single individual for three of the five caracals, and four caracals shared at least one of the same PV types with another caracal. This study broadens our understanding of wild felid PVs and provides evidence that there may be several wild felid PV lineages.