Haemobartonella Felis Research Articles

HAEMOBARTONELLOSIS IN DOMESTIC SHORT HAIR CATS

Haemobartonellosis is a disease caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis, previously called Haemobartonella felis, causing lethargy, fever, pale mucosa, and anemia of varying severity in cats. M. haemofelis is a small, gram-negative bacterium without cell walls that lives on the edge or surface (epicellular) of erythrocytes. The animal used as a case report is a domestic short-haired cat, ± 9 months old, an unsterilized female with a body weight of 3.3 kg. The results of the clinical examination and praesens status showed that the case cat experienced vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, mild ectoparasite infestation, pale mucosa, a CRT of more than two seconds, and increased respiratory frequency and body temperature. Routine hematological examination on the first day showed normochromic normocytic anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, monocytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Blood biochemical examination on the first day showed hypophosphatemia, hyponatremia, and hyperglycemia. A blood smear examination shows a round or ring-shaped formation on the edge or surface of the erythrocytes, which is morphologically identified as M. haemofelis. Based on the history, physical examination, and supporting examinations, the case cat was diagnosed as having haemobartonellosis. The case cat was treated for five days, and then on the sixth day, the case cat was sent home and underwent outpatient therapy because it showed an improving condition. Causative therapy for M. haemofelis is given oxytetracycline antibiotics for five days, followed by doxycycline antibiotics for 28 days during outpatient therapy. Frontline Plus® antiparasitic is given once to treat ectoparasites. The symptomatic therapy given is tolfenamic acid, once administered. The supportive therapy given is Lactate Ringer's infusion fluid therapy for 5 days and multivitamin, mineral, and hematopoietic supplements, namely Hematodin® by injection for five days, followed by Caviplex Syrup® for 28 days. Therapy for vulnus morsum is enrofloxacin for 8 days. After 28 days of outpatient therapy, the case cat showed clinical improvement and was actively playing.

UNILATERAL RHINITIS AND HEMOBARTONELLA FELIS INFECTION IN DOMESTIC CATS WITH A HISTORY OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity, which can arise from a number of intranasal or systemic disorders. Hemobartonella felis is a gram-negative intracellular bacterium that attacks cat's erythrocytes. This treatment aims to discuss diagnostic and treatment techniques for rhinitis and Hemobartonellosis infection in cat with kidney failure. The animal is a local cat with a history of kidney failure, female, 6 years old and weighing 2.7 kg. The owner came with complaints of a serous discharge in the right nasal cavity and occasional sneezing. The cat has decreased appetite since 6 months and looks weak. Clinical examination showed swelling of the right mandibular lymph nodes and inspection of the oral cavity found gingivitis, tartar, and halitosis. Routine hematological examination results showed that the cat had macrocytic hypochromic anemia accompanied by thrombocytopenia. Examination of the blood smear preparations found coccoid formations with short chains or rod formations in the cat's erythrocytes which indicated a positive result for Hemobartonella felis. Case animal was diagnosed with unilateral rhinitis and Hemobartonella felis infection. The therapy given consisted of Doxycycline antibiotics at a dose of 10 mg/kg once a day for 14 days, anti-inflammatory Dexamethasone at a dose of 0.5 mg once a day for 5 days and Sangobion as a supportive therapy 1 capsule once a day for 10 days. The therapy given helps to improve the condition of the case animal. General check up of health conditions is required during the maintenance period.

Microorganisms causing of clinical pathologies in canines and domestic felines in Valledupar, Colombia

The pathologies caused by microbial groups generate health risks in domestic dogs and cats; showing a zoonotic potential and producing affections in humans. According to that background, the purpose of this study was to establish the main microorganisms causing clinical pathologies in domestic dogs and cats by reviewing medical records in a veterinary clinic in Valledupar, Colombia. In order to do that, a retrospective study was conducted with clinical histories of dogs and cats admitted during 2017 and 2018 to the veterinary clinic “Mis Mejores Amigos”. Based on the information, a descriptive, explanatory and statistical analysis was applied, the latter by means of a Sperman correlation to evaluate the relationship between race, sex, age, microbial group and pathology-pathogen. From a total of 462 reports of canines and felines admitted to the clinic, a total of 273 diagnoses were obtained. 4% of the felines and 24% of the canines were affected by some microbial group. The most prevalent microorganisms in canines were Ancylostoma spp. (9 %) Entamoeba histolytica (5%) Ehrlichia spp. (5%), and Isospora sp. (5%) while in felines were Haemobartonella felis (20%) and Haemobartonella spp. (17%). It was determined that there is only correlation between the age of felines and the microbial group that affects them, in addition to the pathology presented with the pathogen. It was observed a high percentage of Ancylostoma sp. (9%) in canines of mongrel and French Poodle breeds whilst in felines was found the bacterium Haemobartonella felis in 20% of the mongrel breeds.

Haemobartonellosis in a Domestic Cat in Indonesia: a Case Study

Haemobartonellosis is a disease caused by Haemobartonella felis or Mycoplasma haemofelis, which attacks red blood cells. Ctenocephalides felis could transmit Haemobartonellosis. Further, vertical transmission from mother to offspring and blood transfusion from infected animals could transfer the disease to other animals. This report aimed to describe the diagnosis and medical treatment of haemobartonellosis in a domestic cat in Indonesia. Physical examinations and blood analysis were carried out. The cat weighed 1,4 kg with 39,3°C temperature, CRT was three seconds, mucosa looked pale, and many Ctenocephalides felis fleas were found. The clinical symptoms detected were weakness, loss of appetite, and hair loss. A blood test indicated normocytic normochromic anemia. The rod-like formation within erythrocytes in blood smear was observed. Infection with Hemobartonella felis was diagnosed based on the blood test and the presence of numerous Ctenocephalides felis. Doxycycline was administrated at 10 mg/kg BW once a day for 21 days. The cat recovered clinically after 21 days, with a good appetite, normal mucosal color, and normal temperature

A Rare Case Study on Feline Mycoplasmosis

This paper discusses the case report on Mycoplasma infection in cat and its timely diagnosis by blood smear examination and haematology. It also discusses the treatment and response of the cat for the disease. Haemobartonellosis in cats is caused by Mycoplasma haemofelis , formerly known as Haemobartonella felis . An eight months old Persian cat was received in the Small Animal Clinics, Out Patient Ward, Medicine department, Madras Veterinary College with the history to suspect for feline Mycoplasmosis. Peripheral blood smear and whole blood sample was collected and subjected to blood smear examination and whole blood for routine haematological study. It revealed codocytosis, anisocytosis and hypochromasia. Few ghost cells also were seen. Nearly 80–85% of the RBCs revealed darkly stained small organism at the rim or periphery of the cells.

Prevalence and risk factor analysis of Haemobartonella felis in cats using direct blood smear and PCR assay

The present case–control study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Haemobartonella felis, study the role of its risk factors and compare the different diagnostic tests. In order to achieve these goals, direct blood smear and single PCR assay were performed on blood samples from 90 cats (45 healthy controls and 45 sick cats). In addition, age, sex, breed, outdoor access, castration and density of living area were recorded in each group, and haematological analysis was performed on all blood samples. A total of 50 and 72.2 % of cats were H. felis positive in direct blood smear and PCR, respectively. The results showed a significant difference between control and case groups regarding the quantitative variables including fever and dehydration in direct blood smear, and tachycardia, icterus, fever and dehydration in PCR (P < 0.05). Castration, sex, breed, access to the outside (lifestyle) and density of cat population did not significantly affect test results. The results indicate that interactive effects of various factors (risk factors of infection) can diminish the individual specific effect of each.

A survey on endoparasites and ectoparasites of stray cats from Mashhad (Iran) and association with risk factors

As there appeared to be no data available on parasite infection of stray cats in the region and considering the potential threat of stray cats for animal and public health, the present study was carried out using biological samples and necropsy finding collected from cats captured in Mashhad city in the northeast of Iran. From a total 52 stray cats examined, 18 (34.6%) were male and 34 (65.4%) were female. Ten species of endoparasites including helminthes and protozoa and two species of ectoparasites were detected in the examined cats. There were two protozoa, five cestodes, three nematodes and two arthropods. Overall 46 cats (88.46%) have been infected with at least one of the parasites. The following parasites, with their respective prevalence, were found; Nematoda: Toxocara cati 28.84%, Toxocara leonina 7.69%, Physaloptera praeputialis 3.84%; Cestoda: Dipylidium caninum 23.08%, Mesocestoides lineatus 13.46%, Taenia taeniaformis 9.6%, Joyeuxiella echinorhyncoides 7.6% and Taenia hydatigena 1.92%; Protozoa: I. felis 23.7%, Haemobartonella felis 1.92%; Arthropoda: Ctenocephalides felis 1.92% and Cheyletiella blakei 1.92%. Based on our data, there was no significant difference in infection rate between male and female animals. However, the age of the cats were found to be an important risk factor associated with parasitic infection. Our results revealed that zoonotic agents, namely T. cati were present in stray cat colonies in the investigated area. In this respect, appropriate control measures should be taken and it is recommended to determine the most appropriate preventive methods.

Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon sp. in cats from São Luís Island, Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil

Few molecular studies have been done concerning the molecular characterization of Hepatozoon species among domestic and wild felids. The present work aimed to characterize molecularly the presence of Hepatozoon sp. DNA in cat blood samples from São Luís Island, Maranhão state, Northeastern Brazil. EDTA-whole blood samples were collected from 200 domestic cats with outdoor and wood areas access from São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Each sample of extracted DNA was used as a template in PCR reactions aiming to amplify a partial sequence of 18S rRNA of Hepatozoon spp. We also performed sequence alignment to establish the identity of the parasite species infecting these animals using DNA sequences based on 18S rRNA. From 200 sampled cats, Hepatozoon DNA was only found in one animal (0.5%). The found Hepatozoon DNA showed 97% of identity with Hemobartonella felis isolates 1 and 2 from Spain. When analyzing the phylogenetic tree, the found Hepatozoon DNA was in the same clade than H. felis isolates. Our findings suggest that more than one species of Hepatozoon could infect felids in Brazil.

Feline Hemotropic Mycoplasmas

Three species of hemotropic mycoplasmas are known to infect cats worldwide, Mycoplasma haemofelis, "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum." These organisms were previously known as Haemobartonella felis, but are now known to be mycoplasmas. Assays based on polymerase chain reaction technology are the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tests available for these organisms. Mhaemofelis is the most pathogenic species, and causes hemolytic anemia in immunocompetent cats. Other differential diagnoses for hemolytic anemia should be considered in cats testing positive for "Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis" and "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum," because the presence of these organisms is not always associated with anemia. Blood from infected cats should be handled with care because of the potential zoonotic nature of hemoplasma infections. The treatment of choice for cats with clinical disease is doxycycline.

Feline hemotropic mycoplasmas

To describe the current understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of feline hemotropic mycoplasmosis (feline infectious anemia). Manuscripts published on hemotropic mycoplasmosis in cats and other animal species, based on a search of PubMed using the search terms 'hemoplasmas,''haemoplasmas,''hemotropic,''haemotropic,' and 'Haemobartonella,' as well as references published within manuscripts accessed. Although hemotropic bacteria such as Bartonella bacilliformis have been recognized in humans for over 100 years, it has only been in recent years that some of these have been identified as hemotropic mycoplasmas. Three species of hemotropic mycoplasmas have been documented in cats worldwide, Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis,' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum.' These organisms were previously known as Haemobartonella felis, but are now known to be mycoplasmas. M. haemofelis is the most pathogenic species, and causes anemia in immunocompetent cats. Although 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' may be more capable of causing anemia in immunosuppressed cats, their pathogenicity remains controversial. Assays based on polymerase chain reaction technology are the most sensitive and specific diagnostic tests available for these organisms, because they remain uncultivable in the laboratory setting. Blood smears are unreliable for diagnosis of hemoplasmosis because of their lack of sensitivity and specificity. Cats presenting to emergency/critical care specialists with hemolytic anemia should be tested using polymerase chain reaction assays for hemotropic mycoplasmas before instituting antimicrobial therapy. Positive test results for M. haemofelis suggest involvement of this organism in hemolytic anemia. Other differential diagnoses for hemolytic anemia should be considered in cats testing positive for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,' because the presence of these organisms is not always associated with anemia. Blood from infected cats should be handled with care because of the potential zoonotic nature of this infection.

Haemobartonella felis in Tehran: follow-up, diagnosis, prevalence, clinical importance, laboratory evaluation, prognosis, and treatment of 23 infected cats (2003–2007)

Haemobartonella or Haemoplasma felis has currently been named Mycoplasma hemofelis. Seven hundred seventy-five healthy, sick-anemic, or non-anemic cats were evaluated over the past 4 years. H. felis was detected in blood smear preparation of 23 cats (0.03 L/L) by Giemsa staining. The age of the 23 cats ranged from 0.3–3 years (median, 1 year). The packed cell volume (PCV) on admission was (0.1–0.43 L/L; median 0.28 L/L). Twelve out of 23 (PCV, median 0.25 L/L) had secondary haemobartonellosis, and others had primary haemobartonellosis (PCV, median 0.33 L/L). Clinical chemistry showed hyperbilirubinemia in 13 cats. Five out of 23 had feline leukemia virus positive, from which, one cat also had immunodeficiency virus. Thirteen out of 23 cats were treated by oxytetracycline and dexametazon for a duration of 21 and 5 days, respectively. Two cats were euthanized, and one died (mortality rate, 13%). In conclusion, prevalence of H. felis in Tehran cats was 3% with a favorable prognosis which can successfully be cured except in those cats which are highly infected with immunosuppressive agents.

Current concepts in feline haemobartonellosis

HAEMOBARTONELLA felis is an important cause of haemolytic anaemia in cats. Over the past five years significant advances in the understanding of this organism have been made, which have led...

Sanitary conditions of a colony of urban feral cats (Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758) in a zoological garden of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The colony of urban stray cats living in the Rio de Janeiro zoological garden was studied in order to develop a population and health control program. As many cats as possible were captured during two months (47 animals) and were classified according to gender, age, weight and coat markings. They were submitted to a general health evaluation, examined for the presence of ectoparasites and sent to a surgical neutering program. All animals had a blood sample drawn for CBC, platelet count, heartworm and retroviruses detection. Capillary blood smears were made for hemoparasites detection. Coat marking and colors were tabby (59.7%), followed by solid black (17%); torbie (10.6%); bicolor (10.6%) and harlequin (2.1%). The only ectoparasites found were fleas, which infested 28% of the animals. The hemoparasites found were Haemobartonella felis (38%) and piroplasmas that could not be differentiated between Cytauxzoon spp. and Babesia spp. (47%). No cat was found infected by Dirofilaria immitis or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus), although FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) antibodies could be detected (21%). There was no correlation between hemoparasites and FIV infections. The estimated total cat population (mark-recapture method) was 59; 68% female and 32% male, suggesting that a neutering program is in fact needed.

Diagnosis of feline haemoplasma infection using a real-time PCR assay.

Haemobartonella felis has been reclassified within the genus Mycoplasma as Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', collectively referred to as the feline haemoplasmas. A total of 78 cats from the Johannesburg area that had blood samples submitted to a private veterinary laboratory were tested using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay able to detect and distinguish the two feline haemoplasma (basonym Haemobartonella) species. All samples had been diagnosed with haemoplasma infection by cytological examination of blood smears. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate associations between haemoplasma status, age, and haematological and biochemical parameters. On PCR assay 43 cats (55%) were haemoplasma negative, 25 (32.1%) positive for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', 5 (6.4%) positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 5 (6.4%) positive for both species. Significant inverse correlation was found between the amount of M. haemofelis DNA present in the blood and the haematocrit value. Cats that were positive for M. haemofelis showed macrocytic regenerative anaemia, monocytosis and thrombocytopaenia. This report documents the existence of both haemoplasma species in cats in South Africa.

Identification of Haemobartonella felis (Mycoplasma haemofelis) in captive nondomestic cats.

This study was undertaken to determine whether Haemobartonella felis (Mycoplasma haemofelis), the causative bacterial agent of feline infectious anemia, infects nondomestic cats. Routine complete blood count and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to detect the gene for 16S ribosomal RNA for the organism. Sixty-four blood samples were collected from 54 nondomestic cats, including tigers (Panthera tigris), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), lions (P. leo), mountain lions (Felis concolor), snow leopards (P. unica), and a jaguar (P. onca). Some cats were sampled on two or three different dates. Two tigers were positive for H. felis by PCR analysis. As previously described in domestic cats, the parasitemia appears to be intermittent in nondomestic cats.

Use of a PCR assay to assess the prevalence and risk factors for Mycoplasma haemofelis and ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ in cats in the United Kingdom

Blood samples from 426 healthy and sick cats in the UK were tested in a PCR assay for ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’ and Mycoplasma haemofelis (basonym Haemobartonella felis). Seventy-two of the...

Molecular detection and characterization of Haemobartonella felis in domestic cats in Japan employing sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction (SS-PCR).

A novel PCR assay was developed in order to examine the prevalence of Haemobartonella felis (H. felis) in Japanese domestic cats and which was able to differentiate of the Ohio strain and the California strain of H. felis. Blood samples from a total of 21 cats suspected of having haemobartonellosis were examined employing a novel PCR assay and demonstrated positive results in 18 cats which was confirmed by cytological examination of blood smears. Four out of 18 positive cats (22%) were infected with the California strain, whilst the other 12 cats (67%) were infected with the Ohio strain and two animals (11%) were infected with both strains. As most of the cats with moderate to severe anemia were infected with the Ohio strain, it is suggested that the most prevalent strain of H. felis in Japanese domestic cats might be the Ohio strain. In the present study, it was thought that molecular detection and characterization of H. felis may provide valuable information regarding the severity and prognosis of this illness.

Use of enrofloxacin for treatment of large-form Haemobartonella felis in experimentally infected cats.

To compare treatment with enrofloxacin and doxycycline with no treatment in cats experimentally infected with Haemobartonella felis. Prospective case-control study. 16 cats. Cats were inoculated with large-form H. felis from a chronically infected donor. Cats were assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups: doxycycline (5 mg/kg [2.3 mg/lb], p.o., q 12 h), low-dose enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg, p.o., q 24 h), high-dose enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], p.o., q 24 h), and an untreated control group. Clinical signs, Hct, blood smears, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay were used to monitor progression of the infection. All cats were confirmed to be infected with H. felis via blood smear evaluations and PCR assay results. Treatment had no effect on Hct during the intratreatment period, but Hct values were significantly greater in the low-dose enrofloxacin group, compared with the control group, during the posttreatment period. During the intratreatment period, H. felis organism counts per 1,000 RBC in the doxycycline treatment and the high-dose enrofloxacin treatment groups decreased at a significantly faster rate than those in the control group. In the posttreatment period, organism counts in the doxycycline treatment group and the low- and high-dose enrofloxacin groups decreased at significantly faster rates than counts in the control group. There was no significant effect of treatment on the number of positive PCR assay results. Two cats treated with enrofloxacin and 1 cat treated with doxycycline completely cleared the H. fe is organism despite presumed immunosuppression caused by glucocorticoids. Results support the hypothesis that enrofloxacin has anti-H. felis effects.

Feline babesiosis: signalment, clinical pathology and concurrent infections.

Fifty-six cats with naturally occurring Babesia felis infection were studied. No breed or sex predilection could be identified, but there was an apparent predilection for young adult cats less than 3 years of age. Macrocytic, hypochromic, regenerative anaemia was present in 57% of the cats and in-saline agglutination tests were positive in 16%. No characteristic changes were observed in total or differential leukocyte counts. Thrombocyte counts were variable and thrombocytopaenia was an inconsistent finding. Hepatic cytosol enzyme activity and total bilirubin concentrations were elevated in the majority of cats. Serum protein values were mostly normal, but increased values were occasionally observed and polyclonal gammopathies were observed in all cats with increased total globulin concentrations. No remarkable changes in renal parameters were observed. A variety of electrolyte abnormalities occurred in a number of cats, but no consistent pattern of change could be identified. A close correlation was evident between peripheral and central parasite counts. Concurrent infections with Haemobartonella felis, feline immunodeficiency virus and/or feline leukemia virus were identified in a number of cats.

16S rDNA comparison demonstrates near identity between an United Kingdom Haemobartonella felis strain and the American California strain

A handful of North American (USA) strains of the uncultured erythrocytotrophic pathogen of cats, Haemobartonella felis, have been differentiated by comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences. Using this approach, an UK strain was characterised, providing an identity for a non-USA H. felis for the first time. This strain shared close phylogenetic homology with the USA Californian strain.