Infected Cats Research Articles

Clinicopathological findings and risk factors associated with Cytauxzoon spp. infection in cats: A case-control study (2008-2021).

In Europe, Cytauxzoon spp. infection was documented in domestic and wild felids. Cats often develop a subclinical infection, while fatal disease is rare. Currently, information on the epidemiology, risk factors and clinicopathological findings of Cytauxzoon spp. infection remains limited and obtained by a single subject or small groups of cats. The objective of this case-control study was to evaluate clinicopathological findings and to describe risk factors associated with Cytauxzoon spp. infection in domestic cats. Infected cats (n = 39) and non-infected (n = 190) cats were selected from the database of the referral San Marco Veterinary Laboratory between 2008 and 2021. Demographic information, a preset questionnaire considering lifestyle, environment, and clinical status, and a CBC performed contextually with the PCR analysis were recorded for all cats. Data on the biochemical profile and serum protein electrophoresis were also evaluated when available. Compared to the control group, infection was more likely to occur in stray cats (24/39, 61.5%, P < 0.001), living totally/partially outdoors (36/39, 92.3%, P < 0.001), in an urban context (37/39, 94.9%, P = 0.002), taken or recently adopted from colonies (34/35, 97.1, P < 0.001), with irregular or absent parasite preventive treatments (39/39, 100%, p = 0.005), without fleas (28/35, 80%, P = 0.047) and without clinical signs (22/39, 56.4%, p = 0.026) at the time of medical evaluation. Anemia was not associated with infection, but in cats without clinical signs, the percentage of anemic-infected cats (7/22, 31.8%, P = 0.009) was higher compared to non-infected cats (5/65, 7.7%). Furthermore, a decrease in total iron serum concentration approximating the lowest reference interval [median values (IQR): 79 μg/dL (52.25) vs. 50.5 μg/dL (34), P = 0.007] was likely in infected cats. No other laboratory findings were associated with infection. Interestingly, a partial/total outdoor lifestyle was a risk factor for infection (OR: 8.58, 95% CI: 2.90-37.0, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the present study revealed that Cytauxzoon spp. infection manifests itself prevalently as a subclinical infection, based on physical examination and laboratory findings, in domestic European cats. However, subclinical infected cats were more likely to be anemic compared to non-infected.

Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Test Kit (RapidSTATUS™ FIV) to Determine the FIV Status of FIV-Vaccinated and FIV-Unvaccinated Pet Cats in Australia.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus that can cause immunosuppression, co-morbidities, and neoplasia in infected cats, and is commonly tested for in veterinary clinics and animal shelters in Australia. FIV diagnosis using point-of-care (PoC) kits to detect FIV antibodies in Australia is complicated by the commercial availability of an inactivated whole-FIV vaccine. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the RapidSTATUS™ FIV antibody test kit in FIV-vaccinated and FIV-unvaccinated cats in Australia. Plasma from pet cats of known FIV vaccination and FIV infection statuses (n = 361), comprised of 57 FIV-uninfected cats annually vaccinated against FIV, 10 FIV-uninfected cats with lapsed FIV vaccination histories, 259 FIV-unvaccinated/FIV-uninfected cats, and 35 FIV-infected cats, was tested. RapidSTATUS™ FIV testing had sensitivity of 97.1% (34/35) and specificity of 100% (326/326), with an overall accuracy of 99.7% (360/361). Additional testing was undertaken using plasma from FIV-uninfected cats recently administered a primary FIV vaccination course (n = 12) or an annual booster FIV vaccination (n = 10). RapidSTATUS™ FIV was 98.8% (81/82) accurate and 100% (32/32) accurate in cats recently administered primary or annual FIV vaccinations, respectively. The high level of accuracy of RapidSTATUS™ FIV (98.8-100%) therefore establishes this PoC kit as a DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) test. RapidSTATUS™ FIV is recommended to aid animal shelters, veterinarians, and researchers in Australia to accurately determine FIV infection status, irrespective of FIV vaccination history.

Spread of Sporothrix spp. through respiratory droplets from infected cats: A potential route of transmission.

Cases of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Brazil have increased in recent years. We collected respiratory secretions expelled while sneezing from 28 cats diagnosed with sporotrichosis. We identified the presence of Sporothrix spp. in respiratory droplets expelled in the sneeze of infected cats. The results raise concerns about a new transmission route for cat-transmitted sporotrichosis. Physicians who diagnose and treat human cases of sporotrichosis should be aware of this potential new transmission method to improve clinical suspicion. Approximately half of patients with granulomatous conjunctival sporotrichosis did not report experiencing traumatic injury from cats.

The description of adult worm of Spirometra species: A Pseudophyllidean tapeworm

A complete life-cycle of Spirometra sp. was carried out in the laboratory of Institute of Postgraduate Studies, University of Malaya, Malaysia. The life-cycle started in from the egg to adult stage. The 4 adult worms of Spirometra recovered from experimentally infected cats were used for description after staining the scolex and proglottids with Alum-carmine. The entire strobila measured 15.0-53.5cm long. The scolex was spatulate with two bothria both sides, neck long and mature proglottids had 3 genital pores: cirrus, vaginal and uterine at separate sites. Uterus was located in the middle of the proglottid. With 6 coils, testes and vitellaria were found on both sides.

A cross-sectional serosurvey of SARS-CoV-2 and co-infections in stray cats from the second wave to the sixth wave of COVID-19 outbreaks in Spain.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 is the causative agent of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in humans. Among domestic animals, cats are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 than dogs. The detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in seemingly healthy cats and/or infected cats which are in close contact with infected humans has been described. The presence of animals that tested positive by serology or molecular techniques could represent a potential transmission pathway of SARS-CoV-2 that can spill over into urban wildlife. This study analyses the seroprevalence variation of SARS-CoV-2 in stray cats from different waves of outbreaks in a geographical area where previous seroepidemiological information of SARS-CoV-2 was available and investigate if SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were exposed to other co-infections causing an immunosuppressive status and/or a chronic disease that could lead to a SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. For this purpose, a total of 254 stray cats from Zaragoza (Spain) were included. This analysis was carried out by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the receptor binding domain of Spike antigen and confirmed by serum virus neutralization assay. The presence of co-infections including Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, was evaluated using different serological methods. A seropositivity of 1.57% was observed for SARS-CoV-2 including the presence of neutralizing antibodies in three cats. None of the seropositive to SARS-CoV-2 cats were positive to feline coronavirus, however, four SARS-CoV-2-seropositive cats were also seropositive to other pathogens such as L. infantum, D. immitis and FIV (n = 1), L. infantum and D. immitis (n = 1) and L. infantum alone (n = 1).Considering other pathogens, a seroprevalence of 16.54% was detected for L. infantum, 30.31% for D. immitis, 13.78%, for T. gondii, 83.86% for feline calicivirus, 42.52% for feline herpesvirus type 1, 3.15% for FeLV and 7.87% for FIV.Our findings suggest that the epidemiological role of stray cats in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is scarce, and there is no increase in seropositivity during the different waves of COVID-19 outbreaks in this group of animals. Further epidemiological surveillances are necessary to determine the risk that other animals might possess even though stray cats do not seem to play a role in transmission.

A Serodiagnostic IgM ELISA to Detect Acute Cytauxzoonosis.

Cytauxzoonosis is a tick-borne infectious disease affecting domestic cats with high mortality and limited treatment modalities. Because early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are crucial to survival of infected cats, the objective of this study was to develop an ELISA capable of detecting cytauxzoonosis and differentiating acute vs. chronic infection in clinical feline blood samples. A microsphere immunoassay (MIA) was developed to evaluate the production of Cytauxzoon felis-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in serial plasma samples from cats with experimental C. felis infection by targeting a C. felis-specific transmembrane protein (c88). Recombinant c88 protein was utilized to develop indirect ELISAs to detect IgM and IgG antibodies in clinical plasma samples from: PCR-positive cats with acute C. felis infection (n = 36), C. felis-negative cats with pyrexia (n = 10), healthy C. felis-negative cats (n = 22), and chronic C. felis carriers (n = 4). Anti-c88 IgM antibodies were detectable at day 12 post-tick infestation in cats with experimental C. felis infection (within 24 hours of developing clinical signs), while anti-c88 IgG was detectable at day 15 post-tick infestation – indicating IgM could be used to detect early infection. Using a cut-off value of 19.85 percent positive, the C. felis IgM ELISA detected acute cytauxzoonosis in 94.44% (34/36) of cats presented with clinical signs of acute cytauxzoonosis with 100% specificity (indicating a “Strong Positive” result). When a lower cutoff of 8.60 percent positive was used, cytauxzoonosis was detected in the 2 remaining PCR-positive cats with 87.88% specificity (indicating of a “Weak Positive” result). One C. felis-negative, febrile cat had high IgG, and chronic carriers had variable IgM and IgG results. Combined interpretation of IgM and IgG ELISAs did not reliably differentiate acute vs. chronic infection. While further validation on assay performance is needed, the C. felis IgM ELISA is a promising test to detect acute cytauxzoonosis and can be utilized to develop a point-of-care test for clinical use.

Novel bridge multi-species ELISA for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

Considering the course of the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is important to have serological tests for monitoring humoral immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Herein we describe a novel bridge enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (b-ELISA) for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detection in human and other species, employing recombinant Spike protein as a unique antigen, which is produced at high scale in insect larvae. MethodsEighty two human control sera/plasmas and 169 COVID-19 patients' sera/plasmas, confirmed by rRT-PCR, were analyzed by the b-ELISA assay. In addition, a total of 27 animal sera (5 horses, 13 rats, 2 cats and 7 dogs) were employed in order to evaluate the b-ELISA in other animal species. ResultsOut of the 169 patient samples, 129 were positive for IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 and 40 were negative when they were tested by ELISA COVIDAR® IgG. When a cut-off value of 5.0 SDs was established, 124 out of the 129 COVID-19 positive samples were also positive by our developed b-ELISA (sensitivity: 96.12%). Moreover, the test was able to evaluate the humoral immune response in animal models and also detected as positive a naturally infected cat and two dogs with symptoms, whose owners had suffered the COVID-19 disease. ConclusionThe obtained results demonstrate that the method developed herein is versatile, as it is able to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in different animal species without the need to perform and optimize a new assay for each species.

Coprological detection of Toxocariosis in domicile and stray dogs and cats in Sulaimani province, Iraq

Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati are ascarid nematodes, belong to the Toxocaridae family and genus Toxocara, causing toxocariosis in dogs and cats. The disease is mainly transmitted between animals and humans through ingestion of contaminated food with the embryonated eggs of the parasite. In addition, vertical transmission of the Toxocara larvae from pregnant bitches to their offspring through placenta and milk has been reported. Nowadays, stray dogs and cats, which are unvaccinated or not treated against the parasites, play a significant role in introducing the disease and seem to be a common public health concern. The study aimed to identify the rate of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati infection among the domiciliary and stray dogs and cats that presented to the veterinary clinics, using direct fecal smear and fecal floatation techniques. The results showed that stray cats were highly infected 47.62% in comparison to domiciled cats 5.56%. In contrast, the T. canis infection among domiciled and stray dogs was about 11.11% and 11.76%, respectively. Adult cats and dogs were found to have a higher infectious rate cat; 30%, dogs; 14.81% than younger age groups cats; 27.58%, dogs; 8%. There was a moderate and highly significant positive correlation between the lifestyle and infectious rate in cats. In conclusion, stray cats and dogs are the leading risk factor for transmitting the disease.

Leptospira spp. Prevalence in Cats from Southern Italy with Evaluation of Risk Factors for Exposure and Clinical Findings in Infected Cats.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease, but feline leptospirosis is rarely reported. This study aimed at investigating Leptospira spp. prevalence in cats from southern Italy, evaluating risk factors, clinical findings and laboratory data associated with infection. The serum of 112 cats was investigated by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), detecting anti-Leptospira antibodies against 14 pathogenic serovars. Blood and urine samples were tested by a real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting the lipL32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira. Antibodies against serovars Poi, Bratislava, Arborea, Ballum, Pomona and Lora were detected in 15.3% (17/111) of cats (titers range: 20–320). Leptospira spp. DNA was found in 3% (4/109) of blood and 9% (10/111) of urine samples. The spring season was the only risk factor for urinary Leptospira DNA shedding. Laboratory abnormalities significantly associated and/or correlated with Leptospira spp. positivity were anemia, monocytosis, neutrophilia, eosinopenia, increased alanine aminotransferase activity, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia. In the investigated areas, cats are frequently infected by Leptospira spp. and can represent an additional reservoir or sentinel for a risk of infection. Moreover, some laboratory changes could be compatible with a pathogenic effect of Leptospira spp. in the feline host.

Rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic cats.

SARS-CoV-2 (SARS2) infection of a novel permissive host species can result in rapid viral evolution. Data suggest that felids are highly susceptible to SARS2 infection, and species-specific adaptation following human-to-felid transmission may occur. We employed experimental infection and analysis of publicly available SARS2 sequences to observe variant emergence and selection in domestic cats. Three cohorts of cats (N = 23) were inoculated with SARS-CoV-2 USA-WA1/2020 or infected via cat-to-cat contact transmission. Full viral genomes were recovered from RNA obtained from nasal washes 1-3 days post-infection and analyzed for within-host viral variants. We detected 118 unique variants at ≥3 per cent allele frequency in two technical replicates. Seventy of these (59 per cent) were nonsynonymous single nucleotide variants (SNVs); the remainder were synonymous SNVs or structural variants. On average, we observed twelve variants per cat, nearly 10-fold higher than what is commonly reported in human patients. We observed signatures of positive selection in the spike protein and the emergence of eleven within-host variants located at the same genomic positions as mutations in SARS2 variant lineages that have emerged during the pandemic. Fewer variants were noted in cats infected from contact with other cats and in cats exposed to lower doses of cultured inoculum. An analysis of ninety-three publicly available SARS2 consensus genomes recovered from naturally infected domestic cats reflected variant lineages circulating in the local human population at the time of sampling, illustrating that cats are susceptible to SARS2 variants that have emerged in humans, and suggesting human-to-felid transmission occurring in domestic settings is typically unidirectional. These experimental results underscore the rapidity of SARS2 adaptation in felid hosts, representing a theoretical potential origin for variant lineages in human populations. Further, cats should be considered susceptible hosts capable of shedding virus during infections occurring within households.

Применение Фоспренила в составе комплексной терапии хронической коронавирусной инфекции кошек, осложненной токсоплазмозом

Feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infects enterocytes and causes inflammation of the intestinal mucosa in young cats, resulting in diarrhea. In adult cats the infection is usually asymptomatic, but the constant circulation of FECV in the feline population increases the likelihood of mutation, as a result of which about 5-10% of infected cats develop a virulent strain of the virus that causes usually lethal feline infectious peritonitis – FIP. The purpose of this study was to study the effectiveness of Phosprenyl (PP), an immunomodulator with antiviral activity (active substance - polyprenyl phosphate), in the treatment of chronic coronavirus infection of cats, partially complicated by toxoplasmosis.&#x0D; A total of 117 cats were under observation, 10 of which also had toxoplasmosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by the determination of antibodies by the methods of IHA and ELISA, as well as by ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs. Prescribed treatment: Phosprenyl per os, 1 ml , twice a day, course 2-4 months; Gamavit daily, s/c, course 10 days, with a repeated course after 3 weeks; 3-4 times. As symptomatic therapy, drugs were used primarily to improve the condition of the stool, with toxoplasmosis - Fansidar. At the end of treatment symptoms of gastrointestinal tract damage disappeared in all the patients. If before the start of therapy, the majority of patients demonstrated changes characteristic of anemia (a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin levels), then after 2-4 months, the indices of erythropoiesis completely normalized. In patients with coronavirus infection complicated by toxoplasmosis, anemia was detected by CBC test, as well as an increase in the number of neutrophils. In the biochemical profile of these patients: increased activity of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was found as well as hyperbilirubinemia, which indicates greater liver damage and a decrease in its detoxification function during the course of the disease caused simultaneously by coronavirus and toxoplasmas. At the end of therapy, these indices also returned to normal. &#x0D; Thus, the use of Phosprenyl for 2-4 months reduces the duration of the disease of coronavirus infection in cats (including cases complicated by toxoplasmosis), prevents its exacerbation and possible fatal outcome. Long-term use of PP in cats with a chronic form of coronavirus infection is recommended.

Comparison of Different Copromicroscopic Techniques in the Diagnosis of Intestinal and Respiratory Parasites of Naturally Infected Dogs and Cats.

Simple SummaryAppropriate fecal examinations are very important for diagnosing parasitic diseases in dogs and cats. In this study, four different conventional copromicroscopic techniques (flotation, McMaster, Mini-FLOTAC, and Baermann) were evaluated for their performance in detecting intestinal and extra-intestinal parasitic elements in canine and feline feces. Stool samples from 100 dogs and 105 cats, respectively, were tested with the above techniques. Flotation and Mini-FLOTAC gave the best results in detecting intestinal and respiratory parasitoses by Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostomatidae, Cystoisospora spp., Trichuris vulpis and Capillaria spp., whereas the Baermann test was the best method for the detection of infections caused by metastrongyloids. These data provide useful information for veterinary clinicians on the most appropriate techniques to use during diagnostic paths in clinical settings.Several copromicroscopic techniques, including tools belonging to the FLOTAC group, are available for the qualitative and/or quantitative diagnosis of canine and feline parasitoses. The present study was carried out to compare the diagnostic performance of different copromicroscopic methods for detecting common intestinal and extra-intestinal parasites of dogs and cats. Fecal samples of 100 dogs and 105 cats were randomly selected from different regions of Italy. All samples were subjected to conventional flotation, McMaster, Mini-FLOTAC, and Baermann. Fifty-six dogs and twenty-five cats were found positive to at least one technique, and, among them, flotation (55% and 20.9% of the dogs and cats, respectively) and Mini-FLOTAC (52% and 20.9% of the dogs and cats, respectively) detected the highest number of positive samples. Larvae of the feline metastrongyloids Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Troglostrongylus brevior were identified only using the Baermann test in two (1.9%) and one (0.9%) cat respectively. No larvae were found with the Baermann examination of dog feces or any of the other methods. The present results show that the Mini-FLOTAC represents a possible alternative to conventional flotation in clinical settings for the detection of intestinal and respiratory parasites e.g., Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostomatidae, Cystoisospora spp., Trichuris vulpis and Capillaria spp., although Baermann’s test remains the most recommended technique for the diagnosis of infections caused by metastrongyloid lungworms.

P471 Feline sporotrichosis outcome and its impact in public health in Southern Brazil

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMSporotrichosis due to Sporothrix brasiliensis is an emerging and neglected disease in Brazil. Domestic cats are susceptible to a severe presentation of this mycosis, carrying a high fungal load in their lesions. They frequently infect other animals and even humans by scratches and/or bites. Thus, the correct management and treatment of feline sporotrichosis are crucial aspects of the control of the disease in a population.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the management and outcome of feline sporotrichosis cases in a hyperendemic city in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state).MethodsDatabase from the Mycology Laboratory (LabMyco) of the Federal University of Rio Grande (FaMed–FURG) was consulted to gather data from all proven feline sporotrichosis cases (confirmed by mycological culture), between January 2019 and December 2021. It was included in this study in all cases in which the phone number of the cat owners was available. All of them were contacted and invited for an interview by quick and short questions regarding the management and the outcome of their cats with sporotrichosis. Disagreement to participate, and change/incorrect phone number contacted were used as exclusion criteria.ResultsDuring the 3-year period studied a total of 62 owners, from 165 felines diagnosed with sporotrichosis in the LabMyco, had a phone number available. A total of 35 owners were excluded, totalizing 27 participants in this study. More than half (51.8%; n = 14) reported returning only once to the veterinarian to clinical accomplishment, 48.1% (n = 13) of them do not use personal protective equipment to handle the infected animal, 44.4% (n = 12) highlighted the difficulty in daily administering drugs to the cat and only 18.5% (n = 5) affirmed to had isolated the infected animal during the treatment. Two animals (7.4%) with advanced signs of disseminate sporotrichosis died before starting treatment, and the others received itraconazole and/or potassium iodide as the drug of choice. Clinical cure was achieved in 40% of the cats treated (10/25), 28% (7/25) evolved to death, 16% (4/25) are still in treatment due to new lesions (recidive), and the other four animals were abandoned in the streets. In addition, zoonotic transmission occurred in three (11.1%) owners, which developed lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis after a scratch or bite by the infected cat.ConclusionSporotrichosis in Southern Brazil is a public health threat, in view of this, our study shows the urgent necessity of government strategies and interventions that promote health education and implement a service to attend, and provide treatment accomplishment to feline sporotrichosis in view of control the current hyperendemic of this mycosis.

P462 Spread of sporothrix brasiliensis from the sneeze of infected cats: a potential novel route of transmission

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ObjectivesCat-transmitted sporotrichosis (CTS), caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, is an emerging fungal disease that has become a major public health concern in Brazil. Transmission of CTS usually occurs through the implantation (e.g., scratches or bites) of infectious yeast from feline Sporothrix lesions. Recent reports on transmission events have suggested that S. brasiliensis might be transmitted through feline respiratory droplets created while sneezing. The aim of our study is to determine whether infectious respiratory secretions are expelled when cats with sporotrichosis sneeze.MethodsWe collected respiratory secretions expelled while sneezing from 28 cats diagnosed with sporotrichosis. We placed a Mycosel agar plate, a fungal culture medium, in front of the animals’ nostrils and used a nasal swab to stimulate sneezing (Fig. 1). Samples were incubated at 28-30°C for 4 weeks in the Mycology laboratory of Hospital de Clinicas. Molecular identification of the isolates was performed by sequencing the calmodulin gene. The infected cats enrolled in the study were subsequently treated at the School Veterinary Clinic of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, a referral hospital for the treatment of feline sporotrichosis.ResultsOut of the 28 respiratory samples collected, 20 (70%) had evidence of fungal growth morphologically consistent with Sporothrix. Sequencing of all isolates identified Sporothrix brasiliensis (Fig. 2).ConclusionWe identified a possible novel route of transmission of Sporothrix spp. through infectious feline respiratory secretions expelled during sneezing. The respiratory droplets created by a sneeze could contain viable Sporothrix yeast that could infect humans and other animals after mucosal exposure. One health partner and collaborator such as veterinarians, physicians, health authorities, epidemiologists, and fungal disease researchers should be made aware of the potential spread of Sporothrix through respiratory droplets and sneezing to prevent and control the further spread of CTS. To prevent cat-to-human transmission of Sporothrix brasiliensis, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn while handling a cat with suspected sporotrichosis. Veterinarians, veterinary clinic employees, students, and pet shop owners are at increased risk due to their professions. Veterinary care frequently involves procedures that encourage respiratory droplets (e.g., nasal swabs); restraint and other close contact may directly expose staff to infectious secretions. Because this study identified viable yeast in respiratory droplets from sneezing, decontamination and disinfection of exposed surfaces is increasingly important, as surfaces and objects can serve as fomites for Sporothrix. Physicians who diagnose and treat human cases of sporotrichosis should be aware of this new transmission method to improve clinical suspicion, diagnosis, and treatment for sporotrichosis. Approximately half of the human patients with conjunctival sporotrichosis did not report experiencing traumatic injury from cats; mucosal exposure to infectious yeast is a likely alternative transmission method.

P162 Parinaud's Oculoglandular Syndrome as an atypical manifestation of sporotrichosis in Brazil

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PMObjectivesInform the general practitioner about the possibilities of atypical manifestations secondary to sporotrichosis, such as ocular manifestations, unrelated to the classic finding of contiguous lymphocutaneous ulcers.MethodsThis is a single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective study with patients evaluated and seen from June 2018 to April 2022 at the Mycology Outpatient Clinic of Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz, University of Pernambuco.All patients were evaluated by the same infectious disease physician throughout the course, from diagnosis to outpatient discharge.Scrapings and cultures were collected by the institution's specialized Mycology team. Biopsies were sent to the University Pathology Service (CIAP).ResultsDuring the 4-year period, 231 patients started their treatment for sporotrichosis following clinical, laboratory, and histopathological criteria. Of these, 9 (3,8%) had Parinaud's Oculoglandular Syndrome, unilateral granulomatous conjunctivitis associated with ipsilateral preauricular or submandibular lymphadenitis (Fig. 1). Of the 9 reported cases, 8 presented manifestations only in the conjunctiva (88%), and 1 case also presented palpebral involvement (12%).Since most patients had a late diagnosis due to the difficulty in carrying out the specific investigation of the agent by a non-specialized team, the diagnosis by scraping and culture was compromised by early treatment with antifungals, especially itraconazole. It is becoming common in the Northeast of Brazil that the association of sick cats with typical manifestations of sporotrichosis is the main epidemiological factor since our case series for infections caused by soil manipulation is low. Therefore, 55% (5/9) had a clinical-epidemiological diagnosis of sporotrichosis, with an excellent clinical response to itraconazole 200 mg/day, as well as the 4 patients with diagnoses confirmed by culture (Fig. 2). The antifungal was taken after lunch since a fatty diet interferes with improved medication absorption. All patients were instructed not to use medications with known interactions, especially proton pump inhibitors and alcohol use.ConclusionHuman sporotrichosis has become endemic in Latin America in the last two decades, bringing relevant morbidity to those infected. Zoonotic transmission by direct contact with infected sick cats has been gaining ground in Northeast Brazil, creating important epidemiology when typical sporotrichosis lesions appear following contact with these animals. Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis is known to be the most common manifestation, but there is a need for care teams working in primary and secondary care to identify atypical manifestations and expand the investigation into the possibility of fungal infections. The epidemiology of the neighborhood associated with the presence and contact with sick cats with ulcerative lesions must be considered and taken into account.

Feline Herpesvirüs Tip-1 İle Enfekte Kedilerde Vitamin D Düzeyleri

In this study, it was aimed to measure vitamin D levels in Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 (FeHV-1) infected cats and thus to determine its relationship with the disease activity. The animal material of this study was composed of 20 cats of different breeds, ages and genders, which showed clinical symptoms of the disease and were diagnosed with Feline Herpesvirus infection by rapid test. The control group of the study consisted of 10 cats of different breeds, ages and genders, which were healthy according to the results of routine physical examination, laboratory works, which were brought for the purpose of vaccination, and which were determined to be Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 antigen negative with the rapid test. Blood samples were taken from cats in both groups and 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels were determined by the fluorescent immunoassay method. The mean standard deviation values of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in FeHV-1 infected cats and healthy cats were found to be 33.30 and 64.70 ng/ml, respectively. FeHV-1 infected cats showed a significant decrease in serum vitamin D levels compared to healthy cats in the control group. As a result, vitamin D deficiency may have an effect on the formation of the disease.

The Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern also affects companion animals.

The emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1. 1.529) has brought with it an increase in the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 disease. However, there is hardly any data on its incidence in companion animals. We have detected the presence of this new variant in domestic animals (dogs and cats) living with infected owners in Spain. None of the RT-qPCR positive animals (10.13%) presented any clinical signs and the viral loads detected were low. In addition, the shedding of viral RNA lasted a short period of time in the positive animals. Infection with this variant of concern (VOC) was confirmed by RT-qPCR and sequencing. These outcomes suggest a lower virulence of this variant in infected cats and dogs. They also demonstrate the transmission from infected humans to domestic animals and highlight the importance of active surveillance as well as genomic research to detect the presence of VOCs or mutations associated with animal hosts.

High variability in the number of E. multilocularis eggs in cat feces collected in the field.

Echinococcus multilocularis is the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis that is considered as the most severe parasitic disease in Europe. The contribution of cat to environmental contamination by E. multilocularis is generally considered as extremely low based on results of experimental infections and worm burden estimations from natural infections. However, the recent collection of numerous cat feces from kitchen gardens in high endemic areas and the detection of E. multilocularis DNA in a significant number of these feces raise the question of the risk of human transmission from cats. This study aimed to provide a quantitative estimation of E. multilocularis eggs in feces from naturally infected cats. A field sampling conducted in 192 kitchen gardens during a joint study led to the collection and analysis of 597 cat feces, among them 7 (1.2%) yielded positive results for E. multilocularis real-time PCR. The entire pellets obtained after homogenization, filtration and centrifugation of a 5g-sample for each of these 7 feces were examined under a stereoscopic microscope. After assessing their number, 20 taeniid eggs were individually isolated and specifically identified by real-time PCR. Morphologically mature E. multilocularis eggs were identified in 4 samples and the counting of 4 to 43 E. multilocularis eggs per gram in these samples, i.e. 62 to 2331 eggs per feces when the total mass of the feces is considered. The number of eggs counted in 2 feces suggests a biotic potential of some naturally infected cats that largely exceed the previous experimental estimations.

Development of Toxoplasma gondii Chinese I genotype Wh6 Strain in Cat Intestinal Epithelial Cells.

Felids are the unique definitive host of Toxoplasma gondii. The intestine of felid is the only site for initiating Toxoplasma gondii sexual reproduction. T. gondii excretes millions of infectious oocysts from the intestine, which are the primary source of infection. There are many difficulties in developing vaccines and drugs to control oocyst excretion due to the lack of an appropriate experimental model. Here, we established an in vitro feline intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) infection system and an efficient animal model of T. gondii Chinese 1 genotype, Wh6 strain (TgCtwh6). The Kunming mice brain tissues containing TgCtwh6 cysts were harvested 42-day post-infection. The bradyzoites were co-cultured with cat IECs in vitro at a ratio of 1:10. Five 3-month-old domestic cats were orally inoculated with 600 cysts each. The oocysts were detected by daily observation of cat feces by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. We found that the parasite adhered and invaded cat IECs in vitro, transformed into tachyzoites, and then divided to form rose-like structures. These parasites eventually destroyed host cells, escaped, and finished the asexual reproduction process. Schizonts associated with sexual reproduction have not been observed during development in vitro cultured cells. However, schizonts were detected in all infected cat intestinal epithelial cells, and oocysts were presented in all cat feces. Our study provides a feasible cell model and an efficient infection system for the following studies of T. gondii sexual reproduction, and also lays a foundation to develop drugs and vaccines for blocking excretion and transmission of oocysts.

Antigenic components, identification, and characterization of whole worm extract of Platynosomum illiciens

The antigenic components of adult Platynosomum illiciens were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from cats naturally infected with P. illiciens, Dipylidium caninum, Toxocara cati and uninfected cat sera. The whole worm extract (WWE) of P. illiciens was fractionated by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration chromatography. The results showed that WWE fraction and F2 were highly antigenic as well as F1 and F3, which were moderately antigenic. For SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting, the antigenic molecules of WWE and all three fractions were mostly at molecular weights (MW) ranging from 11 to 150 kDa. Four antigenic proteins of 11, 18, 27 and 75 kDa detected in WWE and F1-F3 were found to give a reaction with sera from P. illiciens infected cats, and these proteins were also identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). For immunolocalization observation, it was revealed that the P. illiciens antigen was present in high concentration in the cytoplasm of vitelline cells in the vitelline glands, the shell of the eggs and the eggs within the uterus, but not in other organs, i.e., tegument, muscle, parenchymal cells, testes and oral and ventral suckers of adult fluke. This finding indicates that these proteins may be potential antigen candidates for the immunodiagnosis of feline platynosomosis caused by P. illiciens.