Detection of vector-borne pathogens in cats and their ectoparasites in southern Italy. Issue 1 (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Persichetti, Maria-Flaminia; Solano-Gallego, Laia; Serrano, Lorena; Altet, Laura; Reale, Stefano; Masucci, Marisa; Pennisi, Maria-Grazia
• Is Part Of: Parasites & vectors. Volume 9:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Vector-borne pathogens -- Flea -- Tick -- Cat; Parasitism -- Periodicals; Parasites -- Periodicals; Vector-pathogen relationships -- Periodicals; Animals as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; Insects as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; 616.96
• DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1534-1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-3305

Abstract

Abstract Background Vector-borne pathogens are the subject of several investigations due to the zoonotic concern of some of them. However, limited data are available about the simultaneous presence of these pathogens in cats and their ectoparasites. The aim of the present study was to define the species of ectoparasites found on cats as well as to investigate vector-borne pathogens in cats and their ectoparasites in southern Italy. Methods Blood from 42 cats and fleas or flea pools (n = 28) and ticks (n = 73) collected from them were investigated by quantitative PCR for the detection of vector-borne pathogens. Feline serum samples were tested by IFAT to detect IgG antibodies againstLeishmania infantum, Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, Babesia microti, Ehrlichia canis andAnaplasma phagocytophilum antigens. Results Only one flea species (Ctenocephalides felis ) and four tick species belonging to the generaRhipicephalus andIxodes were identified on cats from southern Italy. Molecular evidence ofBartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., hemoplasmas, Babesia vogeli andL. infantum was found in ectoparasites (fleas and/or ticks) while DNA fromHepatozoon felis andEhrlichia/Anaplasma spp. was not detected. Likewise, DNAs fromBartonella, hemoplasma andLeishmania were the only pathogens amplified from feline blood samples. Cats had also antibodies against all the investigated pathogens with the exception ofRickettsia typhi . Agreement between serological and molecular results in individual cats and their ectoparasites was not found. The only exception was forBartonella with a fair to moderate agreement between individual cats and their ectoparasites.Bartonella clarridgeiae was the species most frequently found in cats and their fleas followed byB. henselae . Conclusions In conclusion, cats harboring ticks and fleas are frequently exposed to vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, ticks and fleas harbored by cats frequently carry pathogens of zoonotic concern therefore appropriate feline ectoparasiticide preventative treatments should be used in cats.