scholarly journals Cytauxzoon europaeus infections in domestic cats in Switzerland and in European wildcats in France: a tale that started more than two decades ago

2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Willi ◽  
Marina L. Meli ◽  
Chiara Cafarelli ◽  
Urs O. Gilli ◽  
Anja Kipar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Gene Sequencing ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Central Switzerland ◽  
High Risk Populations

Abstract Background Cytauxzoon spp. infection is believed to be a newly emerging tick-borne disease in felids in Europe, with three species of the haemoparasite having recently been differentiated in wild felids. In Switzerland, rare infections have been documented in domestic cats in the west and northwest of the country, the first of which was in 2014. The aims of the present study were: (i) to characterize a Cytauxzoon spp. hotspot in domestic cats in central Switzerland; (ii) to elucidate the geographic distribution of Cytauxzoon spp. in domestic cats in Switzerland; (iii) to assess suspected high-risk populations, such as stray and anaemic cats; and (iv) to investigate the newly emerging nature of the infection. Cytauxzoon spp. were further differentiated using mitochondrial gene sequencing. Methods The overall study included samples from 13 cats from two households in central Switzerland (study A), 881 cats from all regions of Switzerland (study B), 91 stray cats from a hotspot region in the northwest of Switzerland and 501 anaemic cats from across Switzerland (study C), and 65 Swiss domestic cats sampled in 2003 and 34 European wildcats from eastern France sampled in the period 1995–1996 (study D). The samples were analysed for Cytauxzoon spp. using real-time TaqMan quantitative PCR, and positive samples were subjected to 18S rRNA, cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequencing. Results In study A, six of 13 cats from two neighbouring households in central Switzerland tested postive for Cytauxzoon spp.; two of the six infected cats died from bacterial infections. In studies B and C, only one of the 881 cats (0.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0–0.3%) in the countrywide survey and one of the 501 anaemic cats (0.2%; 95% CI: 0–0.6%) tested postive for Cytauxzoon spp. while eight of the 91 stray cats in the northwest of Switzerland tested positive (8.8%; 95% CI: 3.0–14.6%). In study D, Cytauxzoon spp. was detected in one of the 65 domestic cat samples from 2003 (1.5%; 95% CI: 0–4.5%) and in ten of the 34 European wildcat samples from 1995 to 1996 (29%; 95% CI: 14.2–44.7%). The isolates showed ≥ 98.6% sequence identities among the 18S rRNA, CytB and COI genes, respectively, and fell in the subclade Cytauxzoon europaeus based on CytB and COI gene phylogenetic analyses. Conclusions The study challenges the newly emerging nature of Cytauxzoon spp. in central Europe and confirms that isolates from domestic cats in Switzerland and European wild felids belong to the same species. Graphical Abstract

scholarly journals Sex determining of cat embryo and some feline species

Zygote ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Ciani ◽  
Natascia Cocchia ◽  
Maria Rizzo ◽  
Patrizia Ponzio ◽  
Gennaro Tortora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Preimplantation Embryos ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Wild Felids

SummarySex identification in mammalian preimplantation embryos is a technique that is used currently for development of the embryo transfer industry for zootechnical animals and is, therefore, a resource for biodiversity preservation. The aim of the present study was to establish a rapid and reliable method for the sexing of preimplantation embryos in domestic cats. Here we describe the use of nested PCR identify Y chromosome-linked markers when starting from small amounts of DNA and test the method for the purpose of sexing different species of wild felids. To evaluate the efficiency of the primers, PCR analysis were performed first in blood samples of sex-known domestic cats. Cat embryos were produced both in vitro and in vivo and the blastocysts were biopsied. A Magnetic Resin System was used to capture a consistent amount of DNA from embryo biopsy and wild felid hairs. The results from nested PCR applied on cat blood that corresponded to the phenotypical sex. Nested PCR was also applied to 37 embryo biopsies and the final result was: 21 males and 16 females. Furthermore, β-actin was amplified in each sample, as a positive control for DNA presence. Subsequently, nested PCR was performed on blood and hair samples from some wild felines and again the genotyping results and phenotype sex corresponded. The data show that this method is a rapid and repeatable option for sex determination in domestic cat embryos and some wild felids and that a small amount of cells is sufficient to obtain a reliable result. This technique, therefore, affords investigators a new approach that they can insert in the safeguard programmes of felida biodiversity.

scholarly journals Frequent cross-species transmissions of foamy virus between domestic and wild felids

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Kraberger ◽  
Nicholas M Fountain-Jones ◽  
Roderick B Gagne ◽  
Jennifer Malmberg ◽  
Nicholas G Dannemiller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Puma Concolor ◽  
Foamy Virus ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Rural Site ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Simian Foamy Virus ◽  
Ideal System ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wild Felids

Abstract Emerging viral outbreaks resulting from host switching is an area of continued scientific interest. Such events can result in disease epidemics or in some cases, clinically silent outcomes. These occurrences are likely relatively common and can serve as tools to better understand disease dynamics, and may result in changes in behavior, fecundity, and, ultimately survival of the host. Feline foamy virus (FFV) is a common retrovirus infecting domestic cats globally, which has also been documented in the North American puma (Puma concolor). The prevalent nature of FFV in domestic cats and its ability to infect wild felids, including puma, provides an ideal system to study cross-species transmission across trophic levels (positions in the food chain), and evolution of pathogens transmitted between individuals following direct contact. Here we present findings from an extensive molecular analysis of FFV in pumas, focused on two locations in Colorado, and in relation to FFV recovered from domestic cats in this and previous studies. Prevalence of FFV in puma was high across the two regions, ∼77 per cent (urban interface site) and ∼48 per cent (rural site). Comparison of FFV from pumas living across three states; Colorado, Florida, and California, indicates FFV is widely distributed across North America. FFV isolated from domestic cats and pumas was not distinguishable at the host level, with FFV sequences sharing >93 per cent nucleotide similarity. Phylogenetic, Bayesian, and recombination analyses of FFV across the two species supports frequent cross-species spillover from domestic cat to puma during the last century, as well as frequent puma-to-puma intraspecific transmission in Colorado, USA. Two FFV variants, distinguished by significant difference in the surface unit of the envelope protein, were commonly found in both hosts. This trait is also shared by simian foamy virus and may represent variation in cell tropism or a unique immune evasion mechanism. This study elucidates evolutionary and cross-species transmission dynamics of a highly prevalent multi-host adapted virus, a system which can further be applied to model spillover and transmission of pathogenic viruses resulting in widespread infection in the new host.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Cytauxzoon felis Infection-Carriers in Eastern Kansas Domestic Cats

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne M. Wikander ◽  
Tippawan Anantatat ◽  
Qing Kang ◽  
Kathryn E. Reif
Keyword(s):  
Mitochondrial Gene ◽  
Seasonal Fluctuation ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Cytauxzoon Felis ◽  
Tick Transmission ◽  
Quantitative Pcr Assay

Cytauxzoon felis is a hemoprotozoal tick-transmitted pathogen of felids. Felids that survive acute disease often remain infected and serve as reservoirs for subsequent tick transmission to other susceptible felines. States adjacent to Kansas have identified C. felis-domestic cat carriers while statewide awareness and concern of cytauxzoonosis have increased. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. felis-carriers in the eastern Kansas domestic cat population using a sensitive quantitative PCR assay targeting the C. felis Cox3 mitochondrial gene. An overall C. felis infection prevalence of 25.8% was determined for asymptomatic domestic cats in eastern Kansas. Significantly more C. felis-carrier cats were identified in spring and fall, suggesting a seasonal fluctuation of survivors. Additionally, a greater percentage of feral and owned cats were positive for C. felis compared to rescue/rescinded cats. This study demonstrates that C. felis-domestic cat carriers are common among cats that spend at least a portion of time outdoors in eastern Kansas, and that more cats likely survive cytauxzoonosis than expected. Understanding the role of domestic cat carriers of C. felis is essential in developing cytauxzoonosis mitigation strategies, including recommending year-round use of acaricide products for all cats that spend any time outdoors.

scholarly journals Detection and genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in feces of domestic cats in Colombia

Parasite ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Zamora-Vélez ◽  
Jessica Triviño ◽  
Sebastián Cuadrado-Ríos ◽  
Fabiana Lora-Suarez ◽  
Jorge Enrique Gómez-Marín
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Optical Microscopy ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
High Density ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Stray Cats ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The City

The high prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in the human population in Colombia has been linked to the existence of a high density of urban stray cats, exposing the whole population to a high density of oocysts. The goal of this study was to determine the DNA prevalence of T. gondii by conventional PCR and to phylogenetically analyze ROP18 sequences from positive samples in domestic cat (Felis catus) fecal samples in the city of Armenia, Quindío. Fecal samples from 140 cats were collected from 10 districts around the city. Samples were concentrated using Ritchie’s method and analyzed through optical microscopy. Concentrates were used for DNA extraction followed by nested PCR amplification for T. gondii gene B1. PCR for ROP18 was performed on all B1 positive samples; the ROP18 sequences obtained were related to the Archetype I Brazilian and Chinese strains. No oocysts were detected by optical microscopy; however, 17.8% (25/140) B1 and 24% (6/25) ROP18 PCR-positive samples were detected. Phylogenetic analyses showed that isolates clustered into a single group. We assessed whether associations existed between T. gondii positive fecal samples and survey variables such as cat healthcare and socioeconomic characteristics of owners, but no statistically significant associations were found. The presence of T. gondii in cat feces is an important factor contributing to the high prevalence in the human population of this city.

scholarly journals Two Tales of Cytauxzoon felis Infections in Domestic Cats

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 861-885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Lei Wang ◽  
Ting-Ting Li ◽  
Guo-Hua Liu ◽  
Xing-Quan Zhu ◽  
Chaoqun Yao
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Course Of Illness ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Short Course ◽  
Cytauxzoon Felis ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Current Article ◽  
Different Strains

SUMMARY Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging infectious disease that affects wild felids as well as the domestic cat; it is caused by the apicomplexan protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Cytauxzoon. Cytauxzoon felis is the species of major concern, whose transmission occurs via the bite of an infected tick. Cytauxzoonosis of the domestic cat has historically been considered uniformly fatal, with a short course of illness, and most domestic cats die within 9 to 15 days postinfection. However, increasing evidence of domestic cats surviving C. felis infection suggests the existence of different strains with various levels of pathogenicity. Although wild felids are considered natural reservoirs for this parasite, a number of studies suggest that domestic cats that have survived nonlethal infections may serve as an additional reservoir. The current article comprehensively reviews the parasite and its life cycle, geographic distribution, genetic variability, and pathogenesis, as well as host immunology and the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infection in the domestic cat. This information should provide a basis for better understanding the parasite as well as the pathogenesis of the disease.

scholarly journals Mammomonogamus nematodes in felid carnivores: a minireview and the first molecular characterization

Parasitology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 145 (14) ◽  
pp. 1959-1968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbora Červená ◽  
Kristýna Hrazdilová ◽  
Peter Vallo ◽  
Jennifer Ketzis ◽  
Pompei Bolfa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Dna Markers ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Geographic Origin ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Nuclear Markers ◽  
The Family ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Mitochondrial And Nuclear Markers

AbstractFive of the 13 known species of Mammomonogamus have been described in members of the family Felidae, including domestic cats, making felids the most frequent hosts of Mammomonogamus. The occurrence of Mammomonogamus in felids is geographically scattered and information on the life cycle and other aspects of infections is lacking. The paucity of data opens the questions on possible conspecificity of some of the described species of Mammomonogamus and on the existence of possible reservoirs for infections in domestic cats in geographically isolated endemic foci of infection. To test such hypotheses, we compared sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear markers obtained from Mammomonogamus adults or eggs collected from domestic cats in three geographically distant localities. Based on morphology, geographic origin and site of infection, the worms examined can be referred to as Mammomonogamus ierei and Mammomonogamus auris. Phylogenetic analyses of both mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA markers showed monophyly of the genus Mammomonogamus and suggested the existence of at least two species in cats. Review of the literature, the existence of several species and the discontinuous geographic distribution of Mammomonogamus infections in domestic cats suggest an historical spillover of infection from wild reservoirs, presumably wild felids.

Conservation of feline semen: Part I: Cooling and freezing protocols

2003 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.C Luvoni ◽  
E Kalchschmidt ◽  
S Leoni ◽  
C Ruggiero
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproduction ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Accurate Data ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Term Storage

There has been increased interest recently in the conservation of wild felids and preservation of valuable cat breeds. Assisted reproduction, by means of artificial insemination (AI), is an important tool for developing breeding programs for conservation. Optimal use of AI requires accurate data on semen conservation protocols and its long-term storage/survival. In this paper, semen cooling and freezing processes are described, with special emphasis on the results obtained in experiments performed in the domestic cat. Conception rates after AI in wild and domestic cats are also reported.

scholarly journals Assessing cross-species transmission of hemoplasmas at the wild-domestic felid interface in Chile using genetic and landscape variables analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Sacristán ◽  
F. Acuña ◽  
E. Aguilar ◽  
S. García ◽  
M. J. López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Direct Sequencing ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Rural Landscapes ◽  
16S Rna ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Pathogen Prevalence ◽  
Leopardus Guigna

AbstractThe co-occurrence of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) and wild felids in rural landscapes can facilitate pathogen transmission. However, in the relatively-isolated regions of southern South America there have been no comprehensive studies to assess disease transmission risks between domestic cats and forest-dwelling wild felids such as guigna (Leopardus guigna). We evaluated hemoplasma infection and the possibility of transmission between domestic cats and guignas by comparing spatial and phylogenetic patterns of pathogen prevalence. Blood/spleen samples were collected from 102 wild guignas and 262 co-occurring rural domestic cats across the entire distribution range of guigna in Chile. Hemoplasma infection was assessed by direct sequencing of the 16S RNA gene. Infection with hemoplasmas was common and geographically widespread across different bioclimatic areas for both species. The most common feline Mycoplasma species in guigna and domestic cats were Candidatus M. haemominutum (CMhm) (15.7% guigna; 10.3% domestic cat) and Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) (9.8% guigna, 6.1% domestic cat). A previously undescribed Mycoplasma sp. sequence was found in two guignas and one cat. Continuous forest-landscapes were associated with higher hemoplasma-prevalence in guignas. Shared hemoplasma nucleotide sequence types between guigna and domestic cats were rare, suggesting that cross-species transmission between guignas and domestic cats may occur, but is probably uncommon. Ectoparasites, which have been linked with hemoplasma transmission, were not found on guignas and were infrequent on domestic cats. Our results suggest that transmission pathways vary among hemoplasma species and, contrary to our predictions, domestic cats did not appear to be the main driver of hemoplasma infection in guignas in these human-dominated landscapes.

scholarly journals Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. XLVIII . Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) infesting domestic cats and wild felids in southern Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan G. Horak ◽  
Heloise Heyne ◽  
Edward F. Donkin
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
Wild Felids ◽  
Haemaphysalis Elliptica ◽  
Northern Cape ◽  
Wild Cats

Ticks collected from domestic cats (Felis catus), cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus),caracals (Caracal caracal), African wild cats (Felis lybica), black-footed cats (Felis nigripes), a serval (Leptailurus serval), lions(Panthera leo), and leopards (Panthera pardus) were identified and counted. Thirteen species of ixodid ticks and one argasid tick were identified from domestic cats and 17 species of ixodid ticks from wild felids. The domestic cats and wild felids harboured 11 ixodid species in common. The adults of Haemaphysalis elliptica, the most abundant tick species infesting cats and wild felids, were most numerous on a domestic cat in late winter and in mid-summer, during 2 consecutive years. The recorded geographic distribution of the recently described Haemaphysalis colesbergensis, a parasite of cats and caracals, was extended by 2 new locality records in the Northern Cape Province,South Africa.

scholarly journals Bacteriophages: what role may they play in life after spinal cord injury?

Spinal Cord ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenz Leitner ◽  
Shawna McCallin ◽  
Thomas M. Kessler
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
High Risk ◽  
General Population ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Phage Therapy ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
High Risk Populations

AbstractBacterial infections are the leading cause of death in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that solely infect and kill bacteria. The idea of using phages to treat bacterial infections, i.e., phage therapy, is very promising and potentially allows a more specific and personalized treatment of bacterial infections than antibiotics. While multi-drug resistant infections affect individuals from the general population, alternative therapeutic options are especially warranted in high-risk populations, such as individuals with SCI. However, more clinical data must be collected before phage therapy can be implemented in clinical practice, with numerous possible, subsequent applications.

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