scholarly journals Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in cats: A literature review to raise clinical awareness

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 428-441
Author(s):  
Ingo Schäfer ◽  
Barbara Kohn

Practical relevance: Granulocytic anaplasmosis is a disease in humans and animals caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum within the family Anaplasmataceae. The pathogen is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes species. Infections with A phagocytophilum have often been described in dogs but reports on natural infections in cats are rare. An infection with A phagocytophilum should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats if the history reveals tick infestation and/or outdoor access in combination with the relevant clinical signs. Global importance: A phagocytophilum is also important in human medicine because of its zoonotic potential. Due to the risk of vector-borne infections for both feline and public health, cats should be protected with ectoparasiticides, especially in endemic areas. Aim: The aim of this review is to give an overview of the published data and summarise the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical signs and therapy of feline granulocytic anaplasmosis. As clinical signs are vague and non-specific, this review aims to raise awareness of A phagocytophilum infection, both among clinicians, so that they consider testing potentially exposed cats, and scientists, in order to prompt further research. Evidence base: Sixteen publications describing 55 cats have been reviewed. Thirty-four cats were well diagnosed based on guidelines of the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases and blood analyses were performed to varying extents for these cats. Because of the limited number of studies and a lack of knowledge in cats, clinical signs and blood analyses are compared with available data in dogs.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah El Hamiani Khatat ◽  
Sylvie Daminet ◽  
Luc Duchateau ◽  
Latifa Elhachimi ◽  
Malika Kachani ◽  
...  

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a worldwide emerging zoonotic tick-borne pathogen transmitted by Ixodid ticks and naturally maintained in complex and incompletely assessed enzootic cycles. Several studies have demonstrated an extensive genetic variability with variable host tropisms and pathogenicity. However, the relationship between genetic diversity and modified pathogenicity is not yet understood. Because of their proximity to humans, dogs are potential sentinels for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Furthermore, the strong molecular similarity between human and canine isolates of A. phagocytophilum in Europe and the USA and the positive association in the distribution of human and canine cases in the USA emphasizes the epidemiological role of dogs. Anaplasma phagocytophilum infects and survives within neutrophils by disregulating neutrophil functions and evading specific immune responses. Moreover, the complex interaction between the bacterium and the infected host immune system contribute to induce inflammatory injuries. Canine granulocytic anaplasmosis is an acute febrile illness characterized by lethargy, inappetence, weight loss and musculoskeletal pain. Hematological and biochemistry profile modifications associated with this disease are unspecific and include thrombocytopenia, anemia, morulae within neutrophils and increased liver enzymes activity. Coinfections with other tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) may occur, especially with Borrelia burgdorferi, complicating the clinical presentation, diagnosis and response to treatment. Although clinical studies have been published in dogs, it remains unclear if several clinical signs and clinicopathological abnormalities can be related to this infection.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1098612X2110174
Author(s):  
Ingo Schäfer ◽  
Barbara Kohn ◽  
Elisabeth Müller

Objectives Anaplasma phagocytophilum is considered the most significant rickettsial pathogen affecting cats. The organism is transmitted by ticks of the species Ixodes ricinus in Central Europe and can cause granulocytic anaplasmosis in pets, wildlife and humans. The aims of this study were to assess the frequency of positive test results for A phagocytophilum in cats in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as to evaluate clinical and laboratory findings in cats with positive PCR results. Methods This study included the results of direct (PCR) and indirect detection methods (immunofluorescence antibody tests [IFAT]) requested by veterinarians in Germany, Austria and Switzerland between 2008 and 2020 from the LABOKLIN laboratory (Bad Kissingen, Germany). The veterinarians treating the PCR-positive cats were contacted by telephone to enquire about their clinical signs, laboratory findings, management and outcomes. Results In total, 244/1636 cats (15%) tested positive by direct (PCR: n = 27/725 [4%]) and/or indirect detection methods (IFAT: n = 221/956 [23%]). In 18/26 cats with PCR results positive for A phagocytophilum, additional information about clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome was obtained. Of these 18 cats, five had comorbidities independent of their infection with A phagocytophilum. The most common clinical signs in PCR-positive cats (total/without comorbidities) were lethargy (83%/92%), fever (83%/85%) and thrombocytopenia (61%/62%). Overall, more than half (57%) of the cats with and without comorbidities recovered clinically. Conclusions and relevance Infections with A phagocytophilum should be considered as differential diagnoses in cats with tick infestation, lethargy, fever and thrombocytopenia. The clinical signs and laboratory findings are consistent with published case reports in cats. Ectoparasite prophylaxis in cats is recommended throughout the entire year.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1098612X2110610
Author(s):  
Mary Rebecca Telle ◽  
Caroline Betbeze

Practical relevance: The ability to recognize, diagnose and treat corneal disease is essential for maintaining vision and comfort in feline patients. Being able to correctly identify appropriate techniques for surgical cases is of particular importance for success when performing corneal surgery. Clinical challenges: Many different corneal diseases present with similar clinical signs, and it can be hard to determine the appropriate treatment for individual patients. It is essential for the clinician to understand the indications for corneal surgery, instrumentation needed and microsurgical principles prior to attempting these procedures. The prognosis following surgery and potential complications should be discussed with the client. Audience: This review article aims to assist in decision-making and to provide detailed guidance for primary care clinicians considering referral of cats for corneal surgery. The review outlines common feline corneal diseases and associated surgical therapies performed by veterinary ophthalmologists, highlighting appropriate instrumentation and case selection. Some surgeries are explained in depth for ophthalmologists and residents in training. Equipment: Although some procedures may be performed with common surgical equipment and supplies, most require specialized ophthalmic instrumentation and expertise, which entails significant microsurgical training and practice, as well as financial investment. Most of the procedures require an operating microscope for the best surgical outcomes; however, surgical loupes may be sufficient in some cases. Evidence base: This review article compiles information from many published references on feline corneal diseases and surgeries, complemented by the experience of the authors.


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 1131-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trudi J Mcalees ◽  
Linda A Abraham

Practical relevance: No fewer than 140 species of terrestrial snakes reside in Australia, 92 of which possess venom glands. With the exception of the brown tree snake, the venom-producing snakes belong to the family Elapidae. The venom of a number of elapid species is more toxic than that of the Indian cobra and eastern diamondback rattle snake, which has earned Australia its reputation for being home to the world’s most venomous snakes. Clinical challenges: The diagnosis of elapid snake envenomation is not always easy. Identification of Australian snakes is not straightforward and there are no pathognomonic clinical signs. In cats, diagnosis of envenomation is confounded by the fact that, in most cases, there is a delay in seeking veterinary attention, probably because snake encounters are not usually witnessed by owners, and also because of the tendency of cats to hide and seek seclusion when unwell. Although the administration of antivenom is associated with improved outcomes, the snake venom detection kit and antivenom are expensive and so their use may be precluded if there are financial constraints. Evidence base: In providing comprehensive guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of Australian elapid snake envenomation in cats, the authors of this review draw on the published veterinary, medical and toxicology literature, as well as their professional experience as specialists in medicine, and emergency medicine and critical care.


2015 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Elhamiani-Khatat ◽  
P. Defauw ◽  
S. Marynissen ◽  
I. Van de Maele ◽  
A. Van Dongen ◽  
...  

In this report, two dogs are described, which were exposed to Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Belgium. The first case was presented for acute weakness and collapse, and was diagnosed with immune mediated hemolytic anemia. Vector-borne serology panel revealed a positive antibody titer for A. phagocytophilum, and the dog recovered during doxycycline therapy. The second patient suffered from an immune mediated glomerulopathy, and concurrently had a highly increased antibody titer for A. phagocytophilum. The relationship between canine granulocytic anaplasmosis and both IMHA and protein-losing nephropathy is unclear in these cases. However, it is suspected that A. phagocytophilum could be associated with kidney injury, as it is described in the second case.


2011 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 1962-1968 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Davies ◽  
J. E. Madigan ◽  
E. Hodzic ◽  
D. L Borjesson ◽  
J. S. Dumler

ABSTRACTAnaplasma phagocytophilumis the zoonotic cause of granulocytic anaplasmosis. We hypothesized that immune response, specifically gamma interferon (IFN-γ), plays a role in disease severity. To test this, horses were infected andIFNGexpression was pharmacologically downregulated using corticosteroids. Eight horses were infected withA. phagocytophilum; 4 received dexamethasone on days 4 to 8 of infection. Clinical signs, hematologic parameters, and transcription of cytokine/chemokine genes were compared among treated and untreated horses. Infection was quantitated bymsp2real-time PCR and microscopy. As anticipated, there was significantly greater leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia in infected versus uninfected horses. TheA. phagocytophilumload was higher for dexamethasone-treated horses. Dexamethasone reducedIFNGtranscription by day 12 andIL-8andIL-18by days 7 to 9 and increasedIL-4on day 7. The ratio ofIL-10toIFNGwas increased by dexamethasone on day 9. There were no hematologic differences between the infected horses. Dexamethasone suppression of proinflammatory response resulted in delayed infection-induced limb edema and decreased icterus, anorexia, and reluctance to move between days 6 and 9 and lower fever on day 7. These results underscore the utility of the equine model of granulocytic anaplasmosis and suggest that Th1 proinflammatory response plays a role in worsening disease severity and that disease severity can be decreased by modulating proinflammatory response. A role for Th1 response and macrophage activation in hematologic derangements elicited byA. phagocytophilumis not supported by these data and remains unproven.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Rogério André ◽  
Kilder Dantas Filgueira ◽  
Ana Cláudia Calchi ◽  
Keyla Carstens Marques de Sousa ◽  
Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves ◽  
...  

Abstract The role of several feline vector-borne pathogens (FVBP) as a cause of disease in cats has not been clearly determined. In fact, with the exception of Bartonella spp. and hemoplasmas, FVBP in cats has not been clearly determined in Brazil yet. The present study aimed at identifying, by using molecular methods, the presence of FVBP in three cats showing non-specific clinical signs and inclusions suggestive of hemoparasites in blood smears. Cytauxzoon felis, ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum’, Ehrlichia sp. closely related to Ehrlichia canis, and Anaplasma sp. closely related to Anaplasma phagocytophilum were detected in blood samples from two out of three sampled cats. Both cats positive for multiple FVBP did not show hematological and biochemical abnormalities. The present work emphasizes the need for molecular confirmation of co-infection by multiple FVBP in cats presenting non-specific clinical signs and inclusions resembling hemoparasites in blood smears.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Łukasz Adaszek ◽  
Anna Wilczyńska ◽  
Jerzy Ziętek ◽  
Marcin Kalinowski ◽  
Oliwier Teodorowski ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Anaplasma are obligate intracellular bacteria and aetiological agents of tick-borne diseases of both veterinary and medical interest. The genus Anaplasma comprises six species: Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma bovis and Anaplasma platys. They can infect humans, carnivores, ruminants, rodents, insectivores, birds and reptiles. The aim of this study was to present the first clinical case of granulocytic anaplasmosis in a captive ring-tailed lemur in Poland. Case presentation A 4-year-old female lemur presented anorexia, epistaxis and tick infestation. The microscopic examination of a blood smear revealed morulae in neutrophils. Polymerase chain reaction test and sequencing of obtained PCR product confirmed infection by the GU183908 Anaplasma phagocytophilum strain. Therapeutic protocol included doxycycline (2.5 mg/kg p.o., b.i.d.) for 3 weeks and the lemur recovered within 24 h. Conclusions This is the first report on granulocytic anaplasmosis in a ring-tailed lemur in Europe, indicating that A. phagocytophilum infection must also be considered in differential diagnosis in this animal species, especially in individuals with thrombocytopenia associated with Ixodes ricinus parasitism.


2004 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 963-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana G. Scorpio ◽  
Mustafa Akkoyunlu ◽  
Erol Fikrig ◽  
J. Stephen Dumler

ABSTRACT Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an obligate intracellular bacterium that infects neutrophils and causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. Infection induces neutrophil secretion of interleukin-8 or murine homologs and perpetuates infection by recruiting susceptible neutrophils. We hypothesized that antibody blockade of CXCR2 would decrease A. phagocytophilum tissue load by interrupting neutrophil recruitment but would not influence murine hepatic pathology. C3H-scid mice were treated with CXCR2 antiserum or control prior to or on day 14 after infection. Quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry for A. phagocytophilum were performed and severity of liver histopathology was ranked. Control mice had more infected cells in tissues than the anti-CXCR2-treated group. The histopathological rank was not different between treated and control animals. Infected cells of control mice clustered in tissue more than in treated mice. The results support the hypothesis of bacterial propagation through chemokine induction and confirm that tissue injury is unrelated to A. phagocytophilum tissue load.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 136
Author(s):  
Anita Dewi Moelyaningrum ◽  
Disny Prajnawita ◽  
Prehatin Trirahayu Ningrum

Introduction: Flies can transmitted disease. The final waste disposals were the breeding place of flies, especially when the final waste disposals weren`t implementation in good management. The objectives of the research were to analyze the differences between flies density in the Pakusari landfill and Ambulu landfill, Jember District, Indonesia. Method: the method was analytic with a cross-sectional design. The data were collected with observation, interview and measure the flies density. The population was all of the area kavling in the Pakusari and Ambulu landfill. The samples were total population. There were 4 active kavling in the landfill, and interview 68 head of the family which stays around the landfill how the flies disrupt their daily activity. The measurements of flies density were using fly grill, stopwatch, form the flies density. The type of flies was identification. Result and Discussion: Waste disposal management at Pakusari landfill was a controlled landfill, and Ambulu was open dumping. Both of flies density of the landfill were categorized very high. The measurement of flies density was in September 2019, whereas the Pakusari landfill using open dumping because of the equipment was broken. The highest flies density on Pakusari at kavling 2 dan 3,4 were 44,4 per 30 seconds (point 1) and 42,4 per 30 seconds (point 1). At kavling 2, 3 Ambulu landfills were 34 per 30 seconds (point 6) and 31,4 per second (point 1) There were sig difference flies density between Pakusari and Ambulu landfill (p=0,000). The most of flies were Musca Domestica(81%). The most distribution of flies were disturbed by the view, causing diarrhea, typus. Conclussion: Waste disposal landfill management should be improving with sanitary landill to control the flies density and decrease the vector-borne disease.


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