Molecular analysis of blood-associated pathogens in European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Germany

Unterköfler, Maria Sophia; Harl, Josef; Barogh, Bita Shahi; Spergser, Joachim; Hrazdilová, Kristýna; Müller, Franz; Jeschke, Diana; Anders, Ole; Steinbach, Peter; Ansorge, Hermann; Fuehrer, Hans‐Peter; Heddergott, Mike

doi:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2022.08.012

Cited by 5 publications

(9 citation statements)

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“…Piroplasms of the genus Cytauxzoon have gained increased interest in recent years in Europe, due to the high prevalence observed in wild felids [ 54 – 67 ] and occasional clinical reports [ 48 – 51 , 53 , 65 ]. Despite the diversity and common occurrence of Cytauxzoon infection in European wild cats [ 64 ], no positive domestic cat was found in this study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…were identified in a serval, a bobcat, seven Amur wild cats, and two domestic cats [ 63 ]. Recently, three Cytauxzoon species were described in European wild cats: C. europaeus , which was identified in several central, eastern, and southern European countries [ 64 – 67 ], and C. banethi and C. otrantorum , which to date had been identified only in Romania [ 64 ]. Additionally, C. europaeus was identified in domestic and stray cats in Switzerland [ 65 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Apicomplexan haemoparasites in domestic cats in Romania

et al. 2023

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Background Apicomplexan haemoparasites are protozoans that infect a variety of domestic and wild animal species, as well as humans. Data regarding haemoprotozoans in domestic cats are limited; therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Hepatozoon spp. in domestic cats in Romania using molecular tools. Methods Blood samples from 371 domestic cats were screened for the presence of piroplasmids. All samples that yielded a visible band in agarose gels were subsequently tested by specific assays targeting the 18S rDNA of Babesia spp., Cytauxzoon spp., and Hepatozoon spp. Moreover, nested PCR assays targeting mitochondrial genes of Babesia spp. were used for screening of all Babesia spp. 18S rDNA-positive samples. Results From the total number of sampled cats, 19.4% were positive in the PCR assay targeting piroplasmids. Babesia spp. were identified in 15.1% of cats, while 0.5% were positive for Hepatozoon spp. Molecular analyses confirmed the presence of Babesia canis. No samples were positive for Cytauxzoon spp. Conclusions The high infection rates of domestic cats with Babesia spp. and the need for species differentiation highlight the importance of mitochondrial genes as targets for molecular protocols.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Apicomplexan haemoparasites in domestic cats in Romania

et al. 2023

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“…are blood-associated TBPs that can infect wild and domestic felids. The feline hepatozoonosis and cytauxzoonosis vectors are unknown and various hard tick species may be involved [ 241 ]. Wildcats and stray domestic cats are more prevalently infected than domestic cats that live indoors, as they are more frequently exposed to tick vectors.…”

Section: Felidaementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Wildcats and stray domestic cats are more prevalently infected than domestic cats that live indoors, as they are more frequently exposed to tick vectors. In fact, wildcats are important for the maintenance of the sylvatic cycle of VBPs and likely play an important epizootiological role in spillover infections to domestic animals [ 241 ].…”

Section: Felidaementioning

confidence: 99%

Wild Mesocarnivores as Reservoirs of Endoparasites Causing Important Zoonoses and Emerging Bridging Infections across Europe

2023

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Mesocarnivores are small- or mid-sized carnivore species that display a variety of ecologies and behaviours. In Europe, wild mesocarnivores are represented by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), the golden jackal (Canis aureus), the European wildcat (Felis silvestris), the Mustelidae of the genera Meles, Martes, Mustela, Lutra, the invasive species of raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and American mink (Neomustela vison). These abundant animals thrive in various habitats and often develop their activity close to human settlements. Thus, they may play an important role in the introduction, maintenance, and transmission of major parasitic zoonoses and promote bridging infections with domestic animals. Against this background, this article reports and discusses some of the most important endoparasites of wild mesocarnivores living in Europe, on the basis of their actual role as reservoirs, spreaders, or sentinels. The data derived from epizootiological studies in different European countries, and the proven or speculated implications of the detected endoparasites in human and domestic animals’ health, are discussed. Through older and recent literature review, the state-of-the-art knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of the parasites under consideration is presented, showing further, warranted investigations and the need for surveillance and vigilance.

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“…There are limited data on wildcats: one study examined blood and splenic tissue of 96 European wildcats ( Felis silvestris silvestris ) between 1998 and 2020 and reported infections with Cytauxzoon europaeus (45/96 cats, 46.9%), H. silvestris (34/96 cats, 35.4%), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (7/96 cats, 7.3%), H. felis (6/96 cats, 6.3%), Bartonella spp. (3/96 cats, 3.1%), and Mycoplasma ovis (1/96, 1%) [ 32 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vector-Borne Pathogens in Stray Cats in Eastern Germany (Thuringia)

Schäfer,

Peukert,

Kerner

et al. 2023

Animals

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Bacterial, protozoal, and viral vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) can cause infections in cats. There is little information on feline VBP prevalence in Germany. Stray cats are frequently exposed to vectors but receive no veterinary care. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected VBPs in stray cats. EDTA blood and serum samples were taken from apparently healthy stray cats during a spay/neuter campaign in the federal state of Thuringia. Overall, 11/50 (22%) and 32/50 (64%) cats tested positive for at least one VBP by direct and indirect detection methods, respectively. PCR testing of EDTA blood detected hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 12% of cats, Hepatozoon spp. in 10%, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 4%. PCR testing for Rickettsia spp. and piroplasms was negative. IFAT on serum samples showed 46% of cats had detectable antibodies for Bartonella spp., 30% for Rickettsia spp., and 16% for A. phagocytophilum. The cats were additionally tested for feline coronavirus, FIV, and FeLV to identify potential risk factors for pathogen contact and/or infections. No correlation between FIV and FeLV status and VBP positivity was detected. Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Bartonella spp. have zoonotic potential, and surveillance is recommended in the context of the One Health approach.

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Molecular analysis of blood-associated pathogens in European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Germany

Cited by 5 publications

References 81 publications

Apicomplexan haemoparasites in domestic cats in Romania

Apicomplexan haemoparasites in domestic cats in Romania

Wild Mesocarnivores as Reservoirs of Endoparasites Causing Important Zoonoses and Emerging Bridging Infections across Europe

Vector-Borne Pathogens in Stray Cats in Eastern Germany (Thuringia)

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