Effects of canine influenza infection and DA2PP vaccination on the development of platelet-associated immunoglobulins and platelet counts in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is commonly associated with platelet-associated immunoglobulins (PAIg). Demonstration of PAIg can help determine etiologies for thrombocytopenia. In humans, ITP and thrombocytopenia have been associated with various vaccinations and influenza infections, respectively. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate platelet counts and PAIg in research dogs with H3N2 and in research and client-owned dogs routinely vaccinated for distemper, adenovirus-2, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (DA2PP). The hypotheses were that H3N2 infection but not DA2PP vaccination would decrease platelet counts, and neither would result in the detection of PAIg. METHODS: Three pilot studies. Platelet counts and PAIg, measured by direct flow cytometry as %IgG, were evaluated in eight research Beagles following experimental infection with H3N2 (experiment 1), nine research Beagles vaccinated for DA2PP (experiment 2), and thirty client-owned dogs vaccinated for DA2PP (experiment 3). All animals were considered healthy at the start of the experiments. RESULTS: Transient, self-resolving decreases in platelet counts and increases in %IgG occurred following H3N2 infection, and one dog became thrombocytopenic and positive for PAIg. Following DA2PP vaccination, %IgG increased in research and client-owned dogs, but only one dog was considered positive for PAIg with a concurrent increase in platelet count. Mean PAIg increased from baseline in client-owned dogs following vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Transient PAIg and thrombocytopenia can occur following H3N2 infection, while routine vaccination for DA2PP in this group of dogs was not associated with the development of thrombocytopenia or clinically relevant formation of PAIg.

Carpal Tunnel Release With Ultrasound Guidance: Intermediate-Term Clinical Outcomes and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report intermediate-term outcomes following carpal tunnel release using ultrasound guidance and wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet, including a subset of patients with preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: In this observational study, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome were treated with carpal tunnel release using ultrasound guidance and wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet in a procedure room at a single center. Main outcomes were complications; return to activity and work at 2 weeks; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores through 6 months; and postoperative morphological changes of the transverse carpal ligament, median nerve, and carpal tunnel evaluated using MRI. Results: No complications were reported among 65 patients (68% women, 96 wrists). By 2 weeks, 97% of patients returned to normal activity and 100% returned to work. Statistically significant improvements in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptom severity scale, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire functional status scale, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores occurred by the 2-week follow-up interval and persisted at 6 months (all P < .001). Pre- and postoperative MRI scans were available for 13 patients (17 wrists) at the 3-month mean follow-up. Complete transverse carpal ligament transection was documented in all wrists. Key MRI findings included a 22% increase in carpal tunnel cross-sectional area at the hamate (P < .001), a 52% increase in median nerve cross-sectional area at the hamate (P < .001), an 18% reduction in median nerve signal intensity (P = .002), a 38% reduction in the flattening ratio of the median nerve at the hamate (P < .001), a 33% reduction in the flattening ratio of the median nerve at the pisiform (P < .001), a 20% reduction in the flattening ratio of the carpal tunnel at the hamate (P < .001), and a palmar shift of the median nerve relative to the hamate in all cases. Conclusions: Carpal tunnel release using ultrasound guidance using wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet in a procedure room setting was safe, effective, and resulted in morphological changes that were consistent with carpal tunnel decompression as demonstrated by MRI. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Effect of repeated administration of a parenteral feline herpesvirus-1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus vaccine on select clinicopathologic, immunological, renal histologic, and immunohistochemical parameters in healthy adult cats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether hyperinoculation of cats with a feline herpesvirus-1, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus (FVRCP) vaccine could be used as a model to study interstitial nephritis and to assess humoral and cell-mediated immune responses toward vaccinal α-enolase. ANIMALS: 6 healthy young adult purpose-bred research cats. PROCEDURES: Baseline renal cortical biopsies, whole blood, serum, and urine were collected prior to administration of a commercial FVRCP parenteral vaccine. Vaccine hyperinoculation was defined as a total of 8 vaccinations given at 2-week intervals over a 14-week period. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to each vaccination, and a second renal biopsy was performed 2 weeks after hyperinoculation (week 16). Renal histopathology, renal α-enolase immunohistochemistry, and assays to detect humoral and cell-mediated immune reactions against Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cell lysates and α-enolase were performed. An α-enolase immunoreactivity score for renal tubules and glomeruli based on signal intensity was determined by a blinded pathologist. RESULTS: Hyperinoculation with the vaccine was not associated with clinicopathologic evidence of renal dysfunction, and interstitial nephritis was not recognized by light microscopy in the time studied. The mean serum absorbance values for antibodies against CRFK antigen and α-enolase were significantly (P < 0.001) higher at weeks 4, 8, and 16 versus week 0. Renal tubular and glomerular α-enolase immunoreactivity scores were higher at week 16 compared to baseline. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that systemic immunological reactions occurred and renal tissues were affected by vaccine hyperinoculation; however, short-term FVRCP vaccine hyperinoculation cannot be used to study interstitial nephritis in cats.

Risk factors of different hemoplasma species infections in cats.

BACKGROUND: Hemoplasma species (spp.) commonly cause infections in cats worldwide. However, data on risk factors for infections are limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hemoplasma spp. infections in cats in Southern Germany and to assess risk factors associated with infection. RESULTS: DNA was extracted from blood samples of 479 cats presented to different veterinary hospitals for various reasons. DNA of feline hemoplasmas was amplified by use of a previously reported PCR assay. Direct sequencing was used to confirm all purified amplicons and compared to hemoplasma sequences reported in GenBank. Results were evaluated in relation to the age, sex, housing conditions, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) status of the cats. The overall hemoplasma prevalence rate was 9.4% (45/479; 95% CI: 7.08-12.36). 'Candidatus Mycoplasma (M.) haemominutum' (Mhm) DNA was amplified from 42 samples, M. haemofelis from 2, and M. haemocanis from 1 sample. There was a significantly higher risk of hemoplasma infection in cats from multi-cat households, in outdoor cats, as well as in cats with FIVinfection and in cats with abortive FeLV infection, but not in cats with progressive or regressive FeLV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Mhm infection is common in cats in Southern Germany. Higher prevalence in multi-cat households and associations with FeLV infection likely reflect the potential for direct transmission amongst cats. Outdoor access, male gender, and FIV infection are additional risk factors that might relate to aggressive interactions and exposure to vectors.

Effect of modified live or inactivated feline herpesvirus-1 parenteral vaccines on clinical and laboratory findings following viral challenge.

Objectives The objective was to investigate the effect of one dose of an inactivated feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV) and panleukopenia virus (FPV) vaccine (FVRCP) or one dose of a modified live (ML) FVRCP vaccine on clinical signs and shedding of FHV-1 in specific pathogen-free kittens after challenge with FHV-1 7 days after vaccination. Methods Twenty-four FHV-1 seronegative 5-month-old kittens were randomized into three groups of eight kittens. Group 1 kittens were maintained as unvaccinated controls, group 2 kittens were administered one dose of the inactivated FVRCP vaccine subcutaneously (SC) and group 3 kittens were administered one dose of the ML FVRCP vaccine SC. All 24 cats were administered FHV-1 by nasal and oropharyngeal inoculation 7 days later and were observed daily for clinical signs of illness for 21 days. Results In the 21 days after FHV-1 challenge, both groups of vaccinated cats were less likely to be clinically ill (indicated by lower cumulative clinical scores) than control cats ( P <0.001). There was no statistical difference in total clinical score between the two vaccinated groups ( P = 0.97). Although the total clinical score was similar between both vaccines, signs of respiratory disease were significantly fewer in the kittens vaccinated with the inactivated FVRCP vaccine compared with the ML FVRCP vaccine ( P = 0.005) during the period after inoculation when the majority of clinical disease was observed. Conclusions and relevance Parenteral administration of either the inactivated FVRCP vaccine or the ML FVRCP vaccine can decrease clinical signs of illness due to FHV-1 on a day 7 challenge when compared with controls. Use of either vaccine product is indicated in cats at risk of acute exposure to FHV-1.

Assessment of the ability of Aedes species mosquitoes to transmit feline Mycoplasma haemofelis and ' Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum'.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate wild-caught mosquitoes for evidence of hemotropic Mycoplasma species DNA and to determine whether the feline hemoplasmas, Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and ' Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' (Mhm), can be transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in a laboratory setting. Methods Wild-caught mosquito pools (50 mosquitoes per pool, 84 pools) utilized in routine public health department disease surveillance programs were tested for hemotropic Mycoplasma species DNA using PCR with primers designed to amplify all known hemoplasmas. Additionally, mosquitoes were trapped in the vicinity of known feral cat colonies, pooled (50 mosquitoes per pool) and tested (84 pools). Purpose-bred cats housed in a research facility were infected with Mhf or Mhm and then colonized laboratory A aegypti were fed upon the bacteremic cats. After a 7 day incubation period, mosquitoes previously fed on infected cats were allowed to feed again on naive cats, which were monitored for bacteremia for 10 weeks. Results Mycoplasma wenyonii DNA was confirmed in one wild-caught mosquito pool by DNA sequencing. While 7% of cats tested in feral colonies were hemoplasma positive, none of the mosquitoes trapped near colonies were positive. Hemoplasma DNA was amplified from A aegypti by PCR immediately after the infectious blood meal, but DNA was not detected at 7 and 14 days after feeding. Although evidence for uptake of organisms existed, hemoplasma DNA was not amplified from the experimentally infested cats in the 10 week observation period. Conclusions and relevance While wild-caught mosquitoes contained hemoplasma DNA and laboratory reared A aegypti mosquitoes take up hemoplasmas during the blood meal, there was no evidence of biologic transmission in this model.

Evaluation of intranasal vaccine administration and high-dose interferon- α2b therapy for treatment of chronic upper respiratory tract infections in shelter cats.

Clinical signs of upper respiratory tract infection can be hard to manage in cats, particularly those in shelters. In this study, clinical data were collected from chronically ill (3-4 weeks' duration) cats with suspected feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) or feline calicivirus (FCV) infections after administration of one of two novel therapies. Group A cats were administered a commercially available formulation of human interferon-α2b at 10,000 U/kg subcutaneously for 14 days, and group B cats were administered one dose of a FHV-1 and FCV intranasal vaccine. Molecular assays for FHV-1 and FCV were performed on pharyngeal samples, and a number of cytokines were measured in the blood of some cats. A clinical score was determined daily for 14 days, with cats that developed an acceptable response by day 14 returning to the shelter for adoption. Those failing the first treatment protocol were entered into the alternate treatment group. During the first treatment period, 8/13 cats in group A (61.5%) and all 12 cats in group B (100%) had apparent responses. The seven cats positive for nucleic acids of FHV-1 or FCV responded favorably, independent of the treatment group. There were no differences in cytokine levels between cats that responded to therapy or failed therapy. Either protocol assessed here may be beneficial in alleviating chronic clinical signs of suspected feline viral upper respiratory tract disease in some cats that have failed other, more conventional, therapies. The results of this study warrant additional research involving these protocols.

Prevalence of selected infectious disease agents in stray cats in Catalonia, Spain.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the current study was to investigate the prevalence rates of the following infectious agents in 116 stray cats in the Barcelona area of Spain: Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella species, Borrelia burgdorferi, Chlamydia felis, Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia species, feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), haemoplasmas, Mycoplasma species and Rickettsia species. METHODS: Serum antibodies were used to estimate the prevalence of exposure to A phagocytophilum, Bartonella species, B burgdorferi, Ehrlichia species and FIV; serum antigens were used to assess for infection by D immitis and FeLV; and molecular assays were used to amplify nucleic acids of Anaplasma species, Bartonella species, C felis, D immitis, Ehrlichia species, FCV, FHV-1, haemoplasmas, Mycoplasma species and Rickettsia species from blood and nasal or oral swabs. RESULTS: Of the 116 cats, 63 (54.3%) had evidence of infection by Bartonella species, FeLV, FIV or a haemoplasma. Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia species or Rickettsia species DNA was not amplified from these cats. A total of 18/116 cats (15.5%) were positive for FCV RNA (six cats), Mycoplasma species DNA (six cats), FHV-1 DNA (three cats) or C felis DNA (three cats). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study documents that shelter cats in Catalonia are exposed to many infectious agents with clinical and zoonotic significance, and that flea control is indicated for cats in the region.

Prevalence of selected rickettsial infections in cats in Southern Germany.

Prevalence of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neorickettsia, and Wolbachia DNA in blood of 479 cats collected in different veterinary clinics in Southern Germany was determined using a previously published conventional PCR using 16S-23S intergenic spacer primers (5' CTG GGG ACT ACG GTC GCA AGA C 3' - forward; 5' CTC CAG TTT ATC ACT GGA AGT T 3' - reverse). Purified amplicons were sequenced to confirm genus and species. Associations between rickettsial infections, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), as well as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) status were evaluated. Rickettsial prevalence was 0.4% (2/479; CI: 0.01-1.62%). In the two infected cats, Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was amplified. These cats came from different environment and had outdoor access. Both were ill with many of their problems likely related to other diseases. However, one cat had neutrophilia with left shift and the other thrombocytopenia potentially caused by their A. phagocytophilum infection. There was no significant difference in the FIV and FeLV status between A. phagocytophilum-negative and -positive cats. A. phagocytophilum can cause infection in cats in Southern Germany, and appropriate tick control is recommended.

Pilot study to evaluate the role of Mycoplasma species in cat bite abscesses.

Mycoplasma species are common inhabitants of the feline oral cavity, and so likely contaminate many cat bite abscesses. The objectives of this study were to determine whether Mycoplasma species are common contaminants of cat bite abscesses and whether they are are associated with ß-lactam-resistant clinical disease. Twenty-six privately owned cats with clinical evidence of an abscess suspected to be from a cat bite were included in the study. Samples from each cat were evaluated by aerobic and anaerobic culture, as well as Mycoplasma species culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All cats were initially treated with appropriate wound management and were administered an antibiotic of the ß-lactam class (amoxicillin, amoxicillin clavulanate or cefovecin sodium). Mycoplasma species DNA was amplified by PCR from 4/26 samples (15.4%); one of these cases was concurrently culture positive. Adequate DNA for sequencing was present for 2/4 positive PCR samples; one was most homologous with Mycoplasma felis, and the other was most homologous with Mycoplasma equigenitalium and Mycoplasma elephantis. Of the 26 cats, 25 responded to the initial treatment by day 7. The cat that failed initial treatment was positive for M equigenitalium or M elephantis DNA on days 0 and 12, and ultimately responded to administration of enrofloxacin and clindamycin. The results suggest that while Mycoplasma species can contaminate cat bite abscesses, routine wound management and ß-lactam antibiotic therapy is adequate for treatment in most cases of abscess. However, as Mycoplasma species infections do not respond to ß-lactam class antibiotic therapy, these organisms should be on the differential list for cats with abscesses that fail treatment with this antibiotic class.

A flea and tick collar containing 10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin prevents flea transmission of Bartonella henselae in cats.

BACKGROUND: Bartonella henselae is transmitted amongst cats by Ctenocephalides felis and is associated with multiple clinical syndromes in cats and people. In a previous study, monthly spot-on administration of 10% imidacloprid/1% moxidectin was shown to block transmission of B. henselae amongst cats experimentally exposed to infected C. felis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether application of a flea and tick collar containing 10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin would lessen C. felis transmission of B. henselae amongst cats for 8 months. METHODS: Specific pathogen free cats (n = 19) were housed in three adjoining enclosures that were separated by mesh to allow C. felis to pass among groups but prevent cats in different enclosures from contacting one another. One group of 4 cats was inoculated intravenously with B. henselae and after infection was confirmed in all cats based on positive PCR assay results, the cats were housed in the middle enclosure. The B. henselae infected cat group was flanked by a group of 8 cats that had the collar placed and maintained for the duration of the study and a group of 7 cats that were not treated. Ctenocephalides felis (50 males and 50 females) raised in an insectary were placed on each of the 4 cats in the B. henselae infected group monthly for 7 applications and then every 2 weeks for 4 applications starting the day the collar was applied. Blood was collected from all cats weekly for Bartonella spp. PCR, serology and culture. RESULTS: While side-effects associated with the collars were not noted, persistent fever necessitating enrofloxacin therapy occurred in two of the untreated cats. While B. henselae infection was ultimately confirmed in 4 of 7 of the untreated cats, none of the cats with collars became infected (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: In this study design, use of a collar containing 10% imidacloprid and 4.5% flumethrin was well tolerated and prevented C. felis transmission of B. henselae amongst cats for 8 months.

Results of molecular diagnostic assays targeting feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus in adult cats administered modified live vaccines.

In this pilot study, 12 adult, gang-housed cats that were known to be previously exposed (n=12) to feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and/or vaccinated against (n=2) feline calicivirus (FCV) and FHV-1 were randomly assigned to one of two groups of six cats each. Nasal and pharyngeal samples were collected from each cat on days -7, -3, and 0 prior to vaccination and on days 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, and 28 after vaccination with an FHV-1, FCV, and panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine developed for intranasal (six cats) or parenteral (six cats) use. FHV-1 DNA was amplified from 1/12 cats (1/69 samples; 1.4%) prior to vaccination and 2/12 cats after vaccination (2/154 samples; 1.3%). FCV RNA was amplified from 2/12 cats (2/69 samples; 2.9%) prior to vaccination and 7/12 cats (12/154 samples; 7.8%) after vaccination. Positive molecular diagnostic assay results for FHV-1 and FCV were uncommon prior to or after vaccination in these cats.

Prevalence of select infectious agents in inflammatory aural and nasopharyngeal polyps from client-owned cats.

Benign, inflammatory polyps may affect the nasopharynx and auditory canal of cats. It has been proposed that inflammation induced by infectious disease agents could trigger polyp formation. The objective of this pilot study was to determine the prevalence of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), Mycoplasma species, Bartonella species and Chlamydophila felis nucleic acids in polyp tissues collected from 30 clinically affected cats. Samples collected from the tympanic bulla from 12 clinically normal cats were also assayed. DNA or RNA of some of the target agents were amplified from samples from 25% of normal cats and 33% of affected cats; however, statistical associations were not detected for individual agent results or grouped results. The study documents that common oropharyngeal or blood borne agents can be detected in the tympanic bullae of normal cats. Failure to consistently amplify RNA or DNA of the select agents from polyp tissues suggests the agents studied were not directly associated with the pathogenesis of this syndrome in the cats tested. Alternately, the inflammatory response may have cleared microbial nucleic acids to undetectable levels by the time of sample collection.

Detection of bacterial and viral organisms from the conjunctiva of cats with conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract disease.

A variety of pathogens are involved in conjunctivitis in cats. In this study, the prevalence of feline herpesvirus (FHV), Chlamydophila felis, mycoplasmas, and aerobic bacteria on the conjunctival surface of cats with conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract disease was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescent assay (IFA), and aerobic bacterial culture of ocular swabs. Forty-one cats were included of which 37 were found to be infected with an ocular organism. Single and multiple infections were present in 15 and 22 cats, respectively. FHV, mycoplasmas, and C felis were detected by PCR in 11 (27%), 20 (49%), and 23 (56%) cats, respectively. IFA detected 10 cats as positive for C felis. Mycoplasma felis, Mycoplasma canadense, Mycoplasma cynos, Mycoplasma gateae, Mycoplasma lipophilum, and Mycoplasma hyopharyngis were identified by genetic sequencing. The most common aerobic bacteria cultured included Staphylococcus species, Streptococcus species and Micrococcus species. The prevalence of mycoplasmas in cats with conjunctivitis was higher than previously reported, and four of the Mycoplasma species have not been described in cats so far.

Association of Bartonella species, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus 1 infection with gingivostomatitis in cats.

Feline gingivostomatitis (FGS) is a common syndrome in cats; feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), and Bartonella species are common differential diagnoses. In this study, blood from 70 cats with FGS and 61 healthy control cats was tested for Bartonella species antibodies in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot immunoassay and DNA in blood using a conventional polymerase chain reaction assay. Additionally, fresh oral biopsies from cats with FGS (n=42) and 19 healthy controls were tested for FCV RNA, FHV-1 DNA and Bartonella species DNA. The prevalence rates for Bartonella species antibodies and DNA in the blood and the tissues did not differ between the two groups. FHV-1 DNA was also not significantly different between groups. Only FCV RNA was present in significantly more cats with FGS (40.5%) than control cats (0%). The results suggest that FCV was associated with FGS in some of the cats.

Feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus-1, and feline calicivirus antibody responses in seronegative specific pathogen-free cats after a single administration of two different modified live FVRCP vaccines.

Two groups of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) seronegative cats (five cats per group) were administered one of two modified live feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus (FVRCP) vaccines and the serological responses to each agent were followed over 28 days. While all cats developed detectable FPV and FCV antibody titers; only two cats developed detectable FHV-1 antibody titers using the criteria described by the testing laboratory. For FPV and FHV-1, there were no differences in seroconversion rates between the cats that were administered the intranasal (IN) FVRCP vaccine and the cats that were administered the parenteral FVRCP vaccine on any day post-inoculation. For FCV, the cats that were administered the IN FVRCP vaccine were more likely to seroconvert on days 10 and 14 when compared to cats that were administered the parenteral FVRCP vaccine.

Prevalence of Bartonella species antibodies and Bartonella species DNA in the blood of cats with and without fever.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are associations between Bartonella species antibody (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB)) and polymerase chain reaction assay results in cats with and without fever. Afebrile control cats (39/93; 42.0%) were more likely to have Bartonella species antibodies than cats with fever (29/93; 31.2%). The difference in prevalence of Bartonella species deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in blood of cats with fever (14/81; 17.3%) as compared to afebrile control cats (6/81; 7.4%) approached statistical significance (P=0.0571). Bartonella species ELISA or WB results frequently did not correlate to the presence or absence of Bartonella species DNA in blood. The results of this study indicate that in cats, Bartonella species antibody tests cannot predict whether fever is due to Bartonella species infection and should not be used to determine the Bartonella species infection status.

Prevalence of Rickettsia species antibodies and Rickettsia species DNA in the blood of cats with and without fever.

Rickettsia species antibodies have been detected in some cats but it is unknown whether infected cats develop clinical signs. The prevalence of Rickettsia species deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in blood from clinically ill cats has not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine if cats with fever (body temperature >or=102.5 degrees F [39.2 degrees C]) were more likely to have evidence of rickettsial infection than healthy, age-matched, control cats with a body temperature<102.5 degrees F. Rickettsia species polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed to detect rickettsial DNA extracted from blood (71 paired samples), indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) were performed to detect serum antibodies against Rickettsia felis (90 paired samples) and Rickettsia rickettsii (91 paired samples), and the results between pairs were compared. All samples were negative for Rickettsia species DNA. More cats with fever were seropositive for R felis or R rickettsii than control cats, but results were not statistically significant. Results of this pilot study failed to show an association between Rickettsia species DNA or Rickettsia species antibodies and fever.

Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis.

Gingivostomatitis (GS) is a significant condition in cats because of oral discomfort and associated periodontal disease. Several infectious agents have been associated with the presence of GS, but a causal relationship is unclear. The cats in this study were housed together, had a history of flea exposure, and were vaccinated with a modified live FVRCP product. There were nine cats with active GS and 36 unaffected cats at the time of sample collection. Serum was tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus, feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), and Bartonella species (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot immunoassay). PCR assays for Bartonella species and FHV-1 and a reverse transcriptase PCR assay for FCV were performed on blood and throat swabs. All cats were negative for FeLV. Assay results failed to correlate to the presence of GS in the group of cats studied.

Prevalence of Rickettsia felis DNA in the blood of cats and their fleas in the United States.

Rickettsia felis is associated with fever, headache, myalgia, and macular rash in some infected humans and has been detected in the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) in many countries around the world. While some naturally exposed cats have been assessed for antibodies against R felis, to our knowledge, no one has reported use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to attempt to amplify R felis DNA from client-owned cats and the fleas collected from them. In this study, we assayed 92 pairs of cat blood and flea extracts from Alabama, Maryland and Texas, using PCR assays that amplify a region of the citrate synthase gene (gltA) and the outer membrane protein B gene (ompB). Of the 92 pairs, 62 of 92 (67.4%) flea extracts and none of the cat blood samples were positive for R felis DNA.