Apicomplexan haemoparasites in domestic cats in Romania.

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.

Case Report: Successful Treatment of Sarcoptic Mange in European Camelids.

Introduction: Members of the Camelidae family are very adaptable mammals, originating from South America. More recently, they have become popular in Europe as pets or wool production farm animals. Their dermatological problems refer mainly to mange, of which sarcoptic mange represent the most clinically relevant form. There is a wide range of molecules effective against sarcoptic mange, but the treatment is very challenging due to the lack of efficiency and absorption. Methods: Two cases from two different animal populations were described. A female alpaca from Romania with dermatological problems on the ears and two adult llamas, from Italy, both with intense pruritus. Combined treatment with amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin was administered for the alpaca, and 2% moxidectin was given to the llamas. Results: In both cases, the mites were morphologically identified as Sarcoptes scabiei. For the alpaca, negative scrapings were found only after 8 weeks of combined treatment. For the llamas, after four doses of subcutaneous moxidectin, no mites were detected in scrapings and lively hair regrowth of previously alopecic areas was visible. Conclusion: This paper aimed to present two clinical scenarios of sarcoptic mange in camelids, successfully treated with a combination of ectocides (topical amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin) and 2% subcutaneous moxidectin, respectively.

Comparison of three methods for the diagnosis of otoacariasis due to Otodectes cynotis in dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of otoacariasis due to Otodectes cynotis is based on the visualization of the parasite, either directly by otoscopy or indirectly after microscopic examination of cerumen collected by several methods. OBJECTIVES: To compare the sensitivity of three techniques: conventional handheld otoscopy, Volkmann's curette sampling and cotton-tipped swabbing. ANIMALS: Five dogs and 12 cats (30 naturally infested ears). METHODS AND MATERIALS: For each case, following otoscopy, the order of examinations (swab or curette) was chosen randomly and the samples were observed on a slide mixed with lactophenol and covered with a coverslip. Parasite detection was noted as positive or negative and parasitic stages were counted separately. RESULTS: The diagnostic sensitivity of otoscopy alone was 67% (positive in 20 of 30 cases), using the curette sampling it was 93% (28/30) and 57% (17/30) for the swabbing. The curette technique had a significantly higher sensitivity than classic ear-swabbing (P = 0.001) or otoscopy alone (P = 0.02). Combining otoscopy and the curette, we obtained a sensitivity of 100% compared to 86% when otoscopy and swabbing were combined. Moreover, the parasite count in the curette samples (average 25 ± 30 SD) was significantly higher than the swab samples (4.5 ± 11) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: When suspecting O. cynotis infestation, otoscopic examination should be performed. To confirm the nature of the parasites observed or whenever this examination result is negative, doubtful or cannot be performed, the curettage sampling method for microscopic cerumen examination is recommended.