Exploring the One Health Paradigm in Male Breast Cancer.

How cancer patterns in humans compare to those of other species remains largely unknown and there is an even bigger knowledge gap for rare cancers like male breast cancer. One Health is a convergence of human and animal healthcare that encourages cross-pollination of medical research uniting human and veterinary medicine. Recognising that breast cancer occurs spontaneously in other male species (e.g. primates, canines, felines), and knowing that no laboratory models exist for male breast cancer, which limits our ability to perform functional studies, we explored the feasibility of applying One Health to breast cancer in men by conducting a narrative review of the topic. Spontaneous development of breast cancer was reported in captive male primates and in companion canines and felines. Some parallels in tumour biology of human male breast cancer with canines and primates were found. The age distribution, pattern of biomarker expression and metastasis were similar, with mammary tumours typically detected after two-thirds of average lifespan. However, instances of triple negative and inflammatory breast cancer, which are rarely observed in human male breast cancer, were found in canines and histological classification was inconsistent between species. These disparities need redressing to enable full exploration of the One Health paradigm in rare cancers.

Emergence of Thelaziosis Caused by Thelazia callipaeda in Dogs and Cats, United States.

We report 2 autochthonous feline thelaziosis cases caused by the eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda and discuss the spread among dogs in the northeastern United States. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the parasite was introduced from Europe. Adopting a One Health approach is needed to limit further spread of T. callipaeda eyeworms in North America.

Sporotrichosis Cluster in Domestic Cats and Veterinary Technician, Kansas, USA, 2022.

We describe a feline sporotrichosis cluster and zoonotic transmission between one of the affected cats and a technician at a veterinary clinic in Kansas, USA. Increased awareness of sporotrichosis and the potential for zoonotic transmission could help veterinary professionals manage feline cases and take precautions to prevent human acquisition.

Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Positive Staphylococcus aureus in Family and Pet Cat.

Continued detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive Staphylococcus aureus in samples from a family with severe repeated skin infections and their pet cat suggests transmission between the family and the cat. Decolonizing the pet led to successful elimination of the bacteria from the household. Clinicians should consider pet cats as possible reinfection sources.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Clade 2.3.4.4b Virus Infection in Domestic Dairy Cattle and Cats, United States, 2024.

We report highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in dairy cattle and cats in Kansas and Texas, United States, which reflects the continued spread of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses that entered the country in late 2021. Infected cattle experienced nonspecific illness, reduced feed intake and rumination, and an abrupt drop in milk production, but fatal systemic influenza infection developed in domestic cats fed raw (unpasteurized) colostrum and milk from affected cows. Cow-to-cow transmission appears to have occurred because infections were observed in cattle on Michigan, Idaho, and Ohio farms where avian influenza virus-infected cows were transported. Although the US Food and Drug Administration has indicated the commercial milk supply remains safe, the detection of influenza virus in unpasteurized bovine milk is a concern because of potential cross-species transmission. Continued surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in domestic production animals is needed to prevent cross-species and mammal-to-mammal transmission.

Cats - telomere to telomere and nose to tail.

Feline genomic medicine can decode human variants of uncertain significance (VUSs). Telomere-to-telomere genome assemblies are feasible for all felid species, supporting genetic evolution and speciation studies. Their highly conserved genomic organization compared to humans suggests cats may also decipher the intergenic variation affecting the 3D chromosome structures influencing gene regulation.

Chromosomal and plasmid localization of ileS2 in high-level mupirocin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from canine and feline origins.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the mobile genetic elements and genetic localization of ileS2 in high-level mupirocin-resistant (Hi-MupR) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and MRSA isolates recovered from canine and feline clinical samples. METHODS: The identification of bacterial species and presence of mecA and ileS2 genes in MRSP and MRSA isolates were performed using MALDI-TOF MS and PCR, respectively. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes were determined by broth microdilution assays. The genome characteristics, ileS2-containing elements and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) were illustrated using complete circular genomes obtained from hybrid assembly of Illumina short-reads and Oxford Nanopore Technologies long-reads. These were analysed through phylogenetic and bioinformatics approaches. RESULTS: A total of 18 MRSP clinical isolates and four MRSA clinical isolates exhibited the Hi-MupR phenotype and carried multiple AMR genes, including mecA and ileS2 genes. MRSP ST182-SCCmec V (n = 6) and ST282-ΨSCCmec57395-t10 (n = 4) contained the ileS2 transposable unit associated with IS257 on the chromosome. Three MRSA ST398-SCCmec V-t034/t4652 isolates carried ∼42 kb pSK41-like ileS2 plasmids, whereas similar ileS2 plasmids lacking tra genes were found in MRSP ST282-ΨSCCmec57395-t72/t21 isolates. Furthermore, a new group of ileS2 plasmids, carried by MRSP ST45-ΨSCCmec57395, ST433-ΨSCCmecKW21-t05 and ST2165-SCCmec IV-t06, and by one MRSA ST398-SCCmec V-t034 strain, shared the plasmid backbone with the cfr/fexA-carrying plasmid pM084526_1 in MRSA ST398. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence of ileS2 integration into the S. pseudintermedius chromosome, which is a rare occurrence in staphylococcal species, and plasmids played a pivotal role in dissemination of ileS2 in both staphylococcal species.

Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) enters the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is an enveloped dsDNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family and is considered one of the two primary viral etiological factors of feline upper respiratory tract disease. In this study, we investigated the entry of FHV-1 into host cells using two models: the AK-D cell line and primary feline skin fibroblasts (FSFs). We employed confocal microscopy, siRNA silencing, and selective inhibitors of various entry pathways. Our observations revealed that the virus enters cells via pH and dynamin-dependent endocytosis, as the infection was significantly inhibited by NH4Cl, bafilomycin A1, dynasore, and mitmab. Additionally, genistein, nystatin, and filipin treatments, siRNA knock-down of caveolin-1, as well as FHV-1 and caveolin-1 colocalization suggest the involvement of caveolin-mediated endocytosis during the entry process. siRNA knock-down of clathrin heavy chain and analysis of virus particle colocalization with clathrin indicated that clathrin-mediated endocytosis also takes part in the primary cells. This is the first study to systematically examine FHV-1 entry into host cells, and for the first time, we describe FHV-1 replication in AK-D and FSFs. IMPORTANCE Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) is one of the most prevalent viruses in cats, causing feline viral rhinotracheitis, which is responsible for over half of viral upper respiratory diseases in cats and can lead to ocular lesions resulting in loss of sight. Although the available vaccine reduces the severity of the disease, it does not prevent infection or limit virus shedding. Despite the clinical relevance, the entry mechanisms of FHV-1 have not been thoroughly studied. Considering the limitations of commonly used models based on immortalized cells, we sought to verify our findings using primary feline skin fibroblasts, the natural target for infection in cats.

Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in cats in different regions of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Hemotropic Mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) cause hemolytic anemia in cats worldwide and are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens. There is no comprehensive study on the prevalence and species diversity of hemoplasmas in domestic cat populations in different regions in Iran. Thus, the aims of the present study were to provide data on the prevalence and molecular characterization of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in apparently healthy cats from six Iranian provinces with different climates. In addition, potential risk factors associated with hemoplasmosis in cats were assessed. RESULTS: Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 56 / 361 cats (15.5%) using genus-specific PCR. Further examinations with species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing showed that 38 cats (10.5%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 8 cats (2.2%) tested positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 2 cats (0.6%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Co-infection with CMhm, and Mhf was observed in 7 cats (1.9%). One cat (0.3%) showed mixed infection with CMhm, Mhf, and CMt. There were statistically significant relationships between Mycoplasma positivity and being female, living in shelter (cattery), and being over 3 years old (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed for the cat breed and sampling localities. CONCLUSIONS: Current study findings revealed that hemoplasma infections are common among Iran cat populations. Considering the impact of such emerging zoonotic pathogens on the One Health, routine screenings, increasing public awareness, effective control, and prophylactic strategies for minimizing infection in cats and subsequently in human are strongly recommended.

The polymicrobial nature of the oral cavity and claws of cats diagnosed by mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing.

Close contact between cats and humans increases the risk of transmission of zoonotic pathogens, through bites and scratches due to the complexity of microorganisms in the oral and nail microbiotas of felines. This study investigated the presence of bacteria and fungi in the oral cavity and claws of 100 apparently healthy cats using conventional and selective microbiological culture media, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria isolates was performed by disc diffusion method. In total, 671 bacteria and 33 yeasts were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Neisseria animaloris (10.8 %), Staphylococcus felis (8.5 %), and Pasteurella multocida (7 %) were the most prevalent bacteria in oral cavity samples (n = 343), while the most common yeast (n = 19) was Candida albicans (68.4 %). Staphylococcus pettenkoferi (13.4 %), Staphylococcus felis (6.4 %), and Staphylococcus simulans (5.8 %) were the prevalent bacteria identified in the claw samples (n = 328), while Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (57.2 %) was the most common yeast (n = 14). NGS predominantly identified the genera Moraxella, Neisseria, Pasteurella, and Fusobacterium in oral cavity samples, whereas enterobacteria and staphylococci were prevalent in nail bed samples. In addition, the genera Capnocytophaga and Bartonella were identified, which have been described in serious human infections secondary to feline aggressions. Levofloxacin, marbofloxacin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most effective drugs against the main groups of bacteria identified. Multidrug resistance was observed in 17 % of the bacterial isolates. Furthermore, three staphylococci harboring the methicillin resistance gene mecA were identified. We highlight the complexity of microorganisms inhabiting the oral/claw microbiotas of cats, the high resistance rate of the isolates to conventional antimicrobial agents, and the zoonotic risk of aggressions caused by bites and scratches from domestic cats.

First report of molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic characteristics of feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) from naturally infected cats in Kunshan, China.

BACKGROUND: Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is a life threatening highly contagious virus in cats and typically causes upper respiratory tract infections as well as conjunctival and corneal ulcers. Genetic variability could alter the severity of diseases and clinical signs. Despite regular vaccine practices against FHV-1 in China, new FHV-1 cases still commonly occur. The genetic and phylogenetic characteristics of FHV-1 in Kunshan city of China has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the prevalence, molecular characteristics of circulating strains, and phylogenetic analyses of FHV-1. This is the first report of molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic characteristics of FHV-1 from naturally infected cats in Kunshan, China. METHODS: The occulo-nasal swabs were collected from diseased cats showing respiratory distress, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers at different veterinary clinics in Kunshan from 2022 to 2023. Clinical data and general information were recorded. Swab samples were processed for preliminary detection of FHV-1. Thymidine kinase (TK), glycoprotein B (gB) and glycoprotein D (gD) genes were sequenced and analyzed to investigate genetic diversity and evolution of FHV-1. RESULTS: The FHV-1 genome was detected in 43 (43/200, 21.5%) samples using RT-PCR targeting the TK gene. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between age, vaccination status and living environment (p < 0.05) with FHV-1 positivity, while a non-significant correlation was observed for FHV-1 positivity and sex of cats (p > 0.05). Additionally, eight FHV-1 positive cats were co-infected with feline calicivirus (8/43,18.6%). FHV-1 identified in the present study was confirmed as FHV-1 based on phylogenetic analyses. The sequence analyses revealed that 43 FHV-1 strains identified in the present study did not differ much with reference strains within China and worldwide. A nucleotide homology of 99-100% was determined among gB, TK and gD genes nucleotide sequences when compared with standard strain C-27 and vaccine strains. Amino acid analysis showed some amino acid substitutions in TK, gB and gD protein sequences. A potential N-linked glycosylation site was observed in all TK protein sequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed minor variations and short evolutionary distance among FHV-1 strains detected in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that genomes of 43 FHV-1 strains are highly homogenous and antigenically similar, and the degree of variation in major envelope proteins between strains is low. This study demonstrated some useful data about prevalence, genetic characteristics, and evolution of FHV-1 in Kunshan, which may aid in future vaccine development.

Molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic analysis of feline calicivirus in Kunshan, China.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious virus in cats, which typically causes respiratory tract and oral infections. Despite vaccination against FCV being a regular practice in China, new FCV cases still occur. Antigenic diversity of FCV hinders the effective control by vaccination. This is first report which aims to investigate the molecular epidemiology and molecular characteristics of FCV in Kunshan, China. The nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from cats showing variable clinical signs from different animal clinics in Kunshan from 2022 to 2023. Preliminary detection and sequencing of the FCV capsid gene were performed to study genetic diversity and evolutionary characteristics. FCV-RNA was identified in 52 (26%) of the samples using RT-PCR. A significant association was found between FCV-positive detection rate, age, gender, vaccination status and living environment, while a non-significant association was found with breed of cats. Nucleotide analysis revealed two genotypes, GI and GII. GII predominated in Kunshan, with diverse strains and amino acid variations potentially affecting vaccination efficacy and FCV detection. Notably, analysis pinpointed certain strains' association with FCV-virulent systemic disease pathotypes. This investigation sheds light on FCV dynamics, which may aid in developing better prevention strategies and future vaccine designs against circulating FCV genotypes.

Sporothrix brasiliensis-specific polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of cat and human sporotrichosis through non-invasive samples.

Zoonotic sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis is an emerging mycosis in Latin America. One of the problems to quickly treat infected animals and break the transmission chain is associated with the time-consuming gold-standard diagnosis method (culture). We aimed to evaluate a species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of sporotrichosis caused by S. brasiliensis using non-invasive samples. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study using samples collected with swabs from humans and cats with clinical suspicion of sporotrichosis. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted using a commercial kit, and a species-specific PCR for S. brasiliensis detection was performed. One hundred ten samples were included. PCR showed a good concordance with culture (86% of agreement) for human and cat samples (Kappa coefficient = 0.722, and 0.727, respectively). In conclusion, our data shows that this adapted PCR using non-invasive samples can be applied to sporotrichosis diagnosis, being a good alternative mainly in regions with a lack of mycologists to identify the fungus in culture, contributing to the control of this emergent zoonosis.

We aimed to evaluate a molecular method for diagnosing sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis in humans and cats. We observed that the technique is in good agreement with the classic method and is a good alternative for assisting in the diagnosis and consequent control of this zoonosis.

Plasma itraconazole concentrations during treatment of feline sporotrichosis.

Itraconazole (ITZ) is the most used drug to treat feline sporotrichosis; however, little is known about its pharmacokinetics in cats with this mycosis. The aim of this study was to determine plasma ITZ concentrations in cats with sporotrichosis treated with ITZ as monotherapy or in combination with potassium iodide (KI). Cats diagnosed with sporotrichosis received orally ITZ (100 mg/cat/day) or combination therapy with ITZ (100 mg/cat/day) and KI (2.5-5 mg/kg/day) in the case of worsening or stagnation of the clinical condition. At each monthly visit, blood samples were collected at an interval of 4 h for analysis of trough and peak plasma ITZ concentrations by HPLC. Clinical features and laboratory parameters were evaluated during follow-up. Sixteen cats were included in the study. The median plasma ITZ concentration of all cats was 0.75 µg/mL. The median plasma ITZ concentration was 0.5 µg/mL in cats that received ITZ monotherapy (n = 12) and 1.0 µg/mL in those treated with ITZ + KI (n = 4). The clinical cure rate was 56.3% (n = 9) and the median treatment duration was 8 weeks. Nine cats (56.3%) developed adverse clinical reactions, and hyporexia was the most frequent (n = 8; 88.9%). Serum alanine aminotransferase was elevated in four cats (25%). The median plasma ITZ concentration detected in cats was considered to be therapeutic (>0.5 µg/mL) and was reached after 4 weeks of treatment. Plasma ITZ concentrations were higher in cats that received ITZ + KI compared to those treated only with ITZ, suggesting pharmacokinetic synergism between these drugs.

Itraconazole is the most common therapy for feline sporotrichosis, and combination therapy with potassium iodide is used in nonresponsive cases. Our study showed that all cats achieved a therapeutic plasma concentration of itraconazole, with higher levels in cats treated with the combination therapy.

The role of receptors in the cross-species spread of coronaviruses infecting humans and pigs.

The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has proven capable of infecting over 30 animal species, highlights the critical need for understanding the mechanisms of cross-species transmission and the emergence of novel coronavirus strains. The recent discovery of CCoV-HuPn-2018, a recombinant alphacoronavirus from canines and felines that can infect humans, along with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pig cells, underscores the potential for coronaviruses to overcome species barriers. This review investigates the origins and cross-species transmission of both human and porcine coronaviruses, with a specific emphasis on the instrumental role receptors play in this process.

Spectrum detection and analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of infectious pathogens in the feline respiratory tract.

Our study was designed to investigate the original spectrum of feline respiratory tract infection and to provide a scientific basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of feline respiratory infections and for precise prevention and control measures. A total of 400 cats with upper respiratory tract infections from animal hospitals in 12 provinces in China were examined from November 2022 to October 2023 to investigate the epidemiology of feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpes virus type 1 (FHV-1), influenza A virus (IAV), Mycoplasma felis, Chlamydia felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica through loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with microfluidic chip detection. The results showed that 396 of the 400 samples tested were positive for at least one of these pathogens, with an overall detection rate of 99.00%. The detection rates were as follows: FCV, 36.00% (144/400); M. felis, 34.00% (136/400); FHV-1, 21.50% (86/400); C. felis, 15.75% (63/400); B. b, 13.00% (52/400); IAV, 4.50% (18/400). There were no statistically significant differences in the detection rates of respiratory pathogens between different sexes, ages, seasons, breeds, or regions (P > 0.05). There were 88 mixed infections, giving a total mixed infection rate of 22.00% (88/400). It is worth noting that the detection rate of FCV at different ages and of FHV-1 in different sexes showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The highest rate of FCV infection was found in animals that were 1 to 2 years old, and the rate of FHV-1 infection in male cats was higher than that in female cats. The results showed that the spectrum of feline respiratory pathogens is complex, with diverse epidemiological characteristics and mixed infections, and some differences among different respiratory pathogens were found with regard to the sex, age, and breed of the cat. Studies should be continued to provide a scientific basis for precise prevention and control of feline respiratory diseases.

Escherichia coli isolated from pyometra and cystitis in the same animal exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity.

AIMS: Pyometra and cystitis caused by Escherichia coli are common diseases identified in canine or feline females. The origin of pyometra infection remains uncertain, and effective prevention strategies for this disease are still unknown. This study aimed to provide a phenotypic characterization, including antimicrobial resistance and virulence profiles, of endometrial pathogenic (EnPEC) and uropathogenic (UPEC) E. coli strains isolated simultaneously from the same animal. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixteen E. coli strains, from eight different animals, were analyzed in this study. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of EnPEC and UPEC strains was determined using the disc diffusion method, which showed a similar susceptibility profile among strains (EnPEC and UPEC) from the same animal. The virulence profile of the strains was assessed through biofilm formation, as well as serum resistance abilities. EnPEC and UPEC strains from the same animal exhibited slight variations in their virulence and antimicrobial resistance capabilities. Overall, most of the strain pairs showed a high similarity in their ability to establish biofilms and survive in serum complement activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, strains of E. coli isolated from both pyometra and cystitis in the same animal, despite presenting distinct clinical diseases, exhibit a wide phenotypic similarity, suggesting a common origin for the strains.

Unusual sex chromosomal DSD in a domestic Shorthair cat with a 37,X/38,XY mosaic karyotype.

BACKGROUND: Sex chromosome abnormalities associated with disorders of sexual development (DSD) are rarely described in cats, mainly due to the lack of chromossome studies that precisely reveal the condition. Genetic approaches are therefore required in order to detect sex chromossomes abnormalities as variations in the number and structure of chromosomes, or the presence of a second cell line as mosaicim or chimerism. CASE PRESENTATION: A male Shorthair cryptorchid cat was presented with clinical signs of anorexia, tenesmus and hyperthermia. Ultrasonography revealed a fluid-filled structure, with approximately 1 cm in diameter, adjacent to the descending colon. Computed tomography evidenced a tubular structure, ventral to the descending colon and caudal to the bladder, which extended cranially, through two branches. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the presence of two atrophic uterine horns and one hypoplastic testicle with epididymis at the end of one of the uterine horns. The end of the other uterine horn was attached to a structure composed by a mass of adipocytes. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a mosaic 37,X/38,XY karyotype. The two cell lines were found in 15% and 85% of the lymphocytes, respectively. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of SRY and ZFY genes in blood and hair bulbs, and revealed a marked reduction in SRY expression in the testicle. Additionally, this case presented exceptionally rare features, such as a Leydig' cell tumour and a chronic endometritis in both uterine horns. CONCLUSIONS: Complete imaging workup, cytogenetic analysis and SRY gene expression should be systematically realized, in order to properly classify disorders of sexual development (DSD) in cats.

Osteomyelitis by Microsporum canis and Staphylococcus spp. in cat (Felis catus) - case report.

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus spp and Microsporum canis are zoonotic microorganisms which can cause infections and systemic diseases. The bone infection is usually caused by invasion of pathogen through the hematologic route. Mixed osteomyelitis caused by bacteria and fungi is rare, and to date, there have been no reports of mixed osteomyelitis with Staphylococcus spp. and Microsporum canis. CASE PRESENTATION: This essay reports an atypical presentation of mixed osteomyelitis (Staphylococcus spp. and Microsporum canis) in a domestic cat. A 15-month-old female Persian cat was presented to a veterinary service; the main complaint was the appearance of a nodule in the mandibular ventral rostral region. A radiographic exam performed on the animal showed proliferative and osteolytic bone lesions. The patient was submitted to a biopsy for histopathological evaluation, along with bacterial and fungal cultures. Results showed mixed osteomyelitis by Staphylococcus spp. and Microsporum canis. Microbial Sensitivity Test was performed to choose a more suitable treatment. Two surgical procedures were executed to resect and curette the lesion, and treatments with anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antifungal drugs were established, showing a positive clinical evolution. After 8 months of treatment, the patient's owner moved to a different city, and the animal was seen by other veterinarians, who followed along with the same treatment. However, due to complications and a diminishing quality of life over 4 years of diagnosis, the patient was euthanized. CONCLUSION: Given the above, mixed osteomyelitis is difficult to treat and can cause losses of life quality resulting death, especially in infections where M. canis is the agent causing the disease. Bacterial osteomyelitis is more frequently reported. But the lack of investigation of microorganisms other than bacteria, such as fungal cases, may imply in underdiagnosed cases. Treatment of osteomyelitis can be difficult considering the difficulties in isolating the pathological agent, resistance to the drug used, prolonged treatment time, and cost.

Feline vector-borne haemopathogens in Türkiye: the first molecular detection of Mycoplasma wenyonii and ongoing Babesia ovis DNA presence in unspecific hosts.

BACKGROUND: Cats are hosts and reservoirs for many haemopathogens such as piroplasms, Rickettsia, hemotropic Mycoplasma, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma, which are transmitted by various vector arthropods and some of which have a zoonotic concern. Although it is noteworthy that the rate of ownership of companion animals has increased in Türkiye in recent years and that cats account for a large proportion of these animals, there is limited research on the vector-borne infectious agents carried by them. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive molecular epidemiological data and molecular characterization of feline vector-borne haemopathogens (FVBHs), including piroplasms, anaplasmataceae, rickettsias, haemoplasmas, and Bartonella species in Türkiye. In total, 250 feline blood samples were collected from client-owned cats (n = 203) and shelter cats (n = 47) brought to the Small Animal Hospital of Selcuk University, Veterinary Faculty. RESULTS: Overall, 40 (16%) cats were found to be infected with at least one of the investigated haemopathogens and piroplasm, Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. prevalence was 1.6%, 11.2%, and 4.8%, respectively. No Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp. and Rickettsia spp. DNA was detected in the investigated feline samples. Sequence analysis revealed that all four piroplasms belonged to Babesia ovis with a 97.93-99.82% nucleotide sequence identity to 18S rRNA gene sequences from Spain and Türkiye, while some sequenced hemoplasmas were Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm) and Mycoplasma wenyonii, and Bartonella spp. were Bartonella henselae and Bartonella koehlerae species. Co-infections with Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. were also detected in 4 cats (1.6%) in this study, where single infections were predominant. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable information on zoonotically important feline vector-borne hemopathogens in Türkiye, some of which have received attention under the One Health perspective, and is the first molecular epidemiological study to demonstrate the presence of Babesia ovis, the causative agent of ovine babesiosis, and Mycoplasma wenyonii DNA, the causative agent of bovine haemotropic mycoplasmosis, in cats. Further studies on the roles of such pathogens detected in unspecific hosts and the host specificity of the vectors that transmit them will contribute to the elucidation of this situation.