RT Journal Article
T1 Molecular detection of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon sp. in domestic and stray cats from Madrid, Spain
A1 Díaz-Regañón Fernández, David Rafael
A1 Villaescusa Fernández, Alejandra
A1 Ayllón Santiago, Tania
A1 Rodríguez Franco, Fernando
A1 Baneth, Gad
A1 Calleja-Bueno, Lydia
A1 García-Sancho Téllez, Mercedes Guadalupe
A1 Agulla Pérez, Beatriz
A1 Sainz Rodríguez, Ángel
AB Background: Different species of apicomplexan protozoans of the genera Hepatozoon and Cytauxzoon can infect domestic cats, but their epidemiology and clinical relevance are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the molecular prevalence of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon spp. and to identify associated risk factors and clinical and laboratory abnormalities in a population of cats from Madrid, Spain. Methods: Six hundred and forty-four client-owned and stray cats from Madrid, Spain, were included in this study. DNA samples were analyzed by two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect a partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon spp. In order to evaluate possible associations between infection by these protozoans and epidemiological or clinical parameters, data were collected related to: the season of sample collection, age, gender, spayed/neutered status, breed, living area, lifestyle, outdoor access, contact with other animals, prey on wild animals, history of tick or flea infestation, travel history, ectoparasiticide treatment, previous blood transfusion, previous tetracycline administration in the last 60 days, Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency virus (FIV) status, positivity to other vector-borne diseases, the presence or absence of clinical signs and hematological or biochemical alterations. Results: DNA of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon sp. was amplified from the blood of 10 (1.6%) and 8 (1.2%) cats, respectively. Previous treatment with tetracyclines in the last 60 days, previous administration of blood transfusion, a decrease in haematocrit and an increase in creatinine were associated with Hepatozoon spp. infection. Cytauxzoon sp. infection was more frequent in samples collected during the winter months and in cats living in rural areas. This infection was associated with a FIV-positive status. Some of the cats that were positive for Hepatozoon spp. or Cytauxzoon sp. had been exposed to other vector-borne pathogens, such as Ehrlichia canis and Bartonella henselae. Conclusions: Our results indicate that cats from Madrid, central Spain, are infected with Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon sp., although with a low prevalence. Further studies are needed to determine the virulence of these agents in Spanish cats.
PB BioMed Central
SN 1756-3305
YR 2017
FD 2017-03-13
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/115224
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/115224
LA eng
NO Díaz-Regañón, D., Villaescusa, A., Ayllón, T. et al. Molecular detection of Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon sp. in domestic and stray cats from Madrid, Spain. Parasites Vectors 10, 112 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-017-2056-1
NO Authors’ contributions: DDR performed PCR, analysed data and wrote the manuscript. AV designed and supervised the study, analyzed data and wrote the manuscript. TA collected samples and data from all the animals, performed DNA extraction and revised the manuscript. FRF, MCG and BA analyzed data and collaborated in writing the manuscript. GB co-supervised the study and revised the manuscript. LC supervised molecular analyses analyzed data and collaborated in writing the manuscript. AS planned, designed and supervised the study, analyzed data and assisted in writing the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
DS Docta Complutense
RD 12 abr 2025