Molecular survey of feline pathogens in cats in Lithuania

Abstract

Feline pathogens have been increasingly investigated for their impact on cathealth and their zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Bartonella spp. and haemoplasma infections in cats in Lithuania. Serological and molecular methods were used to investigate the occurrence of these zoonotic pathogens. A chromatographic immunoassay ,,Anigen Rapid Toxoplasma Ab Test Kit”was used for the qualitative detection of antibody against Toxoplasma gondii. Bartonella spp. DNA was detected using a nested-PCR targeting the 16S-23S rRNA gene intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region followed by sequencing for species identification. PCR and sequence analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene was used for detection and characterization Mycoplasma spp. by.A total of 163 blood samples were collected from domestic cats presented at veterinary clinics and animal shelter in Kaunas (central part of Lithuania). The combined results of serological test and PCR revealed that 35 of 163 (21,4 %) cats were positive for one or more pathogens. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 38,4 % (15/39) of examined cats. Bartonella species were detected in 8 (4.9%) out of 163 cats. The sequence analysis revealed the presence of Bartonella henselae (n=4), Bartonella clarridgeiae (n=2) and Bartonella sp. (n=2). Haemoplasmas were detected in blood samples of 19 cats (11.7 %): 2.5% were positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 9.2% for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum.