Detection of Bartonella Henselae and Bartonella Clarridgeiae in cats and cat fleas in Lithuania

Abstract

Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae which is generally spread to people through cat bites or scratches. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of Bartonella infections in cats and cat fleas in Lithuania. Blood samples were collected from 46 cats presented in pet clinics and animal shelter, and a total 102 fleas of two species Ctenocephalides felis (n=92) and Ctenocephalides canis (n=10) were collected from cats. Molecular analysis using 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) target allowed detection of Bartonella DNA in 14 % (7/46) of cats, and 20.6% (21/102) of fleas. Sequence analysis of partial ITS region of Bartonella isolates revealed the presence of two Bartonella species in cats and fleas – B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae, with B. henselae being more common than B. clarridgeiae. Three B. henselae strains were identified. This study is the first report on prevalence and molecular characterization of B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae in cats and cat fleas in Lithuania