Investigation of Toxoplasma Gondii and Bartonella Spp. pathogens in domestic cats in Lithuania

Abstract

Toxoplasmosis and Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) are the most common zoonotic diseases of cats that can be transmitted to humans. Toxoplasmosis is caused by widespread zoonotic protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii that has both a simple and a complex life cycle, Domestic and wild felids are usually asymptomatic and they are the definitive hosts, and all warm-blooded vertebrate species – including humans – can serve as intermediate hosts. 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 determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and to identify Bartonella species using molecular detection in cats from Lithuania. Blood samples were collected from 46 cats in pet clinics and animal shelters in Kaunas. Antigen rapid test was used to detect the presence of antibodies against T. gondii in the serum or blood samples. T. gondii infection was detected in 31 % (15/46) of cats. Molecular analysis using 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) target allowed detection of Bartonella DNA in 14 % (7/46) of cats. Sequence analysis of partial ITS region of Bartonella isolates revealed the presence of two Bartonella species in cats – B.henselae and B.clarridgeiae. This study is the first report on prevalence of T.gondii and molecular detection and prevalence of B.henselae and B.clarridgeiae in cats in Lithuania, which allows for better evaluation of the zoonotic risk potential to the Lithuanian people.