Bartonella spp. and hematological changes in privately owned domestic cats from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Bartonella infection in cats can represent a risk to owners, particularly today when considering the increase in cat populations and their role in human bartonellosis epidemiology. In the present study, we aimed to detect Bartonella spp. in blood samples from 163 asymptomatic privately-owned cats from the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil by using a conventional PCR test and also to evaluate the association between Bartonella spp. and hematological changes in positive cats. Methodology: PCR assays were performed targeting the Bartonella spp heat shock protein (htrA) gene and complete blood counts were also performed in all samples. Positive PCR samples were confirmed by the presence of two genes, citrate synthase (gltA) and RNA polymerase beta-subunit-encoding (rpoB). Results: A total of 74.85% (122/163) of the tested cats were positive for Bartonella spp and partial sequencing confirmed to be B. henselae. All hematological findings from the 163 cats tested (PCR-positive and negative), presented normal limits. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that B. henselae is present in almost 75% asymptomatic privately-owned domestic cats in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Our results also show that hematological findings in Bartonella spp. infected cats are uncommon. In this scenario, the use of PCR as a diagnostic tool in feline Bartonella infections should be considered. Finally, these results also demonstrate the potential risk of Bartonella spp. infection in the human population of the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Molecular Survey of Bartonella Species in Shelter Cats in Rio De Janeiro: Clinical, Hematological, and Risk Factors

“…11 On the other hand, researchers demonstrated that hematological findings in Bartonella spp.-infected cats may be uncommon. 44 It is important to note that other clinical conditions may also cause this hematological change, such as infection by intestinal parasites and skin or respiratory abnormalities found in cats from this study. Further studies are needed to establish the correlation between eosinophilia and Bartonella infection.…”

Molecular Detection of Bartonella spp. and Hematological Evaluation in Domestic Cats and Dogs from Bangkok, Thailand

“…The mechanisms of anemia were studied mainly in B. bacilliformis and were described in various ways [ 73 ]. Bartonella -positive animals frequently showed anemia, eosinophilia, neutrophilia, and thrombocytopenia in [ 14 , 74 ]. Additionally, Bartonella -infected cats mostly showed mild or no abnormality of blood panels [ 18 ].…”

Cat scratch disease: What to do with the cat?

“…Literature review demonstrates that bacteremic animals may transmit infection when they have no clinical disease, and this can occur months after their initial inoculation. 23 Indeed, evidence of current or prior infection is common in both domestic and stray animals, 24 and has been reported in up to 75% 25 in certain regions. Even if a pet is not currently infested with fleas, they can potentially still transmit from prior exposures, 26 and possibly via saliva.…”

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