Risk factors for Haemobartonella felis infection in cats.

A seroepidemiologic survey for Haemobartonella felis infection in cats of Wake County, NC was undertaken. To help assess risk factors, cat owners completed a 10-item questionnaire. Additionally, blood samples were obtained for determination of H felis presence, FeLV infection, and anemia. Prevalence rates for H felis presence were as follows: all cats, 4.9% (6/123); healthy cats, 3.6% (3/83); and ill cats, 7.5% (3/40). The estimated relative risk for haemobartonellosis was also increased in cats with any of the following: anemia, FeLV-positive status, lack of vaccinations, history of catbite abscesses and/or anemia, age less than or equal to 3 years, or outdoor-roaming status. The sex, breed, number of cats in the household, or presence of fleas were not significant factors, although ill male cats had a greater estimated relative risk for haemobartonellosis.

Seroepidemiologic survey of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in cats of Wake County, North Carolina.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies were detected in 9 of 123 (7.3%) cats. More clinically ill cats had titers to FIV than did healthy cats (15% vs 3.6%). Previous or current illnesses in these FIV-positive cats included urinary bladder disease, anemia, cat-bite abscesses, bacterial infections, bleeding disorders, diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory tract disease. All FIV-positive cats were males, with mean age of 6.0 years (range, 1 to 11 years). Half (n = 3) of the clinically ill FIV-positive cats were concurrently seropositive for FeLV antigen. Three of the ill cats were euthanatized or died 1 month after initially testing, whereas the remaining 3 ill cats and the 3 healthy FIV-positive cats were healthy 1 year after initial testing. Antibody titer to FIV persisted in 4 of 5 cats, but serotest results were equivocal in 1 cat evaluated 1 year later.