Passive tick surveillance and detection of Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks from companion animals in British Columbia: 2018 to 2020.

Objective: The present study was designed to identify tick species and determine prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection in ticks obtained from companion animals in British Columbia. Animals and samples: Ticks were submitted by British Columbia veterinarians from client-owned companion animals over a 31-month period. Procedure: Each tick was identified and PCR testing for B. burgdorferi undertaken on all Ixodes species identified by the Zoonotic Diseases and Emerging Pathogens Section of British Columbia Centre for Disease Control Public Health Laboratory (BCCDC PHL). Results: Overall, 85% (n = 300) of ticks submitted were Ixodes spp., with the majority known to transmit B. burgdorferi. Furthermore, 0.8% (95% confidence interval: 0.094 to 2.78%) of these ticks were PCR-positive for B. burgdorferi. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Although the B. burgdorferi positivity rate in this study was low, it remains important for veterinary professionals to inform pet owners that ticks are present and can pose a risk to pets and humans. In eastern North America, B. burgdorferi infection risk has increased rapidly, underscoring the importance of ongoing surveillance in British Columbia to understand current and future distributions of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, especially in the context of climate change.

Surveillance passive des tiques et détection de Borrelia burgdorferi chez des tiques provenant d'animaux de compagnie en Colombie-Britannique: 2018 à 2020. Objectif: Cette étude a été élaboré afin d'identifier les espèces de tiques et de déterminer la prévalence de l'infection à Borrelia burgdorferi chez des tiques obtenues d'animaux de compagnie en Colombie-Britannique. Animaux et échantillons: Les tiques ont été soumises par des médecins vétérinaires de la Colombie-Britannique obtenues d'animaux de compagnie de clients sur une période de 31 mois. Procédure: Chaque tique a été identifiée et un test PCR pour détecter B. burdorferi réalisé sur toutes les espèces Ixodes identifiées par la Section des maladies zoonotiques et des agents pathogènes émergents du Centre for Disease Control Public Health Laboratory de la Colombie-Britannique. Résultats: Au total, 85 % (n = 300) des tiques soumises étaient des Ixodes spp., dont la majorité reconnue pour transmettre B. burgdorferi. De plus, 0,8 % (intervalle de confiance 95 %: 0,094 à 2,78 %) de ces tiques étaient positives pour B. burgdorferi par PCR. Conclusion et signification clinique: Bien que le taux de positivité pour B. burgdorferi dans la présente étude soit faible, il n'en demeure pas moins important pour les professionnels vétérinaires d'informer les propriétaires d'animaux de compagnie que les tiques sont présentes et peuvent représenter un risque pour les animaux de compagnie et les humains. Dans le nord de l'Amérique du Nord, le risque d'infection par B. burgdorferi a augmenté rapidement, soulignant l'importance d'une surveillance continue en Colombie-Britannique pour comprendre la distribution actuelle et future des tiques et agents pathogènes transmis par les tiques, spécialement dans le contexte des changements climatiques.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Dipylidiasis cases in Japan-an update by literature survey.

Dipylidium caninum is a cosmopolitan parasite of companion animals such as dogs and cats. Accidental infection in humans occur mostly in children. Although considerable number of cases were reported from Europe and the Americas, case reports of this zoonotic disease are rather scarce from Asian countries. The aim of this study is to report the results of literature survey on dipylidiasis cases in humans in Japan. Conclusively, we have found a total of 17 cases since the first case report in from Aichi Prefecture in 1925.

Molecular prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in cats in different regions of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Hemotropic Mycoplasma species (hemoplasmas) cause hemolytic anemia in cats worldwide and are recognized as emerging zoonotic pathogens. There is no comprehensive study on the prevalence and species diversity of hemoplasmas in domestic cat populations in different regions in Iran. Thus, the aims of the present study were to provide data on the prevalence and molecular characterization of hemotropic Mycoplasma species in apparently healthy cats from six Iranian provinces with different climates. In addition, potential risk factors associated with hemoplasmosis in cats were assessed. RESULTS: Mycoplasma spp. DNA was detected in the blood of 56 / 361 cats (15.5%) using genus-specific PCR. Further examinations with species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing showed that 38 cats (10.5%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum (CMhm), 8 cats (2.2%) tested positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf), and 2 cats (0.6%) tested positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis (CMt). Co-infection with CMhm, and Mhf was observed in 7 cats (1.9%). One cat (0.3%) showed mixed infection with CMhm, Mhf, and CMt. There were statistically significant relationships between Mycoplasma positivity and being female, living in shelter (cattery), and being over 3 years old (P < 0.05). No significant association was observed for the cat breed and sampling localities. CONCLUSIONS: Current study findings revealed that hemoplasma infections are common among Iran cat populations. Considering the impact of such emerging zoonotic pathogens on the One Health, routine screenings, increasing public awareness, effective control, and prophylactic strategies for minimizing infection in cats and subsequently in human are strongly recommended.

Gastrointestinal parasites of owned cats in three districts of Central Ethiopia: Prevalence and risk factors.

This present, cross-sectional study investigated gastrointestinal parasites in owned cats was carried out across Bishoftu, Dukem, and Addis Ababa city and towns in Central Ethiopia from February 2022 to April 2023. The primary objectives were to estimate the prevalence and assess the risk factors associated with these parasites. A total of 213 faecal samples were collected and processed using flotation and McMaster techniques. An overall prevalence of 34.7% (74/213) of gastrointestinal parasites was recorded in the examined cats. The cats harboured nematode (14.6%), cestode (12.7%), and protozoan (5.6%) parasites in single (32.9%) and mixed (1.9%) species. Specifically, Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Giardia spp., and Physaloptera spp. were the more frequently identified parasites, with prevalences of 9.4%, 8.9%, 3.8%, 2.8%, and 2.8%, respectively. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among cats of different sexes, ages, and feeding conditions. Thus, higher prevalence rates were observed in females (49.1%, OR = 2.3), young cats (70%, OR = 4.7), and those consuming uncooked food (40.5%, OR = 3.6). Faecal consistency also showed a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) with the presence of gastrointestinal parasites. However, no significant differences were noted in the prevalence among cats of different housing conditions, seasons, or agro-ecological zones. Cats sharing shelter with families had the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (52.2%). In conclusion, this study uncovered a notably high occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in cats in the surveyed regions, emphasizing the imperative of adopting a One Health strategy to address the zoonotic parasites found in cats, which pose significant public health risks.

Spatial and temporal clustering of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Illinois household cats, 2021-2023.

This study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence and spatial and temporal clustering of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in household cats within 63 counties in Illinois from October 2021 to May 2023. The analysis followed a stepwise approach. First, in a choropleth point map, we illustrated the distribution of county-level seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Next, spatial interpolation was used to predict the seroprevalence in counties without recorded data. Global and local clustering methods were used to identify the extent of clustering and the counties with high or low seroprevalence, respectively. Next, temporal, spatial, and space-time scan statistic was used to identify periods and counties with higher-than-expected seroprevalence. In the last step, to identify more distinct areas in counties with high seroprevalence, city-level analysis was conducted to identify temporal and space-time clusters. Among 1,715 samples tested by serological assays, 244 samples (14%) tested positive. Young cats had higher seropositivity than older cats, and the third quarter of the year had the highest odds of seropositivity. Three county-level space-time clusters with higher-than-expected seroprevalence were identified in the northeastern, central-east, and southwest regions of Illinois, occurring between June and October 2022. In the city-level analysis, 2 space-time clusters were identified in Chicago's downtown and the southwestern suburbs of Chicago between June and September 2022. Our results suggest that the high density of humans and cats in large cities such as Chicago, might play a role in the transmission and clustering of SARS-CoV-2. Our study provides an in-depth analysis of SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology in Illinois household cats, which will aid in COVID-19 control and prevention.

Microscopic and molecular prevalence and associated risk factors with Toxocara and Blastocystis infection in dogs and cats in Mitidja, Algeria.

Domestic dogs and cats can serve as a source of environmental contamination with Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp., and this represents a neglected public and veterinary health problem. We assessed the microscopic and molecular prevalence of these species in a locality in Algeria and identified the associated risk factors. The faeces of 225 dogs and 78 cats were collected in Mitidja between March and July 2022. The samples were analysed by coproscopy and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) and Small Subunit Ribosomal (SSU-RNA) of T. canis and Blastocystis spp. respectively. The overall microscopic prevalence of Toxocara spp. in dogs and cats was 9.78 ± 1.98% and 12.82 ± 7.42%, respectively. The rate of Blastocystis spp. was 15.11 ± 2.39% and 15.38 ± 4.08% in dogs and cats, respectively while the molecular prevalence of T. canis in dogs was 4.89 ± 1.44% and in cats 1.28 ± 1.27%; the prevalence of Blastocystis spp. was 41.78 ± 3.29% and 34.62 ± 5.39% in dogs and cats, respectively. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses identified the presence of the H1 subtype of T. canis in dogs, and the ST1 subtype of Blastocystis in dogs and cats. Dogs with clinical signs were more likely to be infected with T. canis (OR 6.039, P < 0.05) than healthy dogs. This study demonstrates that dogs and cats are carriers of Toxocara spp. and Blastocystis spp. and are therefore a source of environmental contamination. Veterinarians and human health professionals should work together to implement control strategies as part of a "One Health" approach to improving animal health and reducing the risk of transmission to humans.

Retrospective evaluation of the prevalence and risk factors associated with red blood cell transfusions in cats with urethral obstruction (2009-2019): 575 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and factors associated with the need for transfusion in cases of feline urethral obstruction (FUO). Secondarily, to compare survival to discharge in cats receiving an RBC transfusion versus those that did not. DESIGN: Retrospective, multi-institutional study from 2009 to 2019. SETTING: Four university teaching hospitals. ANIMALS: Six hundred twenty-two total occurrences of FUO in 575 cats. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for pertinent information. The overall prevalence of severe anemia (PCV < 0.20 L/L [<20%]) at presentation was 1.0% (6/622). The prevalence of RBC transfusions during hospitalization was 2.1% (13/622). Cats that received an RBC transfusion weighed significantly less than those that did not (4.9 vs 5.8 kg; P = 0.034) and had a lower PCV at presentation (0.30 L/L [30%] vs 0.41 L/L [41%]; P < 0.001). Hospitalization time (240 vs 72 h) and indwelling urinary catheter time (168 vs 48 h) were significantly longer in cats receiving a transfusion compared with those that did not (P < 0.001). Creatinine concentrations were not significantly associated with transfusion administration, while BUN was higher in cats receiving a transfusion (15.35 mmol/L [43 mg/dL] vs. 11.78 mmol/L [33 mg/dL]; P = 0.043). Transfusion rates were significantly higher in cats undergoing perineal urethrostomy (5.5%) compared with those that did not undergo surgery (0.97%; P < 0.001). The overall survival to discharge rate was 96%. Cats not receiving an RBC transfusion were significantly more likely to survive to discharge than those that did (odds ratio: 14.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.8-37; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FUO is rarely associated with severe anemia and the need for RBC transfusions. In this study, cats receiving an RBC transfusion were less likely to survive to discharge; therefore, requiring a blood transfusion may be associated with a worse prognosis. In addition, the need for surgical intervention was associated with a higher prevalence of RBC transfusions.

A large case-control study indicates a breed-specific predisposition to feline tooth resorption.

Tooth resorption (TR) is one of the most common dental diseases of cats. It is a painful condition leading to tooth loss. The etiology of TR remains unclear, but old age, breed, other oral and dental diseases, and environmental factors are suspected predisposing factors. In our study, we used part of the data from the extensive feline health online survey of 8115 Finnish cats. As TR is difficult to detect and as the feline health survey included diagnoses defined by both veterinarians and the owners, we limited our study to a subpopulation of cats diagnosed with oral or dental disease by a veterinarian and had dental examination or surgery under sedation (n=944). We utilized case-control study analysed by multivariable logistic regression to determine the risk factors and breed variation of feline TR. The 202 cats diagnosed with TR were defined as TR cases and the remaining 742 cats as controls. The frequency of veterinarian-diagnosed TR was 3.9% in the health survey data (316/8115) and 21% in the subpopulation (202/944). The risk of TR increased with age (14.7% in youngest and 25.3% in oldest age group). Our finding that TR was significantly associated with gingivitis or periodontitis in cats that had also calculus (OR: 2.49 and 3.70, respectively) suggests that inflammatory changes caused by calculus increase the risk of TR. We found that Cornish Rex, European, and Ragdoll are at higher risk for TR (OR: 2.44, 2.98 and 2.90, respectively). Exotic-Persians breed group had lower risk (OR: 0.28). TR was not observed in Turkish van or Devon Rex. The differences between breeds highlight a genetic contribution. In addition, female cats that had food available constantly had significantly less TR than female cats that had feeding times (OR: 0.44). The underlying reasons for this remain unexplained in our study.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from clinical specimens of companion animals in Northern Portugal, 2021-2023.

Staphylococcus spp. are growing pathogens in humans and companion animals. The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus-associated infections, due to zoonotic transmission, is a major public health concern. Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, are possible reservoirs of multi-resistant bacterial species, which makes it relevant to monitor them due to their proximity to humans. However, there is a lack of information on the real scenario in Europe, especially in Portugal, particularly for animal infections caused by Staphylococcus spp. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from cats and dogs diagnosed with infection in Northern Portugal. During 2021-2023, 96 Staphylococcus isolates from dogs and cats with symptoms of bacterial infection, including animals being treated in veterinary clinics/hospitals and cadavers submitted for necropsy at INIAV were included in the study collection. Of the 96 isolates, 63 were from dogs and 33 were Staphylococcus spp. from cats, most of which were isolated from ear (57% and 18%, respectively), skin (19 % and 27 %, respectively) and respiratory tract infections (6 % and 27 %, respectively). Among all the isolates, 12 different Staphylococcus spp. were identified, with Staphylococcus pseudintermedius being the most identified (61 % from dogs and 30 % from cats). It is noteworthy that 36 % of the isolates were multi-drug resistant and 25 % of the isolates showed a methicillin-resistant phenotype, with the mecA gene having been identified in all these isolates. This study highlights a high occurrence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus spp. in companion animals in Northern Portugal. This underlines the potential for cats and dogs to act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance, that can be transmitted to humans, posing a serious threat to public health.

Geoepidemiology, seroprevalence and factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection in domicilied cats from Paraíba (Brazil).

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, an emerging and often neglected zoonosis in South America, particularly Brazil. Felines, the only definitive hosts, excrete oocysts in their feces, potentially infecting all homeotherms. Domestic cats are primarily responsible for contaminating human environments with these oocysts. Monitoring their populations is therefore essential to ensure proper toxoplasmosis prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii and exposure factors in a population of owner cats in the city of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. A total of 267 blood samples were collected from domestic cats aged between 1 and 15 years and tested with an immunofluorescence antibody test. The seroprevalence of antibodies against T. gondii was only 17.22% (46/267 individuals). This result therefore suggests a low contribution of domestic cats to T. gondii contamination of the urban environment. The cats' age and living environment were identified as risk factors for cat exposure to T. gondii.

Title: Géoépidémiologie, séroprévalence et facteurs associés à l'infection à Toxoplasma gondii chez les chats domiciliés à Paraíba (Brésil). Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii est le parasite responsable de la toxoplasmose, une zoonose émergente et souvent négligée en Amérique du Sud, notamment au Brésil. Les félins, seuls hôtes définitifs, excrètent des oocystes dans leurs selles, infectant potentiellement tous les homéothermes. Les chats domestiques sont les premiers responsables de la contamination des environnements humains avec ces oocystes. La surveillance de leurs populations est donc essentielle pour garantir une prophylaxie adéquate contre la toxoplasmose. Le but de cette étude était d'estimer la prévalence de T. gondii et les facteurs d'exposition dans une population de chats domestiques de la ville de João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brésil. Au total, 267 échantillons de sang ont été prélevés sur des chats domestiques âgés de 1 à 15 ans et testés avec un test d'immunofluorescence des anticorps. La séroprévalence des anticorps contre T. gondii n'était que de 17,22 % (46/267 individus). Ce résultat suggère donc une faible contribution des chats domestiques à la contamination du milieu urbain par T. gondii. L'âge et le milieu de vie des chats ont été identifiés comme facteurs de risque d'exposition du chat à T. gondii.

Hepatozoon spp. in stray cats from the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the last few years, the number of studies on feline hepatozoonosis has increased, but our knowledge on the actual species of Hepatozoon and/or different genotypes affecting felines is still incipient. At least three species, namely Hepatozoon felis, H. canis, and H. silvestris, have been isolated from domestic cats in various countries. Additionally, there are indications that other species and genotypes may affect felines in given geographic areas. This study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp. in cats from Niterói, a municipality within the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Individual blood samples were collected from 28 cats enrolled in a spaying/castration program. DNA was extracted from all samples and subjected to sequencing specific for Hepatozoon spp. DNA of H. felis was found in 21/28 cats (75%), and four genetic polymorphisms never described thus far were detected. This is the first report of H. felis in cats living in the State of Rio de Janeiro, and the present data confirm that H. felis is a species complex encompassing different genotypes circulating within cat populations. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether different genotypes have different biology or pathogenicity for felids.

Title: Hepatozoon spp. chez les chats errants de la zone métropolitaine de Rio de Janeiro, Brésil. Abstract: Au cours des dernières années, le nombre d'études sur l'hépatozoonose féline a augmenté, mais nos connaissances sur les espèces d'Hepatozoon et/ou différents génotypes affectant les félins sont encore naissantes. Au moins trois espèces, à savoir Hepatozoon felis, H. canis et H. silvestris, ont été isolées chez des chats domestiques dans divers pays. De plus, il semble que d'autres espèces et génotypes puissent affecter les félins dans des zones géographiques données. Cette étude a été réalisée pour étudier la présence d'Hepatozoon spp. chez des chats de Niterói, une municipalité de la zone métropolitaine de Rio de Janeiro, au Brésil. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés individuellement sur 28 chats d'un programme de castration. L'ADN a été extrait de tous les échantillons et soumis à un séquençage spécifique de Hepatozoon spp. L'ADN de H. felis a été trouvé chez 21 chats sur 28 (75%) et quatre polymorphismes génétiques, jamais décrits jusqu'à présent, ont été détectés. Il s'agit du premier signalement de H. felis chez des chats vivant dans l'État de Rio de Janeiro et les données actuelles confirment que H. felis est un complexe d'espèces englobant différents génotypes circulant au sein des populations de chats. Des études supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour déterminer si les différents génotypes ont une biologie ou une pathogénicité différente pour les félidés.

Awareness of parasitic zoonotic diseases among pet owners in Cairo, Egypt.

Egyptians are becoming more interested in owning and raising pets; however, most of them lack essential awareness about the risk of zoonotic parasites that could be transmitted. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the degree of awareness Egyptian pet owners possess concerning zoonotic parasitic diseases, the risk of transmission, and preventative measures. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an e-survey. Among 246 pet owners, 64.2% (158) were females, and 67.9% (167) belonged to the 20-30 age group. The majority, 78.9% (194), were raising cats. Only 13.8% (34) visited the veterinarian regularly, with significantly higher results among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 31.3% (77) participants were regularly deworming their pets, and 19.9% (49) were giving their pets prophylaxis against ectoparasites, with significantly higher results among those who visited the veterinarian regularly (p < 0.0001) and among dog owners (p < 0.05). Only 54.1% (133) had heard about the term "zoonoses" before, and about 8.9% (22) of participants showed a history of zoonotic parasitic diseases, with significantly higher results among those who allowed their animals to play with other animals of neighbors and friends (p < 0.05). The obtained results concluded that the surveyed group had a relatively good degree of knowledge regarding pets as a source of zoonotic illness; raising pet owners' awareness regarding the importance of routine medical examinations and minimizing the contact of pets with other stray animals is essential.

Molecular, morphological and histopathological evidence of Spirometra mansoni in wild and domestic animals from Costa Rica.

Spirometra mansoni is a diphyllobothroid cestode and one of the causing agents of sparganosis, a zoonotic foodborne and waterborne infection in humans. This parasite has an indirect life cycle with domestic and wild canids or felids as definitive hosts. The last report of S. mansoni in Costa Rica was done in 2004 by morphological assessment of worms, whereas molecular evidence of this species was obtained recently in the Americas. Herein, we present seven cases of spirometrosis in four dogs, three cats and a coyote from different regions of Costa Rica occurring in a time span of a year. Dog cases presented vomiting, hyporexia, lethargy and diarrhea, whereas cats were mostly asymptomatic. Moreover, the coyote was found with Spirometra sp. proglottids incidentally. Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) sequences of eggs or proglottids derived from all cases were analyzed with a Bayesian Inference phylogenetic tree and a haplotype network. These analyses showed the clustering of S. mansoni from Costa Rica with other sequences derived from Asia and America. Moreover, cox1 sequences clustered in two separate haplotypes, suggesting the high genetic diversity of the species. The present cases represent the first molecular evidence of the parasite in Central America; thus, extending its known range in the American continent.

First report of molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic characteristics of feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) from naturally infected cats in Kunshan, China.

BACKGROUND: Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is a life threatening highly contagious virus in cats and typically causes upper respiratory tract infections as well as conjunctival and corneal ulcers. Genetic variability could alter the severity of diseases and clinical signs. Despite regular vaccine practices against FHV-1 in China, new FHV-1 cases still commonly occur. The genetic and phylogenetic characteristics of FHV-1 in Kunshan city of China has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the prevalence, molecular characteristics of circulating strains, and phylogenetic analyses of FHV-1. This is the first report of molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic characteristics of FHV-1 from naturally infected cats in Kunshan, China. METHODS: The occulo-nasal swabs were collected from diseased cats showing respiratory distress, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers at different veterinary clinics in Kunshan from 2022 to 2023. Clinical data and general information were recorded. Swab samples were processed for preliminary detection of FHV-1. Thymidine kinase (TK), glycoprotein B (gB) and glycoprotein D (gD) genes were sequenced and analyzed to investigate genetic diversity and evolution of FHV-1. RESULTS: The FHV-1 genome was detected in 43 (43/200, 21.5%) samples using RT-PCR targeting the TK gene. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between age, vaccination status and living environment (p < 0.05) with FHV-1 positivity, while a non-significant correlation was observed for FHV-1 positivity and sex of cats (p > 0.05). Additionally, eight FHV-1 positive cats were co-infected with feline calicivirus (8/43,18.6%). FHV-1 identified in the present study was confirmed as FHV-1 based on phylogenetic analyses. The sequence analyses revealed that 43 FHV-1 strains identified in the present study did not differ much with reference strains within China and worldwide. A nucleotide homology of 99-100% was determined among gB, TK and gD genes nucleotide sequences when compared with standard strain C-27 and vaccine strains. Amino acid analysis showed some amino acid substitutions in TK, gB and gD protein sequences. A potential N-linked glycosylation site was observed in all TK protein sequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed minor variations and short evolutionary distance among FHV-1 strains detected in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that genomes of 43 FHV-1 strains are highly homogenous and antigenically similar, and the degree of variation in major envelope proteins between strains is low. This study demonstrated some useful data about prevalence, genetic characteristics, and evolution of FHV-1 in Kunshan, which may aid in future vaccine development.

Emergence of NDM-producing Enterobacterales infections in companion animals from Argentina.

Antimicrobial resistance is considered one of the most critical threat for both human and animal health. Recently, reports of infection or colonization by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in companion animals had been described. This study report the first molecular characterization of NDM-producing Enterobacterales causing infections in companion animals from Argentina. Nineteen out of 3662 Enterobacterales isolates analyzed between October 2021 and July 2022 were resistant to carbapenemes by VITEK2C and disk diffusion method, and suspected to be carbapenemase-producers. Ten isolates were recovered from canine and nine from feline animals. Isolates were identified as K. pneumoniae (n = 9), E. coli (n = 6) and E. cloacae complex (n = 4), and all of them presented positive synergy among EDTA and carbapenems disks, mCIM/eCIM indicative of metallo-carbapenemase production and were also positive by PCR for blaNDM gene. NDM variants were determined by Sanger sequencing method. All 19 isolates were resistant to ß-lactams and aminoglycosides but remained susceptible to colistin (100%), tigecycline (95%), fosfomycin (84%), nitrofurantoin (63%), minocycline (58%), chloramphenicol (42%), doxycycline (21%), enrofloxacin (5%), ciprofloxacin (5%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (5%). Almost all isolates (17/19) co-harbored blaCTX-M plus blaCMY, one harbored blaCTX-M alone and the remaining blaCMY. E. coli and E. cloacae complex isolates harbored blaCTX-M-1/15 or blaCTX-M-2 groups, while all K. pneumoniae harbored only blaCTX-M-1/15 genes. All E. coli and E. cloacae complex isolates harbored blaNDM-1, while in K. pneumoniae blaNDM-1 (n = 6), blaNDM-5 (n = 2), and blaNDM-1 plus blaNDM-5 (n = 1) were confirmed. MLST analysis revealed the following sequence types by species, K. pneumoniae: ST15 (n = 5), ST273 (n = 2), ST11, and ST29; E. coli: ST162 (n = 3), ST457, ST224, and ST1196; E. cloacae complex: ST171, ST286, ST544 and ST61. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of NDM-producing E. cloacae complex isolates recovered from cats. Even though different species and clones were observed, it is remarkable the finding of some major clones among K. pneumoniae and E. coli, as well as the circulation of NDM as the main carbapenemase. Surveillance in companion pets is needed to detect the spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and to alert about the dissemination of these pathogens among pets and humans.

A case of mistaken identity: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and reinvestigation of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. infection in Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea).

BACKGROUND: Feline-associated hemotropic Mycoplasma (hemoplasmas) are believed to be transmitted by two primary mechanisms: (1) direct transmission via fighting and (2) vector-borne transmission by the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis). While the efficiency of transmission by C. felis appears low, most manuscripts focus on the prevalence of hemoplasmas in wild-caught fleas and report either a very low (< 3%) or a high (> 26%) prevalence. Therefore, we aimed to assess the influence of sample processing and PCR methods on C. felis hemoplasma infection prevalence. METHODS: A systemic review of PubMed articles identified 13 manuscripts (1,531 fleas/flea pools) that met the inclusion criteria (performed PCR for >1 hemoplasma on C. felis collected from cats). Risk of bias was assessed utilizing the ROBINS-E tool. Meta-analysis performed in R of these manuscripts found that not washing samples and a common set of 16S rRNA primers first published in Jensen et al. 2001 were associated with increased hemoplasma prevalence. To evaluate the influence of washing on newly collected fleas, we assessed the hemoplasma status of 20 pools of 5 C. felis each, half of which were washed and half not washed. RESULTS: Flea washing did not influence the detection of hemoplasma but instead amplified Spiroplasma. To assess non-specific amplification with the Jensen et al. 2001 primers, 67 C. felis samples (34% previously reported hemoplasma infected) were subject to PCR and sequencing. By this method, hemoplasma was detected in only 3% of samples. In the remaining "hemoplasma infected" fleas, PCR amplified Spiroplasma or other bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we concluded that hemoplasma infection in C. felis is rare, and future flea prevalence studies should sequence all positive amplicons to validate PCR specificity. Further investigation of alternative methods of feline-associated hemoplasma transmission and the ability of C. felis to maintain hemoplasma infection is necessary.

Prevalence and clinical findings of feline otitis externa in Midwest Brazil.

This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of otitis externa (OE) in cats using cytology, direct otoscopic examination, and parasitological examination through swabs and curettage, and to compare the accuracy between collection methods for parasitological examination. Direct otoscopic evaluation of the external auditory canal (right and left), swabs for cytological examination of the external auditory canal, and collection of cerumen for parasitological examination through swabs and curettage of 137 cats from a veterinary hospital care were conducted between March 2021 and March 2022. The influences of age, sex, habitat, street access, and the presence of fleas on OE were evaluated. Cytological evidence of OE was observed in 25.5 % of cats and was statistically associated with flea and mite parasitism. Otodectes cynotis was found in 13.9 % of the cats. Cocci and Bacilli were the secondary factors in 34.3 % and 22.9 % of cats with OE, respectively. The Malassezia genus was a secundary factor in 57.1 % of the cats with OE. The frequency of OE was high in cats receiving hospital care. O. cynotis was a frequent primary cause of OE in cats. The curette sampling method is a great option for diagnosing O. cynotis infestation due to its ease of use.

Retrospective study of 540 cats with respiratory diseases in Japan (2003-2020).

BACKGROUND: Few epidemiological studies on respiratory medicine and the relationship between clinical signs and various respiratory diseases in cats have been reported. OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence and breed predisposition to feline respiratory diseases in Japan and determine the association between clinical signs, duration and type of respiratory diseases. METHODS: The medical records of cats with feline respiratory diseases were examined to obtain information on age, sex, breed, final diagnosis, clinical signs and duration. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate breed predispositions. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests were used to assess the duration of clinical signs. RESULTS: This study included 540 cats with 615 respiratory diagnoses. The American Shorthair breed was predisposed to bronchopneumonia (BP; OR: 5.0) and pulmonary tumour (PT; OR: 3.6), while the Russian Blue breed exhibited a predisposition to inflammatory lower airway diseases (OR: 3.4), BP (OR: 6.1) and interstitial lung diseases (OR: 11.1). Similarly, the Scottish Fold breed displayed predisposition to PTs (OR: 5.8). The duration of clinical signs among nasal diseases, nasopharyngeal diseases and lower tracheal/bronchial and pulmonary diseases differed significantly (p = 0.001, p = 0.012, p < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that some popular breeds in Japan are predisposed to feline respiratory diseases, especially the American Shorthair, Russian Blue and Scottish Fold breeds. The characteristics of occurrence, clinical signs and duration of each disease will aid in diagnosing, treating, preventing and elucidating the pathophysiology of feline respiratory disease.