Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia species infections in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management

Pennisi, M. G. et al. (2017) Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia species infections in cats: European guidelines from the ABCD on prevention and management. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 19(5), pp. 542-548. (doi: 10.1177/1098612X17706462) (PMID:28438088)

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Abstract

Overview: Anaplasma species, Ehrlichia species and Rickettsia species are vector-borne pathogens infecting a wide variety of mammals, but causing disease in very few of them. Infection in cats: Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the most important feline pathogen among these rickettsial organisms, and coinfections are possible. Little information is available on the pathogenesis of these agents in cats. Clinical signs are usually reported soon after tick infestation. They are mostly non-specific, consisting of fever, anorexia and lethargy. Joint pain may occur. Infection in humans: Some rickettsial species (A phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis) are of zoonotic concern. Direct contact with cat saliva should be avoided because of potential contamination by R felis. Infected cats are ‘sentinels’ of the presence of rickettsial pathogens in ticks and fleas in a given geographical area, and they signal a risk for people exposed to vectors.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Hosie, Professor Margaret and Addie, Dr Diane
Authors: Pennisi, M. G., Hofmann-Lehmann, R., Radford, A. D., Tasker, S., Belák, S., Addie, D. D., Boucraut-Baralon, C., Egberink, H., Frymus, T., Gruffydd-Jones, T., Hartmann, K., Horzinek, M. C., Hosie, M. J., Lloret, A., Lutz, H., Marsilio, F., Thiry, E., Truyen, U., and Möstl, K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Journal Name:Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Publisher:SAGE Publications
ISSN:1098-612X
ISSN (Online):1532-2750
Published Online:25 April 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The AuthorsSAGE on behalf of ISFM and AAFP
First Published:First published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery19(5):542-548
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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