Hematological and biochemical aspects of cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia

Considering the importance and severity of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections, information on laboratory abnormalities can determine the prognosis of infected cats. This study aimed to determine the laboratory alterations of domiciled asymptomatics cats naturally infected by FIV and/or FeLV in Northeastern Brazil. Blood samples from 200 cats were evaluated by nested-PCR and commercial immunochromatographic test for diagnosis of these infections. Complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry analyses were performed to evaluate laboratory abnormalities. CBC and biochemical values of cats tested positive for FIV and/or FeLV were tabulated for the presence or absence of changes and analyzed using the chi-square test with Yates correction or Fisher’s exact test for each variable, with a confidence interval of 95%. The total frequency was 6% (12/200) and 3% (6/200) for FIV and FeLV, respectively. The presence of hyperbilirubinemia (total, direct, and indirect) was the only change observed in cats positive for FIV compared to FIV-negative controls (p<0.05). We believe that laboratory changes compatible with immunosuppressive conditions should be more frequent in FIV/FeLV positive cats that already present clinical signs of the disease

Hemotropic mycoplasmas in naturally infected cats in Northeastern Brazil

Abstract This study aimed to determine the prevalence, factors associated, laboratory findings (with and without coinfection by retroviruses) among naturally infected cats by hemoplasmas in northeastern Brazil. For convenience, 200 domesticated and healthy cats were selected. Blood samples were taken to perform complete blood counts, serum biochemical, immunochromatography tests and nPCR for FIV and FeLV, and PCR for hemoplasma recognition. An interview was conducted to determine the factors associated with hemoplasmas. A total of 71/200 (35.5%) cats were positive for at least one hemoplasma species. Isolated infections were observed in 12,5% for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', 12% for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 3% for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Regarding copositivity, 2% of the animals were positive for M. haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', 1.5% for M. haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', and 4.5% for ' Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. No clinical and laboratory changes were observed in the animals that were concomitantly positive for retroviruses and hemoplasmas. Periurban region cats were more likely to be infected by M. haemofelis, while contact with other cats and infection by ' Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' were associated with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum'. This study indicates that infection by hemoplasmas is a common find in cats from northeastern Brazil

Frequency and factors associated with Theileria equi, Babesia caballi and Trypanosoma evansi in equids from Bahia (Northeast Brazil)

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and factors associated to Babesia caballi, Theileria equi and Trypanosoma evansi in naturally infected equids from the northeast Brazil. Blood samples from 569 equids (528 horses, 8 mules, and 33 donkeys) were collected and tested for the presence of DNA of each of these protozoan parasites by PCR. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate risk factors associated with the infection. The frequency of T. equi infection was 83.5% (475/569) - 84.3% in horses, and 73.2% in donkeys and mules. The results of the final model indicated that age (senior group) and animal species (mule and donkey group) were protective factors against this pathogen. The frequency of B. caballi infection was 24.3% (138/569) - 23.5% in horses and 34.1% in donkeys and mules. Age (adult and senior group) was considered a protective factor against B. caballi infection whereas animal species (donkey and mule group) were considered a risk factor for the infection. Trypanosoma evansi infection was not detected in any of animals. Our results suggest that equids from the area studied may be infected earlier in life with the etiological agents of equine piroplasmosis and become asymptomatic carriers