Cytauxzoon felis in Domestic Cats: A Molecular Study Using  Real-Time PCR in Semnan, Iran

Masoud Ebrahimi  Toodarvari; Hesamedin  Eskafian; Hamid  Staji; Mahmood  Ahmadi-Hamedani

doi:10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19033

Masoud Ebrahimi Toodarvari Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
Hesamedin Eskafian Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
Hamid Staji Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
Mahmood Ahmadi-Hamedani Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpa.v20i2.19033

Keywords: Cytauxzoon felis; Felids; Iran; Real-time PCR

Abstract

Background: Cytauxzoon felis is a protozoan parasite transmitted by ticks and affects felids. Acute infection in domestic cats is characterized by symptoms such as lethargy, anorexia, fever, and anemia.

Methods: The present study focuses on diagnosing and molecularly identifying C. felis using a real-time PCR method in cats from Semnan, Iran. During the winter and spring of 2024, two hundred cats were randomly selected from veterinary clinics in Semnan. Blood samples were collected from the cats for DNA extraction and molecular analysis. Samples were divided into 40 pooled of 5 samples, each consisting of a combination of 5 blood samples. Then, the genomic DNAs were extracted from blood specimens and screened by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) for the presence of C. felis infection by amplifying of ITS2 gene belonging to the Cytauxzoon genus.

Results: The results indicated that 6 out of the 200 blood samples were infected (3%).

Conclusion: This study was conducted for the first time in Semnan and shows that the prevalence of C. felis in cats is significant.