Molecular Detection of Cytauxzoon Spp. Infection and Haemato-Biochemical Alterations Associated with It in Domestic Cats

Abstract

Background: Cytauxzoonosis is a tick borne hemoprotozoal disease of wild and domestic felids. Its epidemiology and clinical importance is less appreciated in India. The aim of this study was to diagnose the disease in domestic cats and identify the associated clinico-haemato-biochemical changes.

Methods: Three hundred ninety domestic cats, presented at Veterinary Clinical Complex, Bihar Veterinary College and three private clinics in Bihar, India were screened, out of which 90 cats showing symptoms of cytauxzoonosis were included in microscopic and molecular examination. The clinical, haematological and biochemical findings of the positive cats were recorded.

Results: The microscopic and molecular prevalence was 26.66% (24/90) and 37.77% (34/90) respectively. Lethargy, fever, anorexia, tachypnea and tachycardia were the most common clinical findings. The significant haematological changes recorded were decreased haemoglobin, haematocrit, TEC and thrombocytopenia. The significant biochemical changes were increased ALT and AST activities, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoproteinaemia with hypoalbuminemia and increased BUN concentration.

Conclusion: The infection of Cytauxzoon sp. has reached the domestic cats of Bihar, India which was earlier thought to be endemic in North America. The clinical manifestations and hemato-biochemical changes are somewhat similar to other hemoprotozoan diseases. Molecular diagnosis is inevitable for confirmation of infection. Further studies are required to reveal the vector responsible for transmission of the parasite in India.