BACKGROUND: Cytauxzoon felis is the main species; it occurs as numerous different strains or genotypes and is transmitted via ticks. Therefore, the disease shows a seasonal incidence from spring to early autumn and affects primarily cats with outdoor access in areas where tick vectors are prevalent. Domestic cats may experience subclinical infection and may also act as reservoirs.
METHODS: Cytauxzoonosis caused by C felis in the USA is an acute or peracute severe febrile disease with non-specific signs. Haemolytic anaemia occurs frequently; in some cats neurological signs may occur in late stages. The Cytauxzoon species identified in Europe differ from C felis that causes disease in the USA and are probably less virulent. The majority of infected cats have been healthy; in some cases anaemia was found, but disease as it occurs in the USA has not been reported to date.
METHODS: Diagnosis is usually obtained by Cytauxzoon detection in blood smears and/or fine-needle aspirates from the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. PCR assays are able to detect low levels of parasitaemia and may be used for confirmation.
METHODS: Currently a combination of the antiprotozoal drugs atovaquone and azithromycin is the treatment of choice. Concurrent supportive and critical care treatment is extremely important to improve the prognosis. Cats that survive the infection may become chronic carriers for life.
CONCLUSIONS: Cats with outdoor access in endemic areas should receive effective tick treatment.
背景:毛细胞生长素是主要物种;它以许多不同的菌株或基因型出现,并通过蜱传播。因此,从春季到初秋,这种疾病表现出季节性发病,主要影响在蜱虫媒介流行的地区有户外通道的猫。家猫可能经历亚临床感染,也可能充当水库。
方法:在美国,由Cfelis引起的细胞生长素共病是一种具有非特异性体征的急性或急性严重发热性疾病。溶血性贫血经常发生;在某些猫中,神经系统症状可能出现在晚期。在欧洲鉴定的Cytauxzoon物种与在美国引起疾病的Cfelis不同,并且可能毒性较小。大多数被感染的猫是健康的;在某些情况下发现贫血,但在美国发生的疾病迄今尚未报道。
方法:诊断通常通过血液涂片和/或肝脏细针抽吸中的细胞生长素检测来获得,脾脏和淋巴结。PCR测定能够检测低水平的寄生虫血症,并可用于确认。
方法:目前,抗原生动物药物atovaquone和阿奇霉素的联合治疗是首选。同时支持和重症监护治疗对改善预后极为重要。在感染中存活的猫可能成为终身的慢性携带者。
结论:在流行地区有户外通道的猫应该接受有效的蜱治疗。