Exposure to zoonotic vector-borne pathogens in cats from Italy

Feline Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs) are of growing concern in veterinary medicine and public health, for their role for animal and human health [1,2,3]. Nevertheless, there is a lack of data both on the epidemiology and clinical features. Thus, increasing the knowledge on these aspects is of great importance to raise awareness of VBDs and improve diagnostic approaches in clinical settings. This study evaluated the exposure of cats living in Central and Southern Italy to different VBDs caused by the following pathogens: Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis. One-hundred and sixty-seven privately owned cats from Abruzzo and Apulia regions (i.e. n. 122 and n. 45 respectively) were microscopically (blood smears) and serologically (Immunofluorescence Antibody Test -IFAT) tested. Out of these, 46 were also evaluated for anti-D. immitis antibodies. Complete blood count (CBC), and serum chemistry were obtained from 42 and 44 animals that scored positive to at least one of microscopic or serological evaluations, respectively. All samples were microscopically negative. Overall, 52/167 cats (31.1%) were positive at IFAT for at least one VBD, specifically 35 (28.7%) from Abruzzo and 17 (37.8%) from Apulia. Thirty cats (18%) were seropositive for B. henselae, while 18 (10.8%) and 7 (4.2%) tested positive for R. felis and R. typhi respectively. Five cats (3%) showed seroreaction against L. infantum, while 4 and 4 cats each showed seropositivity for A. phagocytophilum and E. canis. No cats were positive for A. platys. Two (4.3%) of 46 cats were positive for antibodies against D. immitis. Nine (17.3%) out of the 52 positive animals had at least one clinical sign, with non-specific and respiratory manifestations being the most recorded. Different CBC abnormalities were present in 33/42 (78.6%) cats while serum chemistry alterations in 35/44 (79.5%) animals, being basophilia and increased liver enzymes predominant. Twenty-five (48.1%) out of the 52 cats seropositive to at least one VBDs were housed indoor. These data suggest that cats may be frequently exposed to VBDs in the study areas, and that also privately owned cats are at risk. Control strategies remain crucial for the prevention of feline VBDs [4] and antiparasitic drugs should be administered regularly regardless the cat lifestyle and housing, to reduce the risk of infection and to protect both animal and human health.