Infectious dz: Cat 1 Flashcards
What is the most common spps of Batonella that affects cats in the US?
B. henselae
affects 5-40% of cats i the US
*fleas are part of transmission - Ctenocephalides = cat flea
T/F: Bacteremia in cats with bartonellosis is continuous
FALSE
it waxes and wanes
**it is most severe in cats with FeLV, FIV, or FPV
T/F: Bartonella are intracellular bacteria, but can also be found extracellularly in blood and tissues
TRUE
T/F: Most cats with natural infections of bartonella will develop clinical signs
FALSE
most will be subclinical
What clinical signs are associated with bartonellosis in cats?
Lymphadenopathy, transient fever, lethargy, anorexia
+/- valvular endocarditis, stomatitis, uveitis, neuro signs (mild)
What is a reliable test for diagnosing bartonellosis in a cat?
Blood culture
- PCR is not anymore sensitive than culture
- Serology can help rule out bartonella - but only indicates exposure
What is the treatment used for feline bartonellosis?
Enrofloxacin for 2 - 4 weeks
Doxycycline for 2 - 4 weeks (does not clear infection in all cats)
Aizthromycin for 2 weeks (data is lacking)
What modes of prevention should be used in cats when it comes to bartonellosis?
Avoid contact with infected cats and fleas
Avoid blood transfusion with cats with unknown bartonella status
**FYI cats are the reservoir for bartonellosis in humans (“cat scratch fever”)
What form of mycoplasma causes clinical signs in cats?
Large form - M. Haemofelis –> hemolytic anemia
Small form - Candidatus M. haemominutum = rarely causes clinical signs unless there is a concurrent infection or immunosuppression
Why are male cats more prone to get Mycoplasma infections?
Transmission during fighting (saliva-bite wounds)
Other MOT: blood sucking arthropods and fleas, in utero, at birth, or through nursing
What are the two mechanisms of hemolytic anemia caused by mycoplasma infections?
immune mediated destruction of erythrocytes:
- intravascular - direct damage to the cell membrane will cause increased osmotic fragility and lysis
- extravascular - mononuclear phagocytosis in the liver and spleen (will note splenomegaly and hepatomegaly)
Where (what location should you take the sample) is there an increased chance of finding mycoplasma organisms in a blood smear?
if the sample is collected close to capillary beds and the smear is made immediately – ex - sample from an ear prick
What clinical signs are associated with mycoplasma infections in cats?
Lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, pale or icteric mm (hemolytic anemia), hyperbilirubinemia, hyperglobulinemia, elevated ALT/AST, hypoglycemia
What diagnostic test can be performed if you suspect a mycoplasma infection in a cat?
Peripheral blood smear
PCR - this takes 4-15 days post infection to show up positive
What is the treatment protocol for mycoplasma in cats?
Antibiotics will reduce the number of organisms but will not eliminate the organism!!
Doxycycline
Enrofloxacin
Marbofloxacin
Prednisolone to decrease erythrophagocytosis in severely anemic patients
