Molecular and serologic evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in cats in North America.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was detected in blood of clinically ill cats from Massachusetts (n = 4) and Connecticut (1) by use of polymerase chain reaction assay and DNA sequencing. All 5 cats were allowed outdoors, and Ixodes scapularis were found on 3 cats. Clinical signs of fever, anorexia, and lethargy resolved quickly after treatment with doxycycline or tetracycline. Serum samples from each cat reacted with A. phagocytophilum morulae via an indirect fluorescent antibody assay; positive antibody titers persisted even after 21 to 30 days of treatment with tetracycline. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of A. phagocytophilum infection of domestic cats in North America. Results suggest that infection with the organism may be associated with clinical illness in some cats.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Michael R
MR
Lappin
Edward B
EB
Breitschwerdt
Wayne A
WA
Jensen
Bridget
B
Dunnigan
Ji-Yeun
JY
Rha
C Rogers
CR
Williams
Melissa
M
Brewer
Majilinde
M
Fall
D041081:Anaplasma phagocytophilum / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002415:Cats; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016873:Ehrlichiosis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005335:Fever of Unknown Origin / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D018884:Ixodes / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D013984:Tick Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004318:Doxycycline