Microscopic and clinical evidence for Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophilum infection in Italian cats.
Fifteen cats from Italy with Ehrlichia-like inclusion bodies in their neutrophils were studied. They were diagnosed with Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophilum infection on the basis of cytological observation of morulae within 1 to 21 per cent of their neutrophils, clinical signs characteristic of ehrlichiosis and their response to doxycycline. The predominant signs of disease were anorexia, lethargy, hyperaesthesia, muscle and joint pain, lameness, neck rigidity, lymphadenomegaly, gingivitis/periodontitis, conjunctivitis, weight loss, incoordination, pale mucous membranes and hyperglobulinaemia. The cat with inclusions in 21 per cent of its neutrophils had suffered arthralgia, tachypnoea, neck rigidity, vomiting and thrombocytopenia for four months, but recovered promptly after treatment with doxycycline.
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International Veterinary Hospital, PO Box 9275, 61003 Ahmadi, Kuwait.
D041081:Anaplasma phagocytophilum; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016873:Ehrlichiosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D018884:Ixodes / Q000382:microbiology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000382:microbiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013984:Tick Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004318:Doxycycline