Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon species in a Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) from Thailand.
Hepatozoon gamonts were observed by light microscopy in neutrophils of a male, wild-caught Leopard Cat. Complete blood counts at presentation and 6 months later were unremarkable. Serologic tests were negative for both FIV and FeLV. A partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene from the Hepatozoon found in the cat indicated that, compared with all species examined, the protozoan had the closest relationship (99.2% sequence similarity) with the Hepatozoon of the water python (Stegonotus cucullatus). The cat was clinically healthy at last report. Although Hepatozoon has been found in another wild cat in Thailand, this is the first report in a Leopard Cat. The pathogenicity of Hepatozoon in these cats remains uncertain.
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen, Nakorn Pathom 73140, Thailand. fvetcls@ku.ac.th
Chaleow
C
Salakij
Theerapol
T
Sirinarumitr
Daraka
D
Tongthainun
D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo / Q000469:parasitology; D001483:Base Sequence; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000469:parasitology; D016783:Eucoccidiida / Q000235:genetics* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D045989:Felidae / Q000469:parasitology*; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / Q000235:genetics; D013785:Thailand
D012337:RNA, Ribosomal, 18S