Evaluation of topical application of 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin to prevent Bartonella henselae transmission from cat fleas.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether monthly topical administration of a combination of 10% imidacloprid and 1% moxidectin would lessen flea (Ctenocephalides felis) transmission of Bartonella henselae among cats.


METHODS
Controlled trial.


METHODS
18 specific pathogen-free cats housed in 3 groups of 6.


METHODS
3 enclosures were separated by mesh to allow fleas to pass among groups yet prevent cats from contacting one another. One group was inoculated IV with B henselae, and after infection was confirmed, the cats were housed in the middle enclosure. This infected group was flanked by a group that was treated topically with 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin monthly for 3 months and by an untreated group. On days 0, 15, 28, and 42, 100 fleas/cat were placed on each of the 6 cats in the B henselae-infected group. Blood samples were collected from all cats weekly for detection of Bartonella spp via PCR assay, bacterial culture, and serologic assay.


RESULTS
B henselae infection was confirmed in the cats infected IV and in all untreated cats after flea exposure; none of the cats treated with the imidacloprid-moxidectin combination became infected.


CONCLUSIONS
In this setting, monthly topical administration of 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin reduced flea infestation, compared with infestation in untreated cats, and thus prevented flea transmission of B henselae to treated cats. Regular monthly use of this flea control product in cats may lessen the likelihood of humans acquiring B henselae infection.
Bradbury
Christina A
CA
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. cabrad@colostate.edu
Lappin
Michael R
MR
D000287:Administration, Topical; D016917:Angiomatosis, Bacillary / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D018416:Bartonella henselae; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D018942:Macrolides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005423:Siphonaptera / Q000187:drug effects*
D007093:Imidazoles; D007306:Insecticides; D018942:Macrolides; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds; C082359:imidacloprid; C027837:moxidectin