title: Cytauxzoonosis in cats: ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cytauxzoon species are apicomplexan haemoparasites, which may cause severe disease in domestic cats, as well as lions and tigers. For many years, cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats was only reported in North and South America, but in recent years the infection has also been seen in Europe (Spain, France and Italy).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Cytauxzoon felis is the main species; it occurs as numerous different strains or genotypes and is transmitted via ticks. Therefore, the disease shows a seasonal incidence from spring to early autumn and affects primarily cats with outdoor access in areas where tick vectors are prevalent. Domestic cats may experience subclinical infection and may also act as reservoirs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cytauxzoonosis caused by C felis in the USA is an acute or peracute severe febrile disease with non-specific signs. Haemolytic anaemia occurs frequently; in some cats neurological signs may occur in late stages. The Cytauxzoon species identified in Europe differ from C felis that causes disease in the USA and are probably less virulent. The majority of infected cats have been healthy; in some cases anaemia was found, but disease as it occurs in the USA has not been reported to date.
  
  
  METHODS
  Diagnosis is usually obtained by Cytauxzoon detection in blood smears and/or fine-needle aspirates from the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. PCR assays are able to detect low levels of parasitaemia and may be used for confirmation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Currently a combination of the antiprotozoal drugs atovaquone and azithromycin is the treatment of choice. Concurrent supportive and critical care treatment is extremely important to improve the prognosis. Cats that survive the infection may become chronic carriers for life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cats with outdoor access in endemic areas should receive effective tick treatment.
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lloret
authors.forename: Diane D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Addie
authors.forename: Corine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Boucraut-Baralon
authors.forename: Herman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Egberink
authors.forename: Tadeusz
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Frymus
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gruffydd-Jones
authors.forename: Katrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hartmann
authors.forename: Marian C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Horzinek
authors.forename: Margaret J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hosie
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lutz
authors.forename: Fulvio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marsilio
authors.forename: Maria Grazia
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Pennisi
authors.forename: Alan D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Radford
authors.forename: Etienne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Thiry
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Truyen
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Möstl
mesh_terms: D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000592:standards*; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002415:Cats; D004197:Disease Reservoirs / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005060:Europe; D005602:France; D016792:Piroplasmida / Q000469:parasitology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D011529:Protozoan Infections, Animal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012621:Seasons; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000592:standards
chemical_list: D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents