Survey of vector-borne agents in feral cats and first report of Babesia gibsoni in cats on St Kitts, West Indies.

摘要: As there is little data on vector-borne diseases of cats in the Caribbean region and even around world, we tested feral from St Kitts by PCR to detect infections with Babesia, Ehrlichia spotted fever group Rickettsia (SFGR) surveyed them for antibodies rickettsii canis. Whole blood was collected apparently healthy during spay/ neuter campaigns 2011 (N = 68) 2014 (N = 52). Sera 52 were used canis using indirect fluorescent antibody tests DNA extracted whole a total 119 (68 2011, 51 2014) PCRs Rickettsia. We could not amplify SFG any samples but found E. 5% (6/119), Babesia vogeli 13% (15/119), gibsoni 4% (5/119), mixed B. 3% (3/119), poorly characterized sp. 1% (1/119). Overall, 10% IFA positive while 42% (IFA) R. antigens positive. Our study provides first evidence that can be infected also indicates may commonly exposed other agents including SFGR, vogeli. Animal health workers should alerted possibility clinical their patients public zoonotic SFGR are likely circulating region.