Prevalence of Haemoplasma Infections in Stray Cats in Northern Italy

• DOI: 10.1155/2014/298352
• Publication Date: 2014-02-23T21:02:48Z
• Authors: Eva Spada; Daniela Proverbio; Paola Galluzzo; Alessandra Della ...; Giada Bagnagatti ...; Roberta Perego; Elisabetta Ferro
• Keywords: 0403 veterinary science; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; Research Article; 3. Good health

This study investigated the prevalence of feline haemoplasma infections in a number stray cat colonies Milan, Northern Italy. Blood samples from 260 cats were evaluated, with conventional PCR, for presence DNA associated Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) and "Candidatus haemominutum" (CMhm). Odd ratios (OR) calculated to identify risk factors infections. PCR was positive 86 out subjects (33.1%), 10.8% (28/260 cats) Mhf 22.3% (58/260 CMhm. No coinfections registered. There significant associations between season sampling, that is, negative association winter sampling status (OR = 0.29, P 0.001), or CMhm 0.01). Haemoplasma are common Milan. Thus, domestic outdoor access should be routinely monitored treated ectoparasites minimize risks disease acquisition. Moreover, as these transmitted via blood, blood donors this area screened by preferably drawn population indoor regularly fleas.