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What is
haemobartonellosis?
Also known as Feline Infectious Anaemia (FIA), until recently, the organism responsible for feline infectious
anaemia was known as Hemobartonella felis. Since
reclassification, it has been discovered that there are in fact
two species of "mycoplasma" which are individually
known as Mycoplasma Haemofelis (also known as large strain)
& Candidatus Mycoplasma Haemominutum (also known as small
strain). Collectively they are known as
Feline Haemoplasmas.
M.
Haemofelis can cause illness in healthy cats, however C.
Mycoplasma Haemominutum appears to be more of an opportunistic
parasite, typically infecting cats with an underlying condition
such as FIV or FeLV.
Feline Haemoplasmas are microorganisms in the class Mollicutes;
which are an unusual group of bacteria. They have no cell wall
& most of them live within or on the host cell. It is not
possible to culture Feline Haemoplasmas because they cannot
survive outside the host cell.
Feline Haemoplasmas attach themselves the wall of red blood
cells. The body's immune system tries to destroy these
parasites but in the process also destroys the affected red
blood cells, causing anaemia.
What
are the symptoms of haemobartonellosis?
Symptoms
vary depending on the number of red blood cells infected,
the stage of the parasitic infection, the health status of
the cat & the rapidity & of infection, but can
include;
Untreated, FIA can
cause death.
How do cats
become infected?
Infected queens
can pass on the infection to their kittens although it's not
entirely known if it is in utero, during the birth process or
via the milk.
The natural mode
of transmission is thought to be via fleas & ticks, bite
wounds may also spread the infection between cats.
It is possible for
cats to become infected during a blood transfusion.
How is
haemobartonellosis diagnosed?
There are two methods to test for haemobartonella.
Stained
blood smear: A thin film of blood is stained & studied
under a microscope for the presence of organisms on the red
blood cells. However, this can result in a false negative as
the infection seems to come about in cycles, so several blood
samples taken over a period of days may be required.
Polymerase
Chain Reaction (PCR): This is a test which detects the
organism in the blood. It greatly amplifies the DNA of the
organism, even in small amounts.
How is
haemobartonellosis treated?
Antibiotics oxytetracycline
or doxycycline.
Treatment with a
glucocorticoid such as prednisolone may also be prescribed to
diminish the immune-mediated component of the disease process.
Severely anaemic
cats may require blood transfusions.
Carrier
Cats:
Recovered
cats can still carry the organism in small numbers in their
blood, although they will show no clinical signs. They may have
a relapse in the future, especially under times of stress or
they may remain free of the disease for life.
How
do I prevent haemobartonellosis in my cat?
Proper
flea & tick control on your cat, including keeping the
environment free of parasites.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice. |
