Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was detected in blood of clinically ill cats from Massachusetts (n = 4) and Connecticut (1) by use of polymerase chain reaction assay and DNA sequencing. All 5 cats were allowed outdoors, and Ixodes scapularis were found on 3 cats. Clinical signs of fever, anorexia, and lethargy resolved quickly after treatment with doxycycline or tetracycline. Serum samples from each cat reacted with A. phagocytophilum morulae via an indirect fluorescent antibody assay; positive antibody titers persisted even after 21 to 30 days of treatment with tetracycline. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of A. phagocytophilum infection of domestic cats in North America. Results suggest that infection with the organism may be associated with clinical illness in some cats.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum* / genetics
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum* / immunology
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Anaplasma phagocytophilum* / isolation & purification
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Animals
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
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Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
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Cat Diseases / blood
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Cat Diseases / drug therapy
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Cat Diseases / epidemiology*
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Cats
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DNA, Bacterial / analysis
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Doxycycline / therapeutic use*
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Ehrlichiosis / blood
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Ehrlichiosis / drug therapy
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Ehrlichiosis / epidemiology
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Ehrlichiosis / veterinary*
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Female
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Fever of Unknown Origin / blood
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Fever of Unknown Origin / drug therapy
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Fever of Unknown Origin / veterinary
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Ixodes / microbiology
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Male
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Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
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Seroepidemiologic Studies
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Thrombocytopenia / blood
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Thrombocytopenia / drug therapy
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Thrombocytopenia / veterinary
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Tick Infestations / epidemiology
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Tick Infestations / veterinary
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Antibodies, Bacterial
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DNA, Bacterial
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Doxycycline