Feline Infectious Anemia Navies 2011 Hemobartonella/ Feline Hemoplasmosis (Causative agent: Mycoplasma hemofelis) Feline Infectious Anemia Navies 2011

A look back in history…. In 1942 Clark described an eperythrozoon infection in an anemic cat in South Africa naming the species Eperythrozoon felis. Flint & Moss (1953) later described a similar organism causing an infectious anemia in cats in the USA. In 1955, Flint & McKelvie suggested that this organism be named Haemobartonella felis. The causative organisms for this disease are Mycoplasma haemofilis previously called Hemobartonella felis large form and Mycoplasma haemominutum previously called Haemobartonella felis small form. They are bacteria that affects the outer surface of feline red blood cells. The name of the organism was changed after extensive study when it was determined that the parasite was genetically similar to other mycoplasma organisms.

What is it? Is an Acute or a chronic disease. It is caused by rickettsial  (small obligate intracellular bacteria) agent that multiplies with in the vascular system. THIS IS NOT BARTONELLA (Cat scratch disease) Cat, blood smear, Wright-Leishman stain. Scattered erythrocytes contain delicate ring and rod forms of Hemobartonella felis.

. Who does it affect? It only affects cats. And is higher among those 1 to 3 years of age, particularly males. Ready to get started? Press “Esc”, then click your Windows Start menu icon.

How is it contracted? Parasite is thought to occur by bloodsucking arthropods such as fleas or by bite wounds. . Can also be transmitted to offspring. -Trans placental -Trans mammary Learn more Ready to get started? Press “Esc”, then click your Windows Start menu icon.

There are four phases….. The pre-parasitic phase. The first phase lasts from 2 to 21 days; during this phase, cats are infected, but don't show clinical signs, and the organism is not detectable in the bloodstream.  The acute phase. The second phase lasts from 2 to 4 months. During this phase, clinical signs occur intermittently, and parasitemia, which is the presence of the organism in the bloodstream, also occur intermittently. Clinical signs vary. Some cats in the acute phase of disease have signs that are so mild that they remain undetected by their owners, while other cats have such severe signs that they may lead to death if left untreated.  The recovery phase. The third phase can vary in duration. Cats can remain mildly anemic, clinical signs are not apparent, and phases of parasitemia are minimal.  The carrier phase. The fourth phase can last for years. Cats appear clinically normal and the organism is rarely detectable in the bloodstream.

Clinical Signs Anemia are most common and include pale mucous membranes, depression, inappetence, weakness Macrocytic and normochromic regenerative anemia Occasionally, icterus and splenomegaly. Fever occurs in some acutely infected cats and may be intermittent in chronically infected cats. Evidence of coexisting disease may be present. Weight loss is common in chronically infected cats. Cats in the chronic phase can be subclinically infected only to have recurrence of clinical disease following periods of stress. Neutrophilia and monocytosis have been reported in some hemoplasma-infected cats.

Diagnosis Diagnosis is based on demonstration of the organism on the surface of erythrocytes on examination of a thin blood film Organism numbers fluctuate (False negative about 50% of time) The organism may be difficult to find cytologically, particularly in the chronic phase. PCR assays are the tests of choice

Diagnosis Complete blood count including reticulocytes Combs test Chemistry panel Urinalysis Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) testing Direct blood smear and microscopic analysis PCR analysis. This is the best test to confirm the presence of Mycoplasma haemofelis infection.

Recommended treatment Antibiotics. Mycoplasma haemofelis is typically susceptible to tetracycline and doxycycline. Corticosteroids, although controversial are used in selected cases Blood transfusion in cases of severe anemia

Prognosis The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and response to treatment. The prognosis is generally considered good when treated aggressively with antibiotics, blood transfusions if needed and additional supportive care. Prognosis * With treatment cat can continue on * 1/3 of acute cats may die

Pathological Finding Splenomegaly Mesenteric lymph node my be enlarged Hyperplasia of the bone marrow

Prevention Keeping your cat indoors can help prevent exposure to possible vectors of infection, reduced fighting between cats and reduced exposure to various diseases and viruses. Neuter outside cats to reduce the risk of cat fights. Use medications to prevent fleas and ticks.

Client Education It is important to educate clients about any disease that their animal may be prospect for developing it. when you and your team members discuss basic feline health concerns. Explain which cats are most at risk, being sure to address the risks of an outdoor lifestyle and flea infestation. Remember to emphasize the importance of a strong flea-control program. Also teach clients that cats can be carriers without exhibiting any clinical signs. This information will help clients work with you to choose a preventive plan and lifestyle for their cat that will decrease the cat’s chances of contracting the disease.

References http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/10406.htm&word=hemobartonellosis http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/cowgill/index.php http://www.esavs.net/course_notes/feline2_06/sparkes_h_felis.pdf http://www.petplace.com/article-printer-friendly.aspx?id=407

Sources http://www.petplace.com/cats/feline-infectious-anemia-hmobartonellosis/page1.aspx http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/10406.htm&word=hemobartonellosis http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=293 http://animal.discovery.com/guides/healthcenter/dogs/diseases/haemobartonella.html http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/cowgill/index.php http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1583311/pdf/vetsci00082-0009.pdf