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Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was isolated for the first time in 2012 with an association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggested. This study aimed at investigating in cats from southern Italy FeMV prevalence and risk factors for exposure to FeMV, including the relationship with CKD; sequencing amplicons and analyzing phylogeny of PCR positive samples. Blood serum, K3EDTA blood and urine samples from 223 cats were investigated. Ten carcasses were also evaluated. FeMV RNA was detected in 2.4% (5/211) blood and 16.1% (36/223) urine samples. One carcass tested positive by qPCRFeMV from kidney, urinary bladder, and submandibular lymph nodes. Antibodies against FeMV were detected in 14.5% (28/193) cats. We followed up 27 cats (13 FeMV positive cats) and documented in some cases urine shedding after up to 360 days. Older and foundling cats and cats living in rescue catteries, were more frequently infected with FeMV. A significant correlation between FeMV and higher serum creatinine values or low urine specific gravity was found. FeMV positivity was significantly associated with retroviral infection, and the presence of some clinical signs apart from CKD clinicopathological markers. Our study highlights the possibility of a link between FeMV exposure and CKD and a general impairment of feline health.
Giulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Eliana De Luca; Angela Alibrandi; Massimo De Majo; Shadia Berjaoui; Camillo Martino; Cyndi Mangano; Alessio Lorusso; Maria Pennisi. Feline Morbillivirus in Southern Italy: Epidemiology, Clinico-Pathological Features and Phylogenetic Analysis in Cats. Viruses 2021, 13, 1449 .
AMA StyleGiulia Donato, Marisa Masucci, Eliana De Luca, Angela Alibrandi, Massimo De Majo, Shadia Berjaoui, Camillo Martino, Cyndi Mangano, Alessio Lorusso, Maria Pennisi. Feline Morbillivirus in Southern Italy: Epidemiology, Clinico-Pathological Features and Phylogenetic Analysis in Cats. Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1449.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Eliana De Luca; Angela Alibrandi; Massimo De Majo; Shadia Berjaoui; Camillo Martino; Cyndi Mangano; Alessio Lorusso; Maria Pennisi. 2021. "Feline Morbillivirus in Southern Italy: Epidemiology, Clinico-Pathological Features and Phylogenetic Analysis in Cats." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1449.
In the past, cats were considered resistant to influenza. Today, we know that they are susceptible to some influenza A viruses (IAVs) originating in other species. Usually, the outcome is only subclinical infection or a mild fever. However, outbreaks of feline disease caused by canine H3N2 IAV with fever, tachypnoea, sneezing, coughing, dyspnoea and lethargy are occasionally noted in shelters. In one such outbreak, the morbidity rate was 100% and the mortality rate was 40%. Recently, avian H7N2 IAV infection occurred in cats in some shelters in the USA, inducing mostly mild respiratory disease. Furthermore, cats are susceptible to experimental infection with the human H3N2 IAV that caused the pandemic in 1968. Several studies indicated that cats worldwide could be infected by H1N1 IAV during the subsequent human pandemic in 2009. In one shelter, severe cases with fatalities were noted. Finally, the highly pathogenic avian H5N1 IAV can induce a severe, fatal disease in cats, and can spread via cat-to-cat contact. In this review, the Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of experts in feline medicine from 11 European countries, summarises current data regarding the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnostics, and control of feline IAV infections, as well as the zoonotic risks.
Tadeusz Frymus; Sándor Belák; Herman Egberink; Regina Hofmann-Lehmann; Fulvio Marsilio; Diane Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Katrin Hartmann; Albert Lloret; Hans Lutz; Maria Pennisi; Etienne Thiry; Uwe Truyen; Séverine Tasker; Karin Möstl; Margaret Hosie. Influenza Virus Infections in Cats. Viruses 2021, 13, 1435 .
AMA StyleTadeusz Frymus, Sándor Belák, Herman Egberink, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann, Fulvio Marsilio, Diane Addie, Corine Boucraut-Baralon, Katrin Hartmann, Albert Lloret, Hans Lutz, Maria Pennisi, Etienne Thiry, Uwe Truyen, Séverine Tasker, Karin Möstl, Margaret Hosie. Influenza Virus Infections in Cats. Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1435.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTadeusz Frymus; Sándor Belák; Herman Egberink; Regina Hofmann-Lehmann; Fulvio Marsilio; Diane Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Katrin Hartmann; Albert Lloret; Hans Lutz; Maria Pennisi; Etienne Thiry; Uwe Truyen; Séverine Tasker; Karin Möstl; Margaret Hosie. 2021. "Influenza Virus Infections in Cats." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1435.
Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is responsible for splenic pathological changes. The main features detectable from ultrasound examination are splenomegaly and diffuse alterations of the echostructure. The study aimed to highlight whether these ultrasound changes are related to the severity of the disease or to a modification of splenic microvascularization that can be detected in vivo through contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS). Twenty-five adult dogs tested for CanL were enrolled in this prospective, controlled study and staged according to LeishVet guidelines. Bidimensional ultrasonography revealed that splenomegaly was seen in 50% of the affected dogs, and diffuse parenchymal changes were seen in more than 60% of dogs with splenomegaly, showing a positive correlation with severity of the disease; therefore, splenomegaly could be of prognostic significance. CEUS showed that a persistent heterogeneous distribution pattern appeared only in spleens with diffuse echostructure alterations. The evaluation of quantitative CEUS parameters regarding the volume and velocity of flow in three regions of interest did not show differences between affected and control dogs. Diffuse spleen microvascular modifications evidenced by CEUS were reported for the first time in dogs with CanL. In endemic areas, CanL could be included in the differential diagnoses list when detecting splenic alterations in dogs.
Massimo De Majo; Giulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Cyndi Mangano; Maria Persichetti; Luigi Liotta; Giuseppe Mazzullo; Rosanna Visalli; Marco Quartuccio; Nicola Iannelli; Santo Cristarella; Maria Pennisi. Bidimensional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Spleen in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis. Animals 2021, 11, 1437 .
AMA StyleMassimo De Majo, Giulia Donato, Marisa Masucci, Cyndi Mangano, Maria Persichetti, Luigi Liotta, Giuseppe Mazzullo, Rosanna Visalli, Marco Quartuccio, Nicola Iannelli, Santo Cristarella, Maria Pennisi. Bidimensional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Spleen in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis. Animals. 2021; 11 (5):1437.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimo De Majo; Giulia Donato; Marisa Masucci; Cyndi Mangano; Maria Persichetti; Luigi Liotta; Giuseppe Mazzullo; Rosanna Visalli; Marco Quartuccio; Nicola Iannelli; Santo Cristarella; Maria Pennisi. 2021. "Bidimensional and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography of the Spleen in Dogs Affected by Leishmaniosis." Animals 11, no. 5: 1437.
Infection with Leishmania parasites can lead to severe disease in humans and dogs, which act as a reservoir in zoonotic transmission. An increasing number of reports suggest that leishmaniosis is not restricted to dogs, but also affects many other mammalian and avian species. Consequently, this expands the potential reservoir and is of great public and veterinary health concern. The present study reviews, based on a comprehensive search of scientific literature published from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2020, the currently available information on animal leishmaniosis in vertebrates in Europe, other than dogs and humans. This review provides an exhaustive list of mammals and birds in which infections with or exposure to Leishmania parasites have been detected in European countries. Most cases are reported from the Mediterranean region. Domestic animals, in particular cats, pose a concern because of close contact with humans. The wildlife reservoir is less likely to contribute to zoonotic transmission, with the exception of hares. This potentially large reservoir needs to be taken into account when developing control measures for zoonotic leishmaniosis. From a veterinary point of view, it is important that veterinarians are better aware of leishmaniosis and trained in its management.
Luís Cardoso; Henk Schallig; Maria Persichetti; Maria Pennisi. New Epidemiological Aspects of Animal Leishmaniosis in Europe: The Role of Vertebrate Hosts Other Than Dogs. Pathogens 2021, 10, 307 .
AMA StyleLuís Cardoso, Henk Schallig, Maria Persichetti, Maria Pennisi. New Epidemiological Aspects of Animal Leishmaniosis in Europe: The Role of Vertebrate Hosts Other Than Dogs. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (3):307.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuís Cardoso; Henk Schallig; Maria Persichetti; Maria Pennisi. 2021. "New Epidemiological Aspects of Animal Leishmaniosis in Europe: The Role of Vertebrate Hosts Other Than Dogs." Pathogens 10, no. 3: 307.
COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by a new coronavirus (CoV), SARS-CoV-2, which is closely related to SARS-CoV that jumped the animal–human species barrier and caused a disease outbreak in 2003. SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus that was first described in 2019, unrelated to the commonly occurring feline coronavirus (FCoV) that is an alphacoronavirus associated with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and has spread globally within a few months, resulting in the current pandemic. Felids have been shown to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Particularly in the Western world, many people live in very close contact with their pet cats, and natural infections of cats in COVID-19-positive households have been described in several countries. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of experts in feline medicine from 11 European Countries, discusses the current status of SARS-CoV infections in cats. The review examines the host range of SARS-CoV-2 and human-to-animal transmissions, including infections in domestic and non-domestic felids, as well as mink-to-human/-cat transmission. It summarises current data on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in domestic cats and the results of experimental infections of cats and provides expert opinions on the clinical relevance and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats.
Margaret Hosie; Regina Hofmann-Lehmann; Katrin Hartmann; Herman Egberink; Uwe Truyen; Diane Addie; Sándor Belák; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Tadeusz Frymus; Albert Lloret; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Pennisi; Séverine Tasker; Etienne Thiry; Karin Möstl. Anthropogenic Infection of Cats during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses 2021, 13, 185 .
AMA StyleMargaret Hosie, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann, Katrin Hartmann, Herman Egberink, Uwe Truyen, Diane Addie, Sándor Belák, Corine Boucraut-Baralon, Tadeusz Frymus, Albert Lloret, Hans Lutz, Fulvio Marsilio, Maria Pennisi, Séverine Tasker, Etienne Thiry, Karin Möstl. Anthropogenic Infection of Cats during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses. 2021; 13 (2):185.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMargaret Hosie; Regina Hofmann-Lehmann; Katrin Hartmann; Herman Egberink; Uwe Truyen; Diane Addie; Sándor Belák; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Tadeusz Frymus; Albert Lloret; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Pennisi; Séverine Tasker; Etienne Thiry; Karin Möstl. 2021. "Anthropogenic Infection of Cats during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic." Viruses 13, no. 2: 185.
The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of A, B and AB blood types and alloantibodies in non-pedigree cats from two regions, one in Northern and one in Southern Italy (Lombardy and Sicily, respectively). A total of 448 samples (52.0% from Northern and 48.0% from Southern Italy) were blood typed. The prevalence of A, B and AB blood types in northern and southern cats were 91.0%, 5.2%, 3.8%, and 77.2%, 12.1% and 10.7%, respectively. The prevalence of type-A blood in southern cats was significantly lower (p = 0.0001) than in northern cats, while type-B and AB blood were significantly higher (p = 0.0085 and p = 0.0051, respectively) in Southern compared to Northern Italian cats. Alloantibodies against type-A blood were found in 94.1% of type-B cats, 11.2% of type-A cats had alloantibodies against type-B blood, while no type-AB cats had alloantibodies with no significant difference between the two Italian populations. Type-AB prevalence in non-pedigree cats in Southern Italy was the highest reported in Europe. Italian type-A cats had the lowest worldwide prevalence of alloantibodies against type-B blood. These results highlight the usefulness of regional studies to report different prevalences in feline blood types and reinforce the importance of blood typing cats before transfusions and mating.
Eva Spada; Roberta Perego; Luciana Baggiani; Elisabetta Salatino; Vito Priolo; Cyndi Mangano; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Daniela Proverbio. Prevalence of Blood Types and Alloantibodies of the AB Blood Group System in Non-Pedigree Cats from Northern (Lombardy) and Southern (Sicily) Italy. Animals 2020, 10, 1129 .
AMA StyleEva Spada, Roberta Perego, Luciana Baggiani, Elisabetta Salatino, Vito Priolo, Cyndi Mangano, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Daniela Proverbio. Prevalence of Blood Types and Alloantibodies of the AB Blood Group System in Non-Pedigree Cats from Northern (Lombardy) and Southern (Sicily) Italy. Animals. 2020; 10 (7):1129.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEva Spada; Roberta Perego; Luciana Baggiani; Elisabetta Salatino; Vito Priolo; Cyndi Mangano; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Daniela Proverbio. 2020. "Prevalence of Blood Types and Alloantibodies of the AB Blood Group System in Non-Pedigree Cats from Northern (Lombardy) and Southern (Sicily) Italy." Animals 10, no. 7: 1129.
Leishmania spp. affecting cats include L. infantum, L. mexicana, L. venezuelensis, L. amazonensis, and L. braziliensis. Leishmania infantum is the species most frequently reported in cats and causes feline leishmaniosis (FeL). Cats exposed to L. infantum are able to mount a cell-mediated immune response that does not parallel antibody production. Cats with L. infantum-associated clinical disease have positive blood PCR and low to very high antibody levels. About half of the clinical cases of FeL are diagnosed in cats with impaired immunocompetence. Skin or mucocutaneous lesions are the most common clinical findings; however, FeL is a systemic disease. Skin or mucocutaneous lesions and lymph node enlargement are seen in at least half of cases, ocular or oral lesions and some aspecific signs (weight loss, anorexia, lethargy) in about 20–30% of cases, and many other clinical signs (e.g., respiratory, gastrointestinal) are sporadically observed. Ulcerative and nodular lesions due to diffuse granulomatous dermatitis are the most frequent skin manifestations, mainly distributed on the head or symmetrically on the distal limbs. Diagnosis can be obtained by cytology and histology, and immunohistochemistry is useful to confirm the causative role of Leishmania infection in the dermopathological manifestations; however, other skin diseases may coexist with FeL. Polymerase chain reaction is used in case of suggestive lesions with lack of parasites and for Leishmania speciation. Comorbidities, coinfections, and chronic renal disease influence the prognosis and should be investigated. Treatment is currently based on the same drugs used for canine leishmaniosis, and generally clinical cure is obtained; however recurrence is possible.
Maria Grazia Pennisi. Leishmaniosis. Feline Dermatology 2020, 387 -403.
AMA StyleMaria Grazia Pennisi. Leishmaniosis. Feline Dermatology. 2020; ():387-403.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Grazia Pennisi. 2020. "Leishmaniosis." Feline Dermatology , no. : 387-403.
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus associated with fatal disease in progressively infected cats. While testing/removal and vaccination led to a decreased prevalence of FeLV, recently, this decrease has reportedly stagnated in some countries. This study aimed to prospectively determine the prevalence of FeLV viraemia in cats taken to veterinary facilities in 32 European countries. FeLV viral RNA was semiquantitatively detected in saliva, using RT-qPCR as a measure of viraemia. Risk and protective factors were assessed using an online questionnaire to report geographic, demographic, husbandry, FeLV vaccination, and clinical data. The overall prevalence of FeLV viraemia in cats visiting a veterinary facility, of which 10.4% were shelter and rescue cats, was 2.3% (141/6005; 95% CI: 2.0%–2.8%) with the highest prevalences in Portugal, Hungary, and Italy/Malta (5.7%–8.8%). Using multivariate analysis, seven risk factors (Southern Europe, male intact, 1–6 years of age, indoor and outdoor or outdoor-only living, living in a group of ≥5 cats, illness), and three protective factors (Northern Europe, Western Europe, pedigree cats) were identified. Using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, the origin of cats in Europe, pedigree, and access to outdoors were important predictors of FeLV status. FeLV-infected sick cats shed more viral RNA than FeLV-infected healthy cats, and they suffered more frequently from anaemia, anorexia, and gingivitis/stomatitis than uninfected sick cats. Most cats had never been FeLV-vaccinated; vaccination rates were indirectly associated with the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. In conclusion, we identified countries where FeLV was undetectable, demonstrating that the infection can be eradicated and highlighting those regions where awareness and prevention should be increased.
Nadine Studer; Hans Lutz; Claude Saegerman; Enikö Gönczi; Marina L. Meli; Gianluca Boo; Katrin Hartmann; Margaret J. Hosie; Karin Moestl; Séverine Tasker; Sándor Belák; Albert Lloret; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman F. Egberink; Maria-Grazia Pennisi; Uwe Truyen; Tadeusz Frymus; Etienne Thiry; Fulvio Marsilio; Diane Addie; Manfred Hochleithner; Filip Tkalec; Zsuzsanna Vizi; Anna Brunetti; Boyko Georgiev; Louisa F. Ludwig-Begall; Flurin Tschuor; Carmel T. Mooney; Catarina Eliasson; Janne Orro; Helle Johansen; Kirsi Juuti; Igor Krampl; Kaspars Kovalenko; Jakov Šengaut; Cristina Sobral; Petra Borska; Simona Kovaříková; Regina Hofmann-Lehmann. Pan-European Study on the Prevalence of the Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection – Reported by the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD Europe). Viruses 2019, 11, 993 .
AMA StyleNadine Studer, Hans Lutz, Claude Saegerman, Enikö Gönczi, Marina L. Meli, Gianluca Boo, Katrin Hartmann, Margaret J. Hosie, Karin Moestl, Séverine Tasker, Sándor Belák, Albert Lloret, Corine Boucraut-Baralon, Herman F. Egberink, Maria-Grazia Pennisi, Uwe Truyen, Tadeusz Frymus, Etienne Thiry, Fulvio Marsilio, Diane Addie, Manfred Hochleithner, Filip Tkalec, Zsuzsanna Vizi, Anna Brunetti, Boyko Georgiev, Louisa F. Ludwig-Begall, Flurin Tschuor, Carmel T. Mooney, Catarina Eliasson, Janne Orro, Helle Johansen, Kirsi Juuti, Igor Krampl, Kaspars Kovalenko, Jakov Šengaut, Cristina Sobral, Petra Borska, Simona Kovaříková, Regina Hofmann-Lehmann. Pan-European Study on the Prevalence of the Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection – Reported by the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD Europe). Viruses. 2019; 11 (11):993.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNadine Studer; Hans Lutz; Claude Saegerman; Enikö Gönczi; Marina L. Meli; Gianluca Boo; Katrin Hartmann; Margaret J. Hosie; Karin Moestl; Séverine Tasker; Sándor Belák; Albert Lloret; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman F. Egberink; Maria-Grazia Pennisi; Uwe Truyen; Tadeusz Frymus; Etienne Thiry; Fulvio Marsilio; Diane Addie; Manfred Hochleithner; Filip Tkalec; Zsuzsanna Vizi; Anna Brunetti; Boyko Georgiev; Louisa F. Ludwig-Begall; Flurin Tschuor; Carmel T. Mooney; Catarina Eliasson; Janne Orro; Helle Johansen; Kirsi Juuti; Igor Krampl; Kaspars Kovalenko; Jakov Šengaut; Cristina Sobral; Petra Borska; Simona Kovaříková; Regina Hofmann-Lehmann. 2019. "Pan-European Study on the Prevalence of the Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection – Reported by the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD Europe)." Viruses 11, no. 11: 993.
Feline leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is considered a rare disease in endemic areas, whereas subclinical infections are common. Immune response plays a key role in driving the course of L. infantum infection in other host species; however, the feline cell-mediated immune response to L. infantum infection has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the cell-mediated immune response specific to L. infantum by means of interferon (IFN)-γ release in whole blood assay from cats living in endemic areas (66 in Sicily and 113 in Catalonia) and to compare with antibody levels to L. infantum [enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT)], blood parasite load and retroviral infections. Most cats (n = 140) were L. infantum antibody negative and only 22% (n = 39) were positive. Only 9 and 2% of tested cats had a feline immunodeficency virus (FIV) infection or a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection, respectively. Thirty-two cats out of 179 (18%) produced IFN-γ after stimulation with L. infantum soluble antigen (LSA) while the majority of cats (93%) produced IFN-γ after stimulation with concanavalin A (ConA). Six LSA-IFN-γ-producer cats were seropositive (three to ELISA and five to IFAT) but they were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative, while only one cat was antibody- and PCR-positive. Significant positive correlations were found between IFN-γ concentrations after stimulation with LSA and ConA, and between serology and PCR testing. No association was found between FIV status and LSA or ConA-IFN-γ production. Combining PCR, serology and specific IFN-γ concentration results, we found that 36% of cats studied were exposed to L. infantum. As expected, cats from endemic areas produce IFN-γ after ex vivo blood stimulation with LSA and therefore are able to activate a cell-mediated adaptive immune response against the parasite that is variably associated with antibody or blood PCR positivity. The association of this assay to serological and molecular tests provides a better estimate of cat exposure to L. infantum.
Vito Priolo; Pamela Martínez-Orellana; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Marisa Masucci; David Prandi; Dorotea Ippolito; Federica Bruno; Germano Castelli; Laia Solano-Gallego. Leishmania infantum-specific IFN-γ production in stimulated blood from cats living in areas where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. Parasites & Vectors 2019, 12, 133 .
AMA StyleVito Priolo, Pamela Martínez-Orellana, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Marisa Masucci, David Prandi, Dorotea Ippolito, Federica Bruno, Germano Castelli, Laia Solano-Gallego. Leishmania infantum-specific IFN-γ production in stimulated blood from cats living in areas where canine leishmaniosis is endemic. Parasites & Vectors. 2019; 12 (1):133.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVito Priolo; Pamela Martínez-Orellana; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Marisa Masucci; David Prandi; Dorotea Ippolito; Federica Bruno; Germano Castelli; Laia Solano-Gallego. 2019. "Leishmania infantum-specific IFN-γ production in stimulated blood from cats living in areas where canine leishmaniosis is endemic." Parasites & Vectors 12, no. 1: 133.
Cats can be carriers of infected arthropods and be infected with several vector-borne pathogens (VBP) but there is limited knowledge about their pathogenic role in cats. A cross-sectional controlled study investigated the clinical status and antibody (Bartonella henselae, Rickettsia conorii, Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti and Leishmania infantum) and/or blood PCR (Mycoplasma spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp., Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., piroplasmids, L. infantum, Hepatozoon felis) prevalence in 197 cats. Outdoor cats lacking ectoparasiticide treatment or hosting ectoparasites (study group [SG], n = 134) and indoor cats treated against ectoparasites (control group [CG], n = 63) were enrolled. Clinical data and retroviral co-infections were compared between the two groups. Multivariable analysis tested associations between variables and VBP exposure. Lymphadenia, stomatitis, and various haematological abnormalities were statistically more frequent in SG. Antibodies against R. conorii, B. henselae, A. phagocytophylum, B. microti, E. canis and L. infantum were detected. Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae, Mycoplasma haemofelis, “Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum” and “Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis” DNA were identified. Very high antibody (87.8%) and PCR (40.1%) positivity to at least one pathogen were detected and were significantly higher in SG. Co-infections were confirmed in about one-third of the cats and were more frequent in SG cats. Molecular and overall (antibody and PCR) positivity to Bartonella and antibody positivity to R. conorii were higher in SG. Multivariable analysis found significant associations of Bartonella spp. infection with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infection and increased globulins, and of Mycoplasma spp. infection with adult age, FIV infection, anaemia, and increased creatinine. A very high prevalence of exposure to zoonotic VBP was found in cats, with Rickettsia and Bartonella infections being most prevalent. Some risk factors were documented namely for Mycoplasma spp. and Bartonella spp. The lifestyle of cats is clinically relevant and requires specific preventative measures to protect their health.
Maria Flaminia Persichetti; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Angela Vullo; Marisa Masucci; Antonella Migliazzo; Laia Solano-Gallego. Clinical evaluation of outdoor cats exposed to ectoparasites and associated risk for vector-borne infections in southern Italy. Parasites & Vectors 2018, 11, 1 -11.
AMA StyleMaria Flaminia Persichetti, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Angela Vullo, Marisa Masucci, Antonella Migliazzo, Laia Solano-Gallego. Clinical evaluation of outdoor cats exposed to ectoparasites and associated risk for vector-borne infections in southern Italy. Parasites & Vectors. 2018; 11 (1):1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Flaminia Persichetti; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Angela Vullo; Marisa Masucci; Antonella Migliazzo; Laia Solano-Gallego. 2018. "Clinical evaluation of outdoor cats exposed to ectoparasites and associated risk for vector-borne infections in southern Italy." Parasites & Vectors 11, no. 1: 1-11.
The diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis (CanL) is complex due to its variable clinical manifestations and laboratory findings. The availability of vaccines to prevent CanL has increased the complexity of diagnosis, as serological tests may not distinguish between naturally infected and vaccinated dogs. Current practices of prevaccination screening are not sufficiently sensitive to detect subclinically infected dogs, resulting in the vaccination of infected animals, which may lead to disease in vaccinated dogs that are also infectious to sand flies. This review evaluates the current techniques for diagnosing CanL, and focuses on new challenges raised by the increasing use of vaccines against this disease. Important gaps in knowledge regarding the diagnosis of CanL are underscored to highlight the need for novel diagnostic test development.
Laia Solano-Gallego; Luís Cardoso; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Christine Petersen; Patrick Bourdeau; Gaetano Oliva; Guadalupe Miró; Lluís Ferrer; Gad Baneth. Diagnostic Challenges in the Era of Canine Leishmania infantum Vaccines. Trends in Parasitology 2017, 33, 706 -717.
AMA StyleLaia Solano-Gallego, Luís Cardoso, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Christine Petersen, Patrick Bourdeau, Gaetano Oliva, Guadalupe Miró, Lluís Ferrer, Gad Baneth. Diagnostic Challenges in the Era of Canine Leishmania infantum Vaccines. Trends in Parasitology. 2017; 33 (9):706-717.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaia Solano-Gallego; Luís Cardoso; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Christine Petersen; Patrick Bourdeau; Gaetano Oliva; Guadalupe Miró; Lluís Ferrer; Gad Baneth. 2017. "Diagnostic Challenges in the Era of Canine Leishmania infantum Vaccines." Trends in Parasitology 33, no. 9: 706-717.
There have been multiple recent advances regarding tools for the control and prevention of canine leishmaniosis (CanL), including new preventative vaccines. In this review, these advances are evaluated based on control targets, including vector and parasite. Leishvet recommendations are provided for control practices based on the dog's risk of infection. New topical insecticide formulations have proven to be effective in preventing sand fly bites, and subsequently infection. Parasite control occurs through chemotherapeutic or immunologic means, which decrease or prevent transmission to other animals, including humans. Leishmaniosis control programs that include a combination of coordinated measures, either in individuals or for prevention across reservoir populations, are required
Guadalupe Miró; Christine Petersen; Luís Cardoso; Patrick Bourdeau; Gad Baneth; Laia Solano-Gallego; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Lluis Ferrer; Gaetano Oliva. Novel Areas for Prevention and Control of Canine Leishmaniosis. Trends in Parasitology 2017, 33, 718 -730.
AMA StyleGuadalupe Miró, Christine Petersen, Luís Cardoso, Patrick Bourdeau, Gad Baneth, Laia Solano-Gallego, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Lluis Ferrer, Gaetano Oliva. Novel Areas for Prevention and Control of Canine Leishmaniosis. Trends in Parasitology. 2017; 33 (9):718-730.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGuadalupe Miró; Christine Petersen; Luís Cardoso; Patrick Bourdeau; Gad Baneth; Laia Solano-Gallego; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Lluis Ferrer; Gaetano Oliva. 2017. "Novel Areas for Prevention and Control of Canine Leishmaniosis." Trends in Parasitology 33, no. 9: 718-730.
Leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is one of the most important vector-borne diseases affecting animals and humans worldwide. Dogs are considered main reservoirs of the zoonotic forms, though in the last years the role of cats as reservoirs has been increasingly investigated. Feline leishmaniosis (FeL) occurs in endemic areas and no specific preventive measures have been investigated so far. In this study the efficacy of a 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin polymer matrix collar, licensed for tick and flea prevention, has been assessed against FeL in a longitudinal study on 204 privately owned cats from the Aeolian islands (Sicily), an area highly endemic for the disease. From March to May 2015 [Study Day 0 (SD 0)], cats negative for FeL were collared (G1, n = 104) or left untreated (G2, n = 100). Diagnosis consisted of serology and qPCR on blood and conjunctival swabs, which were collected at baseline (SD 0) and at the end of the study (SD 360). Interim clinical examinations were performed on SD 210 (when collars were replaced in G1) and SD 270. Of the 159 cats which completed the study, 5 in G1 and 20 in G2 were positive for L. infantum infection, in at least one of the diagnostic tests leading to a yearly crude incidence of 6.3% and 25.0% in G1 and G2, respectively (P = 0.0026). This translates into an efficacy of the collar of 75.0% in preventing feline Leishmania infection. The collar was generally well tolerated with no systemic adverse reactions and few local skin reactions were observed in the application area in four out of 104 treated cats (3.8%). The 10% imidacloprid/4.5% flumethrin collar significantly reduced the risk of L. infantum infection in cats. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which a preventative strategy against feline Leishmania infection is assessed under natural conditions. These findings close a gap in veterinary medicine, in that they confirm this collar as a tool in reducing the risk of Leishmania infection in cats. Such a preventative tool could contribute to the reduction of the risk of the disease in animal and in human populations when included in integrated leishmaniosis control programmes.
Emanuele Brianti; Luigi Falsone; Ettore Napoli; Gabriella Gaglio; Salvatore Giannetto; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Vito Priolo; Maria Stefania Latrofa; Viviana Domenica Tarallo; Fabrizio Solari Basano; Roberto Nazzari; Katrin Deuster; Matthias Pollmeier; Laura Gulotta; Vito Colella; Filipe Dantas-Torres; Gioia Capelli; Domenico Otranto. Prevention of feline leishmaniosis with an imidacloprid 10%/flumethrin 4.5% polymer matrix collar. Parasites & Vectors 2017, 10, 1 -8.
AMA StyleEmanuele Brianti, Luigi Falsone, Ettore Napoli, Gabriella Gaglio, Salvatore Giannetto, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Vito Priolo, Maria Stefania Latrofa, Viviana Domenica Tarallo, Fabrizio Solari Basano, Roberto Nazzari, Katrin Deuster, Matthias Pollmeier, Laura Gulotta, Vito Colella, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Gioia Capelli, Domenico Otranto. Prevention of feline leishmaniosis with an imidacloprid 10%/flumethrin 4.5% polymer matrix collar. Parasites & Vectors. 2017; 10 (1):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmanuele Brianti; Luigi Falsone; Ettore Napoli; Gabriella Gaglio; Salvatore Giannetto; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Vito Priolo; Maria Stefania Latrofa; Viviana Domenica Tarallo; Fabrizio Solari Basano; Roberto Nazzari; Katrin Deuster; Matthias Pollmeier; Laura Gulotta; Vito Colella; Filipe Dantas-Torres; Gioia Capelli; Domenico Otranto. 2017. "Prevention of feline leishmaniosis with an imidacloprid 10%/flumethrin 4.5% polymer matrix collar." Parasites & Vectors 10, no. 1: 1-8.
Anti-Leishmania antibodies are increasingly investigated in cats for epidemiological studies or for the diagnosis of clinical feline leishmaniosis. The immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB) are the serological tests more frequently used. The aim of the present study was to assess diagnostic performance of IFAT, ELISA and WB to detect anti-L. infantum antibodies in feline serum samples obtained from endemic (n = 76) and non-endemic (n = 64) areas and from cats affected by feline leishmaniosis (n = 21) by a Bayesian approach without a gold standard. Cut-offs were set at 80 titre for IFAT and 40 ELISA units for ELISA. WB was considered positive in presence of at least a 18 KDa band. Statistical analysis was performed through a written routine with MATLAB software in the Bayesian framework. The latent data and observations from the joint posterior were simulated in the Bayesian approach by an iterative Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique using the Gibbs sampler for estimating sensitivity and specificity of the three tests. The median seroprevalence in the sample used for evaluating the performance of tests was estimated at 0.27 [credible interval (CI) = 0.20–0.34]. The median sensitivity of the three different methods was 0.97 (CI: 0.86–1.00), 0.75 (CI: 0.61–0.87) and 0.70 (CI: 0.56–0.83) for WB, IFAT and ELISA, respectively. Median specificity reached 0.99 (CI: 0.96–1.00) with WB, 0.97 (CI: 0.93–0.99) with IFAT and 0.98 (CI: 0.94–1.00) with ELISA. IFAT was more sensitive than ELISA (75 vs 70%) for the detection of subclinical infection while ELISA was better for diagnosing clinical leishmaniosis when compared with IFAT (98 vs 97%). The overall performance of all serological techniques was good and the most accurate test for anti-Leishmania antibody detection in feline serum samples was WB.
Maria Flaminia Persichetti; Laia Solano-Gallego; Angela Vullo; Marisa Masucci; Pierre Marty; Pascal Delaunay; Fabrizio Vitale; Maria Grazia Pennisi. Diagnostic performance of ELISA, IFAT and Western blot for the detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in cats using a Bayesian analysis without a gold standard. Parasites & Vectors 2017, 10, 1 -8.
AMA StyleMaria Flaminia Persichetti, Laia Solano-Gallego, Angela Vullo, Marisa Masucci, Pierre Marty, Pascal Delaunay, Fabrizio Vitale, Maria Grazia Pennisi. Diagnostic performance of ELISA, IFAT and Western blot for the detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in cats using a Bayesian analysis without a gold standard. Parasites & Vectors. 2017; 10 (1):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Flaminia Persichetti; Laia Solano-Gallego; Angela Vullo; Marisa Masucci; Pierre Marty; Pascal Delaunay; Fabrizio Vitale; Maria Grazia Pennisi. 2017. "Diagnostic performance of ELISA, IFAT and Western blot for the detection of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in cats using a Bayesian analysis without a gold standard." Parasites & Vectors 10, no. 1: 1-8.
Despite their medical and veterinary importance, some tick species are so poorly studied, that their role within pathogen vector transmission cycles is difficult to assess. The tick Ixodes ventalloi is one such species, and its biology and phylogenetic status remain an issue of debate. In the present study, specimens of adult I. ventalloi (n = 65 females; n = 31 males) infesting cats in the Lipari Island (Aeolian archipelago, Sicily, southern Italy) were characterized morphologically and molecularly, the latter based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) genes. The genetic data and phylogenetic analyses for both mitochondrial genes suggest the existence of two distinct genogroups. The ecological and epidemiological significance of the genetic structure within the I. ventalloi endemic population remains to be determined. The results highlight the need for further analysis of this tick species, including whole mitochondrial genome sequencing and crossbreeding studies, which will be pivotal to complement features of its status as a vector of pathogens.
Maria Stefania Latrofa; Alessio Giannelli; Maria Flaminia Persichetti; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Laia Solano-Gallego; Emanuele Brianti; Antonio Parisi; Richard Wall; Filipe Dantas-Torres; Domenico Otranto. Ixodes ventalloi: morphological and molecular support for species integrity. Parasitology Research 2016, 116, 251 -258.
AMA StyleMaria Stefania Latrofa, Alessio Giannelli, Maria Flaminia Persichetti, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Laia Solano-Gallego, Emanuele Brianti, Antonio Parisi, Richard Wall, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Domenico Otranto. Ixodes ventalloi: morphological and molecular support for species integrity. Parasitology Research. 2016; 116 (1):251-258.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Stefania Latrofa; Alessio Giannelli; Maria Flaminia Persichetti; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Laia Solano-Gallego; Emanuele Brianti; Antonio Parisi; Richard Wall; Filipe Dantas-Torres; Domenico Otranto. 2016. "Ixodes ventalloi: morphological and molecular support for species integrity." Parasitology Research 116, no. 1: 251-258.
Limited information is available about the species of ticks infesting the cat and the pathogens that they harbor. The aims of the present study were to identify the species of ticks removed from cats living in Sicily and Calabria (Italy) and to detect DNA of vector-borne pathogens in the same ticks. Morphological identification of 132 adult ticks collected throughout the year from cats was carried out. Real-time PCRs for Hepatozoon felis, Piroplasmid, Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp., Mycoplasma spp. and Leishmania infantum were performed from each individual tick. Ticks belonging to Rhipicephalus (R. sanguineus sensu lato, R. pusillus) and Ixodes (I. ricinus, I. ventalloi) genera were identified. Ixodes ventalloi was the most frequently found tick species (47 %). The positivity rate to at least one pathogen was 14.4 % (19/132 ticks). Leishmania infantum, Rickettsia spp. (R. monacensis and R. helvetica), Bartonella spp. (B. clarridgeiae), Piroplasmid (Babesia vogeli), and Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. (E. canis) DNAs were amplified in 8.3, 5.3, 1.5, 0.75 and 0.75 % of ticks, respectively. Hepatozoon felis, Anaplasma spp. and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. DNAs were not detected. Four (21.1 %) out of nineteen positive ticks were co-infected. This study provides novel data about ticks infesting cats and the DNA of pathogens that they harbor. In Southern Italy, anti-tick prophylaxis should be implemented throughout the year in cats without neglecting winter time.
Maria-Grazia Pennisi; Maria-Flaminia Persichetti; Lorena Serrano; Laura Altet; Stefano Reale; Laura Gulotta; Laia Solano-Gallego. Ticks and associated pathogens collected from cats in Sicily and Calabria (Italy). Parasites & Vectors 2015, 8, 1 -5.
AMA StyleMaria-Grazia Pennisi, Maria-Flaminia Persichetti, Lorena Serrano, Laura Altet, Stefano Reale, Laura Gulotta, Laia Solano-Gallego. Ticks and associated pathogens collected from cats in Sicily and Calabria (Italy). Parasites & Vectors. 2015; 8 (1):1-5.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria-Grazia Pennisi; Maria-Flaminia Persichetti; Lorena Serrano; Laura Altet; Stefano Reale; Laura Gulotta; Laia Solano-Gallego. 2015. "Ticks and associated pathogens collected from cats in Sicily and Calabria (Italy)." Parasites & Vectors 8, no. 1: 1-5.
Overview: The ABCD has published 34 guidelines in two Special Issues of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS): the first in July 2009 (Volume 11, Issue 7, pages 527–620) and the second in July 2013 (Volume 15, Issue 7, pages 528–652). The present article contains updates and new information on 18 of these (17 disease guidelines and one special article ‘Prevention of infectious diseases in cat shelters’). For detailed information, readers are referred to the guidelines published in the above-mentioned JFMS Special Issues.
Karin Möstl; Diane D Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman Egberink; Tadeusz Frymus; Tim Gruffydd-Jones; Katrin Hartmann; Margaret J Hosie; Albert Lloret; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Alan D Radford; Etienne Thiry; Uwe Truyen; Marian C Horzinek; European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. Something old, something new. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 2015, 17, 570 -582.
AMA StyleKarin Möstl, Diane D Addie, Corine Boucraut-Baralon, Herman Egberink, Tadeusz Frymus, Tim Gruffydd-Jones, Katrin Hartmann, Margaret J Hosie, Albert Lloret, Hans Lutz, Fulvio Marsilio, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Alan D Radford, Etienne Thiry, Uwe Truyen, Marian C Horzinek, European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. Something old, something new. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2015; 17 (7):570-582.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKarin Möstl; Diane D Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman Egberink; Tadeusz Frymus; Tim Gruffydd-Jones; Katrin Hartmann; Margaret J Hosie; Albert Lloret; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Alan D Radford; Etienne Thiry; Uwe Truyen; Marian C Horzinek; European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. 2015. "Something old, something new." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 17, no. 7: 570-582.
Overview: In 2013, the ABCD published ‘Matrix vaccination guidelines: ABCD recommendations for indoor/outdoor cats, rescue shelter cats and breeding catteries’ in a Special Issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (Volume 15, Issue 7, pages 540–544). The ABCD’s vaccination recommendations were presented in tabulated form, taking into account that there is no universal vaccination protocol for all cats. To support the veterinarian’s decision making, recommendations for four lifestyles were made: for cats with outdoors access, cats kept solely indoors, rescue shelter cats and cats in breeding catteries. This update article follows the same approach, offering current and, where relevant, expanded recommendations.
Margaret J Hosie; Diane D Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman Egberink; Tadeusz Frymus; Tim Gruffydd-Jones; Katrin Hartmann; Marian C Horzinek; Albert Lloret; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Alan D Radford; Etienne Thiry; Uwe Truyen; Karin Möstl; European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. Matrix vaccination guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 2015, 17, 583 -587.
AMA StyleMargaret J Hosie, Diane D Addie, Corine Boucraut-Baralon, Herman Egberink, Tadeusz Frymus, Tim Gruffydd-Jones, Katrin Hartmann, Marian C Horzinek, Albert Lloret, Hans Lutz, Fulvio Marsilio, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Alan D Radford, Etienne Thiry, Uwe Truyen, Karin Möstl, European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. Matrix vaccination guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2015; 17 (7):583-587.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMargaret J Hosie; Diane D Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman Egberink; Tadeusz Frymus; Tim Gruffydd-Jones; Katrin Hartmann; Marian C Horzinek; Albert Lloret; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Alan D Radford; Etienne Thiry; Uwe Truyen; Karin Möstl; European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. 2015. "Matrix vaccination guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 17, no. 7: 583-587.
Overview: Cytauxzoon species are apicomplexan haemoparasites, which may cause severe disease in domestic cats, as well as lions and tigers. For many years, cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats was only reported in North and South America, but in recent years the infection has also been seen in Europe (Spain, France and Italy). Infection: Cytauxzoon felis is the main species; it occurs as numerous different strains or genotypes and is transmitted via ticks. Therefore, the disease shows a seasonal incidence from spring to early autumn and affects primarily cats with outdoor access in areas where tick vectors are prevalent. Domestic cats may experience subclinical infection and may also act as reservoirs. Clinical signs: Cytauxzoonosis caused by C felis in the USA is an acute or peracute severe febrile disease with non-specific signs. Haemolytic anaemia occurs frequently; in some cats neurological signs may occur in late stages. The Cytauxzoon species identified in Europe differ from C felis that causes disease in the USA and are probably less virulent. The majority of infected cats have been healthy; in some cases anaemia was found, but disease as it occurs in the USA has not been reported to date. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually obtained by Cytauxzoon detection in blood smears and/or fine-needle aspirates from the liver, spleen and lymph nodes. PCR assays are able to detect low levels of parasitaemia and may be used for confirmation. Treatment: Currently a combination of the antiprotozoal drugs atovaquone and azithromycin is the treatment of choice. Concurrent supportive and critical care treatment is extremely important to improve the prognosis. Cats that survive the infection may become chronic carriers for life. Prevention: Cats with outdoor access in endemic areas should receive effective tick treatment.
Albert Lloret; Diane D Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman Egberink; Tadeusz Frymus; Tim Gruffydd-Jones; Katrin Hartmann; Marian C Horzinek; Margaret J Hosie; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Alan D Radford; Etienne Thiry; Uwe Truyen; Karin Möstl; European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. Cytauxzoonosis in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 2015, 17, 637 -641.
AMA StyleAlbert Lloret, Diane D Addie, Corine Boucraut-Baralon, Herman Egberink, Tadeusz Frymus, Tim Gruffydd-Jones, Katrin Hartmann, Marian C Horzinek, Margaret J Hosie, Hans Lutz, Fulvio Marsilio, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Alan D Radford, Etienne Thiry, Uwe Truyen, Karin Möstl, European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. Cytauxzoonosis in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2015; 17 (7):637-641.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlbert Lloret; Diane D Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman Egberink; Tadeusz Frymus; Tim Gruffydd-Jones; Katrin Hartmann; Marian C Horzinek; Margaret J Hosie; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Alan D Radford; Etienne Thiry; Uwe Truyen; Karin Möstl; European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. 2015. "Cytauxzoonosis in cats." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 17, no. 7: 637-641.
Overview: In cats, the most serious of adverse effects following vaccination is the occurrence of invasive sarcomas (mostly fibrosarcomas): so-called ‘feline injection-site sarcomas’ (FISSs). These develop at sites of previous vaccination or injection. They have characteristics that are distinct from those of fibrosarcomas in other areas and behave more aggressively. The rate of metastasis ranges from 10–28%. Pathogenesis: The pathogenesis of these sarcomas is not yet definitively explained. However, chronic inflammatory reactions are considered the trigger for subsequent malignant transformation. Injections of long-acting drugs (such as glucocorticoids, and others) have been associated with sarcoma formation. Adjuvanted vaccines induce intense local inflammation and seem therefore to be particularly linked to the development of FISS. The risk is lower for modified-live and recombinant vaccines, but no vaccine is risk-free. Treatment and prevention: Aggressive, radical excision is required to avoid tumour recurrence. The prognosis improves if additional radiotherapy and/or immunotherapy (such as recombinant feline IL-2) are used. For prevention, administration of any irritating substance should be avoided. Vaccination should be performed as often as necessary, but as infrequently as possible. Non-adjuvanted, modified-live or recombinant vaccines should be selected in preference to adjuvanted vaccines. Injections should be given at sites at which surgery would likely lead to a complete cure; the interscapular region should generally be avoided. Post-vaccination monitoring should be performed.
Katrin Hartmann; Michael J Day; Etienne Thiry; Albert Lloret; Tadeusz Frymus; Diane Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman Egberink; Tim Gruffydd-Jones; Marian C Horzinek; Margaret J Hosie; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Alan D Radford; Uwe Truyen; Karin Möstl; European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. Feline injection-site sarcoma. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 2015, 17, 606 -613.
AMA StyleKatrin Hartmann, Michael J Day, Etienne Thiry, Albert Lloret, Tadeusz Frymus, Diane Addie, Corine Boucraut-Baralon, Herman Egberink, Tim Gruffydd-Jones, Marian C Horzinek, Margaret J Hosie, Hans Lutz, Fulvio Marsilio, Maria Grazia Pennisi, Alan D Radford, Uwe Truyen, Karin Möstl, European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. Feline injection-site sarcoma. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. 2015; 17 (7):606-613.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatrin Hartmann; Michael J Day; Etienne Thiry; Albert Lloret; Tadeusz Frymus; Diane Addie; Corine Boucraut-Baralon; Herman Egberink; Tim Gruffydd-Jones; Marian C Horzinek; Margaret J Hosie; Hans Lutz; Fulvio Marsilio; Maria Grazia Pennisi; Alan D Radford; Uwe Truyen; Karin Möstl; European Advisory Board On Cat Diseases. 2015. "Feline injection-site sarcoma." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 17, no. 7: 606-613.