Bartonella species are known as candidates for zoonotic transmission, and cats serve as the main reservoir for Bartonella henselae , the primary causative agent of cat scratch disease (CSD). However, research on the transmission of bartonellosis to humans remains very limited. In East Asia, there is a lack of comprehensive studies regarding the prevalence of B. henselae infection and its associated risk factors among companion cats, their owners, and individuals working in veterinary professions. This study aimed to investigate both the molecular and seroprevalence of B. henselae in veterinary personnel and companion cats in South Korea, along with a questionnaire‐based analysis of transmission risk factors. Blood and saliva samples were collected from humans, whereas blood, saliva, claw, and fecal samples were obtained from cats. Seroprevalence and molecular prevalence were measured for all these samples. Additionally, participants were required to complete an epidemiological information questionnaire related to CSD. The study enrolled 300 veterinary professionals and 126 companion cats owned by them. The serum IgG prevalence in humans was 64.6% (190/294), whereas, in cats, it was 5.5% (6/108). The molecular prevalence in human blood and saliva was 3% (9/298) and 1.7% (5/298), respectively. In cats, it was 10.1% (12/119) for blood, 0% (0/123) for saliva, 1.7% (2/119) for nails, and 4.5% (5/112) for feces. Phylogenetic analysis of the PCR‐positive samples confirmed that all of them were B. henselae . This study demonstrates that Bartonella species are widespread among veterinary professionals in South Korea, highlighting their significance as zoonotic pathogens. Given the potential for indirect transmission from cats, enhancing awareness of Bartonella exposure risk among veterinary personnel is warranted, along with emphasizing preventive education for cat owners, including strict ectoparasite control.

Sin-Wook Park, Keon Kim, Chang-Yun Je, Chang-Hyeon Choi, Sang-Gyue Choi, Jong-Soo Lim, Ok-Mi Jeong, Guk-Hyun Suh, Chang-Min Lee. Korean J. Vet. Serv. 2023;46:211-8. https://doi.org/10.7853/kjvs.2023.46.3.211

Background: Cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal infection in cats, typically presenting with respiratory or neurological signs. However, cases without these hallmark symptoms are rare and often misdiagnosed. This case is noteworthy for its atypical presentation, where a cat developed systemic cryptococcosis without the typical respiratory or neurological involvement, making it particularly challenging to diagnose. In addition, the overlap of clinical signs with other diseases like lymphoma underscores the importance of considering cryptococcosis in differential diagnoses.Case presentation: A 7‐year‐old castrated male Persian cat was referred due to generalized cutaneous nodules, including a prominent 4–5 cm nodule on the neck, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Neurological examination revealed an absent menace response in the left eye, raising suspicion of vision loss. Blood tests indicated hyperglobulinemia and the presence of medium‐to‐large lymphoid cells in the peripheral blood. Diagnostic imaging showed systemic lymphadenopathy, retinal detachment and minimal ascites. Fine needle aspiration of the lymph nodes revealed yeast‐like organisms, and culture confirmed Cryptococcus neoformans. Initially treated with itraconazole, the therapy was switched to fluconazole due to better CNS penetration. The lymph node enlargement improved within one week, but further follow‐up was limited due to owner constraints.Conclusions: This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical presentations of feline cryptococcosis, particularly in the absence of respiratory and neurological symptoms. It highlights the importance of considering systemic fungal infections in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy. The overlap with diseases like lymphoma further underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic workups, including cytology and culture, to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Skeletal muscle frequently encounters hypoxic stress, particularly during exercise, but the specific functions of the hypoxia-inducible factors HIF1α and HIF2α within myofibers remain unclear due to the lack of appropriate in vivo models. Here, we generated 3 complementary mouse models, myofiber-specific triple-PHD knockout (PHD mTKO) and inducible myofiber-specific overexpression of stabilized HIF1α or HIF2α, to delineate isoform-specific roles of HIFα signaling in skeletal muscle. HIF1α stabilization increased the proportion of oxidative fibers yet paradoxically impaired exercise capacity and mitochondrial function. In contrast, HIF2α activation protected against diet-induced obesity, improved glucose tolerance, and maintained mitochondrial function without altering fiber-type composition. Notably, HIF2α stabilization markedly elevated erythropoietin (EPO) expression in skeletal muscle and serum. Myofiber-specific deletion of EPO in the PHD mTKO background abolished polycythemia, demonstrating that this phenotype is driven specifically by muscle-derived EPO. Together, these findings uncover distinct roles of HIF1α and HIF2α in regulating muscle metabolism and mitochondrial function and establish the PHD–HIF2α axis as a myofiber-derived driver of systemic EPO production.

A seventeen-year-old Shih Tzu presented with severe abdominal distension and labored respiration. Radiographic examination revealed severe ascites and pleural effusion. Bilateral malignant ovarian tumor, which was non-resectable due to distant metastasis, was diagnosed through computed tomography and cytology. Chemotherapy with carboplatin significantly delayed fluid accumulation, improving quality of life for 6 months. Necropsy later confirmed metastatic malignant bilateral granulosa cell tumor involving lymph nodes, liver, and thoracic cavity. This case demonstrates the feasibility of chemotherapy and symptomatic management as alternatives to ovariohysterectomy in metastatic ovarian tumors, highlighting its potential to extend survival and maintain quality of life when surgery is contraindicated.