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Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection… 2020 Veterinary Parasitology article

Title: Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and associated histologic findings in domestic cats (Felis catus)

Authors: Italo B. Zecca, Carolyn L. Hodo, Sarah Slack, Lisa Auckland, Sandy Rodgers, Keswick C. Killet, Ashley B. Saunders, and Sarah A. Hamer

Journal/Date of Publication: Veterinary Parasitology, 2020

DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.109014

Objective: To quantify domestic cat infection with T. cruzi using serologic and molecular approaches in a Chagas-endemic region of the southern United States, and to evaluate cardiac pathology in naturally infected versus uninfected cats.

Type of Study: Prospective, cross-sectional study

Conclusions:

  1. Seroprevalence: 11.4% of cats were seropositive.
  2. Molecular Findings: T. cruzi DNA was detected in 1.8% of cats; TcI genotype found exclusively.
  3. Histologic Findings: 42.1% of seropositive cats exhibited cardiac inflammation.
  4. Domestic cats are potential reservoirs for T. cruzi, underscoring the need for further research on their role in disease transmission and pathology.

Clinical application:

  1. Veterinarians in endemic areas should consider T. cruzi infection in cats with undiagnosed cardiac issues.
  2. Need for awareness about Chagas disease in cats, as it could signal risk to nearby humans and animals.
  3. Suggested monitoring of cats in endemic areas, especially those in rural and vector-prone environments.
photomicrograph of the left heart atrium of a cat 20x with H&E stain as described in caption
Figure 2. Left heart atrium of a cat 20x (H&E stain): Cardiac myofibers are separated by moderate numbers of lymphocytes and plasma cells, with myocyte degeneration and loss (Inflammation Score = 2/4).

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