Transcript Hemobartonella - Dr. Brahmbhatt`s Class Handouts

Feline Infectious Anemia
Navies 2011
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?
Cat, blood smear, Wright-Leishman stain. Scattered
erythrocytes contain delicate ring and rod forms
of Hemobartonella felis.
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Parasite is thought to occur by bloodsucking
arthropods such as fleas or by bite wounds.
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Can also be transmitted to offspring.
-Trans placental
-Trans mammary
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 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.
• 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 hemoplasmainfected cats.
• 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
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.
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• 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
• 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
• Splenomegaly
• Mesenteric lymph node my be enlarged
• Hyperplasia of the bone marrow
• 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.
• 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.
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http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfil
e=htm/bc/10406.htm&word=hemobartonellosis
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http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/cowgill/index.php
•
http://www.esavs.net/course_notes/feline2_06/spar
kes_h_felis.pdf
•
http://www.petplace.com/article-printerfriendly.aspx?id=407
• http://www.petplace.com/cats/feline-infectious-anemiahmobartonellosis/page1.aspx
• http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/10406.htm&wo
rd=hemobartonellosis
• http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=293
• http://animal.discovery.com/guides/healthcenter/dogs/diseases/haemobarton
ella.html
• http://www.vet.uga.edu/vpp/clerk/cowgill/index.php
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1583311/pdf/vetsci000820009.pdf