Incidence and risk factors of Bartonella henselae infection-associated myocarditis in cats

Khoo, Kaiwen (2020) Incidence and risk factors of Bartonella henselae infection-associated myocarditis in cats. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Bartonella henselae is a zoonotic disease agent transmitted by the flea Ctenocephalides felis and causes Bartonellosis in cats. The infection is transmitted to humans through cat scratches and bites, which lead to cat scratch disease (CSD). It has been reported that humans infected with CSD show clinical signs associated with myocarditis. However, there is limited information on the occurrence of myocarditis in cats infected with Bartonella henselae. This study determined the occurrence of Bartonella henselae and the incidence of myocarditis associated with the infection in cats. The study population consisted of 64 client-owned overtly healthy cats referred to the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Whole blood samples were collected via venipuncture. DNA extraction and molecular detection using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were done to determine the presence of Bartonella henselae in blood samples. Serum samples were analysed to determine the cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration, an indicator of cardiac disease. A survey was also conducted to obtain patient information including age, sex, neutering status, management, vaccination status, owners’ knowledge and history on flea infestation, and the type of flea prevention products used. The results showed that all cats tested negative for Bartonella henselae and some cats showed elevated serum cTnI concentrations. Therefore, elevated serum cTnI levels in these cats might be due to other causes such as heart, kidney, and/or respiratory diseases. In conclusion, the information obtained in the study did not show association between Bartonella henselae infection and myocarditis in cats. Perhaps, for better data, the study could also be expanded to stray, outdoor-maintained, non-flea-prevented, and unhealthy cats.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Depositing User:	Ms. Nordeena Abdul Aziz
Date Deposited:	19 Oct 2023 01:58
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2023 01:58
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1458

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