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Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon species in a Leopard Cat ( Prionailurus bengalensis ) from Thailand
Author(s) -
Salakij Chaleow,
Sirinarumitr Theerapol,
Tongthainun Daraka
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
veterinary clinical pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.537
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1939-165X
pISSN - 0275-6382
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-165x.2010.00216.x
Subject(s) - hepatozoon , leopard , biology , zoology , veterinary medicine , 18s ribosomal rna , virology , ribosomal rna , genetics , gene , medicine , babesia
Hepatozoon gamonts were observed by light microscopy in neutrophils of a male, wild‐caught Leopard Cat. Complete blood counts at presentation and 6 months later were unremarkable. Serologic tests were negative for both FIV and FeLV. A partial sequence of the 18S rRNA gene from the Hepatozoon found in the cat indicated that, compared with all species examined, the protozoan had the closest relationship (99.2% sequence similarity) with the Hepatozoon of the water python ( Stegonotus cucullatus ). The cat was clinically healthy at last report. Although Hepatozoon has been found in another wild cat in Thailand, this is the first report in a Leopard Cat. The pathogenicity of Hepatozoon in these cats remains uncertain.