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Microscopic and clinical evidence for Anaplasma (Ehrlichia ) phagocytophilum infection in Italian cats
Author(s) -
Tarello W.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
veterinary record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 2042-7670
pISSN - 0042-4900
DOI - 10.1136/vr.156.24.772
Subject(s) - ehrlichia , lethargy , ehrlichiosis , anaplasma phagocytophilum , medicine , doxycycline , lameness , anorexia , anaplasma , vomiting , pathology , gastroenterology , immunology , biology , borrelia burgdorferi , virology , surgery , microbiology and biotechnology , antibody , tick , antibiotics
Fifteen cats from Italy with Ehrlichia‐like inclusion bodies in their neutrophils were studied. They were diagnosed with Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophilum infection on the basis of cytological observation of morulae within 1 to 21 per cent of their neutrophils, clinical signs characteristic of ehrlichiosis and their response to doxycycline. The predominant signs of disease were anorexia, lethargy, hyperaesthesia, muscle and joint pain, lameness, neck rigidity, lymphadenomegaly, gingivitis/periodontitis, conjunctivitis, weight loss, incoordination, pale mucous membranes and hyperglobulinaemia. The cat with inclusions in 21 per cent of its neutrophils had suffered arthralgia, tachypnoea, neck rigidity, vomiting and thrombocytopenia for four months, but recovered promptly after treatment with doxycycline.