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Brucellosis (Bacterial Infection with Brucella Species) in cats

Occurrence: very rare
Location of illness: General/Whole body

Brucellosis in cats is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. This infection is rare in cats but can cause serious health problems if it occurs.

The most important facts at a glance

Brucellosis in cats is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella and is a zoonosis, i.e. transmissible between animals and humans. In cats, Brucella felis is the most common species, but other species such as Brucella abortus can also occur. The bacteria live intracellularly, which makes treatment difficult. Cats can become infected through contact with infected animals or by eating raw meat. Symptoms can range from loss of appetite and reddened conjunctiva to swollen testicles. Diagnosis is difficult due to non-specific symptoms and requires special laboratory tests such as serological tests or PCR. Treatment is with antibiotics such as doxycycline, which must be administered over a longer period to completely eliminate the bacteria. Preventive measures include good hygiene, avoiding raw meat, and regular veterinary examinations. Research focuses on the development of better diagnostic tests and more effective antibiotic therapies, as well as possible vaccines. The role of wildlife in transmission is also being investigated in order to develop more comprehensive control strategies.

Causes

Brucellosis is a zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and humans. The bacteria of the genus Brucella are gram-negative coccobacilli that prefer an intracellular lifestyle. This means they live and multiply within the cells of their host. This characteristic makes the infection particularly challenging to treat, as the bacteria are well protected from the host’s immune system.

There are different types of Brucella bacteria that affect different animal species. In cats, Brucella felis is the most common species, although infections with other species such as Brucella abortus or Brucella suis are also possible. However, the natural main host of these bacteria are often farm animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs.

Transmission of brucellosis usually occurs through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials such as meat, blood, or tissue. Cats can become infected if they eat raw meat from infected animals or are in close contact with infected animals. Transmission from mother to kitten via the placenta or breast milk is also possible.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

The symptoms of brucellosis in cats can vary and are often non-specific, which can make diagnosis difficult. The most common symptoms include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In some cases, joint pain or swelling may also occur, indicating inflammation.

Another possible symptom is the enlargement of lymph nodes, as the immune system tries to fight the infection. Cats with brucellosis may also have reproductive problems, such as miscarriages or infertility, especially if the infection is not detected and treated early.

Since the infection is often subclinical, many cats can be carriers of the bacteria without showing obvious symptoms. This poses a risk of transmission to other animals and humans.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of brucellosis in cats is difficult due to the non-specific symptoms and the rarity of the infection. Usually, a suspicion of brucellosis is made through a combination of clinical signs and a detailed history, including the exposure history.

To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to perform specific laboratory tests. These include serological tests that can detect the presence of antibodies against Brucella bacteria. Other diagnostic methods include culturing the bacteria from blood or tissue samples, as well as molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which can detect the genetic material of the bacteria.

Therapy

Treatment of brucellosis in cats is complex and requires a combination of antibiotics that are specifically effective against intracellular bacteria. Commonly used antibiotics are doxycycline and rifampicin, which often need to be administered over a longer period to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria.

Because the bacteria live intracellularly, treatment can take several weeks to months, and it is important not to discontinue therapy prematurely, even if symptoms have disappeared. Regular monitoring by the veterinarian is crucial to assess the success of the treatment and to avoid possible relapses.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for cats with brucellosis depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the timing of diagnosis, and the effectiveness of the treatment. In many cases, cats can be treated successfully if the infection is detected early and treatment is carried out consistently.

However, there is a risk of relapse, especially if the treatment has not been completed or the bacteria are resistant to the antibiotics used. In rare cases, chronic infections can occur that are difficult to control.

Prevention

To minimize the risk of brucellosis infection in cats, cat owners should pay attention to good hygiene. Regular hand washing after contact with animals or their excrement is essential. It is advisable to keep cats away from potentially infected animals, especially wild or stray animals. This not only prevents contact with Brucella bacteria but also protects cats from other diseases.

Another important measure is the regular veterinary examination of the cat. Such examinations help to detect health problems early and act accordingly. Cats that are used as breeding animals should be tested for brucellosis before breeding to prevent the spread within populations. Furthermore, breeders and animal owners should pay attention to the origin of their cats and obtain animals only from reputable sources.

For households in which several animals live, it makes sense to take quarantine measures if one of the animals shows signs of infection. A clean and hygienic environment is crucial to prevent the spread of infections. Finally, pet owners should also be careful when feeding their cats and avoid eating raw meat, as this can be a potential source of infection.

Outlook on current research

Brucellosis in cats is caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella, with Brucella melitensis, Brucella abortus, and Brucella suis being the most common species. Research on brucellosis in pets, including cats, has increased in recent years as a better understanding of the transmission mechanisms and the effects on human and animal health is sought. A key aspect of current research is the development of improved diagnostic tests that allow early detection and treatment of the disease. These tests aim to increase the sensitivity and specificity of detection in order to minimize misdiagnoses.

Another focus of research is the investigation of the effectiveness of various antibiotic therapies for the treatment of brucellosis in cats. Since Brucella species are able to hide in the cells of the host, treatment is often lengthy and challenging. New approaches are exploring the combination of antibiotics to combat the bacteria more effectively. In addition, the development of vaccines that could protect both cats and other pets from infection is being explored. However, this vaccine research is still in its early stages, and further studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.

Another interesting area of research is the investigation of the role of wildlife and environmental factors in the transmission of brucellosis to pets. It is believed that wildlife can serve as a reservoir for the bacteria, which affects the disease situation in pets. Studies dealing with the genomics of Brucella species also contribute to understanding the genetic differences between the different strains and how these differences can affect the routes of infection and the severity of the disease.

In addition, intensive research is being conducted on the development of non-invasive diagnostic methods that could enable faster and less stressful detection of the disease. Advances in molecular diagnostics, such as the use of PCR techniques, promise a more precise identification of the pathogen and could become a standard method for diagnosing brucellosis in cats in the future.

Overall, the research aims to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of brucellosis in order to develop more effective control and prevention strategies. The interdisciplinary approach, which brings together veterinarians, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and immunologists, is crucial to address the complex challenges associated with brucellosis.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is brucellosis in cats? Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. It is rather rare in cats but can cause serious health problems if it occurs.
How do cats get brucellosis? Cats can become infected through contact with infected animals, contaminated food, or through bites and scratches when fighting with an infected animal.
What symptoms does a cat with brucellosis show? Affected cats may show fever, weakness, loss of appetite, joint inflammation, and miscarriages in female cats. However, the symptoms can also be mild or not occur at all.
Is brucellosis transmissible from cats to humans? Theoretically, transmission is possible, but very rare. Humans are more likely to become infected through contact with infected livestock or their products.
How is brucellosis diagnosed in cats? The diagnosis is made by blood tests in which antibodies against Brucella are detected. Cultures or PCR tests can also be used to identify the pathogen.
How is brucellosis treated in cats? Treatment consists of antibiotic therapy, which must be carried out over several weeks to months. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for success.
Can cats be vaccinated against brucellosis? There is currently no approved vaccine for cats against brucellosis. Research is ongoing, but no marketable products are yet available.
How can I protect my cat from brucellosis? The best protection measure is to minimize your cat’s contact with potentially infected animals and to ensure regular veterinary visits to monitor your cat’s health.
What should I do if I suspect my cat has brucellosis? Seek veterinary attention immediately to make an accurate diagnosis. Early treatment can help alleviate symptoms and speed recovery.
What long-term consequences can brucellosis have in cats? Untreated, brucellosis can cause chronic health problems, such as joint inflammation and organ damage. Timely treatment can help avoid these long-term consequences.