Cytauxzoonosis (Parasitic Skin Disease Caused by Cytauxzoon Species) in cats
- Occurrence: very rare
- Location of illness: Skin/Fur
Cytauxzoonosis is an acute, often fatal disease in cats caused by the single-celled parasite Cytauxzoon felis. This parasite infects red blood cells and other immune system cells, leading to severe health problems.
BASICS/CAUSES:
Cytauxzoonosis is caused by the protozoan parasite Cytauxzoon felis, which belongs to the group of Apicomplexa. This parasite is similar in many ways to other blood-parasitic pathogens such as Plasmodium, which causes malaria. Cytauxzoon felis has a complex life cycle that involves both a tick host and a mammalian host.
The parasite is mainly transmitted by the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Infection occurs when an infected tick bites a cat and the parasite enters the cat’s bloodstream. Once in the blood, the parasite enters monocytes, a type of white blood cell, and multiplies there. This leads to massive destruction of the cells and ultimately to a severe systemic disease.
The disease is particularly common in the southern and southeastern regions of the United States, where the tick species mentioned are native. However, there are reports of infections in other regions, suggesting a possible expansion of the ticks’ distribution area. Cats living in wooded or rural areas have a higher risk because these environments are favorable for ticks.
The most important facts at a glance
Cytauxzoonosis is a severe parasitic disease in cats transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, especially of the genus Amblyomma. Outdoor cats have a higher risk because they are more often exposed to ticks. The disease manifests itself through symptoms such as Fever, loss of appetite, Vomiting, weakness, jaundice, and Abdominal pain. In rare cases, Apathy, dehydration, and Convulsions may also occur. The diagnosis is made by clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and anamnesis, whereby the microscopic detection of the parasite in the blood is decisive. PCR tests can be helpful in early stages of the disease. The treatment is demanding and combines antiparasitic drugs such as atovaquone and azithromycin with supportive care to alleviate the symptoms and strengthen the cat’s immune system. The prognosis is serious, with high mortality, but early and aggressive treatment can offer chances of survival. Prevention is crucial and includes the use of tick repellents and the avoidance of tick areas. Regular checks for tick infestation are important to prevent infections. Intensive aftercare for surviving cats is necessary, as recovery can be lengthy, although some cats may develop some immunity after surviving the infection. Close cooperation with the veterinarian can provide additional prevention strategies to minimize the risk of infection.
Causes
- Transmission of the parasite through the bite of infected ticks, especially of the genus Amblyomma.
- Outdoor cats are particularly at risk due to their higher risk of tick bites.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Cytauxzoonosis usually appear suddenly and develop rapidly. The most common signs include Fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Affected cats may also show anemia, jaundice, and Respiratory distress. Since the parasite affects red blood cells and blood clotting mechanisms, Bleeding and poor oxygen supply to the tissues can also occur.
Other symptoms may include Vomiting, Diarrhea, and an increased heart and respiratory rate. In severe cases, neurological symptoms such as Seizures and disorientation may occur. Without timely treatment, the cat’s condition deteriorates rapidly, often leading to Death within a few days.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Cytauxzoonosis is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and the cat’s history. An important diagnostic clue is the presence of ticks or a history of tick infestation.
Laboratory tests usually include a complete blood count, which may show signs of anemia and thrombocytopenia (decreased number of platelets). The definitive detection of the disease is done by microscopic detection of the parasite in blood smears or biopsies of affected organs. Cytological examinations can confirm the presence of schizonts, a developmental form of the parasite, in monocytes.
In some cases, molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to detect the presence of Cytauxzoon DNA in the blood. These methods are particularly useful in early stages of the disease when the parasite load in the blood is still low.
Therapy
The treatment of Cytauxzoonosis is difficult and requires intensive veterinary care. Therapy usually consists of a combination of antiparasitic drugs, supportive care, and symptomatic treatment. Atovaquone and azithromycin are the most commonly used drugs to treat the infection. These drugs aim to inhibit the multiplication of the parasite and reduce the burden on the cat’s immune system.
In addition to drug therapy, supportive care is essential. This includes intravenous fluids to combat dehydration, blood transfusions for severe anemia, and the administration of oxygen for respiratory distress. Careful monitoring of vital functions and blood values is necessary during treatment to detect and treat complications early.
Antibiotics may be administered to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections that could be favored by the cat’s weakened immune system. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used to improve the cat’s well-being and control the inflammatory response.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis of Cytauxzoonosis is serious, and the mortality rate remains high despite treatment. Without therapy, the disease almost always leads to Death. However, with aggressive and early treatment, some cats can survive the infection, although the survival rate remains relatively low even under optimal conditions.
The prospects improve if the diagnosis is made early and treatment is started quickly. Cats that survive the acute phase of the disease can recover completely, but recovery can be lengthy and requires intensive aftercare. There are reports of cats developing immunity to future infections after surviving the infection, but this protection is not complete and susceptibility may vary.
Prevention
To minimize the risk of Cytauxzoonosis infection in cats, it is important to prevent contact with ticks that can transmit the parasite as much as possible. One of the most effective measures is the use of tick repellents specifically designed for cats. These products are available in the form of spot-on treatments, collars, or sprays and should be applied regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In addition, cat owners should ensure that their animals do not roam in areas that are heavily infested with ticks, such as dense forests or tall meadows. Regular checks of the cat for tick infestation after stays outdoors can help to remove them early before they can transmit diseases.
For cats living in endemic areas or spending a lot of time outdoors, it is advisable to restrict access to such areas, especially during the peak season for ticks. Close consultation with the veterinarian can provide additional prevention strategies tailored to the individual situation and risk of the cat. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection.