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Feline Infectious Anemia (Hemobartonellosis)
Cats can be infected by a tiny red blood cell parasite that was
formerly called Hemobartonella felis. This disease, which results from
an infection, is referred to as feline infectious anemia. The parasites
responsible for the disease have been re-named C. Mycoplasma
haemominutum (CMhm) for the small sized strain and Mycoplasma
haemofelis for the large sized strains. It is important to make this
distinction because these two subtypes of the blood parasite produce
quite different clinical signs.
The CMhm strain is the cause of a mild to moderate hemolytic anemia. The term "hemolytic" means that a low red blood cell count or anemia results from red blood cell breakage or lysis.
The haemofelis strains cause a severe anemia. Fevers and weight loss,
poor appetite, pale mucous membranes and lethargy are signs that are
commonly noted.
The routes of parasite transmission between cats are not fully
understood, but we know that blood transfusions can transfer the
parasite, and queens have been known to infect their kittens. Fleas may
act as vectors, biting first an infected cat, and subsequently
spreading the parasite when another cat is bitten. Cat bite wounds may
also serve as a route of transmission.
A veterinarian can sometimes see the parasites in blood smears viewed
under the microscope. The parasites attach to the outside of the red
blood cell wall. As well, a test to identify parasite DNA can be
performed. This PCR-DNA test may be necessary for a diagnosis because
parasites are not always found in the blood stream. This cyclic
presence of parasites may also lead your veterinarian to suggest serial
blood samples from different days be sampled.
The more pathogenic parasite strain can produce death rates of up to
one in every three untreated sick cats, so prompt treatment is
important. Cats with chronic viral infections such as feline leukemia
virus and feline immunodeficiency virus will usually be more severely
affected, and co-infection with these viruses is common in
hemobartonellosis cats.
Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory therapy, and perhaps intravenous fluids
and blood transfusions may be required. Therapy does not completely
clear the parasite so the cat will continue to carry the parasite, but
relapse is uncommon.
If you cat is showing signs of illness such as those listed above,
promptly contact your veterinarian for follow up. With prompt therapy,
the prognosis for recovery is good.
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