Co-infections and risk factors in stray cats in Gran Canaria: Dirofilaria Inmitis, Bartonella Henselae, Feline Leukemia and Feline Inmunodeficiency.

Abstract

There are numerous feline pathologies that represent a serious problem among stray and domestic cats, as well as for humans themselves. Among some important infectious agents in cats, the following stand out: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Dirofilaria immitis and Bartonella henselae. These pathogenic agents have a worldwide distribution, with variable incidences depending on the area. In Spain, all of these pathogens have been reported. However, in the Canary Islands, specifically in Gran Canaria, only the prevalence and seroprevalence of D. immitis have been reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to know the incidences and coinfections of these four pathogenic agents, as well as to evaluate the climatic conditions of the island as a risk factor. A total of 221 samples of stray cats or domestic cats with exclusively access to the outside, and without preventives measures, were analyzed using specific techniques for each pathogen: PCR to detect DNA of B. henselae, indirect ELISA technique to detect antibodies against D. immitis, and immunochromatography tests to detect specific antibodies against FIV and FeLV antigens. The results of this study showed the incidence and coinfections of these pathogens in Gran Canaria, obtaining a total of 32.1% seropositives to D. immitis, 20.8% positives to FeLV, 10% seropositives to FIV, and molecular prevalence of 2.3% for B. henselae. Significant differences were shown in the seroprevalence of D. immitis depending on the climate, so the percentage of positives in the dry and desert zone (DD) was 46.6%. Regarding the combination of pathogens, a total of 27 cats (12.2%) were found with 2 pathogens: FIV and D. immitis (11, 5%), FeLV and D. immitis (4.5%), FeLV and FIV (1.4%), D. immitis and B. henselae (0.9%), and FeLV and B. henselae (0.5%). Finally, 3 cats (1.4%) tested positive for 3 pathogens: FeLV, FIV and D. immitis. This study represents the first epidemiological report of these four pathogens in stray cats in Gran Canaria. These data are intended to raise awareness among the population of the importance that these pathogens have on the health of felines and their contact with humans since they coexist daily.