2005: Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cats.

1: Am J Vet Res. 2005 Nov;66(11):1895-9. Links


Seroprevalence of antibodies against
Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in cats.

Magnarelli LA, Bushmich SL, IJdo JW, Fikrig E.

Department of Entomology, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station,
New Haven 06504, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cats in the northeastern United States
develop serum antibodies against antigens of Borrelia burgdorferi and
Anaplasma phagocytophilum and whether coinfection with the 2 organisms
occurs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Serum samples from 84 healthy cats and 9
cats with lameness, fever, anorexia, or fatigue. PROCEDURE: Serum
antibodies against B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum were measured
with an ELISA incorporating a whole-cell preparation or purified
recombinant antigens, by means of Western blot analysis, or indirect
fluorescent antibody (IFA) staining. RESULTS: ELISA results indicated
that 44 of 93 (47%) sera contained antibodies against > or = 3 B.
burgdorferi antigens, whereas 43 (46%) were reactive to whole-cell B.
burgdorferi. Serum reactivity to protein 35, VlsE, and outer surface
proteins A and F was most common. Seropositivity to > or = 3 antigens
occurred at the same rate (5/9) in the 9 ill cats as in the 84 healthy
cats (46% [39/84]). Of 13 sera reactive to recombinant antigens, 9 were
seropositive as measured by Western blot testing with whole-cell
antigen. Seropositivity rates of 30% and 38% were detected for
antibodies against A phagocytophilum via IFA and ELISA testing,
respectively. Fifteen (16%) sera had antibodies against both pathogens.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats living in areas infested by
Ixodes scapularis ticks are exposed to B. burgdorferi and A.
phagocytophilum and, in some instances, may be coinfected. Most cats
appeared healthy. An ELISA incorporating specific recombinant antigens
may be used adjunctively with Western blot and other assays to confirm
B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum infection in cats.

PMID: 16334946 [PubMed - in process]

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