Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Molecular screening indicates high prevalence and mixed infections of Hepatozoon parasites in wild felines from South Africa.
- Journal:
- Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
- Year:
- 2020
- Authors:
- Harris, David J et al.
- Affiliation:
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources
- Species:
- cat
Abstract
Genetic diversity within partial 18S rRNA sequences from Hepatozoon protozoan parasites from wild felines in South Africa was assessed and compared with data from domestic cats to assess patterns of host specificity. Lions, leopards, servals, a caracal and an African wildcat were all positive for parasites of the Hepatozoon felis-complex. However, haplotypes were not species-specific, and potential mixed infections were widespread. Additional genetic markers are needed to untangle the extremely complex situation of these parasites in both domestic cats and wild felines in South Africa.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33314957/