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Acute phase proteins response in cats naturally infected by hemotropic mycoplasmas
Hugo Vilhena1, Asta Tvarijonaviciute2, José J Cerón3
1Vasco da Gama Research Center (CIVG), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vasco da Gama Universitary School, Av. José R. Sousa Fernandes, 197 Lordemão, 3020-210, Coimbra, Portugal; Baixo Vouga Veterinary Hospital, EN1, 355, 3750-742, Águeda, Portugal; Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
Abstract:
Information about the acute phase proteins (APP) response in cats naturally infected with hemoplasmas and in cats co-infected with different species of hemoplasmas is lacking. This study evaluated serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp) and albumin in 48 cats naturally infected with hemoplasmas, including 25 with Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and 23 co-infected with different hemoplasmas agents; and in 10 healthy control cats. Infected cats had significantly higher Hp and lower albumin than controls. Symptomatic cats had significantly higher SAA and Hp, and lower albumin than asymptomatic animals, and also than controls. Asymptomatic cats had significantly higher Hp than controls. Concentrations of APP were not significantly different between single infected and co-infected cats. According with these results, hemoplasmosis should be considered when alterations in APP are detected in diseased cats with compatible clinical signs. Furthermore, a subclinical infection should be considered in apparently healthy cats from endemic areas with increased Hp.
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