Systemic Mycobacterium kansasii Infection in Two Related Cats.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Mycobacteriology

Background:

• Mycobacterial infections pose diagnostic and treatment challenges in veterinary medicine, with zoonotic potential.
• Mycobacterium kansasii, a non-tuberculous mycobacteria, can cause disease in animals, though rarely reported in cats.
• Limited case reports exist for M. kansasii in domestic cats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe systemic Mycobacterium kansasii infection in two sibling cats.
• To highlight the diagnostic process and successful treatment of M. kansasii mycobacteriosis in felines.
• To emphasize the challenges in diagnosing mycobacterial infections in cats.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two sibling indoor-only cats presenting with cutaneous lesions and systemic disease.
• Infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on fine-needle aspirate and tissue biopsy.
• Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) used to infer mycobacterial complex infections.

Main Results:

• Systemic M. kansasii infection identified, associated with cutaneous, osteolytic, and pulmonary pathology.
• Both cats achieved full recovery following a combination antimicrobial therapy regimen.
• PCR and IGRA were crucial in diagnosing M. kansasii and differentiating from other mycobacterial complexes.

Conclusions:

• Successful treatment of systemic M. kansasii mycobacteriosis in cats is achievable with appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
• Accurate diagnosis of M. kansasii in cats can be challenging, requiring advanced molecular techniques.
• This report expands the understanding of M. kansasii disease presentation and management in felines.