Prevalence and Sequence Analysis of Vector-Borne Zoonotic Diseases in Stray Cats in Istanbul

Feline vector-borne diseases are caused by various pathogens transmitted by arthropods. Many of these infections have zoonotic importance, and cats can serve as sentinels for monitoring the health of both humans and pets. However, there is a limited research on the vector-borne and zoonotic diseases carried by feline populations.

This study aimed to detect the prevalence of selected vector-borne and zoonotic infections among stray cats in Istanbul, Türkiye, by molecular and phylogenetic techniques.

DNA extracted from blood samples of 316 stray cats was analysed using conventional PCR assays to identify various pathogens, targeting genes 16S rRNA for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia/Bartonella spp., 18S rRNA for Hepatozoon spp., LT1 for Leishmania spp. and 529 bp-Repetitive element for Toxoplasma gondii. Phylogenetic reconstructions were conducted based on the results.

Anaplasma/Ehrlichia/Bartonella spp., Hepatozoon spp. and T. gondii prevalence were 1.8%, 3.4% and 0.3%, respectively. In addition, sequencing revealed the following prevalences: Ehrlichia canis (0.3%), Hepatozoon felis (1.5%), Hepatozoon canis (0.3%), Bartonella henselae (0.3%), Bartonella clarridgeiae (0.3%) and T. gondii (0.3%). No Leishmania spp. or Anaplasma spp. DNA was detected in any of the samples. The E. canis 16S rRNA gene sequence obtained in the study showed 100% homology with E. canis from Venezuela (human), and the H. felis 18S rRNA gene sequence demonstrated 99.45%-100% similarity with H. felis from Türkiye (Haemaphysalis parva).

This study is the first to report molecular and phylogenetic findings of E. canis and H. canis in cats from Türkiye. Notably, E. canis, Bartonella spp. and T. gondii all have zoonotic potential, highlighting the need for surveillance within the framework of a One Health approach.