Serological survey of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in cats in Japan

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Ryusuke Tsukada1, Yuki Osaka, Tomomi Takano

  • 1Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.

The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|June 21, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study found Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) antibodies in 6.1% of Japanese cats. Feral cats showed a higher prevalence, suggesting cats may be a reservoir for this parasite.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Feline Infectious Diseases
  • Microbial Ecology

Background:

  • Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) is an intracellular protozoan parasite with a wide host range.
  • While E. cuniculi infections are documented in various mammals, data on its prevalence in domestic and feral cat populations in Japan is limited.
  • Understanding the host-parasite dynamics is crucial for public health and animal welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) infection in cats in Japan.
  • To investigate potential differences in prevalence between male and female cats, and between feral and domesticated cats.
  • To assess the role of Japanese cats as a potential reservoir for E. cuniculi.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 295 cats in Japan.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect antibodies against E. cuniculi.
  • The PTP2 recombinant protein of E. cuniculi was used as the antigen in the ELISA.

Main Results:

  • Antibodies to E. cuniculi were detected in 6.1% (18/295) of the cats tested.
  • Prevalence was similar between male (6.3%) and female (6.0%) cats.
  • Seroprevalence was higher in feral cats (8.3%) compared to domesticated cats (4.3%).

Conclusions:

  • This is the first study to report the prevalence of E. cuniculi infection in cats in Japan.
  • The findings suggest that cats, particularly feral populations, may act as a reservoir for E. cuniculi in Japan.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the transmission dynamics and public health implications of E. cuniculi in Japanese felines.

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