Abstract
Baneth G, Aroch I, et al (1998) Hepatozoon species infection in domestic cats: A retrospective study. Veterinary Parasitology
Hepatozoon sp. is a protozoan parasite of feline neutrophils. Infection with Hepatozoon sp has been reported infrequently in cats and little is known about its pathogenesis. A retrospective study of hepatozoonosis in cats admitted during 1989–1995 to the Hebrew University School of Veterinary Medicine was conducted. During the 7-year study period a total of 1229 cats had a complete blood count with a microscopical examination of a blood smear. Hepatozoon gametocytes were identified in seven of these cats (0.57%). Their ages ranged from 1 to 6 years, 6/7 were male and 5/7 were mixed breed. A variety of clinical signs were seen in the cats. Clinicopathological findings included increased serum LDH in 5/6 and CK in 5/6, suggesting possible muscular damage. 4/6 cats were found to be co-infected with either FIV or FELV and 2/7 were co-infected with Haemobartonella felis. The authors concluded that parasitaemia with Hepatozoon sp. was a rare finding in this study of cats from Israel, and that there was a possible association between immunosuppression (FeLV/FIV co-infection) and the development of Hepatozoon infection.