Abstract

Haemoparasitic infections persist as one of the major challenges in companion animal health. Despite the increased incidence, studies on tick-borne apicomplexan haemoparasites infecting domestic cats are comparatively fewer. These vector-borne diseases are emerging problems in cats across the globe. Feline haemoparasites include Hepatozoon spp. such as H. felis, H. canis and H. silvestris, Piroplasm-causing organisms such as Cytauxzoon felis, Babesia felis, B. cati, B. herpailuri and B. pantherae and haemoflagellates such as Trypanosoma evansi. Ticks have the major role in the transmission of hepatozoonosis, cytauxzoonosis and babesiosis. Haematophagous insects including Tabanus, Stomoxys and Lyperosia act as vectors for trypanosomosis. Routine diagnosis of infection is based on microscopic identification of parasites in blood smears or tissues. Application of molecular diagnostic techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for rapid diagnosis and epidemiological studies will enhance the potential of veterinary services. Knowledge on occurrence and clinical manifestations of haemoparasitic infections will aid in improving the health of cats and facilitate the development of an efficient disease control strategy.

Keywords : Felines, Hepatozoonosis, Cytauxzoonosis, Babesiosis, Trypanosomosis