Molecular analysis of blood-associated pathogens in European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Germany

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Maria Sophia Unterköfler - , University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Author)
  • Josef Harl - , University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Author)
  • Bita Shahi Barogh - , University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Author)
  • Joachim Spergser - , University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Author)
  • Kristýna Hrazdilová - , Mendel University in Brno, Charles University Prague (Author)
  • Franz Müller - , Justus Liebig University Giessen (Author)
  • Diana Jeschke - , Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung (Author)
  • Ole Anders - , Nationalpark Harz (Author)
  • Peter Steinbach - , University of Göttingen, Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle (Author)
  • Hermann Ansorge - , Chair of Special Zoology (Vertebrates) (g.B. Senckenberg), Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz (Author)
  • Hans Peter Fuehrer - , University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Author)
  • Mike Heddergott - , Musée National d'Histoire Naturelle (Author)

Abstract

European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) have not been investigated in large numbers for blood-associated pathogens in Germany, because wildcats, being a protected species, may not be hunted, and the collection of samples is therefore difficult. Thus, spleen tissue and whole blood from 96 wildcats from Germany found as roadkill or dead from other causes in the years 1998–2020 were examined for the prevalence of blood associated pathogens using molecular genetic tools. PCR was used to screen for haemotrophic Mycoplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., Cytauxzoon spp., Bartonella spp., Filarioidea, Anaplasmataceae, and Rickettsiales, and positive samples were subsequently sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were performed for Mycoplasma spp. and Hepatozoon spp. by calculating phylogenetic trees and DNA haplotype networks. The following pathogens were found: Candidatus Mycoplasma haematominutum (7/96), Mycoplasma ovis (1/96), Hepatozoon silvestris (34/96), Hepatozoon felis (6/96), Cytauxzoon europaeus (45/96), and Bartonella spp. (3/96). This study elucidates the prevalence of blood-associated pathogens in wildcats from Germany.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)128-137
Number of pages10
JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
Volume19
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Bartonella, Cytauxzoon, Hepatozoon, Mycoplasma, Vector-borne disease