Comparison of oxidative stress between Cytauxzoon feli infected and healthy cats

Abstract

Cytauxzoonosis is an emerging infectious disease that affects feral as well as domestic cats. This disease is caused by apicomplexan protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Cytauxzoon. Evaluation of oxidative stress indicators can clarify the adverse effects of Cytauxzoon¬ felis parasite on domestic cats. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of C. ¬felis parasite in cats of Shahrekord, Iran and to evaluate oxidative stress indicators in cats infected with C. ¬felis and compare it with healthy cats. This experimental study was conducted on blood samples of 100 cats that were referred to Shahrekord Veterinary Laboratory. Blood samples were taken in two separate test tubes for molecular analysis and determination of antioxidant parameters including catalase and lipid peroxidation. After collecting the samples, the PCR test was performed and oxidative stress markers were measured. The results of the present study showed that 3% of examined cats were infected with C. ¬felis, and the level of catalase enzyme in the cats infected with C. ¬felis was reduced by 9% compared to the healthy group, which was statistically significant (p=0.004). Moreover, lipid peroxidation level was significantly increased in cats infected with C.¬ felis compared to the parasite-free group (p=0.021). The findings of the present study showed that the prevalence of C.¬ felis parasite in cats was 3%. A decrease in the level of catalase enzyme and an increase in lipid peroxidation were observed in cats infected with C.¬ felis compared to cats free of the parasite.

Keywords

• blood parasite
• cat
• cytauxzoon felis
• lipid peroxidation
• oxidative stress.