Bartonella henselaeand Rickettsia Seroreactivity in a Sick Cat Population from North Carolina

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate demographic and clinicopathologic factors that may be associated with seroreactivity to Bartonella henselaeor R i c k e t t s i aa n t i g e n s in cats. Medical records of 436 sick cats were reviewed. Of 436 cat sera tested for reactivity to B. henselaeand R. typhia n t igens by indirect fluorescent antibody, 112 (26%) were reactive to B. henselaea n t i g e n s , 93 (21%) were reactive to R. typhia n t i g e n s , and 31 (7%) were reactive to both test antigens. Bartonella henselaeseroreactors were more likely to be male domestic long-hair or domestic short-hair cats that were allowed access to outdoor areas. Lymphocytosis was associated with B . h e n s e l a eantibodies. Cats with lymphadenopathy and elevated packed cell vol