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Title: CONCURRENT TOXOPLASMOSIS AND FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS IN A CAT

Author
item TOOMEY JANE M - COL VET MED, CORNELL UNIV
item CARLISLE-NOWAK M - COL VET MED, CORNELL UNIV
item BARR STEPHEN C - COL VET MED, CORNELL UNIV
item LOPEZ JORGE W - COL VET MED, CORNELL UNIV
item FRENCH TRACY W - COL VET MED, CORNELL UNIV
item SCOTT FRED W - COL VET MED, CORNELL UNIV
item HOOSE WENDY - COL VET MED, CORNELL UNIV
item PIZANO SARA - COL VET MED, CORNELL UNIV
item Dubey, Jitender

Submitted to: Journal of American Hospital Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Infection by the protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii is widespread in man and animals. It causes abortion in livestock and mental retardation and loss of vision in congenitally infected children. Most cases of clinical toxoplasmosis in animals are seen in young animals or those with immuno-deficiencies. Scientists at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and Cornell University report the first confirmed case of toxoplasmosis in a 13 year old cat concurrently infected with a viral infection (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). These results will be of interest to veterinarians.

Technical Abstract: A 13-year-old, 4-kg, neutered male, Maine Coon cat was presented with ascities. Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites were seen within neutrophils and macrophages, and free within the abdominal fluid. At necropsy, many abdominal organs were positive for Feline Infectious Peritonitis antigens using immunohistochemical staining. This is apparently the first report of concurrent FIP and toxoplasmosis in a domestic cat.