Arthropod-Borne Pathogens in Stray Cats from Northern Italy: A Serological and Molecular Survey

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Monitoring the health status of cats ensures their welfare and control of infections transmissible to other domestic and wild animals, as well as to humans. In the present survey, blood samples and ticks were collected, between February 2018 and October 2019, from 85 stray cats living in registered colonies in Emilia Romagna (northern Italy), with the aim of investigating the presence and infection level of a wide range of pathogens transmitted by arthropods (arthropod-borne pathogens—ABPs). The collected samples were subjected to serological and DNA-based methods. The presence of pathogens was observed in 71 cats (83.5%) using serological methods and in 47 cats (55.3%) by applying DNA-based analysis. Coinfections (presence of two or more pathogens) were observed in 21 cats (24.7%). While ABPs in privately owned cats are more easily prevented and managed through standard veterinary care, stray cats may be particularly at risk as they live outdoors, have constant exposure to arthropods such as ticks and fleas, and generally do not receive regular antiparasitic treatment. Indeed, the results of the present study show a widespread presence of ABPs, suggesting that stray cats may represent a potential health threat to companion animals and people and the need for improved management. ABSTRACT: Cats may be affected by a wide range of arthropod-borne pathogens (ABPs) of medical and veterinary interest. Between February 2018 and October 2019, 85 blood samples were collected from stray cats from the Emilia Romagna region (northern Italy). Ticks (n = 28) on the examined cats were also collected. Serological and molecular methods were applied to search for infection by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Bartonella henselae, Coxiella burnetii, Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania spp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Cytauxzoon spp. A total of 71 sera (83.5%) had antibodies to at least one investigated pathogen: 39 (45.9%) were positive for B. henselae, 32 (37.6%) positive for C. burnetii, 12 (14.1%) positive for E. canis, four (4.7%) positive for A. phagocytophilum, and two (2.4%) positive for Leishmania spp. A total of 47 (55.3%) DNA samples were positive by PCR for at least one investigated pathogen: 25 (29.4%) were positive for C. burnetii, 23 (27.1%) positive for B. henselae, two (2.4%) positive for E. canis, five (5.9%) positive for Leishmania spp., and two (2.4%) positive for Cytauxzoon spp. Coinfections were observed in 21 cats (24.7%). No positivity was found for A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., or Hepatozoon spp. All ticks were negative. A widespread presence of ABPs in the investigated area of northern Italy was shown. Accurate information on their prevalence may be relevant for feline veterinary medicine, as well as from a One Health perspective.