Investigation of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae Prevalance in Cats

In this study, 50 blood samples taken from urban and stray cats which were examined in a private veterinary clinic in İzmir province were investigated by PCR method. PCR studies revealed that Bartonella spp. was identified from a total of % 12 of the samples. PCR identification results were 8 % for B. hensela and 4 % for B. clarridgeiae for spesies based distribution. Gender based percentage distribution for the samples which were detected as PCR positive are in the ratio of % 7.4 for B. henselae in female cats, and 3.7 % for B. clarridgeiae (2 B. henselae and 1 B. clarridgeiae). In male cats, the determination percentages are 8.6 % for B. henselae and 4.3 for B. clarridgeiae (2 B. henselae and 1 B. clarridgeiae). The results indicate that B. henselae was determined in the ratio of 7.4 % and B. clarridgeiae (2 B. henselae and 1 B. clarridgeiae) was determined in the ratio of 3.7 % from urban cats. B. henselae was determined in the ratio of 8.6 % and B. clarridgeiae (2 B. henselae and 1 B. clarridgeiae) was determined in the ratio of 4.3 % from stray cats. The results indicate that age range varies between 1 and 6 years of age (1, 3, 5, 6) for the cats which Bartonella species were detected as PCR positive. that age range varies between 1 and 2 years of age (1, 2) for the cats which B. clarridgeiae was detected. In our study, Bartonella species which have zoonotic importance were detected. Especially, it is confirmed the necessity of the distribution of B. henselae which transmit to human from cat fleas and importance of preventive flea medication to pet owners for feedback