Microscopic examination and molecular characterization of tick-borne blood protozoa in domestic cats in shelters in Ankara

Year 2026, Volume: 73 Issue: 1, 77 - 82, 01.01.2026

Mert Arslanbas , Anil Yilmaz , Ömer Orkun , Serpil Nalbantoğlu

https://doi.org/10.33988/auvfd.1780265

Abstract

Ticks are important vectors that transmit viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and cause diseases in vertebrates. The epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens in cats has been less well investigated than in dogs, and the role of cats in this epidemiology is only partially understood. The main tick‑borne protozoa reported in cats include species of Babesia, Hepatozoon, and Cytauxzoon. The aim of this study was to investigate tick-borne blood protozoa in 200 domestic cats in Ankara province of Turkey. Blood and tick samples were collected from each animal. Of 200 cats examined, 6 (3%) were found positive for Hepatozoon spp., and two different haplotypes were identified. Hepatozoon gamonts were observed in 1% of blood smears. In conclusion, the species and haplotypes present in the region were identified and compared with those found worldwide. These data provided molecular characterization of the relevant pathogens and revealed potential risks to domestic cats.

Keywords

Blood protozoa , Domestic cat , Hepatozoon felis , Molecular characterization , Tick-borne disease

Project Number

TDK-2022-2322

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