Shocking Case of Fatal Toxoplasmosis in a Cat—What You Need to Know About This Rare Disease
A recent case report from Madrid, Spain, describes the first known instance of fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis in a domestic cat, shedding light on this rare but severe infection. Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed apicomplexan protozoan, infects all warm-blooded animals, with cats serving as the definitive host. While previous studies in Spain have indicated the presence of Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in cats, clinical cases have not been documented until now. This case involved a 7-year-old domestic shorthair cat that experienced rapid deterioration due to disseminated toxoplasmosis.
Case Details:
The cat, an active outdoor hunter, was presented with a one-week history of malaise, which quickly progressed to acute symptoms within 24 hours. The physical examination revealed fever, tachypnoea, and abdominal discomfort. Despite no evidence of underlying immunosuppressive diseases, blood work showed a moderate increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Radiography revealed hepatomegaly and a small patchy pulmonary alveolar pattern in the caudal lung lobes.
Within 48 hours, liver enzyme levels (ALT and AST) surged to severe levels, and respiratory signs worsened. Despite aggressive treatment with parenteral clindamycin (25 mg/kg IV q12h) and supportive care, the cat continued to deteriorate and ultimately died. Cytology from liver and lung aspirates revealed organisms consistent with Toxoplasma gondii. Confirmatory testing with indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing showed Toxoplasma titres of 1:100 IgM and 1:100 IgG, and PCR testing from lung and liver aspirates was positive for T. gondii.
Key Findings and Novel Insights:
This is the first reported case of fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis in a cat in Spain, confirmed by PCR. The liver cytology played a crucial role in identifying Toxoplasma gondii in the cat, demonstrating the potential of fine-needle aspirates from the liver as an important diagnostic tool when liver enzyme levels are elevated.
Clinical Implications:
Early Diagnosis: The case highlights the importance of considering Toxoplasma gondii in differential diagnoses when a cat presents with nonspecific symptoms such as fever, respiratory distress, and abdominal discomfort, especially in outdoor or hunting cats.
Liver Cytology as a Diagnostic Tool: The use of liver cytology in conjunction with other diagnostic tests (such as PCR) could aid veterinarians in identifying fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis when liver enzyme levels are elevated.
Rapid Progression: This case serves as a reminder of the potential for rapid progression of disseminated toxoplasmosis, emphasizing the need for early intervention and the challenges in managing the disease once advanced.
This study underscores the significance of Toxoplasma gondii as a potential cause of acute illness in cats and the need for veterinary professionals to remain vigilant, especially in regions where the disease may be less well-known.
Read full article here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20551169241298746
