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L Whitworth

Publications and source records attributed to L Whitworth.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

There are at least three genetically distinct small piroplasms from dogs.

The 18S nuclear subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene of small piroplasms isolated from dogs from Okinawa (Japan), Oklahoma, North Carolina, Indiana, Missouri, and Alabama, was isolated and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences and comparisons with sequences from other Babesia, Cytauxzoon, and Theileria species revealed that all canine small babesial isolates, with the exception of isolates from California and Spain, were placed in a group containing the Babesia spp. sensu stricto. Within the Babesia spp. sensu stricto, there was support for separating the small canine piroplasms from the large canine piroplasm, Babesia canis. The isolate from California was in a distinct phylogenetic clade, closely related to babesial isolates from wildlife and humans from the Western US. The canine isolate from Spain was closely related to Babesia microti. These results suggest that there are multiple small piroplasm species in dogs. The isolates from the Midwestern and Eastern US and the one from Japan probably represent a single species with wide geographic distribution.

Alabama↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cats surviving natural infection with Cytauxzoon felis: 18 cases (1997-1998).

Eighteen cats surviving natural infection with Cytauxzoon felis were identified. All cats came from a limited geographic area in northwestern Arkansas and northeastern Oklahoma. Clinical signs in most cats were similar to those described for cytauxzoonosis; however, 4 cats were asymptomatic. All cases were initially diagnosed by microscopic identification of signet ring-shaped piroplasms in erythrocytes of peripheral blood smears. Four of 4 cats tested had detectable serum antibodies to C felis. Four different cats were positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Partial sequencing of the PCR product from 1 cat revealed >99% homology with the reported sequence of C felis. Repeated examination of blood smears from 12 cats revealed that the erythroparasitemia was generally persistent for the duration of follow-up (3-154 days). Survival did not seem dependent on treatment, as only 1 cat was treated with a drug with potential antiprotozoal activity (imidocarb dipropionate), and 4 cats received no treatment. The findings of this study may indicate the existence of a less virulent strain of C felis.

Animals↗