Prevalence Of Bartonella Henselae In Cats In China And Its MLST

Bartonella henselae, a short rod shape Gram-negative bacillus, is known as the major cause that leads to the Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) in humans. Cats are the main reservoir of Bartonella henselae, which is transmitted from cat to cat via the cat flea, and CSD may occure when people are scratched or bited by the cats. There is evidence that CSD incidence in humans is increased in China with the rapid increasing in the number of pet cats in recent years. Previously, our study confirmed the seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae in cats in Shanghai was about 46%. Here, we aim to investigate the prevalence in cats from different regions in China. Total 361 blood samples were collected from Northern to Southern China. Prevalence was determined by using bacterial isolation and PCR detection. MLST of clinical isolates were further analyzed. Results showed 12.7% cats were positive of Bartonella henselae infection as determined by combination of PCR and bacterial isolation assay. Statistical analysis confirmed the infection was not associated with gender, while old animals were found to be more susceptible. Unexpectedly, prevalence of animals from cold regions were not significant different comparing with cats from warm regions. MLST analysis confirmed three new STs (ST 16-18). Results confirmed isolates from northern and eastern China were mainly belong to ST1, while southern isolates belong to new STs. Including new STs resulted the alternation of origin phylogenetic relationships of ST.