Cytauxzoon sp. infections in European wild cats (Felis silvestris silvestris) from the central-northern areas of Italy

The study presents an epidemiological survey on Cytauxzoon sp. infection in F. s. silvestris in Italy that could enhance a better comprehension of the pattern distribution of the cytauxzoonosis among the domestic cat populations. Cytauxzoonosis is a tick-transmitted protozoan disease, caused by Cytauxzoon felis that is traditionally associated with feral felids e.g. bobcats (Lynx rufus) and domestic cats from North America. The domestic hosts, becoming infected with the parasite, develop a rapid and lethal disease (1), while the wild felids are considered to be the reservoir hosts (8). Interestingly, reports of infections caused by Cytauxzoon sp. in domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) from the northern and central areas of Italy (2,3) have been recently described, stimulating the interest of the Scientific Community on this tick-borne pathogen scantly considered in European countries. To date null information is available on the presence of Cytauxzoon sp. infection in European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris). An epidemiological role of F. s. silvestris as a source of bridging infections with F. s. catus may be speculated, basing on evidences that changes in demographic and ecological conditions have promoted the close contacts between wild and domestic cats in the same niches and thus the sharing of diseasecausing pathogens (4).