Cytauxzoon spp. em felinos no Brasil

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.5931125260211

• Palavras-chave: Cytauxzoon felis; citauxzoonose; carrapatos; piroplasmas.

• Keywords: Cytauxzoon felis; cytauxzoonosis; ticks; piroplasms

• Abstract: Cytauxzoon spp. consists of hemoparasites that infect both wild and domestic felines and are transmitted by ticks, with a widespread global distribution. Cytauxzoon is the causative agent of cytauxzoonosis, a rapidly progressing disease with high mortality rates in domestic cats in the United States. However, in Brazil, reports of cytauxzoonosis in domestic felines are rare, despite multiple studies confirming the presence of the parasite in Brazilian cats. The highest prevalence of Cytauxzoon in Brazil is observed in wild felines, suggesting a broad distribution of the parasite among wildlife species. Currently, there is no available vaccine for feline cytauxzoonosis. As a result, disease control primarily relies on environmental management and the use of effective tick-preventive treatments. Preventing domestic cats from roaming in forested areas and minimizing contact with wild felines is also recommended to reduce infection risk. This study aims to compile reports of Cytauxzoon spp. in Brazil, providing a brief review of the parasite and the feline species it affects.