Retrospective study on Encephalitozoon cuniculi infections in 118 cat and 9 dog eyes

Title (eng)
Retrospective study on Encephalitozoon cuniculi infections in 118 cat and 9 dog eyes
Author
Sophie Hofmann‐Wellenhof
Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Author
Barbara Nell
Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Abstract (eng)
Purpose This study aims to inform about the clinical image, diagnostic possibilities, and treatment options for cats and dogs diagnosed with ocular encephalitozoonosis. Materials and Methods Medical records of 7 dogs and 75 cats with ocular encephalitozoonosis presented at the Clinical Unit of Ophthalmology of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna between 08/2006 and 02/2022 have been compiled. Diagnosis was based on the presence of cataracts and positive antibody titer against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Patient history, details on the characteristics of the cataracts, level of antibody titers, and the treatment regimen were summarized, as are the results of histological stainings of surgical samples to determine the presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, as well as PCR analyses to identify its sub-strains. Results Our analysis of the clinical data shows that focal cortical anterior cataracts often associated with anterior uveitis and lesions in the fundus are the most prevalent manifestation of ocular encephalitozoonosis in cats and dogs. Conclusion Serological testing and PCR analysis of lens material are the most important diagnostic tools. Timely phacoemulsification with adjuvant anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic medication is the most promising therapy for Encephalitozoon cuniculi-induced cataracts.
Keywords (eng)
CanineCataractEyeFelineLensMicrosporidia
Type (eng)
journal article
Language
[eng]
Persistent identifier
https://phaidra.vetmeduni.ac.at/o:4992
DOI
10.1111/vop.13301
Is in series
Title (eng)
Veterinary Ophthalmology
Volume
28
Issue
5
ISSN
1463-5216
Issued
2024
Number of pages
17
From page
830
To page
846
Publication
Wiley
Version type (eng)
version of record (published version)
Date issued
2024
Access rights (eng)
open access
License
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International
Rights statement (eng)
© 2024 The Author(s).