Investigation of some infectious agents in cats with a history of infertility

Abstract

Infertility is defined as a reduction in the ability to reproduce. Pregnancy loss includes all causes leading to the termination of pregnancy, such as embryonic death, fetal resorption, abortion at any stage of gestation, and stillbirth. Viral pathogens are the most frequently reported infectious causes of abortion. Among these viruses are Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPLV), Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Coronavirus (FCoV), and Feline Herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). Toxoplasma gondii is considered a potential cause of infertility due to its ability to act as an intermediate host in cats and to localize in the genital organs during pregnancy, leading to abortion. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of common infectious agents in queens with a history of infertility and to investigate their potential impact on infertility. A total of 80 female cats of different breeds were included in the presented study. Samples were primarily collected from females with a history of abortions, delayed estrus, silent estrus, or those from litters with a high rate of neonatal mortality. Blood samples obtained from each cat were serologically evaluated by ELISA for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, FCoV, FeLV, FIV, and Chlamydia felis. In kittens born to seropositive queens with infertility issues, various problems were also observed (neonatal death, congenital anomalies, ocular disorders, low birth weights, diarrhoea). Groups with multiple positive results had higher rates of abortion and early loss, and developmental problems were detected in kittens. In conclusion, infectious diseases in queens with infertility issues can lead to severe conditions and significant neonatal losses. Further studies are required to understand the importance of this issue and the long-term effects of the associated pathologies.