Table 4.
Prevalence of exposure and infection with B. persica and clinical characteristics in cats as determined by PCR followed by DNA sequencing and antibody detection by ELISA
| Variable | Number of cats tested | PCR+ (%) | Seropositive (%)a | PCR+ or seropositive (%)b |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | ||||
|
Yes No Total |
5 71 76 |
0 (0) 1 (2.8) 1 (2.6) |
1 (20) 12 (16.9) 13 (17.1) |
1 (20) 13 (18) 14 (18.4) |
| Statistical significance | χ2 = 0.0001, df = 1, P = 1 | χ2 = 0.0001, df = 1, P = 1 | ||
| Lethargy | ||||
|
Yes No Total |
7 51 58 |
0 (0) 1(2) 1 (1.7) |
2 (28.6) 9 (17.6) 11 (19) |
2 (28.6) 10 (19.6) 12 (20.7) |
| Statistical significance | χ2 = 0.031, df = 1, P = 0.859 | χ2 = 0.003, df = 1, P = 0.959 | ||
| Bleeding | ||||
|
Yes No Total |
2 86 88 |
0 (0) 1 (1.1) 1 (1.1) |
0 (0) 14 (16) 14 (15.7) |
0 (0) 15 (17.4) 15 (17) |
| Statistical significance | χ2 = 0.0001, df = 1, P = 1 | χ2 = 0.0001, df = 1, P = 1 | ||
| Inappetence | ||||
|
Yes No Total |
14 74 88 |
0 (0) 1 (1.4) 1 (1.1) |
3 (21.4) 11 (14.8) 14 (15.9) |
3 (21.4) 12 (16.2) 15 (17) |
| Statistical significance | χ2 = 0.047, df = 1, P = 0.828 | χ2 = 0.008, df = 1, P = 0.930 | ||
| Icterus | ||||
|
Yes No Total |
4 84 88 |
0 (0) 2 (2.4) 2 (2.3) |
1 (25) 12 (14.3) 13 (14.8) |
1 (25) 13 (15.4) 14 (15.9) |
| Statistical significance | χ2 = 0.0001, df = 1, P = 1 | χ2 = 0.0001, df = 1, P = 1 | ||
| Anemia | ||||
|
Yes No Total |
7 81 88 |
1 (14.3) 1 (1.2) 2 (2.3) |
5 (71.4) 8 (9.9) 13 (14.8) |
6 (85.7) 8 (9.9) 14 (15.9) |
| Statistical significance | *χ2 = 14.808, df = 1, P = 0.0001 | *χ2 = 22.321, df = 1, P | ||
| Thrombocytopenia | ||||
|
Yes No Total |
2 85 87 |
1 (50) 0 (0) 1 (1.1) |
1 (50) 12 (14.1) 13 (14.9) |
2 (100) 12 (14.1) 13 (14.9) |
| Statistical significance | χ2 = 0.163, df = 1, P = 0.686 | *χ2 = 5.261, df = 1, P = 0.022 | ||
*Statistical significance association found between the variable above and a positive test result
aStatistical significance shown is based on serology results only
bStatistical significance shown is based on combined serology and PCR results