Zoonotic Bartonella Infections in Cats and Dogs from Iran and Italy

Bartonellosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that may affect a large number of mammal species, including humans. Disease manifestations in human patients include from self-limiting lymphadenopathy and fever (cat scratch disease) to persistent endocarditis, proliferative vasculitis, ocular manifestation and neuropathy. Wild and domestic animals (including cats and dogs) serve as reservoirs for different zoonotic Bartonella species and subspecies, with many vectors such as fleas, lice and potentially other hematophagous arthropods. Although cats and dogs may develop similar disease manifestations as human patients, the asymptomatic course with persistent bacteremia is the most frequent outcome of the infection often posing at high infection risks owners or veterinary healthcare workers, in endemic areas. The aim of this note is to provide an update on zoonotic Bartonella infections in cats and dogs from Iran and Italy, with a focus on the effectiveness of preventive measures.