Cat Scratch Disease (CSD) is an important zoonosis seen in cats and a public health problem in all over the world. In this study, prospective cross-sectional serologic survey and examination of local health authority records for CSD, the seroprevalence of antibodies against Bartonella henselae in pet and stray cats, and its public health aspect were investigated. Total antibodies to B. henselae were evaluated by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in serum samples taken from 93 pet cats and 93 stray cats from the Selcuk University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital and Konya Municipality Stray Animal Shelter. Percentages of pet cats and stray cats seropositive for antibodies against Bartonella henselae (26.88% and 41.94%, respectively) were significantly higher than percentages of pet cats. Total seroprevalence of Bartonella henselae was found to be 34.41% in the study. A total of 438 CSD cases were identified in the Konya region according to the data received from local health authority records in the previous 1.5 years (2011-2012). Stray cats have higher seroprevalences of antibodies against Bartonella henselae, but this likely was related to greater exposure to vectors of these organisms. In conclusion, it was observed that CSD is an important risk for public health in Konya region. Therefore in order to decrease CSD prevalence in this region and prevent transmission of the disease to humans, information, treatment and prevention studies must be carried out within the One Health concept.

This study was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK, 2209/A)

Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [2209/A]