Fatal infection caused by Cytauxzoon felis in a captive-reared jaguar (Panthera onca)

Fatal infections with Cytauxzoon felis are common in domestic cats, and jaguars (Panthera onca) are believed carriers of this protozoan. Fatal C. felis infections have never been described in jaguars before. Thus, this study describes such an infection in a 5-month-old captive-reared jaguar that presented hyporexia and died at 26 days after the first clinical signs. During necropsy, samples were taken from several tissues, some were fixed in 10% formalin and process for histopathological diagnosis, and some samples were used for DNA extraction, amplification via PCR and sequencing of the potential pathogens. Grossly, marked splenomegaly and icterus were observed. Histologically, numerous structures that are morphologically compatible with Cytauxzoon spp. schizonts obliterated multiple blood vessels in the brain, leptomeninges, spinal cord, lungs, heart, skeletal muscle, adrenal gland, kidneys, spleen, small intestine and pancreas. C. felis was identified by PCR in many organs. Thus, C. felis infection in jaguars can be fatal, and the clinicopathological findings are similar to those of cytauxzoonosis in other wild and domestic felid species.
Graphical abstract Image 1
Highlights • Cytauxzoon felis causes fatal infection in jaguar (Panthera onca). • Clinicopathological findings are similar to the infection in other felids. • Cytauxzoonosis should be investigated in young jaguars with jaundice.