Molecular and hematological study in cats infected by Pasteurella multocida in Kerbala province

The recently study has been conducted to detect Pasteurella multocida in cats in Kerbala province by molecular technique conventional PCR and to evaluate the   alterations in hematological parameters in infected cats. A total of 200 cats from Kerbala privet clinical room in Kerbala province were clinically examined for respiratory signs or history of bite wounds. Throat, nasal, and skin wound swabs were collected for molecular detection, beside blood samples for hematological analysis. PCR targeting the kmt1 gene (460 bp) was used for Pasteurella multocida identification. Out of 200 samples, 32 (16%) tested positive for Pasteurella multocida :27/188 (14.3%) from respiratory cases and 5/12 (41.6%) from skin wound cases. Hematological findings in positive cases showed significant increases in RBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCHC, total leukocyte count, neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in both acute and chronic conditions compared to normal values, while MCV showed no significant difference. Platelet counts were markedly elevated in acute cases but decreased in chronic cases. These alterations reflect the systemic inflammatory response to infection. The study concludes that conventional PCR is a ideal diagnostic tool for diagnosis of Pasteurella multocida, and that infection causes notable hematological changes in cats.