Evaluation of topical application of 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin to prevent Bartonella henselae transmission from cat fleas.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether monthly topical administration of a combination of 10% imidacloprid and 1% moxidectin would lessen flea (Ctenocephalides felis) transmission of Bartonella henselae among cats.

DESIGN:

Controlled trial.

ANIMALS:

18 specific pathogen-free cats housed in 3 groups of 6.

PROCEDURES:

3 enclosures were separated by mesh to allow fleas to pass among groups yet prevent cats from contacting one another. One group was inoculated IV with B henselae, and after infection was confirmed, the cats were housed in the middle enclosure. This infected group was flanked by a group that was treated topically with 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin monthly for 3 months and by an untreated group. On days 0, 15, 28, and 42, 100 fleas/cat were placed on each of the 6 cats in the B henselae-infected group. Blood samples were collected from all cats weekly for detection of Bartonella spp via PCR assay, bacterial culture, and serologic assay.

RESULTS:

B henselae infection was confirmed in the cats infected IV and in all untreated cats after flea exposure; none of the cats treated with the imidacloprid-moxidectin combination became infected.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:

In this setting, monthly topical administration of 10% imidacloprid-1% moxidectin reduced flea infestation, compared with infestation in untreated cats, and thus prevented flea transmission of B henselae to treated cats. Regular monthly use of this flea control product in cats may lessen the likelihood of humans acquiring B henselae infection.

• Authors: Christina A Bradbury, Michael R Lappin
• Journal: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (J Am Vet Med Assoc) Vol. 236 Issue 8 Pg. 869-73 (Apr 15 2010) ISSN: 0003-1488 [Print] United States
• PMID: 20392182 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Imidazoles
• Insecticides
• Macrolides
• Neonicotinoids
• Nitro Compounds
• imidacloprid
• moxidectin

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Angiomatosis, Bacillary (prevention & control, veterinary)
• Animals
• Bartonella henselae
• Cat Diseases (prevention & control)
• Cats
• Female
• Imidazoles (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Insecticides (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Macrolides (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Male
• Neonicotinoids
• Nitro Compounds (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Siphonaptera (drug effects)