Isolation of Bartonella henselae from a serologically negative cat in Bloemfontein, South Africa

Sera collected from apparently healthy 6-12-month-old cats (n = 31) present ed to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Veterinary Clini c in Bloemfontein for neutering were tested for antibodies reactive to Bart onella henselae (Houston-1 strain) by indirect fluorescent antibody testing . Whole blood collected from the cats was used in isolation experiments and subsequent identification of Bartonella species was based on comparison of the nucleotide base sequence of polymerase chain reaction-amplified citrat e synthase gene fragments. While none of the cats had antibodies reactive w ith B. henselae at titres greater than or equal to 1/64, an organism with a partial citrate synthase gene sequence identical to that of B. henselae (H ouston-1) was isolated from 1 cat.