Matthewman L, Kelly P, Hayter D, Downie S, Wray K, Bryson N, Rycroft A, Raoult D
Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hertfordshire, UK.
Eur J Epidemiol. 1997 Jan;13(1):109-11. doi: 10.1023/a:1007375718204.
Using indirect immunofluorescence assays, sera from cats in Zimbabwe (n = 119) and South Africa (n = 52) were found to contain antibodies reactive with Rickettsia conorii (34% and 19% respectively) and R. typhi (7% and 10% respectively). These results indicate that cats may become infected with members of the spotted fever and typhus groups of rickettsiae and that cats can, therefore, be used as indicators of the presence of these organisms.
