ClinQuiz: Tick particulars, answer 1B
1) B–Correct!
A diagnosis of Cytauxzoon felis, the intraerythrocytic parasite shown in the photo, carries a guarded prognosis. However, a recent study suggests that cats with C. felis may respond to a combination of atovaquone and azithromycin,5 a combination therapy that has been used in treating canine babesiosis due to Babesia gibsoni, although apparent drug resistance and persistence of parasites after treatment has been reported.6,7 Other factors that may improve the outcome of C. felis infection include early treatment intervention, high-quality nursing care, and the strain of parasite responsible for the infection.1-4