Intraperitoneal CMt infection of the three amplificatory SPF cats, Cats X (A), Y (B), and Z (C). Kinetics of CMt blood load (left y-axis, black squares), PCV value (right y-axis, open squares), shedding in saliva (triangles beneath the x-axis), and serology results as determined by western blot (WB; circles beneath the x-axis) throughout the course of CMt infection. The blood loads are presented as the log copy number of DNA template per mL of blood. PCV is presented as a percentage. The saliva samples were analysed by real-time PCR: PCR-positive swabs are indicated by black triangles, negative swabs are indicated by open triangles. Western blot-positive and -negative serum samples are indicated by black and open circles, respectively. From day 41 to day 50 p.i., Cats X and Y were administered marbofloxacin at 2 mg/kg every 24 h (white boxes marked “M”). Treatment was then switched to doxycycline at 10 mg/kg/d for 14 days (gray boxes marked “D”). Cat Z was administered only doxycycline at 10 mg/kg/d from day 41 to day 54 p.i.