Gruffydd-Jones, T. et al. (2009) Chlamydophila felis infection. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 11(7), pp. 605-609. (doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2009.05.009)
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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.05.009
Abstract
<b>OVERVIEW</b>: <i>Chlamydophila felis</i> is a Gram-negative bacterium and its primary target is the conjunctiva. The bacterium does not survive outside the host.<p></p> <b>INFECTION</b>: Transmission requires close contact between cats; ocular secretions are probably the most important body fluid for infection. Most cases occur in cats under 1 year of age. <i>Chlamydophila felis</i> is the infectious organism most frequently associated with conjunctivitis.<p></p> <b>DISEASE SIGNS</b>: Unilateral ocular disease generally progresses to become bilateral. There can be intense conjunctivitis with extreme hyperaemia of the nictitating membrane, blepharospasm and ocular discomfort. Transient fever, inappetence and weight loss may occur shortly after infection, although most cats remain well and continue to eat.<p></p> <b>DIAGNOSIS</b>: PCR techniques are now preferred for diagnosing <i>C felis</i> infection. Ocular swabs are generally used. In unvaccinated cats, antibody detection can be used to indicate infection.<p></p> <b>DISEASE MANAGEMENT</b>: Tetracyclines are generally regarded as the antibiotics of choice. Doxycycline has the advantage of requiring only single daily administration and is given at a dose of 10 mg/kg orally. Vaccination should be considered if there is a history of confirmed chlamydial disease in a shelter. Single housing and routine hygiene measures should suffice to avoid cross-infection. Cats maintained together for longer terms should be vaccinated regularly. In breeding catteries where <i>C felis</i> infection is endemic, the first step should be to treat all cats with doxycycline for at least 4 weeks. Once clinical signs have been controlled, the cats should be vaccinated.<p></p> <b>VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS</b>: Vaccination should be considered for cats at risk of exposure to infection. Vaccination generally begins at 8-10 weeks of age, with a second injection 3-4 weeks later. Annual boosters are recommended for cats at continued risk of exposure.<p></p>
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Hosie, Professor Margaret and Addie, Dr Diane |
| Authors: | Gruffydd-Jones, T., Addie, D., Belák, S., Boucraut-Baralon, C., Egberink, H., Frymus, T., Hartmann, K., Hosie, M. J., Lloret, A., Lutz, H., Marsilio, F., Pennisi, M. G., Radford, A. D., Thiry, E., Truyen, U., and Horzinek, M. C. |
| Subjects: | Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR355 Virology S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery |
| Publisher: | Sage |
| ISSN: | 1098-612X |
| ISSN (Online): | 1532-2750 |
| Published Online: | 27 May 2009 |
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