Journal of Veterinary Science

The Korean Society of Veterinary Science (대한수의학회)
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Investigation of chlamydophilosis from naturally infected cats

  • Wasissa, Madarina (Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada) ;
  • Lestari, Fajar Budi (Department of Bioresources Technology and Veterinary, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada) ;
  • Nururrozi, Alfarisa (Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada) ;
  • Tjahajati, Ida (Department of Bioresources Technology and Veterinary, Vocational College, Universitas Gadjah Mada) ;
  • Indarjulianto, Soedarmanto (Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada) ;
  • Salasia, Siti Isrina Oktavia (Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada)
  • Received : 2021.05.06
  • Accepted : 2021.07.16
  • Published : 2021.11.30
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Abstract

Background: Chlamydophila felis, formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci var. felis, is frequently associated with ocular, respiratory, and occasionally reproduction tract infections. Even though the infection is sometimes asymptomatic, it potentially results in a latent immunosuppressive infection. Objective: This study aimed to identify occurrences of feline chlamydophilosis, rarely reported in cats in Indonesia. Methods: The observation was conducted in three cats with clinical signs of Cp. felis infection, particularly relapsing conjunctivitis. The cats' histories were recorded based on owners' information. Conjunctival swabs were sampled for cytology examination and molecular assay detection. A phylogenetic tree was generated using MEGA-X software to reveal group clustering. A post-mortem examination was performed on the cat that died during an examination. Results: Cp. felis was detected in both cytological examination and polymerase chain reaction assay. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the Cp. felis isolated in this study clustered with several other isolates from the other countries. Cp. felis can be isolated from cats with different clinical manifestations and levels of severity. The chronic fatal infection demonstrated interstitial broncho-pneumonia under histopathological examination. Conclusions: Molecular assay of Cp. felis is always recommended to obtain a definitive diagnosis of feline chlamydophilosis since the disease can have various clinical manifestations. Even though it may be subclinical and is often not fatal, an infected cat may be a carrier that could spread the pathogen in the surrounding environment. Serious disease management is suggested to avoid high costs associated with regularly relapsing disease.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We thank Bernadetta Evi, DVM of Prosper Pet and Vet Animal Clinic, Arief Nurdiansyah, DVM, and staff in the Department of Internal Medicine UGM for their help in collecting and processing the samples.

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