INTRODUCTION

Feline chlamydiosis is caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila Felis, a pathogen that causes a type of conjunctivitis with ocular discharge in cats.

WHAT IS FELINE CHLAMYDIOSIS?

Feline chlamydiosis is an eye infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila felis (formerly Chlamydia psittaci). It is a disease that affects cats worldwide. People can suffer from chlamydial infections but Chlamydophila felis is highly adapted to cats and transmission to a person through contact with an infected cat is extremely rare.

Chlamydophila bacteria are easily transmitted from cat to cat. Cats of all ages can be infected but the disease is most prevalent in young kittens (5 weeks to 3 months of age) and in cats living in groups, such as in catteries and shelters, where it can become an intractable problem, especially in the stressful situations such as the frequent arrival of new cats and the high density of cats per unit area typical of these centres.

SYMPTOMS OF FELINE CHLAMYDIOSIS

The classic symptom is persistent conjunctivitis, which consists of inflammation of the pink membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the transparent membrane covering the whites of the eyes. The eyes become very red and the tears may be watery or thick and purulent. Unlike feline rhinotracheitis, Opens in a new window, the condition usually starts in one eye and then moves to the other.

Weeks or months later, the cat may still show a dark, sticky discharge around the eyes, especially in the tear ducts, which needs to be removed periodically. This discharge can cause serious problems in cats with a flat muzzle or long hair.

Other symptoms are more commonly seen at the onset of the disease.

• Sneezing and runny nose
  
  

• Fever and loss of appetite
  
  

Symptoms are always worse if the cat is suffering from feline rhinotracheitis at the same time.

HOW IS FELINE CHLAMYDIOSIS PREVENTED?

Hosts are a natural reservoir for these bacteria, as they do not survive long in the environment. Felines infect each other through conjunctival, nasal, vaginal secretions and faeces. For this reason, the main route of transmission in neonates occurs during birth, through the mother's vaginal mucosa, making it very likely that newborns will suffer from severe conjunctivitis shortly after birth.

Equipment that has been in contact with secretions from infected cats (feeders, drinkers, bedding, etc.) and people handling them are also considered a source of transmission.

The disease is most prevalent in young cats with poor maternal immunity and in stray cats or cats with access to the outdoors. Generally, after one year of life they are less likely to become infected because they acquire natural immunity.

To avoid reinfection, overcrowding, insufficient ventilation, poor hygiene, uncontrolled births or uninsulated nursing should be avoided.

HOW IS FELINE CHLAMYDIOSIS CURED?

Although feline chlamydiosis is very similar to viruses due to its intracellular mode of life, it can be treated with antibacterial agents. For example, antibiotic eye ointments (such as tetracycline) or, in severe cases, systemic antibiotics in tablet form can be administered. Eye creams containing cortisone also counteract conjunctivitis, but are contraindicated in the case of corneal ulceration (which is common in feline herpesvirus 1 infections).

CONCLUSION

In Spain it is possible to vaccinate felines against feline chlamydiosis. However, these vaccines only prevent the clinical picture, not the infection itself. It is therefore very important to treat chlamydial infection in cats and to maintain hygienic measures.