DM2 Pt2-1 Chlamydia felis Flashcards
What is Chlamydia felis, and what part of the body does it primarily affect?
Chlamydia felis is a Gram-negative bacterium that primarily targets the conjunctiva.
How is Chlamydia felis transmitted between cats?
Transmission requires close contact, with ocular secretions being the most important body fluid for infection.
In what environments is Chlamydia felis infection most common?
C. felis is most common in multi-cat environments, such as breeding catteries.
What are the initial symptoms of Chlamydia felis infection?
Initial symptoms include watery ocular discharges that later become mucoid or mucopurulent.
What symptoms are less commonly associated with C. felis infection?
Keratitis and corneal ulcers are not generally associated with C. felis infection.
How does C. felis ocular disease typically progress?
Unilateral ocular disease usually progresses to become bilateral, with intense conjunctivitis and hyperaemia of the nictitating membrane.
What diagnostic method is preferred for detecting C. felis infection?
PCR techniques using ocular swabs are preferred for diagnosing C. felis infection.
Why is antibody detection sometimes used for diagnosing C. felis in unvaccinated cats?
Antibody detection can indicate infection in unvaccinated cats.
What antibiotic is generally regarded as the treatment of choice for C. felis?
Tetracyclines, particularly doxycycline, are the antibiotics of choice for C. felis treatment.
Why is fluoroquinolone use avoided in young kittens when treating C. felis?
Fluoroquinolones may cause cartilage damage in growing kittens, so clavulanic acid-potentiated amoxicillin is preferred.
What is the role of Chlamydia felis vaccination?
Vaccines protect against disease caused by C. felis, but not against infection. It is a non-core vaccine used in high-risk situations.
When should vaccination be considered for C. felis?
Vaccination should be considered in shelters with confirmed chlamydial disease or in breeding catteries where C. felis is endemic.
