DM2 Pt2-4 Other Bacteria

Question 1

What is the clinical significance of Campylobacter in cats?

Answer 1

Most Campylobacter infections are asymptomatic, and clinical disease is usually limited to young, parasitized, or immunocompromised animals.

Question 2

Why is treatment of asymptomatic Campylobacter infections not recommended?

Answer 2

Treatment can induce a carrier state and increase zoonotic risk, as well as promote antibiotic resistance.

Question 3

What is the recommended treatment for Campylobacter infections when needed?

Answer 3

Erythromycin is the drug of choice, but fluoroquinolones like marbofloxacin or clindamycin may be used if erythromycin causes vomiting.

Question 4

What percentage of healthy cats carry Salmonella?

Answer 4

18% of healthy cats carry Salmonella asymptomatically.

Question 5

When are antibiotics contraindicated in Salmonella infections in cats?

Answer 5

Antibiotics are contraindicated in asymptomatic cats or those with diarrhoea without evidence of bacteremia.

Question 6

What type of antibiotic is recommended for Salmonella infections with severe symptoms?

Answer 6

Parenteral fluoroquinolones are recommended in cases of severe haemorrhagic diarrhoea or bacteremia.

Question 7

What is controversial about Clostridium infections in cats?

Answer 7

Enterotoxin-producing C. perfringens has been linked to both acute and chronic diarrhoea, but enterotoxins are also found in healthy animals.

Question 8

What is the recommended treatment for Clostridium infections in cats?

Answer 8

Metronidazole is used when Clostridium is isolated.

Question 9

What role does Escherichia coli play in feline diarrhoea?

Answer 9

Some strains of E. coli cause acute or chronic diarrhoea, but identifying pathogenic strains requires specialised assays.

Question 10

Where is Pasteurella multocida commonly found in cats?

Answer 10

Pasteurella multocida is part of the natural flora in the cat’s nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract.

Question 11

What are the common infections caused by Pasteurella in cats?

Answer 11

Pasteurella is commonly found in subcutaneous abscesses, pyothorax, and secondary lower respiratory infections.

Question 12

How can Pasteurella multocida infect humans?

Answer 12

Pasteurella can infect humans through cat bites, scratches, or respiratory secretions from cats.

Question 13

What are the signs of Pasteurella infection in humans after a cat bite?

Answer 13

Signs of local infection typically appear within 3–6 hours after a cat bite.

Question 14

What is the zoonotic risk associated with Pasteurella for immunocompromised people?

Answer 14

Immunocompromised people are at higher risk of severe disease or fatal outcomes from Pasteurella infection after cat bites or scratches.

Question 15

What is the most common Bartonella species worldwide in cats?

Answer 15

Bartonella henselae is the most common Bartonella species worldwide.

Question 16

How is Bartonella henselae transmitted among cats?

Answer 16

It is transmitted by the flea Ctenocephalides felis or by flea feces.

Question 17

What is the common mode of Bartonella transmission to humans?

Answer 17

Cat scratches are the common mode of transmission to humans, causing cat scratch disease.

Question 18

What is the main clinical presentation of cat scratch disease in humans?

Answer 18

Cat scratch disease presents as self-limiting regional lymphadenopathy.

Question 19

What severe diseases can Bartonella henselae cause in immunocompromised people?

Answer 19

It can cause potentially fatal disorders in immunocompromised individuals.

Question 20

Do most cats show clinical signs when infected with Bartonella henselae?

Answer 20

No, most cats naturally infected do not show clinical signs, though sporadic cardiac or ocular signs may occur.

Question 21

What other clinical conditions have been reported in cats with Bartonella vinsonii infection?

Answer 21

Lameness due to recurrent osteomyelitis and polyarthritis has been reported.

Question 22

What is the gold standard for diagnosing Bartonella infection?

Answer 22

Isolation of the bacterium is the gold standard for diagnosis.

Question 23

Why is a positive Bartonella culture not confirmatory in cats?

Answer 23

Due to the high prevalence of infection in healthy cats in endemic areas, a positive culture is not confirmatory.

Question 24

How is Bartonella disease managed in cats?

Answer 24

Treatment is recommended only in rare cases where Bartonella causes clinical disease, and strict flea and tick control is essential for prevention.

Question 25

What are the key risk factors for Bartonella bacteremia in cats?

Answer 25

Young age, flea infestation, outdoor lifestyle, and living in a multi-cat environment.

Question 26

What precautions should immunocompromised cat owners take to prevent Bartonella infection?

Answer 26

Adopt cats older than 1 year, avoid rough play, trim claws, clean wounds, and ensure strict flea control.

Question 27

What is the most effective preventive measure for Bartonella transmission?

Answer 27

Strict flea and tick control under veterinary supervision.