DM2 Pt2-4 Other Bacteria Flashcards
What is the clinical significance of Campylobacter in cats?
Most Campylobacter infections are asymptomatic, and clinical disease is usually limited to young, parasitized, or immunocompromised animals.
Why is treatment of asymptomatic Campylobacter infections not recommended?
Treatment can induce a carrier state and increase zoonotic risk, as well as promote antibiotic resistance.
What is the recommended treatment for Campylobacter infections when needed?
Erythromycin is the drug of choice, but fluoroquinolones like marbofloxacin or clindamycin may be used if erythromycin causes vomiting.
What percentage of healthy cats carry Salmonella?
18% of healthy cats carry Salmonella asymptomatically.
When are antibiotics contraindicated in Salmonella infections in cats?
Antibiotics are contraindicated in asymptomatic cats or those with diarrhoea without evidence of bacteremia.
What type of antibiotic is recommended for Salmonella infections with severe symptoms?
Parenteral fluoroquinolones are recommended in cases of severe haemorrhagic diarrhoea or bacteremia.
What is controversial about Clostridium infections in cats?
Enterotoxin-producing C. perfringens has been linked to both acute and chronic diarrhoea, but enterotoxins are also found in healthy animals.
What is the recommended treatment for Clostridium infections in cats?
Metronidazole is used when Clostridium is isolated.
What role does Escherichia coli play in feline diarrhoea?
Some strains of E. coli cause acute or chronic diarrhoea, but identifying pathogenic strains requires specialised assays.
Where is Pasteurella multocida commonly found in cats?
Pasteurella multocida is part of the natural flora in the cat’s nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract.
What are the common infections caused by Pasteurella in cats?
Pasteurella is commonly found in subcutaneous abscesses, pyothorax, and secondary lower respiratory infections.
How can Pasteurella multocida infect humans?
Pasteurella can infect humans through cat bites, scratches, or respiratory secretions from cats.
What are the signs of Pasteurella infection in humans after a cat bite?
Signs of local infection typically appear within 3–6 hours after a cat bite.
What is the zoonotic risk associated with Pasteurella for immunocompromised people?
Immunocompromised people are at higher risk of severe disease or fatal outcomes from Pasteurella infection after cat bites or scratches.
What is the most common Bartonella species worldwide in cats?
Bartonella henselae is the most common Bartonella species worldwide.
How is Bartonella henselae transmitted among cats?
It is transmitted by the flea Ctenocephalides felis or by flea feces.
What is the common mode of Bartonella transmission to humans?
Cat scratches are the common mode of transmission to humans, causing cat scratch disease.
What is the main clinical presentation of cat scratch disease in humans?
Cat scratch disease presents as self-limiting regional lymphadenopathy.
What severe diseases can Bartonella henselae cause in immunocompromised people?
It can cause potentially fatal disorders in immunocompromised individuals.
Do most cats show clinical signs when infected with Bartonella henselae?
No, most cats naturally infected do not show clinical signs, though sporadic cardiac or ocular signs may occur.
What other clinical conditions have been reported in cats with Bartonella vinsonii infection?
Lameness due to recurrent osteomyelitis and polyarthritis has been reported.
What is the gold standard for diagnosing Bartonella infection?
Isolation of the bacterium is the gold standard for diagnosis.
Why is a positive Bartonella culture not confirmatory in cats?
Due to the high prevalence of infection in healthy cats in endemic areas, a positive culture is not confirmatory.
How is Bartonella disease managed in cats?
Treatment is recommended only in rare cases where Bartonella causes clinical disease, and strict flea and tick control is essential for prevention.
What are the key risk factors for Bartonella bacteremia in cats?
Young age, flea infestation, outdoor lifestyle, and living in a multi-cat environment.
What precautions should immunocompromised cat owners take to prevent Bartonella infection?
Adopt cats older than 1 year, avoid rough play, trim claws, clean wounds, and ensure strict flea control.
What is the most effective preventive measure for Bartonella transmission?
Strict flea and tick control under veterinary supervision.
