Feline Infectious Disease Flashcards
Define zoonosis.
A disease that can be passed from animals to humans.
Define reverse zoonosis.
A disease that can be passed from humans to animals.
Define community-acquired disease.
A disease that is acquired in the community.
Define hospital-acquired (nosocomial) disease.
A disease that is acquired in hospital.
Define pathogen.
A disease-causing organism.
Define commensal.
An organism that inhabits a specific mucosal surface in the body and is a normal finding.
What are the 3 main shapes of bacteria?
Coccoid (spherical) e.g. Staphylococcus
Bacillus (rods) e.g. Escherichia coli
Spiral e.g. Leptospirosis
How do we diagnose bacteria?
Organism detection - microscopy and/or culture
Demonstration of antibody
How do we diagnose viruses?
Demonstration of virus (antigen or DNA) - may need special transport medium
Demonstration of antibody
How do we diagnose fungi?
Organism identification - microscopy, fungal culture, antigen, DNA
Demonstration of antibody
What are 3 examples of parasites?
Helminths (worms)
Protozoa
Ectoparasites (e.g. fleas)
How do we diagnose parasites?
Usually diagnose by identification of organism - microscopy/gross visualisation - antigen/DNA
In what ways are infectious diseases spread?
Hygiene in practice
Contamination of inanimate objects
Transmission between animals (grooming, fighting)
Blood transfusions/contact
Ectoparasite transmission
Aerosol transmission (sneezing, yawning etc.)
Vomiting/diarrhoea in environment
How long do cats have Feline Herpesvirus-1 and what triggers it later on?
Latent lifelong carriers
Stressful events = reactivation of shedding 4-12 days later, shed for ~1 weeks with/out clinical signs
How long is a cat infected with Feline Calicivirus?
Persists in oropharyngeal tissues for >1 month
‘Carrier state’ - in small % this may be lifelong
Continuous shedding during this time
May be asymptomatic
How is Feline Herpesvirus-1 spread?
Direct/indirect contact
Respiratory secretions - oculo-nasal discharge, saliva
How is Feline Calicivirus spread?
Direct/indirect contact
Respiratory secretions - oculo-nasal discharge, saliva
Urine / faeces
What is the incubation period of FHV-1/FCV?
Incubation period 2-6 days
Viral shedding from 1 day post-infection (BEFORE clinical signs)
What are the clinical signs of FHV-1/FCV?
2-6 days post-infection
Range from mild to severe/life-threatening (worse in kittens/immunocompromised patients)
Exacerbated by secondary opportunistic infections
Oral
Nasal
Ocular
Systemic
How do we diagnose feline upper respiratory tract infections?
Swabs (conjunctival, pharyngeal)
PCR - FCV, FHV-1, C. felis, B. bronchiseptica
Virus isolation - FVC/FHV-1, requires viral transport medium
Culture - C. felis, B. bronchiseptica
How do we treat feline URT infections?
Supportive - fluid therapy, nutrition
Specific meds - antivirals?, antibiotics for secondary infections, analgesia, appetite stimulants
What nursing care can we provide to feline URT infection patients?
Clean face - warm, wet, soft wipes
Barrier creams to prevent scald
Ocular lubricant
Nebulisation to loosen secretions
What nutritional considerations should we have for feline URT infection patients?
Correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances first (24-48hrs)
Oral preferable
Small volume, palatable, warm foods
Offer fresh 4-6x/day, remove if uneaten after 20-30 mins
Gentle handfeeding, owner engagement
Anti-emetics, appetite stimulants
Severe cases may need tube feeding
What specific drugs can we use for FHV-1 patients?
Antivirals, e.g. Famciclovir (oral) - clinical improvement and reduced shedding
Lysine (oral) - improves conjunctivitis and reduces shedding
What specific drugs can we use for FCV patients?
Recombinant feline interferon-omega (IFN-omega) - improves refractory stomatitis
How do we treat secondary bacterial infections in feline URT patients?
Ideally culture and sensitivity
Antibiotics - Doxycycline (C. felis and B. bronchiseptica) / Amoxycillin clavulanate
How can we manage FHV in the environment?
Survives 18hrs at room temperature
Inactivated by most disinfectants and drying
How do we manage FCV in the environment?
Greater environmental persistence, up to 1 month (longer in dry conditions)
Bleach (sodium hypochlorite), potassium peroxymonosulfate or accelerated hydrogen peroxide
Resistant to quaternary ammonium compound (routine disinfection)
How do we handle feline URT infection patients?
Isolation facilities
Barrier nurse - single staff member, handle last, disposable gloves/apron/over-shoes
Hygiene of hands and arms
What is the incubation period of Chlamydia felis?
2-5 days.
Describe the typical Chlamydia felis patient.
From a multi-cat household
Typically young cats (<1 year old)
What are the main clinical signs of Chlamydia felis?
Feline conjunctivitis (acute and chronic/recurrent)
+/- upper respiratory signs
Corneal ulceration rare
How do we diagnose Chlamydia felis?
PCR (conjunctival swabs)
How do we treat Chlamydia felis?
Oral doxycycline
For at least 4 weeks and at least 2 weeks beyond clinical resolution
Where is Bordetella bronchiseptica most prevalent and how do we treat the environment?
High density populations e.g. boarding kennels/catteries, shelters etc.
Highly contagious
Persists in environment for ~10 days
Susceptible to most disinfectants
What is the incubation period of Bordetella bronchiseptica?
2-10 days.
What are the clinical signs of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in cats?
Sneezing, mucoid/mucopurulent nasal discharge
Harsh cough
Kittens susceptible to bronchopneumonia
How do we diagnose Bordetella bronchiseptica in cats?
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Culture and sensitivity (may not grow readily)
PCR
How do we treat Bordetella bronchiseptica in cats?
When required = doxycycline (1-4 weeks)
How is FIV transmitted?
Bite wounds (saliva)
From mother -> 1/3rd of kittens
Infected blood products
Venereal rare
What does FeLV stand for>
What does FeLV stand for?
Feline Leukaemia Virus