A1062 - Chlamydophila felis

Description:

The conjunctival epithelium (the lining of the conjunctiva in the eye) appears to be the chief target for Chlamydophila felis infection. The organisms replicate in the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells, eventually causing the cell to rupture, liberating infectious elementary bodies that can then go on to infect other epithelial cells. Though adult cats can be infected, the disease is seen most frequently in kittens and young cats. Kittens are most commonly affected at 5-12 weeks and may have recurrent episodes of conjunctivitis. The incubation period is 4-10 days. In the early stages of the disease there is a marked serious ocular discharge (watery eye), blepharospasm (blinking) and the conjunctivae are reddened and swollen (chemotic). Initially only one eye may be affected, but both eyes eventually become involved 5-12 days after signs are first noticed. As the disease progresses the conjunctivae become more reddened (hyperaemic), due to extra blood in the conjunctival blood vessels. The ocular discharge often becomes mucopurulent (pus-like) as secondary bacterial invaders become involved. When this occurs the surface of the eye (cornea) may become damaged. Mild nasal discharge and sneezing are occasionally seen. There may be mild fever for several days during the initial stages of the disease, but affected cats usually continue to eat and are generally well apart from the conjunctival discomfort. Conjunctivitis may persist for 6 weeks or longer, and chlamydia has been isolated from the conjunctiva in excess of 8 months following infection. Most cats eventually recover, but the possibility of a `carrier' state is still being investigated. There appears to be only partial immunity to co-infection and recurrent episodes may occur. Respiratory viruses have been isolated in conjunction with Chlamydophila felis infection and may aggravate the conjunctivitis. It is likely that the early reports of pneumonitis and severe upper respiratory tract disease, attributed to Chlamydia species were due to re-infection with these viruses. Recently it has become apparent that C. psittaci may also infect the genital tract of cats. It has been isolated from the vaginal tract of queens. Reproductive failure has been noted in colonies where C. psittaci is endemic, although a direct causal relationship has not yet been established. Chlamydia infection has also been recorded in the gastric mucosa (lining of the stomach) of cats, but the clinical significance of this is unknown.

Diagnosis:

An ELISA test developed to look for Chlamydial infection in people can be used to look for chlamydial bodies inside the cell. The ELISA test can be carried out on a conjunctival swab or scraping. Transport time is of less concern as the test will identify the Chlamydia alive or dead. False positive results do occur. PCR test is a definitive diagnosis and used to detect Chlamydophila felis in conjunctival swabs from infected cats.

Sample:

1. Whole blood (2 ml) in a lavender top (EDTA) tube.
2. Conjunctival swab.

Special Handling:

Store sample at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

A1062