D307 - Bordetella bronchiseptica

Description:

Bordetella bronchiseptica is an aerobic, gram-negative coccobacillus that is a well-known respiratory pathogen in dogs, swine and rodents. In the past, Bordetella bronchiseptica was thought to play only a secondary role in feline respiratory disease, but its status in the syndrome is currently being re-evaluated. The majority of Bordetella bronchiseptica isolations were originally associated with cases of bronchopneumonia in laboratory-kept cats, often housed under overcrowded conditions, whose virologic status was unclear.
In experimental studies in cats in which Bordetella bronchiseptica is known to be the sole pathogen, the main clinical signs are pyrexia, sneezing, nasal discharge, submandibular lymphadenomegaly, and rales on auscultation. Signs generally resolve after about 10 days. In the field, Bordetella bronchiseptica infection has been associated with cases of bronchopneumonia, especially in younger cats. Signs included dyspnea and cyanosis, and in such cases mortality is fairly high.

Diagnosis:

For diagnosis of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection, oropharyngeal or nasal swabs should be taken for PCR assay. Positive DNA test result conforms active infection.

Sample:

Oropharyngeal or nasal swabs.

Special Handling:

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

Test Code:

D307

1. Welsh RD (1997) Bordetella bronchiseptica infections in cats. J. Am. Anim. Hosp. Assoc. 32:153-158.
2. Gueirard et al. (1995) Human Bordetella bronchiseptica infection related to contact with infected animals: persistence of bacteria in host. J. Clin. Microbiol. 33 :2002-2006.