What is chlamydiosis?
Chlamydiosis is a common infection caused by an intracellular bacterium (a bacterium that lives inside the host’s cells). The family Chlamydiae is now divided into two genera, Chlamydia and Chlamydophila. The genus Chlamydophila contains four species, C. pneumoniae, C. felis (formerly C. psittaci var felis), C. pecorum and C. trachomatis. C. felis is the causative in cats.
C. felis predominantly affects the conjunctiva (the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera), leading to conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva). Some cats may also develop upper respiratory symptoms.
Clinical signs
The eyes initially develop a watery discharge, as the infection progresses, the conjunctiva becomes reddened and swollen and the discharge becomes thicker. It may start with discharge from one eye but usually, spreads to both eyes. Symptoms usually appear around 5 days after exposure.
Mild upper respiratory symptoms such as low-grade fever, nasal discharge, and sneezing may also be present.
Some cats are asymptomatic, but can still infect other cats via bacteria shed in the ocular discharge.
The incubation period is between 3 to 10 days.
What does chlamydophilia do?
C. felis attaches to the mucosal cells of the conjunctiva, gastrointestinal and genital tracts. The eyes become red, inflamed and develop a discharge.
Chlamydiosis can also cause pneumonia in young kittens due to their immature immune systems.
Transmission
The primary mode of transmission is direct contact with the nasal or ocular discharges from an infected cat. Kittens may become infected during birth.
Indirect contact is unlikely as C. felis doesn’t survive well in the environment, however, it is always advisable to exercise caution when dealing with infected cats and practice routine hand washing and disinfecting to minimise the risks of infecting other cats.
Risk factors
Chlamydiosis can affect cats of all ages, however, it occurs most often in kittens between 5 and 9 months of age or cats in overcrowded or stressful environments such as animal shelters and breeding catteries.
Diagnosis
The veterinarian may be able to make a tentative diagnosis of chlamydia based on presenting symptoms. Up to 30% of cats with conjunctivitis are found to have chlamydia. A definitive diagnosis will require testing as several pathogens can produce similar symptoms.
There are several tests to diagnose chlamydia, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction), immunofluorescent assay (IFA) or bacterial culture.
Treatment
Antibiotic eye ointment (usually tetracycline), steroid-based antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline. Treatment will be necessary for up to four weeks. Remove discharge from the eyes with a warm, damp cloth. If the cat is not eating or drinking, nutritional support will be provided.
Disinfection
Fortunately, C. Felis does not remain active in the environment for long. The following disinfectants are effective.
- Bleach (sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite or sodium dichloroisocyanurate)
- Trifectant or Virkon-Potassium peroxomonosulfate
- Virox, Accel – Accelerated hydrogen peroxide
- Ethanol 70%
Prevention
Vaccination: There is a vaccination available for Chlamydophila felis. It can reduce the severity of symptoms but doesn’t prevent infection in the first place. A small percentage of cats can develop side effects such as lethargy, lameness, depression, loss of appetite and fever. Therefore the vaccine is only recommended for high-risk cats. The use of this vaccine and as such the American Association of Feline Practitioners don’t recommend the routine use of this vaccination.
Separate infected cats from healthy cats and practice safety protocols to reduce the risk of infection. Wash hands with soapy water for twenty seconds after contact with infected cats.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats give you chlamydia?
No, the pathogen responsible for chlamydia in cats is not transmissible to humans. Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for chlamydia in humans.
How long does cat chlamydia last?
Clinical signs can last for 2-3 weeks.
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