Chlamydophila felis infection in cats - clinical cases

Cats, infected with Chlamydophila felis, formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci, can present many different clinical signs. The study included eleven domestic shorthaired cats presented at our clinic between 2003 and 2005. The physical examination and hematology was performed in all patients, thoracic radiographs in two cats and FeLV/ FIV test was performed in 5 of 11 cats. Clearview Chlamydia MF test (11/11) and Chlamydia Direct IF test (5/11) were performed in oropharyngeal swabs. Specific antibodies against Cp. felis were determined in serum or plasma of 5 cats using indirect immunofluorescence test. Most of them (9/11) were presented with mild clinical signs (conjunctivitis (4/11), acute nasal discharge (3/11), intermittent chronic recurrent nasal discharge (3/11), coughing (2/11)) and without any changes in hematology. Two cats were presented with acute and severe clinical signs of lower respiratory tract involvement and systemic signs of infection, marked changes on thoracic radiographs and elevated WBC count. Based on our study we conclude, that Chlamydia sp. can be considered primary or secondary pathogen, which can potentially cause severe signs of respiratory tract infection in cats, especially in younger animals. The infection in cats could be successfully treated using doxycycline. The results using different laboratory tests confirmed the possible infection with Cp. felis. It is not excluded that possible cross-reaction between different chlamydial antigen can occur.