Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a key distinguishing feature of Chlamydiae compared to Rickettsiae?
What is a key distinguishing feature of Chlamydiae compared to Rickettsiae?
Which gene has shown high conservation among different isolates of C. felis?
Which gene has shown high conservation among different isolates of C. felis?
What is the proper order of the chlamydial developmental cycle phases?
What is the proper order of the chlamydial developmental cycle phases?
Which of the following statements regarding the survival of chlamydial elementary bodies is true?
Which of the following statements regarding the survival of chlamydial elementary bodies is true?
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Based on recent analyses, how many groups can Chlamydiae be divided into?
Based on recent analyses, how many groups can Chlamydiae be divided into?
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What was the significance of isolating Chlamydophila felis in 1942?
What was the significance of isolating Chlamydophila felis in 1942?
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How is Chlamydia trachomatis primarily spread among humans?
How is Chlamydia trachomatis primarily spread among humans?
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What role do serological studies play in understanding Chlamydophila felis?
What role do serological studies play in understanding Chlamydophila felis?
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Which Chlamydia species is primarily associated with pneumonia in humans?
Which Chlamydia species is primarily associated with pneumonia in humans?
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What type of bacteria are chlamydiae, and how do they differ from viruses?
What type of bacteria are chlamydiae, and how do they differ from viruses?
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Study Notes
Chlamydophila felis Overview
- First isolated in 1942 from cats with respiratory disease, initially believed to be a major cause of feline upper respiratory tract disease (URTD).
- Its significance decreased with the discovery of feline calicivirus (FCV) and herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1).
- Later studies reaffirmed its role as a conjunctival pathogen, with potential links to additional clinical signs like vaginal discharge.
Aetiology
- Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacteria capable of binary fission.
- Possess both DNA and RNA, lacking cytochrome systems, and unable to synthesize ATP and GTP.
- Characterized by similar cell wall structures to Gram-negative bacteria, with highly conserved genomes among various strains of C.felis.
Developmental Cycle
- Chlamydiae undergo a developmental cycle featuring infectious elementary bodies (EBs) and metabolically active reticulate bodies (RBs).
- EBs are extracellular (0.3 µm), while RBs are intracellular (0.5–1.5 µm) and responsible for binary division.
- Cycle duration varies from 48 to 72 hours, after which EBs are released to infect new host cells.
Pathogenesis
- C.felis shows a strong predilection for conjunctival epithelial cells and can persist in host tissues.
- Transmission likely occurs through close contact, aerosol exposure, and fomites; mutual grooming may accelerate spread.
- Affected cats may experience mild pulmonary lesions; concurrent infections with FCV or FHV-1 can complicate disease progression.
Clinical Signs
- Primarily manifests as conjunctivitis, with potential for acute to chronic symptoms including blepharospasm, chemosis, and ocular discharge.
- Mild respiratory symptoms such as nasal discharge and sneezing may occur, but significant respiratory disease is rare.
- Conjunctivitis can last several months, with variable durations of conjunctival shedding.
Persistent Infections
- Some cats may harbor persistent chlamydiae, contributing to a chronic course of disease; atypical RBs may be found in joint tissues.
- Documented cases of prolonged shedding despite apparent recovery, suggesting the presence of persistent infections.
- Other pathogens may worsen the severity of chlamydial infections, complicating clinical presentations.
Corneal Involvement
- C.felis infection is not typically associated with corneal damage, although rare cases of punctate keratitis and scarring have been reported.
- The presence of concurrent infections, especially with FCV or FHV-1, may be a contributing factor to corneal disease.
- Dual infections with other microorganisms can influence the extent and severity of ocular manifestations.
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Description
This quiz covers the key aspects of Chlamydophila felis and its impact on feline respiratory diseases. It also touches upon the history of C. felis and comparative infections in other species. Test your understanding of these important bacterial infections in cats.
