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Defining and Diagnosing Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis
1Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia.
Abstract:
Pinkeye and infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) are imprecise terms that describe diverse ocular diseases. Moraxella bovis is the major causative agent of IBK; however, disease epidemiology is not fully known. Not all cases referred to as pinkeye are of infectious origin, and not all IBK involve M bovis. This article suggests the term pinkeye should no longer be used, offers a case definition for IBK (a herd disease), and suggests describing ocular signs of IBK using existing clinical descriptors rather than resorting to novel scores. A new term "ocular moraxellosis" is defined as IBK from which Moraxella spp are demonstrated.
Insights
The term "pinkeye" is imprecise for diverse bovine eye diseases. This study proposes a new definition for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) and introduces "ocular moraxellosis" for IBK caused by Moraxella species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Bovine Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Pinkeye and infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) are commonly used terms for bovine eye conditions.
- The epidemiology and causative agents of IBK are not fully understood, leading to diagnostic challenges.
- Current terminology lacks precision, encompassing non-infectious conditions and IBK cases not involving Moraxella bovis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the imprecision of the term "pinkeye" in veterinary diagnostics.
- To propose a standardized case definition for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) as a herd-level disease.
- To introduce a new, specific term, "ocular moraxellosis," for IBK cases confirmed to be caused by Moraxella species.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing diagnostic criteria for bovine ocular diseases.
- Development of a proposed case definition for IBK based on epidemiological and etiological considerations.
- Definition of "ocular moraxellosis" based on the confirmed presence of Moraxella species.
Main Results:
- The term "pinkeye" is deemed too broad and should be abandoned in favor of more precise terminology.
- A case definition for IBK is proposed, emphasizing its nature as a herd disease.
- The term "ocular moraxellosis" is defined for IBK cases where Moraxella spp. are identified.
Conclusions:
- Standardizing terminology is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of bovine eye diseases.
- A clear case definition for IBK will improve epidemiological studies and control strategies.
- The introduction of "ocular moraxellosis" allows for specific identification of bacterial-induced IBK, aiding targeted treatment and research.
