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Prevalence, risk factors and genetic diversity of Chlamydia felis in cats

Monika Szymańska-Czerwińska1,2, Kinga Zaręba-Marchewka1, Michał Woś3

  • 1Department of Bacteriology and Animal Bacterial Diseases, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.

Journal of Veterinary Research
|January 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

This study found Chlamydia felis infection in cats is linked to young age, ocular signs, and specific breeds like British Shorthair. The pathogen shows high genetic stability globally.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Feline Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Chlamydia felis is a primary chlamydial pathogen in cats, causing conjunctivitis and respiratory issues.
  • Understanding its prevalence and risk factors is crucial for feline health management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Chlamydiaceae and Chlamydia felis in cats.
  • To identify risk factors and predictors associated with Chlamydia felis infection.
  • To analyze the genetic diversity of Chlamydia felis using ompA sequencing.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time PCR assays were used on conjunctival swabs from 156 cats.
  • Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were employed to evaluate risk factors.
  • Partial ompA gene sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis.

Main Results:

  • Chlamydiaceae DNA, identified as Chlamydia felis, was detected in 7.7% of cats.
  • Younger age and the presence of ocular signs were significant risk factors for infection.
  • British Shorthair/Longhair cats showed higher odds of infection compared to European Shorthair cats.
  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed high genome conservation (99.7-100%) of the ompA gene.

Conclusions:

  • Chlamydia felis infection in Poland primarily affects young, purebred cats with conjunctivitis.
  • The genetic stability of ompA suggests a globally homogeneous Chlamydia felis population.
  • This study provides updated molecular data on feline Chlamydia felis in Poland.
Abstract

Keywords:
Chlamydia feliscatchlamydiosisreal-time PCRrisk factors

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