Prevalence and risk factors for common respiratory pathogens within a cohort of pet cats in the UK

ObjectivesFeline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and Chlamydia felis are common causes of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in cats. Their prevalence in the UK pet cat population has not been reported and little is known regarding the risk factors for their oral carriage. MethodsTotal nucleic acid was extracted from owner-collected buccal swabs (n=600) from cats enrolled in a self-selected longitudinal cohort study. Duplex quantitative PCRs for the detection of FHV and C. felis genomic DNA and reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCRs for the detection of FCV genomic RNA were performed. Duplicates, swabs with insufficient host DNA/RNA, and cats with missing data were excluded. Selected epidemiological data were interrogated using univariable and multi-variable logistic regression modelling to identify risk factors. ResultsData from 430 cats were included in the final statistical model. Of these, 2.1% (n=9/430; 95% CI 1.0% to 3.9%) were positive for FHV, 13.3% (n=57/430; 95% CI 10.2% to 16.8%) positive for FCV and 1.2% (n=5/430; 95% CI 0.4% to 2.7%) positive for C. felis. FCV co-infection was present in five (44%) FHV-positive cats and three (60%) C. felis-positive cats. FCV carriage was more frequent in purebred cats (odds ratio 2.48; 95% CI 1.37 to 4.49) and in cats with current or historical clinical signs compatible with URTD (odds ratio 2.98; 95% CI 1.22 to 7.27). Clinical SignificanceFCV was the most frequently encountered URTD pathogen in this sample of cats; this should be noted for disinfectant choice. In cats suspected of having FHV or C. felis infection, assessment for co-infection with FCV is recommended.

Automated summary

This study investigates the common causes of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in cats in the UK pet cat population and the risk factors for their oral carriage. The results showed that out of 430 cats, 9 (2.1%) were positive for feline herpesvirus (FHV), 57 (13.3%) were positive for feline calicivirus (FCV), and 5 (1.2%) were positive for Chlamydia felis. FCV was the most frequently encountered URTD pathogen in this sample of cats, highlighting the importance of appropriate disinfectant choice. Assessment for co-infection with FCV is recommended in cats suspected of having FHV or C. felis infection.