Occurrence of Chlamydophila felis, feline herpesvirus 1 and calcivirus in domestic cats of Iran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus and Chlamydophila felis are the main causes of feline upper respiratory tract disease. This study was conducted to identify of FeHV-1, FCV and C. felis infections in domestic cat population and also to estimate the prevalence of each specific infection in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS The ocular conjunctiva and oropharyngeal specimens obtained from 80 cats were examined using PCR and reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS FeHV-1 was detected in 23 (28.8%), FCV in 2 (2.5%) and C. felis in 16 (20%) cats. Twelve cats(15%) had co-infection with 2 or 3 of the mentioned pathogens. Ocular lesions were the most common clinical signs in the FeHV-1 and C. felis infections whereas respiratory lesions were more observed with the FCV infections. It seems that there is an age-related tendency in the infected cats, meaning that the age of the C. felis positive cats was less than those with FeHV-1 and FCV infections. CONCLUSION These results confirm the presence and show the prevalence of three major pathogens associated with upper respiratory tract disease for the first time in Iran.