Five Pathogens That Are Responsible For URI

Feline upper respiratory infection (URI), also known as feline infectious respiratory disease or feline upper respiratory disease complex (URD), refers to a respiratory illness in cats caused by one or more viral or bacterial pathogens. The most common viral culprits are feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Among bacteria and other agents, Bordetella bronchiseptica (B. bronchiseptica), Chlamydophila felis (C. felis), and Mycoplasma felis (M. felis) are the primary causes. Together, FHV-1 and FCV account for roughly 80-90% of all feline upper respiratory infections. The rate of co- infections can be as high as 30%-36%.

Similar Symptoms

A typical upper respiratory infection affects nose and throat, leading to similar symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and conjunctivitis, as well as discharge from the nose or eyes. This discharge can be clear or purulent (cloudy and pus-filled). In cases of FHV-1 and FCV, cats may develop face and mouth ulcers. Other less specific symptoms may include loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, swollen lymph nodes. In severe instances, the cat may experience difficulty breathing and develop pneumonia.

Pathogens Transmission

•Objects that have been contaminated with infectious secretion, such as food, water bowls, litter, bedding et, al.;

•Aerosol transmission;

•Most of the pathogens do not survive on the environment for very long;

•Cats with weaker immune system are more susceptible;

•Female carriers can transmit the infection to their newborn kittens;

•Turn into asymptomatic carriers, and secretly infect other cats;

Diagnosis of URI

1. Viral/Bacterial Culture

Samples from the throat, nose, or conjunctiva can be collected, or tissue samples (such as tonsil biopsies or mucosal scrapings) can be obtained for viral isolation and culture. A transtracheal wash procedure can also collect pathogens by passing sterile fluid through the lung. Viral/bacterial culture are highly accurate but time-consuming and expensive. It is suitable for in-depth investigations of the disease.

2. Antigen and Antibody Testing

After pathogens enter the body, they can trigger an immune response. Techniques such as the immune fluorescence method or colloidal gold method are utilized to detect antigens and antibodies. Although antigen and antibody testing is quick and cost-effective, it can only be used once an immune response has been mounted, making it unsuitable for early disease diagnosis.

3. PCR Testing

If the upper respiratory infection is severe, complicated, and not responding to standard treatments, a sensitivity PCR test is suggested to identify the pathogen and establish effective treatment plan. In this process, swabs from the throat, nose, or conjunctiva are taken to collect pathogens, which are then sent to a laboratory for PCR testing to detect any viral pathogens present. PCR is the mainstream testing method that is sensitive and accurate, allowing for more precise pathogen identification and earlier disease diagnosis.

*Blood work is recommended for rule out concurrent infections, such as Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

Nous 30V, Your Little Diagnostic Helper

Nous 30V is Pawnovo’s one-stop solution for point-of-care testing (POCT) in pet hospitals and clinics. The analyzer combines magnetic-bead based nucleic acid extraction and qPCR technologies to provide rapid results. The nucleic acid extraction, washing, and amplification processes are carried out in a closed system, ensuring isolation from the external environment. Prefilled extraction reagents and lyophilized PCR mix allow room temperature transportation and storage.

Pawnovo has launched a Feline Respiratory 5 Plex Nucleic Acid Test Kit for feline respiratory infections, capable of simultaneously detecting five common respiratory pathogens (FHV-1,  FCV, B. bronchiseptica, C. felis, M. felis). The entire procedure requires only one minute of hands-on time, with results available in 40 minutes, making it fast, efficient, and precise.

Learn more about Nous 30V