PCR CONFIRMATION OF CHLAMYDOPHILA FELIS FROM NASAL AND CONJUNCTIVAL SWAB SAMPLES OF A DOMESTIC CAT IN CROATIA

Until now there is no evidence that chlamydiosis does exist among cats in the Republic of Croatia regardless of the fact that feline chlamydiosis is a worldwide disease. This report describes the clinical examination of a one year old cat with bilateral conjunctivitis, as well as the diagnostic methods used to confirm infection with Chlamydophila (Cp.) felis. We have used rapid enzyme immunoassay test (EIA) for antigen detection, in order to examine the swabs taken from the eyes and nostrils. The positive result was confirmed by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) made on scrapings from cat’s conjunctivas. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) made on swabs taken from catʹs conjunctivas and nostrils and sequencing the PCR product was used to confirmed infection of cat precisely with Chlamydophila felis. No increase of IgG antibodies against chlamydias was noted using indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) method.