Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in cats. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.
BACKGROUND
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonises the respiratory tract of mammals and is considered to be a primary pathogen of domestic cats. It is sensible to consider B bronchiseptica as a rare cause of zoonotic infections. The bacterium is susceptible to common disinfectants.


BACKGROUND
The bacterium is shed in oral and nasal secretions of infected cats. Dogs with respiratory disease are an infection risk for cats. The microorganism colonises the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract of the host, establishing chronic infections.


METHODS
A wide range of respiratory signs has been associated with B bronchiseptica infection, from a mild illness with fever, coughing, sneezing, ocular discharge and lymphadenopathy to severe pneumonia with dyspnoea, cyanosis and death.


METHODS
Bacterial culture and PCR lack sensitivity. Samples for isolation can be obtained from the oropharynx (swabs) or via transtracheal wash/ bronchoalveolar lavage.


METHODS
Antibacterial therapy is indicated, even if the signs are mild. Where sensitivity data are unavailable, tetracyclines are recommended. Doxycycline is the antimicrobial of choice. Cats with severe B bronchiseptica infection require supportive therapy and intensive nursing care.


CONCLUSIONS
In some European countries an intranasal modified-live virus vaccine is available. The modified-live product is licensed for use as a single vaccination with annual boosters. Cats should not be routinely vaccinated against B bronchiseptica (non-core), since the infection generally causes only a mild disease.
Egberink
Herman
H
European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD). H.F.Egberink@uu.nl
Addie
Diane
D
Belák
Sándor
S
Boucraut-Baralon
Corine
C
Frymus
Tadeusz
T
Gruffydd-Jones
Tim
T
Hartmann
Katrin
K
Hosie
Margaret J
MJ
Lloret
Albert
A
Lutz
Hans
H
Marsilio
Fulvio
F
Pennisi
Maria Grazia
MG
Radford
Alan D
AD
Thiry
Etienne
E
Truyen
Uwe
U
Horzinek
Marian C
MC
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001885:Bordetella Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D016950:Bordetella bronchiseptica / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D002415:Cats; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission / Q000662:veterinary*; D012952:Societies; D014481:United States; D014611:Vaccination / Q000662:veterinary; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000592:standards*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines