Nocardiosis is not an uncommon bacterial disease in cats, caused by a genus of weakly-staining Gram-positive, catalase-positive, rod-shaped bacteria found worldwide in soil that is rich with organic matter. Most Nocardia infections are acquired by inhalation of the bacteria or through traumatic introduction. Although serological tests can be run to determine strain identities, the generic name is […]

Vaginitis, defined as an inflammatory disease of the vagina, occurs commonly in cats secondary to bacterial infections such as Chlamydia spp and Citrobacter spp infection, traumatic matings and foreign bodies[1] and pyometron. In addition, some generalized dermatoses can affect the vagina, including desquamative inflammatory vaginitis and atrophic vaginitis[2]. Ascending infections from the vagina can lead […]

Chlamydiosis, cause by Chlamydophila felis, is a common bacterial disease of cats which causes upper respiratory tract disease, conjunctivitis and pneumonia[1]. Because the symptoms of chlamydiosis in cats primarily involves upper respiratory tract disease, it needs to be distinguished form Cat Flu, which has similar presenting symptoms. C. felis was first isolated from the lung […]

Mycoplasma haemofelis (previously known as Haemobartonella felis) is an epierythrocytic haemoplasma (to which Ehrlichia spp and Anasplasma spp belong) responsible for Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA)[1]. Four different species of feline mycoplasma have been characterised. Theses species were previously classified as rickettsial organisms due to their obligate parasitism, small size, erythrocyte tropism and suspected arthropod transmission. However, recent molecular sequencing and phylogeny data have […]

Salpingitis, defined as inflammation of the uterine tube is often associated with endometritis or pyometra, and probably occurs more commonly than is reported as a cause of breeding problems in female cats[1]. Because it is assumed to be an ascending infection, the agents are probably the same as those causing endometritis, but studies are lacking. Anecdotal evidence of Citrobacter […]

Citrobacter spp are Gram-negative enteric coliform bacteria that can cause vaginitis and salpingitis in the cat[1]. C. freundii and C diversus are enterobacteria commonly isolated from soil, water, sewage, and food as well as from different organs of diseased and healthy animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in which it is considered to be an opportunistic or secondary pathogen[2]. In humans, this […]

Bacterial diseases affect all animals and cats are no less immune or unique to their onslaught. They can cause varying ranges of illness in cats from mild dermatitis to sepsis and death. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be based on isolation and culture and sensitivity of causative bacteria. Common bacterial diseases in cats include: Actinobacillus spp – gingivitis and respiratory infections […]

Research on Wolbachia has caused a paradigm shift in the understanding of etiology, pathogenicity and treatment for feline heartworm disease. Wolbachia are a Gram-negative proteobacteria (haemoplasmas) commonly found in the reproductive tract of insects and worms. Closely related to Ehrlichia spp and Anaplasma spp, they are mainly known for disrupting the reproductive biology of their […]