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.