What is Feline Bordetella

Feline Bordetella is primarily caused by the bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica. It is a respiratory disease in cats, though it's worth noting that the same bacteria can also infect dogs and other animals, such as rabbits. Bordetella bronchiseptica is related to, but different from, Bordetella pertussis, which causes whooping cough in humans.

Transmission:

1. • Direct contact: Cats can contract the disease by coming into direct contact with an infected animal. Close quarters, such as in boarding facilities, shelters, and multi-pet households, can increase the risk.

   • Airborne droplets: Coughing or sneezing can release the bacteria into the air, and other cats can inhale these droplets.

   • Contaminated surfaces: The bacteria can survive on surfaces for a short period. If a cat comes into contact with these surfaces, they can become infected.

Symptoms:

1. • Coughing: This is the most common symptom.

   • Sneezing

   • Nasal discharge

   • Fever

   • Lethargy

   • Reduced appetite

   • In severe cases or if left untreated, it can lead to pneumonia.

Treatment Options:

1. • Antibiotics: As Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium, antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin are commonly prescribed to treat infected cats. Always follow a veterinarian's prescription and dosage recommendations.

   • Supportive Care: Depending on the severity of the symptoms, supportive care such as fluids, nutritional support, or even hospitalization might be necessary.

   • Prevention: Vaccination can help reduce the severity of symptoms if a cat does get infected. Additionally, good hygiene and limiting exposure to infected animals are key to prevention.

Genetic Variants:

As with many bacteria, Bordetella bronchiseptica can have genetic variants. These genetic differences can influence things like virulence, susceptibility to certain antibiotics, or even which species of animals they primarily infect. However, the main focus in clinical settings is on treating the infection rather than on which particular genetic strain a cat might have. Further research or consultation with a veterinarian would be required to get updated and detailed information on prevalent genetic variants in 2023 or beyond.

As always, if a pet is showing symptoms of illness, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

What is Bordetella bronchiseptica

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that is part of the Bordetellaceae family. 

1. Host Range:

   • Bordetella bronchiseptica primarily infects dogs, leading to canine infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel cough.

   • It also affects other animals, including cats (as previously discussed), pigs, and rabbits.

   • While it's primarily an animal pathogen, there are rare instances where it can infect immunocompromised humans.

2. Pathogenicity:

   • It is one of the causative agents of kennel cough in dogs. The bacterium attaches to the cilia of the respiratory epithelial cells and releases toxins that paralyze and destroy the cilia. This leads to inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.

   • In cats, it can cause upper respiratory disease, similar in presentation to the more commonly known feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus infections.

3. Environmental Factors:

   • Bordetella bronchiseptica is sensitive to many common disinfectants and doesn't survive long outside its host. Hence, regular cleaning can help reduce the risk of transmission.

4. Significance in Other Animals:

   • In swine, Bordetella bronchiseptica can cause atrophic rhinitis, a disease that affects the nasal bones.

Given its potential to cause disease in various animals and the occasional risk to immunocompromised humans, it's essential to understand and manage Bordetella bronchiseptica, especially in environments where animals are housed in close quarters.