Herpesvirus, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma-Induced Conjunctivitis
Disease Description and Clinical Picture
Feline herpesvirus type 1, the causative agent of feline rhinotracheitis, has a tropism for the epithelium of the conjunctiva and respiratory tract, where it replicates and causes necrosis of the epithelium. The virus remains in a latent state in the nerve endings that innervate the eye and periocular structures throughout the patient's lifetime. The disease is most commonly transmitted from animal to animal through airborne routes. The most susceptible are young kittens first exposed to the virus, and their clinical picture includes elevated temperature, lethargy, loss of appetite, sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge in addition to ocular symptoms of herpesviral infection. The disease is often complicated by secondary infections with other viruses (Calicivirus), bacteria (Bordetella), chlamydia (Chlamydophila felis), and mycoplasma (Mycoplasma sp). Once an animal is infected, it remains a lifelong carrier of the virus, leading to so-called latent infection. Recurrence of the disease can occur when immunity drops for any reason, most commonly due to stress, other illnesses, or immunosuppressive therapy. In adult cats, recurrent episodes of herpesviral infection mostly present with conjunctivitis and sporadic keratitis as the only symptoms. Then, hyperemia and swelling of the conjunctiva, blepharospasm, and ocular discharge, which can be serous, mucous, or mucopurulent, occur.
 
Therapy
Serological tests are used for diagnosis, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR test) is particularly reliable. Both local and systemic antiviral drugs are used for treatment. Cat owners with pets having latent herpesvirus infection are advised to avoid stressful situations for their animals.
 
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