Astéria Rhinitis Panel

Astéria Herpes, Calicivirus, Chlamydia felis

The feline herpes virus (FHV) belongs to the order Herpesvirales, family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, genus Varicellovirus. The virus enters via the nasal, oral or conjunctival route. It causes an infection that lyses the nasal epithelium and then spreads to the pharynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles. During infection, the virus can travel along the nerves and reach neurons, particularly the trigeminal ganglion, which is the main site of latency. The disease can take several forms:

As this condition is transmissible between cats, isolating and identifying affected animals is essential to limit the spread of the disease.

Symptoms

Main clinical signs

Feline coryza syndrome is common in cats, especially those living in groups. Most often, this condition is caused by a viral infection due to a herpesvirus, a calicivirus or a bacterium such as Chlamydia felis. The most common clinical signs are hyperthermia, sneezing, nasal and ocular discharge and sometimes ulcers inside the mouth.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) belongs to the genus Vesivirus. Many infected cats show no clinical signs. However, these cats may remain persistently infected with FCV (healthy carriers). The most characteristic clinical sign is an oral ulcer. Ocular and nasal problems (sneezing, rhinitis, conjunctivitis) may also occur.

Clinical signs resulting from uncomplicated calicivirosis may also result from infection with another infectious agent, particularly feline herpesvirus but also Chlamydia felis or Bordetella bronchiseptica. Feline calicivirus may also cause a haemorrhagic form; virulent strains lead to a high mortality rate, with clinical signs such as fevers that do not respond to antibiotics, oral cavity ulcers, oedema of the head, and skin ulceration.

Chlamydia felis (formerly Chlamydophila felis and Chlamydia psittaci var. felis) is an intracellular bacterium belonging to the order Chlamydiales, family Chlamydiaceae, genus Chlamydia. This bacterium targets feline conjunctival epithelial cells, causes purulent conjunctivitis and persists for several months in tissue. The most common clinical signs are unilateral ocular disease, which usually progresses to become bilateral, intense conjunctivitis with hyperaemia of the nictitating membrane, blepharospasm and ocular discomfort. Transient fever, inappetence and weight loss may occur shortly after infection. Infection is more common in groups of cats, especially in breeding catteries, so prevalence may be higher in pedigree cats.

Clinical forms

• Classic acute form: respiratory problems (sneezing, coughing…).
• Atypical acute form: dermatitis and pneumonia, nasal and facial ulcers, cough.
• Chronic form: chronic rhinitis, corneal oedema, respiratory problems.

Advantages

Key benefits

Astéria Coryza tests are next-generation molecular tests that enable simple, reliable and rapid detection and differentiation of the pathogen, making it possible to isolate and treat the affected animal even before the first clinical signs appear.

Unlike conventional PCR reactions, Astéria tests are carried out in only a few steps on a portable, easy-to-use reading system. Results can therefore be obtained in under 40 minutes, at the clinic or in the field.

Indications

Recommended use

Tests are intended for in vitro diagnostic use by veterinarians in accordance with the user guides, manuals and technical specifications.