International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 219-226 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 223 bacterial infections can exacerbate inflammation, leading to further health complications (Brown et al., 2021). Chronic inflammation not only affects the immediate health of cats but can also have long-term impacts on their overall well-being and quality of life. In summary, subclinical bacterial infections in cats can lead to immune suppression, increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune reactions, and chronic inflammation. These immune dysregulations have significant implications for feline health, potentially leading to chronic diseases and reduced quality of life. 6 Diagnostic Approaches to Subclinical Infections in Cats 6.1 Techniques for identifying subclinical bacterial infections Identifying subclinical bacterial infections in cats can be challenging due to the absence of overt clinical symptoms. Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on the isolation of pathogens from biological samples, such as blood, urine, or tissue cultures (Woodhouse et al., 2024). However, these methods may not always detect subclinical infections due to low pathogen loads or intermittent shedding. Advanced techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have been employed to enhance detection sensitivity by amplifying bacterial DNA from samples, allowing for the identification of specific bacterial species even in low concentrations (Zottler et al., 2017; Maekawa et al., 2019). 6.2 Advancements in serological and molecular diagnostics Recent advancements in serological and molecular diagnostics have significantly improved the detection of subclinical infections in cats. Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), have been developed to detect specific antibodies against pathogens, providing a non-invasive and efficient diagnostic tool. For instance, the detection of antibodies against the lung nematode Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats using ELISA has shown high sensitivity and specificity, making it a reliable method for diagnosing subclinical infections (Zottler et al., 2017). Molecular diagnostics, including next-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR, offer precise identification and quantification of bacterial pathogens, further enhancing diagnostic accuracy (Mesa-Sanchez et al., 2020). 6.3 Limitations and challenges in detecting subclinical infections Despite these advancements, several limitations and challenges remain in detecting subclinical infections in cats. One major challenge is the potential for cross-reactivity in serological tests, which can lead to false-positive results, as seen in cases where antibodies against other nematodes were detected in cats tested for A. abstrusus. Additionally, the variability in immune responses among individual cats can affect the reliability of serological assays. Molecular diagnostics, while highly sensitive, can be limited by the availability of specific primers and the need for specialized equipment and expertise. Furthermore, the interpretation of results can be complicated by the presence of commensal bacteria or transient infections that do not necessarily indicate a subclinical disease state (Zottler et al., 2017; Sierra et al., 2020). In summary, while significant progress has been made in the diagnostic approaches for subclinical bacterial infections in cats, ongoing research and development are needed to address the existing limitations and improve the accuracy and reliability of these diagnostic tools. 7 Therapeutic Strategies for Managing Subclinical Bacterial Infections 7.1 Antibiotic use and resistance in subclinical infections The use of antibiotics in managing subclinical bacterial infections in cats is a double-edged sword. While antibiotics can effectively reduce bacterial load and prevent the progression of infections, their overuse or misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. This resistance complicates future treatment efforts and poses a significant challenge in veterinary medicine. The development of resistance is particularly concerning in subclinical infections, where symptoms are not overt, leading to potential underestimation of the infection's severity and inappropriate antibiotic use. Therefore, judicious use of antibiotics, guided by sensitivity testing, is crucial to prevent the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.
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