International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 219-226 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 224 7.2 Immune modulation and supportive therapies Immune modulation through dietary supplements and probiotics offers a promising alternative or adjunct to antibiotics in managing subclinical infections. For instance, the administration of Bacillus subtilis and chitin has been shown to enhance systemic and mucosal immunity in fish, suggesting potential applications in other animals, including cats (Sangma and Kamilya, 2015). These supplements can stimulate various immune parameters, such as oxygen radical production and lysozyme activity, which are critical for an effective immune response. By boosting the immune system, these therapies can help control bacterial infections naturally, reducing the reliance on antibiotics and minimizing the risk of resistance development (Gjini and Brito, 2016). 7.3 Prevention and long-term management of subclinical infections Preventing subclinical infections in cats involves a multifaceted approach that includes maintaining good hygiene, regular veterinary check-ups, and appropriate vaccination schedules. Long-term management also benefits from dietary interventions that support immune health. The use of probiotics and immunostimulants, as demonstrated in studies with fish, can be adapted for feline health to enhance resistance against infections (Sangma and Kamilya, 2015). These strategies not only help in managing existing infections but also in preventing new ones, ensuring the overall well-being of cats. Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the incidence of subclinical infections and the associated complications, promoting a healthier feline population (Hodille et al., 2017). In summary, managing subclinical bacterial infections in cats requires a balanced approach that includes careful antibiotic use, immune modulation through dietary supplements, and preventive strategies to ensure long-term health and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. 8 Concluding Remarks Subclinical infections in cats can significantly influence their immune responses, often without overt clinical symptoms. For instance, cats infected with feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) typically exhibit strong systemic IgG and mucosal IgA responses, which diminish after the virus is cleared, indicating a robust humoral response that helps control the infection. Similarly, domestic cats exposed to SARS-CoV-2 develop a strong antiviral response, characterized by an increase in CD8+ cells and upregulation of antiviral genes, effectively clearing the virus within a week without significant clinical signs. These findings highlight the capacity of feline immune systems to mount effective responses to subclinical infections, which may not always manifest in noticeable symptoms but still engage significant immune activity. Future research should focus on further elucidating the mechanisms underlying the immune responses to subclinical infections in cats. Investigating the role of specific immune cells and signaling pathways, such as those involved in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to bacterial infections, could provide deeper insights into feline immunity. Additionally, exploring the potential of dietary supplements, such as probiotics and immunostimulants, to enhance immune responses in cats could offer practical applications for improving feline health and resistance to infections. Clinical practice could benefit from developing diagnostic tools that better identify subclinical infections and assess immune responses, allowing for more targeted interventions. Understanding the immune responses of cats to subclinical infections has important implications for both public health and veterinary medicine. Cats can act as reservoirs for various pathogens, including those that affect humans, such as SARS-CoV-2 and FECV2 3. By enhancing our knowledge of how cats respond to these infections, we can better manage the risks of zoonotic transmission. Moreover, improving the health and immune resilience of domestic cats through informed veterinary practices can reduce the prevalence of infections and their potential spread to other animals and humans. This underscores the need for continued research and collaboration between veterinary and public health sectors to safeguard both animal and human health.
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