Molecular detection of Chlamydophila felis in ocular discharge of domestic cats in Tehran & Isfahan

Chlamydophila felis is one of the most common pathogens isolated from ocular discharges in domestic cats. The aim of the present study was to detect this microorganism in ocular discharges collected from domestic cats in Tehran and Isfahan cities. From a total of 224 domestic cats, ocular swabs were collected and DNA was extracted. Samples were studied using the Polymerase Chain Reaction method and their products were analyzed using agarose gel. From a total of 224 samples studied, 40 samples (17.85%) were infected with Chlamydophila felis which were diagnosed as positive in PCR test. Discussion and According to the difficulties and time-consuming process of isolation of Chlamydophila felis in laboratory culture media, the PCR technique has been suggested as a rapid and safe method for detection of this organism in clinical samples.