Feline conjunctivitis in Sleman Region Indonesia: Clinical characteristics, bacteriological isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, and antimicrobial susceptibility

Abstract

Conjunctivitis is a common ocular condition in domestic cats, often associated with Staphylococcus aureus. Accurate detection and resistance profiling are essential for appropriate therapy. This study aimed to characterize clinical features of feline conjunctivitis, identify S. aureus using phenotypic and genotypic methods, and assess its antibiotic susceptibility. Twenty conjunctivitis-suspected cats in Sleman, Indonesia, underwent clinical examination and conjunctival swabbing. Bacterial isolates were cultured on Mannitol Salt Agar and identified by Gram stain, catalase, coagulase, biochemical tests, and PCR targeting 23S rRNA. Susceptibility to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and amoxicillin was tested by Kirby-Bauer. Predominant signs included excessive tearing (95%), hyperemia (85%), and inflammation (80%). Staphylococcus spp. was detected in 95% of samples; 75% were molecularly confirmed as S. aureus. All isolates were sensitive to gentamicin, chloramphenicol, and ciprofloxacin, while 52.63% showed intermediate resistance to amoxicillin. Staphylococcus aureus is a significant bacterial agent in feline conjunctivitis in Sleman, Indonesia. Combined phenotypic–genotypic identification and susceptibility testing are vital for targeted management.