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Vonk J. Understanding the impact of feline immunodeficiency virus on cats' cognitive performance. Vet Rec 2022; 191:28-30. [PMID: 35802080 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Vonk
- Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
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Azadian A, Gunn-Moore DA. Age-related cognitive impairments in domestic cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus. Vet Rec 2022; 191:e1683. [PMID: 35512238 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related dementia has been documented in domestic cats; however, its interaction with naturally occurring feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection has been investigated minimally. METHODS Visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and problem-solving (PS) ability were evaluated in FIV-infected (n = 37) and control cats (n = 39) using two cognitive tasks tested serially, which assessed the ability of cats to remember the location of a baited container after a set delay, then evaluated the capability of the cats to manipulate the container to obtain the food within a time limit. Cats were categorized using 7 years of age as a cut-off to determine age-related differences. The relationship between cognitive performance and FIV viral load was investigated using real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct ) values. RESULTS Age significantly affected VSWM and PS ability. Younger cats had better VSWM performance and PS ability compared to older cats with the same FIV status. There was no difference between younger FIV-positive and negative cats in either part of the task. While older FIV-positive cats had significantly worse VSWM than older FIV-negative cats, no differences were found in PS ability. Additionally, Ct values predicted VSWM but not PS ability. CONCLUSION Age-related cognitive impairments and FIV infection appear synergetic, causing greater cognitive deficits in older FIV-infected cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Azadian
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food System, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Danièlle A Gunn-Moore
- Division of Companion Animals, Hospital for Small Animals, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK.,Division of Infection & Immunity, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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Molina VM, Orjuela M. Frecuencia de la leucemia felina (vilef): refugio municipal Rionegro, Colombia 2020. REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y DE ZOOTECNIA 2022. [DOI: 10.15446/rfmvz.v69n1.101522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
La leucemia viral felina (ViLeF) es una enfermedad retroviral letal, de una elevada prevalencia en Colombia, que afecta a felinos de diferentes edades y sexos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia por serodiagnóstico de ViLeF en felinos del centro integral de bienestar animal Ceiba, ubicado en Rionegro, Antioquia (Colombia), en 2020. Para ello, se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal de serofrecuencia de ViLeF desde enero hasta diciembre de 2020. Fueron muestreados 92 gatos, a los cuales se les efectuó una prueba p27 por inmunoensayo comercial Elisa (Idexx©, Snap Combo Plus®, Maine, EE. UU.). La frecuencia de felinos positivos fue 30/92 (32,60%) y el mes de mayo fue el de mayor frecuencia (9,78%). Los machos positivos fueron 17/92 (18,47%) y las hembras 13/92 (14,13%). La edad promedio de seropositividad fue 2,14 años. La frecuencia de ViLeF en 2020 para Ceiba, Rionegro (Colombia) es de 32,60%, un valor elevado con respecto a descripciones en otros albergues para felinos. ViLeF es una enfermedad que está siendo reportada con mayor frecuencia en Colombia, debido a que las medidas de prevención no se están adoptando rutinariamente.
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Westman M, Yang D, Green J, Norris J, Malik R, Parr YA, McDonald M, Hosie MJ, VandeWoude S, Miller C. Antibody Responses in Cats Following Primary and Annual Vaccination against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) with an Inactivated Whole-Virus Vaccine (Fel-O-Vax ® FIV). Viruses 2021; 13:v13030470. [PMID: 33809232 PMCID: PMC7998844 DOI: 10.3390/v13030470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the antibody response induced by primary vaccination with Fel-O-Vax® FIV (three doses, 2–4 weeks apart) is well described, the antibody response induced by annual vaccination with Fel-O-Vax® FIV (single dose every 12 months after primary vaccination) and how it compares to the primary antibody response has not been studied. Residual blood samples from a primary FIV vaccination study (n = 11), and blood samples from cats given an annual FIV vaccination (n = 10), were utilized. Samples from all 21 cats were tested with a commercially available PCR assay (FIV RealPCRTM), an anti-p24 microsphere immunoassay (MIA), an anti-FIV transmembrane (TM; gp40) peptide ELISA, and a range of commercially available point-of-care (PoC) FIV antibody kits. PCR testing confirmed all 21 cats to be FIV-uninfected for the duration of this study. Results from MIA and ELISA testing showed that both vaccination regimes induced significant antibody responses against p24 and gp40, and both anti-p24 and anti-gp40 antibodies were variably present 12 months after FIV vaccination. The magnitude of the antibody response against both p24 and gp40 was significantly higher in the primary FIV vaccination group than in the annual FIV vaccination group. The differences in prime versus recall post-vaccinal antibody levels correlated with FIV PoC kit performance. Two FIV PoC kits that detect antibodies against gp40, namely Witness® and Anigen Rapid®, showed 100% specificity in cats recently administered an annual FIV vaccination, demonstrating that they can be used to accurately distinguish vaccination and infection in annually vaccinated cats. A third FIV PoC kit, SNAP® Combo, had 0% specificity in annually FIV-vaccinated cats, and should not be used in any cat with a possible history of FIV vaccination. This study outlines the antibody response to inactivated Fel-O-Vax® FIV whole-virus vaccine, and demonstrates how best to diagnose FIV infection in jurisdictions where FIV vaccination is practiced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (D.Y.); (J.G.); (J.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dennis Yang
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (D.Y.); (J.G.); (J.N.)
| | - Jennifer Green
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (D.Y.); (J.G.); (J.N.)
| | - Jacqueline Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (D.Y.); (J.G.); (J.N.)
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Yasmin A. Parr
- MRC, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (Y.A.P.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Mike McDonald
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (Y.A.P.); (M.J.H.)
| | - Sue VandeWoude
- 1619 Campus Delivery, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Craig Miller
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
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Chi X, Fang K, Koster L, Christie J, Yao C. Prevalence of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Toxoplasma gondii in Feral Cats on St. Kitts, West Indies. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8020016. [PMID: 33494205 PMCID: PMC7909821 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8020016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded species including humans. The definitive hosts of T. gondii are felid vertebrates including the domestic cat. Domestic cats shed oocysts for approximately two weeks in their feces after the primary infection. It has been shown that feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) positive cats have a higher prevalence of and a higher titer of antibodies to T. gondii than those of FIV-negative cats. The main purposes of this study were to determine FIV prevalence and to investigate the oocysts shedding in FIV-positive and FIV-negative feral cats on St. Kitts. Fecal samples were collected from feral cats while their FIV statues were determined using a commercial SNAP kit. Total fecal DNA of each cat was tested for the presence of T. gondii DNA using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) consistently detecting one genome equivalent. A FIV-positive status was detected in 18 of 105 (17.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9%−24.3%) feral cats sampled. Furthermore, males were three times more likely to be FIV positive than females (p = 0.017) with an odds ratio of 3.93 (95% CI: 1.20–12.89). Adults were found to have at least twice the prevalence of FIV compared to cats younger than one year of age (p = 0.056) with an odds ratio of 3.07 (95% CI: 0.94–10.00). Toxoplasma gondii DNA was not detected in the feces of any of the 18 FIV-positive (95% CI: 0%−0.18%) and 87 FIV-negative cats (95% CI: 0%−0.04%). A follow-up study with a much bigger sample size is needed to prove or disprove the hypothesis that FIV-positive cats have a higher prevalence of shedding T. gondii oocysts than FIV-negative cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Chi
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (X.C.); (K.F.)
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
| | - Kexin Fang
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (X.C.); (K.F.)
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
| | - Liza Koster
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Jevan Christie
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (X.C.); (K.F.)
- Departments of One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 334, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (L.K.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-732-645-3120; Fax: +1-869-465-1203
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Lack of protection against feline immunodeficiency virus infection among domestic cats in New Zealand vaccinated with the Fel-O-Vax® FIV vaccine. Vet Microbiol 2020; 250:108865. [PMID: 33045631 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Infections with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are common in New Zealand, although the impact of those infections on the health status of the cats remains unclear. Although many cats are vaccinated yearly with a commercial FIV vaccine containing FIV subtypes A and D, the effectiveness of this vaccine in protection against infection with field FIVs is unclear, as a high proportion of New Zealand viruses belong to subtype C. The objective of the study was to compare the frequency of FIV infection among adult FIV-vaccinated and FIV-unvaccinated domestic cats with access to outdoors. Buccal swabs were collected by the participating veterinarians and tested for the presence of FIV provirus by quantitative PCR. Overall, 26/185 (14.0 %) samples were positive for FIV, including 7/82 (8.5 %) samples from FIV-unvaccinated and 19/103 (18.4 %) from FIV-vaccinated cats. There was no protective effect of vaccination on FIV infection among sampled cats (p = 0.05). Partial sequences of the FIV envelope gene from five New Zealand viruses were analysed by the maximum likelihood method. All clustered with other New Zealand FIV sequences from subtypes A (n = 2), C (n = 2) or putative recombinant viruses (n = 1). While the FIV vaccination did not prevent FIV infection among sampled cats, it may have had an impact on transmissibility of the virus or on disease progression. As neither was addressed in the current study, further research is needed to fully assess the potential benefits of FIV vaccination. Considering the frequency of FIV infection in FIV-vaccinated cats, FIV infection status should be monitored not only before the first vaccination, but before each yearly booster.
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Properties and Functions of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Gag Domains in Virion Assembly and Budding. Viruses 2018; 10:v10050261. [PMID: 29772651 PMCID: PMC5977254 DOI: 10.3390/v10050261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important cat pathogen worldwide whose biological and pathophysiological properties resemble those of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Therefore, the study of FIV not only benefits its natural host but is also useful for the development of antiviral strategies directed against HIV-1 infections in humans. FIV assembly results from the multimerization of a single but complex viral polypeptide, the Gag precursor. In this review, we will first give an overview of the current knowledge of the proteins encoded by the FIV pol, env, rev, vif, and orf-A genes, and then we will describe and discuss in detail the critical roles that each of the FIV Gag domains plays in virion morphogenesis. Since retroviral assembly is an attractive target for therapeutic interventions, gaining a better understanding of this process is highly desirable.
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Taffin ERL, Paepe D, Ghys LFE, De Roover K, Van de Maele I, Saunders JH, Duchateau L, Daminet S. Systolic blood pressure, routine kidney variables and renal ultrasonographic findings in cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus. J Feline Med Surg 2017; 19:672-679. [PMID: 27307141 PMCID: PMC11128819 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x16653165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Hypertension is a common cause of proteinuria in HIV-infected people. In cats, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection appears to be associated with proteinuria. Therefore, the results from systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements in naturally infected FIV-positive cats were reviewed to assess whether hypertension contributes to the observed proteinuria in these cats. Ultrasonographic findings in FIV-positive cats were reviewed to complete renal assessment and to extend the scant knowledge on renal ultrasonography in cats. Methods Data from client-owned, naturally infected FIV-positive cats were retrospectively reviewed. To obtain a control group, records were reviewed from age-matched, privately owned, FIV-negative cats. Results Data from 91 FIV-infected and 113 control cats were compared. FIV-infected cats showed a significantly lower SBP ( P <0.0001) and significantly fewer FIV-infected cats were hypertensive (⩾160 mmHg) compared with control cats ( P = 0.025). The prevalence of renal azotaemia did not significantly differ between groups, although FIV-infected cats had significantly lower urine specific gravity (USG) ( P = 0.0273) and a higher incidence of USG below 1.035 ( P = 0.043). Urinary protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) was significantly higher in FIV-infected cats ( P = 0.0005) and proteinuria (UPC >0.4) occurred more frequently in FIV-infected cats ( P <0.001). Renal ultrasonography showed abnormalities in 60/91 FIV-infected cats, with hyperechogenic cortices in 39/91 and enlarged kidneys in 31/91. Conclusions and relevance Hypertension can be excluded as a common cause of renal damage leading to proteinuria in FIV-infected cats. Proteinuria and poorly concentrated urine are common in naturally infected FIV-positive cats, in contrast to azotaemia. Clinicians should cautiously interpret ultrasonographic abnormalities as these occur in over half of FIV-infected cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elien RL Taffin
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dominique Paepe
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth FE Ghys
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien De Roover
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Isabel Van de Maele
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jimmy H Saunders
- Department of Medical Imaging of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Duchateau
- Department of Comparative Physiology and Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Daminet
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Silva F, Castro C, Finger P, Silva D, Taniwaki S, Ullmann L, Fischer G, Vargas G, Lima M, Araújo Jr J, Hübner S. Ocorrência do subtipo B do vírus da imunodeficiência felina em gatos domésticos da região sul do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09352014000100001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
No Brasil existem poucos estudos sobre a ocorrência da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV), assim como a determinação dos subtipos circulantes, o que é indispensável para o desenvolvimento de vacinas e novos testes diagnósticos. O presente trabalho investigou a ocorrência da infecção pelo FIV entre os anos de 2010 e 2011 em gatos domésticos submetidos a atendimento clínico na cidade de Pelotas e região. Amostras de sangue total de 70 animais, incluindo suspeitos (28) ou não suspeitos (42) da infecção pelo FIV, foram submetidas à reação de PCR nested. Os resultados indicaram uma frequência de infecção de 15,7% (11/70) e a análise dos fatores associados (sexo, idade e condição clínica) evidenciou uma maior ocorrência em gatos com idade superior a 10 anos e acometidos por infecções crônicas e recidivantes. Oito amostras positivas na PCR nested foram submetidas a sequenciamento genômico e somente o subtipo B foi detectado na região estudada.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - M. Lima
- Universidade Federal de Pelotas
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Stickney AL, Dunowska M, Cave NJ. Sequence variation of the feline immunodeficiency virus genome and its clinical relevance. Vet Rec 2013; 172:607-14. [PMID: 23749359 DOI: 10.1136/vr.f101460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing evolution of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has resulted in the existence of a diverse continuum of viruses. FIV isolates differ with regards to their mutation and replication rates, plasma viral loads, cell tropism and the ability to induce apoptosis. Clinical disease in FIV-infected cats is also inconsistent. Genomic sequence variation of FIV is likely to be responsible for some of the variation in viral behaviour. The specific genetic sequences that influence these key viral properties remain to be determined. With knowledge of the specific key determinants of pathogenicity, there is the potential for veterinarians in the future to apply this information for prognostic purposes. Genomic sequence variation of FIV also presents an obstacle to effective vaccine development. Most challenge studies demonstrate acceptable efficacy of a dual-subtype FIV vaccine (Fel-O-Vax FIV) against FIV infection under experimental settings; however, vaccine efficacy in the field still remains to be proven. It is important that we discover the key determinants of immunity induced by this vaccine; such data would compliment vaccine field efficacy studies and provide the basis to make informed recommendations on its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Stickney
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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Feline immunodeficiency virus in South America. Viruses 2012; 4:383-396. [PMID: 22590677 PMCID: PMC3347033 DOI: 10.3390/v4030383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of AIDS in humans during the period between 1980 and 2000 has led to extensive efforts to understand more fully similar etiologic agents of chronic and progressive acquired immunodeficiency disease in several mammalian species. Lentiviruses that have gene sequence homology with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been found in different species (including sheep, goats, horses, cattle, cats, and several Old World monkey species). Lentiviruses, comprising a genus of the Retroviridae family, cause persistent infection that can lead to varying degrees of morbidity and mortality depending on the virus and the host species involved. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes an immune system disease in domestic cats (Felis catus) involving depletion of the CD4+ population of T lymphocytes, increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections, and sometimes death. Viruses related to domestic cat FIV occur also in a variety of nondomestic felids. This is a brief overview of the current state of knowledge of this large and ancient group of viruses (FIVs) in South America.
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