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Vojtkovská V, Voslářová E, Večerek V. Causes of shelter cats mortality in the Czech Republic. Vet Anim Sci 2024; 25:100379. [PMID: 39157703 PMCID: PMC11327390 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2024.100379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Awareness of the causes of mortality in shelter cats can contribute to its effective reduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of mortality in cat shelters in the Czech Republic, taking into account the age of the animals and their length of stay in the shelter facilities until natural death or euthanasia. A cooperation with two private no-kill shelters in the Czech Republic was established. The subject of the study were records of 3047 cats admitted to the selected shelters in the period from 2013 to 2023. A total of 357 (11.7 %) out of 3047 cats died or had to be euthanized in two monitored shelters. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in the cat mortality was found between the two shelters (11.5 % and 12 %). The median length of stay of cats in the shelter until death or euthanasia was 23 days. The highest mortality was recorded in the youngest cats (≤ 6 months). The most common causes of death or euthanasia of cats in both shelters were feline infectious peritonitis (21.6 %), panleukopenia (18.5 %) and upper and lower respiratory tract infections (17.5 %). Adult and older cats were significantly (p < 0.05) more prone to death due to renal failure and cancer than young animals and kittens. The results of the study contribute to the knowledge on the health of cat population in shelters in the Czech Republic and can serve as a basis for further work that will target mortality reduction strategies in at-risk categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Vojtkovská
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Voslářová
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Večerek
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
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Zuzzi-Krebitz AM, Buchta K, Bergmann M, Krentz D, Zwicklbauer K, Dorsch R, Wess G, Fischer A, Matiasek K, Hönl A, Fiedler S, Kolberg L, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML, Spiri AM, Helfer-Hungerbuehler AK, Felten S, Zablotski Y, Alberer M, von Both U, Hartmann K. Short Treatment of 42 Days with Oral GS-441524 Results in Equal Efficacy as the Recommended 84-Day Treatment in Cats Suffering from Feline Infectious Peritonitis with Effusion-A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study. Viruses 2024; 16:1144. [PMID: 39066306 PMCID: PMC11281457 DOI: 10.3390/v16071144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV) was considered fatal. Today, highly efficient drugs, such as GS-441524, can lead to complete remission. The currently recommended treatment duration in the veterinary literature is 84 days. This prospective randomized controlled treatment study aimed to evaluate whether a shorter treatment duration of 42 days with oral GS-441524 obtained from a licensed pharmacy is equally effective compared to the 84-day regimen. Forty cats with FIP with effusion were prospectively included and randomized to receive 15 mg/kg of GS-441524 orally every 24h (q24h), for either 42 or 84 days. Cats were followed for 168 days after treatment initiation. With the exception of two cats that died during the treatment, 38 cats (19 in short, 19 in long treatment group) recovered with rapid improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters as well as a remarkable reduction in viral loads in blood and effusion. Orally administered GS-441524 given as a short treatment was highly effective in curing FIP without causing serious adverse effects. All cats that completed the short treatment course successfully were still in complete remission on day 168. Therefore, a shorter treatment duration of 42 days GS-441524 15 mg/kg can be considered equally effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-M. Zuzzi-Krebitz
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Katharina Buchta
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Daniela Krentz
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Katharina Zwicklbauer
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Roswitha Dorsch
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Gerhard Wess
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Andrea Fischer
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Anne Hönl
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Sonja Fiedler
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Laura Kolberg
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (L.K.); (M.A.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.); (A.M.S.); (A.K.H.-H.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.); (A.M.S.); (A.K.H.-H.)
| | - Andrea M. Spiri
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.); (A.M.S.); (A.K.H.-H.)
| | - A. Katrin Helfer-Hungerbuehler
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.); (A.M.S.); (A.K.H.-H.)
| | - Sandra Felten
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Yury Zablotski
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Martin Alberer
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (L.K.); (M.A.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (L.K.); (M.A.); (U.v.B.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.B.); (M.B.); (D.K.); (K.Z.); (R.D.); (G.W.); (A.F.); (A.H.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
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Zhou Q, Song X, Li Y, Huang J, Yu QS, Den GN, Zhang JQ, Zhu CX, Zhang B. Preparation of a novel type I feline coronavirus virus-like particle vaccine and its immunogenicity in mice and cats. Microb Pathog 2024; 194:106795. [PMID: 39019122 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection is a leading cause of death in cats. In this study, we produced FCoV-I virus-like particles (VLPs) containing E, M, N, and S proteins using a baculovirus expression system and mixed VLPs with the adjuvants MF59 and CpG 55.2 to prepare an VLP/MF59/CpG vaccine. After immunization of mice with the vaccine, IgG specific antibodies titers against S and N proteins increased to 1:12,800, and IFN-γ+ and IL-4+ splenocytes were significantly increased. Following immunization of FCoV-negative cats, the S protein antibodies in immunized cats (5/5) increased significantly, with a peak of 1:12,800. Notably, after booster vaccination in FCoV-positive cats, a significant reduction in viral load was observed in the feces of partial cats (4/5), and the FCoV-I negative conversion was found in two immunized cats (2/5). Therefore, the VLP/MF59/CpG vaccine is a promising candidate vaccine to prevent the FCoV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Zhou
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin Song
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jian Huang
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qi-Sheng Yu
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Gu-Nan Den
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jia-Qi Zhang
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chen-Xi Zhu
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- College of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Key laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Guarnieri C, Bertola L, Ferrari L, Quintavalla C, Corradi A, Di Lecce R. Myocarditis in an FIP-Diseased Cat with FCoV M1058L Mutation: Clinical and Pathological Changes. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1673. [PMID: 38891720 PMCID: PMC11171033 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
An 8-month-old intact male domestic shorthair cat was referred to the Emergency Service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) of the Department of Veterinary Science of the University of Parma (Italy) from the Parma municipal multi-cat shelter, during the winter season (January 2023), for lethargy, anorexia, hypothermia, and hypoglycemia. At the VTH, upon cardiologic examination, an increase in heart rate, under normal blood pressure conditions, was detected. Signalment, clinical history, basal metabolic panel (BMP), ultrasound investigations, and cytological findings were all consistent with a diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP was confirmed in the effusive abdominal fluid by a molecular genetic test (real-time PCR for feline coronavirus RNA). The molecular genetic investigation also detected an FCoV S gene single-nucleotide mutation: biotype M1058L. At necropsy, an effusive collection was recorded in the abdomen, thoracic cavity, and pericardium sac. White parenchymal nodules, of about 1 mm diameter, were found on the surface and deep in the lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart. Histopathology revealed the typical FIP pyogranulomatous vasculitis and IHC confirmed the presence of the FIP virus (FIPV) antigen. The most relevant histopathological finding was the myocarditis/myocardial necrosis associated with the presence of the S gene-mutated FCoV (M1058L biotype). This is the first case of myocarditis in a cat positive for the FCoV/FIP M1058L biotype. Further studies are necessary to support the mutated FCoV M1058L biotype, as an uncommon, but possible, causative pathogen of myocarditis in FCoV/FIP-positive cats. Studies including several FCoV/FIP M1058L-positive cases could allow us to make a correlation with heart gross pathology, histopathology, and immunolocalization of the FCoV/FIP M1058L biotype in the myocardium. The investigation will potentially allow us to determine the effective tropism of the FCoV/FIP M1058L biotype for myocardiocytes or whether myocardiocyte lesions are evident in the presence of concomitant causes related to the patient, its poor condition, or external environmental distress such as cold season, and whether the aforementioned concomitant events are correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Guarnieri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.G.); (C.Q.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Luca Bertola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy;
- Mouse and Animal Pathology Laboratory (MAPLab), Fondazione Unimi, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.G.); (C.Q.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Cecilia Quintavalla
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.G.); (C.Q.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Attilio Corradi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.G.); (C.Q.); (R.D.L.)
| | - Rosanna Di Lecce
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (C.G.); (C.Q.); (R.D.L.)
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Hu T, Zhang H, Zhang X, Hong X, Zhang T. Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) in Mainland China between 2008 and 2023: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1220. [PMID: 38672367 PMCID: PMC11047601 DOI: 10.3390/ani14081220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the overall prevalence of FIP infection in cats in mainland China and associated risk factors, studies on the prevalence of FIP conducted from 1 January 2008 to 20 December 2023 were retrieved from five databases-CNKI, Wanfang, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect-and comprehensively reviewed. The 21 studies selected, with a total of 181,014 samples, underwent a rigorous meta-analysis after quality assessment. The results revealed a 2% prevalence of FIP (95% CI: 1-2%) through the random-effects model, showing considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 95.2%). The subsequent subgroup analysis revealed that the age and gender of cats are significant risk factors for FIP infection in mainland China. In order to effectively reduce and control the prevalence of FIP on the Chinese mainland, we suggest improving the immunity of cats, with special attention given to health management in kittens and intact cats, and continuously monitoring FIPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Hu
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (T.H.); (X.Z.); (X.H.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | | | - Xueping Zhang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (T.H.); (X.Z.); (X.H.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xingping Hong
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (T.H.); (X.Z.); (X.H.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Tangjie Zhang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; (T.H.); (X.Z.); (X.H.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Nájera F, López G, Del Rey-Wamba T, Malik RA, Garrote G, López-Parra M, Fernández-Pena L, García-Tardío M, Arenas-Rojas R, Simón MA, Zorrilla I, Fernández I, Alcaide EM, Ruiz C, Revuelta L, Salcedo J, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML. Long-term surveillance of the feline leukemia virus in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Andalusia, Spain (2008-2021). Sci Rep 2024; 14:5462. [PMID: 38443503 PMCID: PMC10914683 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection is considered one of the most serious disease threats for the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) Over 14 years (2008-2021), we investigated FeLV infection using point-of-care antigen test and quantitative real-time TaqMan qPCR for provirus detection in blood and tissues in lynxes from Andalusia (Southern Spain). A total of 776 samples from 586 individuals were included in this study. The overall prevalence for FeLV antigen in blood/serum samples was 1.4% (5/360) (95% CI: 0.2-2.6), FeLV proviral DNA prevalence in blood samples was 6.2% (31/503) (95% CI: 4.1-8.6), and FeLV proviral DNA in tissues samples was 10.2% (34/333) (95% CI: 7-13.5). From a subset of 129 longitudinally sampled individuals, 9.3% (12/129) PCR-converted during the study period. Our results suggest that FeLV infection in the Andalusian population is enzootic, with circulation of the virus at low levels in almost all the sampling years. Moreover, since only one viremic individual succumbed to the infection, this study suggests that lynxes may therefore control the infection decreasing the possibility of developing a more aggressive outcome. Although our results indicate that the FeLV infection in the Iberian lynx from Andalusia tends to stay within the regressive stage, continuous FeLV surveillance is paramount to predict potential outbreaks and ensure the survival of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Nájera
- Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Asistencia Técnica de la Dirección General del Medio Natural y Desarrollo Sostenible de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Plaza del Cardenal Siliceo s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain.
| | - Guillermo López
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Tere Del Rey-Wamba
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Rimsha A Malik
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Germán Garrote
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Marcos López-Parra
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Leonardo Fernández-Pena
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Maribel García-Tardío
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Arenas-Rojas
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel A Simón
- Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, avda. Manuel Siurot, nº 50, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Zorrilla
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Fernández
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Eva M Alcaide
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Carmen Ruiz
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Luis Revuelta
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Salcedo
- Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, avda. Manuel Siurot, nº 50, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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7
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Tasker S, Addie DD, Egberink H, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hosie MJ, Truyen U, Belák S, Boucraut-Baralon C, Frymus T, Lloret A, Marsilio F, Pennisi MG, Thiry E, Möstl K, Hartmann K. Feline Infectious Peritonitis: European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases Guidelines. Viruses 2023; 15:1847. [PMID: 37766254 PMCID: PMC10535984 DOI: 10.3390/v15091847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a ubiquitous RNA virus of cats, which is transmitted faeco-orally. In these guidelines, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) presents a comprehensive review of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FCoV is primarily an enteric virus and most infections do not cause clinical signs, or result in only enteritis, but a small proportion of FCoV-infected cats develop FIP. The pathology in FIP comprises a perivascular phlebitis that can affect any organ. Cats under two years old are most frequently affected by FIP. Most cats present with fever, anorexia, and weight loss; many have effusions, and some have ocular and/or neurological signs. Making a diagnosis is complex and ABCD FIP Diagnostic Approach Tools are available to aid veterinarians. Sampling an effusion, when present, for cytology, biochemistry, and FCoV RNA or FCoV antigen detection is very useful diagnostically. In the absence of an effusion, fine-needle aspirates from affected organs for cytology and FCoV RNA or FCoV antigen detection are helpful. Definitive diagnosis usually requires histopathology with FCoV antigen detection. Antiviral treatments now enable recovery in many cases from this previously fatal disease; nucleoside analogues (e.g., oral GS-441524) are very effective, although they are not available in all countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
- Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Shirley, Solihull B90 4BN, UK
| | - Diane D. Addie
- Independent Researcher, 64000 Pyrénées Aquitaine, France;
| | - Herman Egberink
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Sándor Belák
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (BVF), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7036, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | | | - Tadeusz Frymus
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Albert Lloret
- Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Karin Möstl
- Institute of Virology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
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8
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Xu L, Ye S, Ding Y, Xiao Y, Yao C, Wang Z, Cai S, Ou J, Mao J, Hu X, Cheng S, Wang J, Lu G, Li S. A Combined Method Based on the FIPV N Monoclonal Antibody Immunofluorescence Assay and RT-nPCR Method for the Rapid Diagnosis of FIP-Suspected Ascites. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/8429106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), is a fatal and immunologically mediated infectious disease among cats. At present, due to the atypical clinical symptoms and clinicopathological changes, the clinical diagnosis of FIP is still difficult. The gold standard method for the differential diagnosis of FIP is immunohistochemistry (IHC) which is time-consuming and requires specialized personnel and equipment. Therefore, a rapid and accurate clinical diagnostic method for FIPV infection is still urgently needed. In this study, based on the etiological investigation of FIPV in parts of southern China, we attempted to explore a new rapid and highly sensitive method for clinical diagnosis. The results of the etiological investigation showed that the N gene of the FIPV BS8 strain had the highest homology with other strains. Based on this, a specific FIPV BS8 N protein monoclonal antibody was successfully prepared by expression of the recombinant proteins, immunization of mice, fusion and selection of hybridoma cell lines, and screening and purification of monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, we carried out a time-saving combination method including indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) to examine FIP-suspected clinical samples. These results were 100% consistent with IHC. The results revealed that the combined method could be a rapid and accurate application in the diagnosis of suspected FIPV infection within 24 hours. In conclusion, the combination of IFA and RT-nPCR was shown to be a fast and reliable method for clinical FIPV diagnosis. This study will provide insight into the exploitation of FIPV N antibodies for the clinical diagnosis of FIP-suspected ascites samples.
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9
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Addie DD, Bellini F, Covell-Ritchie J, Crowe B, Curran S, Fosbery M, Hills S, Johnson E, Johnson C, Lloyd S, Jarrett O. Stopping Feline Coronavirus Shedding Prevented Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040818. [PMID: 37112799 PMCID: PMC10146023 DOI: 10.3390/v15040818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
After an incubation period of weeks to months, up to 14% of cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV) develop feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): a potentially lethal pyogranulomatous perivasculitis. The aim of this study was to find out if stopping FCoV faecal shedding with antivirals prevents FIP. Guardians of cats from which FCoV had been eliminated at least 6 months earlier were contacted to find out the outcome of their cats; 27 households were identified containing 147 cats. Thirteen cats were treated for FIP, 109 cats shed FCoV and 25 did not; a 4-7-day course of oral GS-441524 antiviral stopped faecal FCoV shedding. Follow-up was from 6 months to 3.5 years; 11 of 147 cats died, but none developed FIP. A previous field study of 820 FCoV-exposed cats was used as a retrospective control group; 37 of 820 cats developed FIP. The difference was statistically highly significant (p = 0.0062). Cats from eight households recovered from chronic FCoV enteropathy. Conclusions: the early treatment of FCoV-infected cats with oral antivirals prevented FIP. Nevertheless, should FCoV be re-introduced into a household, then FIP can result. Further work is required to establish the role of FCoV in the aetiology of feline inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ben Crowe
- Independent Researcher, Ben Crowe, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Sheryl Curran
- Independent Researcher, Sheryl Curran, Baker Street Ragdolls, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Stuart Hills
- Stuart Hills, Ark Veterinary Centre, Lockerbie, UK
| | - Eric Johnson
- Independent Researcher, Eric Johnson, Firestone, CO, USA
| | - Carrie Johnson
- Independent Researcher, Carrie Johnson, Firestone, CO, USA
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10
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Comparison of Clinical and Laboratory Findings at Different Clinical Stages in Cats Naturally Infected with Feline Coronavirus. ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2023. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2023-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infections occur commonly in cats, with entrocyte and monocyte-macrophage tropism. Most FCoV-infected cats remain asymp tomatic, but up to 10% develop fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). This study aims to investigate the diagnostic utility of clinical and laboratory examinations including serum and effusion AGP levels in cats either with symptomatic effusive FIP or asymptomatic feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). The study included 40 cats with effusive FIP and 10 cats with FECV infection. The FIP group was divided into two subgroups: abdominal (AE; n=30) and thoracic effusion (TE; n=10). Clinical and laboratory examinations, including serum or effusion AGP measurement, were performed. Among all the groups, TE group had higher body temperature, heart and respiratory rates (P<0.000). Compared with the FECV group, the FIP group had lower pH and HCO3 levels and higher base excess and lactate levels (P<0.05). The leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were higher and the hematocrit was lower in the AE group among all the groups (P<0.023). MCV was lower in the FIP group compared to the FECV group (P<0.002). In the AE group, total protein level was the lowest and the AST, GGT, total bilirubin and cholesterol levels were the highest (P<0.032) among all the groups. Magnesium level was lower in the FIP group compared to the FECV group (P<0.044). Although the serum AGP level was highest in the TE group among all groups (P<0.004), the AGP levels of cats with FECV were similar to the AE group (P>0.05). Since FECV-positive cats will likely develop FIP, differences in clinical and laboratory findings in FECV-positive cats were identified. Among them, pH, HCO3, base excess, lactate, MCV and magnesium were found to be important in the course of the disease, and AGP in the evaluation of the presence of an inflammatory state. It was concluded that clinical, laboratory and serum AGP evaluation could be used in the index of suspicion of development of FIP and FECV.
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11
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Gao YY, Wang Q, Liang XY, Zhang S, Bao D, Zhao H, Li SB, Wang K, Hu GX, Gao FS. An updated review of feline coronavirus: mind the two biotypes. Virus Res 2023; 326:199059. [PMID: 36731629 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) includes two biotypes: feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). Although both biotypes can infect cats, their pathogenicities differ. The FIPV biotype is more virulent than the FECV biotype and can cause peritonitis or even death in cats, while most FECV biotypes do not cause lesions. Even pathogenic strains of the FECV biotype can cause only mild enteritis because of their very low virulence. This article reviews recent progress in FCoV research with regard to FCoV etiological characteristics; epidemiology; clinical symptoms and pathological changes; pathogenesis; and current diagnosis, prevention and treatment methods. It is hoped that this review will provide a reference for further research on FCoV and other coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Yu Gao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Affiliated Hospital, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130117, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Liang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Di Bao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Shao-Bai Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China.
| | - Gui-Xue Hu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China.
| | - Feng-Shan Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Life and Health, Dalian University, Xuefu Street 10, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, China; The Dalian Gene and Protein Engineering for Drug Screening Key Laboratory, Dalian 116622, China.
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12
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Thayer V, Gogolski S, Felten S, Hartmann K, Kennedy M, Olah GA. 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2022; 24:905-933. [PMID: 36002137 PMCID: PMC10812230 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x221118761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most important infectious diseases and causes of death in cats; young cats less than 2 years of age are especially vulnerable. FIP is caused by a feline coronavirus (FCoV). It has been estimated that around 0.3% to 1.4% of feline deaths at veterinary institutions are caused by FIP. SCOPE This document has been developed by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine as the 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines to provide veterinarians with essential information to aid their ability to recognize cats presenting with FIP. TESTING AND INTERPRETATION Nearly every small animal veterinary practitioner will see cases. FIP can be challenging to diagnose owing to the lack of pathognomonic clinical signs or laboratory changes, especially when no effusion is present. A good understanding of each diagnostic test's sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, likelihood ratio and diagnostic accuracy is important when building a case for FIP. Before proceeding with any diagnostic test or commercial laboratory profile, the clinician should be able to answer the questions of 'why this test?' and 'what do the results mean?' Ultimately, the approach to diagnosing FIP must be tailored to the specific presentation of the individual cat. RELEVANCE Given that the disease is fatal when untreated, the ability to obtain a correct diagnosis is critical. The clinician must consider the individual patient's history, signalment and comprehensive physical examination findings when selecting diagnostic tests and sample types in order to build the index of suspicion 'brick by brick'. Research has demonstrated efficacy of new antivirals in FIP treatment, but these products are not legally available in many countries at this time. The Task Force encourages veterinarians to review the literature and stay informed on clinical trials and new drug approvals.
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13
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Detection of Feline Coronavirus Variants in Cats without Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081671. [PMID: 36016293 PMCID: PMC9412601 DOI: 10.3390/v14081671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This study aimed to detect feline coronavirus (FCoV) and characterize spike (S) gene mutation profiles in cats suffering from diseases other than feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) using commercial real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and reevaluating results by sequencing. (2) Methods: In 87 cats in which FIP was excluded by histopathology and immunohistochemistry, FCoV 7b gene and S gene mutation RT-qPCR was performed prospectively on incisional biopsies and fine-needle aspirates of different organs, body fluids, and feces. Samples positive for S gene mutations or mixed FCoV underwent sequencing. (3) Results: In 21/87 cats, FCoV RNA was detectable. S gene mutations were detected by commercial RT-qPCR (and a diagnostic algorithm that was used at the time of sample submission) in at least one sample in 14/21 cats (66.7%), with only mutated FCoV in 2/21, only mixed in 1/21, and different results in 11/21 cats; in the remaining 7/21 cats, RNA load was too low to differentiate. However, sequencing of 8 tissue samples and 8 fecal samples of 9 cats did not confirm mutated FCoV in any of the FCoV RNA-positive cats without FIP. (4) Conclusions: Sequencing results did not confirm results of the commercial S gene mutation RT-qPCR.
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14
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Meli ML, Spiri AM, Zwicklbauer K, Krentz D, Felten S, Bergmann M, Dorsch R, Matiasek K, Alberer M, Kolberg L, von Both U, Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Fecal Feline Coronavirus RNA Shedding and Spike Gene Mutations in Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis Treated with GS-441524. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051069. [PMID: 35632813 PMCID: PMC9147249 DOI: 10.3390/v14051069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As previously demonstrated by our research group, the oral multicomponent drug Xraphconn® containing GS-441524 was effective at curing otherwise fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in 18 feline coronavirus (FCoV)-infected cats. The aims of the current study were to investigate, using samples from the same animals as in the previous study, (1) the effect of treatment on fecal viral RNA shedding; (2) the presence of spike gene mutations in different body compartments of these cats; and (3) viral RNA shedding, presence of spike gene mutations, and anti-FCoV antibody titers in samples of 12 companion cats cohabitating with the treated cats. Eleven of the eighteen treated FIP cats (61%) were shedding FCoV RNA in feces within the first three days after treatment initiation, but all of them tested negative by day 6. In one of these cats, fecal shedding reoccurred on day 83. Two cats initially negative in feces were transiently positive 1–4 weeks into the study. The remaining five cats never shed FCoV. Viral RNA loads in feces decreased with time comparable with those in blood and effusion. Specific spike gene mutations linked to systemic FCoV spread were consistently found in blood and effusion from treated FIP cats, but not in feces from treated or companion cats. A new mutation that led to a not yet described amino acid change was identified, indicating that further mutations may be involved in the development of FIP. Eight of the twelve companion cats shed FCoV in feces. All but one of the twelve companion cats had anti-FCoV antibodies. Oral treatment with GS-441524 effectively decreased viral RNA loads in feces, blood, and effusion in cats with FIP. Nonetheless, re-shedding can most likely occur if cats are re-exposed to FCoV by their companion cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.H.-L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea M. Spiri
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Katharina Zwicklbauer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Daniela Krentz
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Roswitha Dorsch
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical & Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Martin Alberer
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU-Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Laura Kolberg
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU-Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU-Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.H.-L.)
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15
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Vojtkovská V, Lukešová G, Voslářová E, Konvalinová J, Večerek V, Lobová D. Direct Detection of Feline Coronavirus by Three Rapid Antigen Immunochromatographic Tests and by Real-Time PCR in Cat Shelters. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9020035. [PMID: 35202289 PMCID: PMC8875548 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the direct detection of feline coronavirus by real-time PCR and by three different rapid immunochromatographic (RIM) tests detecting antigens in faecal samples of shelter cats. Based on sensitivity and specificity calculated for each of the RIM tests, the utility of RIM tests was compared. Seventy faecal samples originating from shelter cats housed in quarantine were examined. Out of 70 samples analyzed by real-time PCR, 44 (62.9%) were positive. Significantly more cats (p < 0.05) tested positive than negative. Neither age nor sex of the cats played a significant role (p > 0.05) in the shedding status of the virus. The sensitivity of the RIM tests was found to be at low (<35%; RIM tests A and C) to satisfactory level (>50%, RIM test B). The number of virus particles determined by real-time RT-PCR analysis did not significantly correlate with the results detected by any of the RIM tests (p > 0.05). The results of this study indicate that the use of rapid antigen RIM tests in routine screening of FCoV shedding status in shelter cats is limited due to the occurrence of a high number of false negative results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Vojtkovská
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic; (G.L.); (E.V.); (J.K.); (V.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +42-19-4432-1275
| | - Gabriela Lukešová
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic; (G.L.); (E.V.); (J.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Eva Voslářová
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic; (G.L.); (E.V.); (J.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Jarmila Konvalinová
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic; (G.L.); (E.V.); (J.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Vladimír Večerek
- Department of Animal Protection and Welfare and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic; (G.L.); (E.V.); (J.K.); (V.V.)
| | - Dana Lobová
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Palackého tř. 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic;
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16
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Parkhe P, Verma S. Evolution, Interspecies Transmission, and Zoonotic Significance of Animal Coronaviruses. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:719834. [PMID: 34738021 PMCID: PMC8560429 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.719834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses that affect humans and a wide variety of animal species, including livestock, wild animals, birds, and pets. These viruses have an affinity for different tissues, such as those of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract of most mammals and birds and the hepatic and nervous tissues of rodents and porcine. As coronaviruses target different host cell receptors and show divergence in the sequences and motifs of their structural and accessory proteins, they are classified into groups, which may explain the evolutionary relationship between them. The interspecies transmission, zoonotic potential, and ability to mutate at a higher rate and emerge into variants of concern highlight their importance in the medical and veterinary fields. The contribution of various factors that result in their evolution will provide better insight and may help to understand the complexity of coronaviruses in the face of pandemics. In this review, important aspects of coronaviruses infecting livestock, birds, and pets, in particular, their structure and genome organization having a bearing on evolutionary and zoonotic outcomes, have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Subhash Verma
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, India
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17
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Na W, Moon H, Song D. A comprehensive review of SARS-CoV-2 genetic mutations and lessons from animal coronavirus recombination in one health perspective. J Microbiol 2021; 59:332-340. [PMID: 33624270 PMCID: PMC7901680 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-021-0660-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 was originated from zoonotic coronaviruses and confirmed as a novel beta-coronavirus, which causes serious respiratory illness such as pneumonia and lung failure, COVID-19. In this review, we describe the genetic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, including types of mutation, and molecular epidemiology, highlighting its key difference from animal coronaviruses. We further summarized the current knowledge on clinical, genetic, and pathological features of several animal coronaviruses and compared them with SARS-CoV-2, as well as recent evidences of interspecies transmission and recombination of animal coronaviruses to provide a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection in One Health perspectives. We also discuss the potential wildlife hosts and zoonotic origin of this emerging virus in detail, that may help mitigate the spread and damages caused by the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woonsung Na
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoungjoon Moon
- College of Healthcare & Biotechnology, Semyung University, Jecheon, 27136, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesub Song
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, 30019, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Nájera F, Grande-Gómez R, Peña J, Vázquez A, Palacios MJ, Rueda C, Corona-Bravo AI, Zorrilla I, Revuelta L, Gil-Molino M, Jiménez J. Disease Surveillance during the Reintroduction of the Iberian Lynx ( Lynx pardinus) in Southwestern Spain. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:547. [PMID: 33669869 PMCID: PMC7923217 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The restoration of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) populations in Extremadura (Southwestern Spain) have been carried out since 2014. One of the measures to ensure the success of this program is to examine the effects that diseases may have on reintroduction. Since diseases may be greatly located at certain sites because of the specific ecological requirements of the pathogens and/or vectors, reintroduced individuals may present a risk of infection once released. To determine which pathogens the reintroduced individuals may encounter, we performed a molecular and sero-epidemiological survey in reintroduced and wild-born lynxes. From 2015 to 2019, 69 Iberian lynxes (40 reintroduced and 29 wild-born) were sampled and screened against 10 viral, bacterial and piroplasmid agents. In parallel, 195 sympatric carnivores from the families Canidae, Felidae, Viverridae, Herpestidae and Mustelidae were tested against current or past infections to six common canine/feline viruses. In the Iberian lynx, low contact rates of active infection were obtained for the feline leukemia provirus (FeLV: 1.5%; 1/67), feline parvovirus (FPV: 1.5%; 1/67) and Cytauxzoon sp. (6.7%; 1/15). We also confirmed the emergence of Aujeszky's disease (suid herpesvirus-1) in this population (SuHV-1: 11.8%; 2/17). Evidence of previous exposure was detected for canine distemper virus (CDV: 5.8%; 3/52), feline coronavirus (1.9%; 1/52), FPV (7.7%; 1/13) and feline calicivirus (FCV: 5.3%; 1/19). From 25 recovered lynx carcasses, we could confirm infectious etiology involvement in the death of four individuals (SuHV-1 in two individuals, coinfection of Cytauxzoon spp. and Aeromonas veronii in one lynx and a Streptococcus canis myositis in another lynx). We confirmed the circulation of CDV, FPV, FeLV, FCV and the feline immunodeficiency virus within the sympatric carnivore community. Due to the low contact rate of infectious agents in such a small, endangered population, we recommend continuing a disease surveillance program to determine the prognostic factors of survival, understand the role that disease may play during the reintroduction and anticipate disease outbreaks that may pose a risk for the entire reintroduced population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Nájera
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Asistencia Técnica de la Dirección General del Medio Natural y Desarrollo Sostenible de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Plaza del Cardenal Siliceo s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Rebeca Grande-Gómez
- GPEX-Dirección General de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Extremadura, Avda. Luis Ramallo s/n, 06800 Mérida, Spain; (R.G.-G.); (J.P.); (A.V.)
- Organismo Autónomo Parques Nacionales, Zarza de Granadilla, 10710 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Jorge Peña
- GPEX-Dirección General de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Extremadura, Avda. Luis Ramallo s/n, 06800 Mérida, Spain; (R.G.-G.); (J.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Anastasio Vázquez
- GPEX-Dirección General de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Extremadura, Avda. Luis Ramallo s/n, 06800 Mérida, Spain; (R.G.-G.); (J.P.); (A.V.)
| | - María Jesús Palacios
- Dirección General de Medio Ambiente de la Junta de Extremadura, Avda. Luis Ramallo s/n, 06800 Mérida, Spain;
| | - Carmen Rueda
- Fundación CBD-Hábitat, C/Gustavo Fernández Balbuena 2, Entreplanta, Oficina A, 28002 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ana Isabel Corona-Bravo
- Centro de Análisis y Diagnóstico de la Fauna Silvestre, Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Avenida Lope de Vega 9, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (A.I.C.-B.); (I.Z.)
| | - Irene Zorrilla
- Centro de Análisis y Diagnóstico de la Fauna Silvestre, Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Avenida Lope de Vega 9, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (A.I.C.-B.); (I.Z.)
| | - Luis Revuelta
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María Gil-Molino
- Servicio de Recepción y Diagnostico de Muestras Biológicas, Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain;
| | - José Jiménez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos-(CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain;
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Colony Stimulating Factors in Early Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus Infection of Monocytes and in End Stage Feline Infectious Peritonitis; A Combined In Vivo And In Vitro Approach. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110893. [PMID: 33121170 PMCID: PMC7692899 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection initiates monocyte-associated viremia and viral persistence. Virus-infected, -activated monocytes also trigger feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a fatal systemic disease of felids typified by granulomatous (peri)phlebitis. Currently, the exact mechanisms inducing monocyte activation and FIP are unknown. This study attempted to identify the potential immediate effect of virulent FCoV on colony-stimulating factor (CSF) (granulocyte (G)-CSF, monocyte (M)-CSF and granulocyte-monocyte (GM)-CSF levels through in vitro assessment, alongside prototypical pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators (interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-12p40, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10); this was assessed alongside the in vivo situation in the hemolymphatic tissues of cats euthanized with natural end-stage FIP. For the in vitro work, isolated monocytes from SPF cats were cultured short-term and infected with the FIP virus (FIPV) strain DF2. Mediator transcription was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) at 3, 6 and 9 h post infection (hpi), and in the post-mortem samples of bone marrow, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of cats with FIP. We observed limited and transient changes in cytokine transcription in monocytes after infection, i.e., a significant increase of IL-6 at 3 hpi and of GM-CSF over the 3 and 6 hpi period, whereas M-CSF was significantly decreased at 9 hpi, with a limited effect of age. The findings indicate that the infection induces expansion of the monocyte/macrophage population, which would ensure the sufficient supply of cells for consistent viral replication. In natural disease, the only upregulation was of G-CSF in the MLN, suggesting either immune exhaustion or an active downregulation by the host as part of its viral response.
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Stranieri A, Scavone D, Paltrinieri S, Giordano A, Bonsembiante F, Ferro S, Gelain ME, Meazzi S, Lauzi S. Concordance between Histology, Immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR in the Diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9100852. [PMID: 33081040 PMCID: PMC7603141 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) have been used to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), but no information regarding the comparison of their diagnostic performances on the same organ is available. The aims of this study were to determine the concordance among these tests and to evaluate which combination of tests and organs can be used in vivo. Histology, IHC, and nested RT-PCR (RT-nPCR) for feline coronavirus (FCoV) were performed on spleen, liver, mesenteric lymph node, kidney, large and small intestine, and lung from 14 FIP and 12 non-FIP cats. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and concordance were calculated. IHC and RT-nPCR had the highest concordance in lung and liver, histology and IHC in the other organs. The sensitivity of histology, IHC, and RT-nPCR on the different organs ranged from 41.7 to 76.9%, 46.2 to 76.9%, and 64.3 to 85.7%, respectively, and their specificity ranged from 83.3 to 100.0%, 100% and 83.3 to 100.0%. Therefore, IHC is recommended when histology is consistent with FIP. If RT-nPCR is performed as the first diagnostic approach, results should always be confirmed with IHC. Lung or liver provide accurate information regardless of the method, while IHC is preferred to RT-nPCR to confirm FIP in the kidney or intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Donatella Scavone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0250334043
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federico Bonsembiante
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy; (F.B.); (S.F.); (M.E.G.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Ferro
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy; (F.B.); (S.F.); (M.E.G.)
| | - Maria Elena Gelain
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy; (F.B.); (S.F.); (M.E.G.)
| | - Sara Meazzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Haake C, Cook S, Pusterla N, Murphy B. Coronavirus Infections in Companion Animals: Virology, Epidemiology, Clinical and Pathologic Features. Viruses 2020; 12:E1023. [PMID: 32933150 PMCID: PMC7551689 DOI: 10.3390/v12091023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses capable of causing respiratory, enteric, or systemic diseases in a variety of mammalian hosts that vary in clinical severity from subclinical to fatal. The host range and tissue tropism are largely determined by the coronaviral spike protein, which initiates cellular infection by promoting fusion of the viral and host cell membranes. Companion animal coronaviruses responsible for causing enteric infection include feline enteric coronavirus, ferret enteric coronavirus, canine enteric coronavirus, equine coronavirus, and alpaca enteric coronavirus, while canine respiratory coronavirus and alpaca respiratory coronavirus result in respiratory infection. Ferret systemic coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis virus, a mutated feline enteric coronavirus, can lead to lethal immuno-inflammatory systemic disease. Recent human viral pandemics, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and most recently, COVID-19, all thought to originate from bat coronaviruses, demonstrate the zoonotic potential of coronaviruses and their potential to have devastating impacts. A better understanding of the coronaviruses of companion animals, their capacity for cross-species transmission, and the sharing of genetic information may facilitate improved prevention and control strategies for future emerging zoonotic coronaviruses. This article reviews the clinical, epidemiologic, virologic, and pathologic characteristics of nine important coronaviruses of companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Haake
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sarah Cook
- Graduate Group Integrative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Nicola Pusterla
- Department of Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Brian Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
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Lutz M, Steiner AR, Cattori V, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Lutz H, Kipar A, Meli ML. FCoV Viral Sequences of Systemically Infected Healthy Cats Lack Gene Mutations Previously Linked to the Development of FIP. Pathogens 2020; 9:E603. [PMID: 32722056 PMCID: PMC7459962 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)-the deadliest infectious disease of young cats in shelters or catteries-is induced by highly virulent feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) emerging in infected hosts after mutations of less virulent FCoVs. Previous studies have shown that some mutations in the open reading frames (ORF) 3c and 7b and the spike (S) gene have implications for the development of FIP, but mainly indirectly, likely also due to their association with systemic spread. The aim of the present study was to determine whether FCoV detected in organs of experimentally FCoV infected healthy cats carry some of these mutations. Viral RNA isolated from different tissues of seven asymptomatic cats infected with the field strains FCoV Zu1 or FCoV Zu3 was sequenced. Deletions in the 3c gene and mutations in the 7b and S genes that have been shown to have implications for the development of FIP were not detected, suggesting that these are not essential for systemic viral dissemination. However, deletions and single nucleotide polymorphisms leading to truncations were detected in all nonstructural proteins. These were found across all analyzed ORFs, but with significantly higher frequency in ORF 7b than ORF 3a. Additionally, a previously unknown homologous recombination site was detected in FCoV Zu1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Lutz
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.); (A.R.S.); (V.C.); (R.H.-L.); (H.L.)
| | - Aline R. Steiner
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.); (A.R.S.); (V.C.); (R.H.-L.); (H.L.)
| | - Valentino Cattori
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.); (A.R.S.); (V.C.); (R.H.-L.); (H.L.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.); (A.R.S.); (V.C.); (R.H.-L.); (H.L.)
| | - Hans Lutz
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.); (A.R.S.); (V.C.); (R.H.-L.); (H.L.)
| | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.); (A.R.S.); (V.C.); (R.H.-L.); (H.L.)
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Correlation of Feline Coronavirus Shedding in Feces with Coronavirus Antibody Titer. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080598. [PMID: 32707796 PMCID: PMC7459802 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection is ubiquitous in multi-cat households. Responsible for the continuous presence are cats that are chronically shedding a high load of FCoV. The aim of the study was to determine a possible correlation between FCoV antibody titer and frequency and load of fecal FCoV shedding in cats from catteries. METHODS Four fecal samples from each of 82 cats originating from 19 German catteries were examined for FCoV viral loads by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Additionally, antibody titers were determined by an immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS Cats with antibodies were more likely to be FCoV shedders than non-shedders, and there was a weak positive correlation between antibody titer and mean fecal virus load (Spearman r = 0.2984; p = 0.0072). Antibody titers were significantly higher if cats shed FCoV more frequently throughout the study period (p = 0.0063). When analyzing only FCoV shedders, cats that were RT-qPCR-positive in all four samples had significantly higher antibody titers (p = 0.0014) and significantly higher mean fecal virus loads (p = 0.0475) than cats that were RT-qPCR-positive in only one, two, or three samples. CONCLUSIONS The cats' antibody titers correlate with the likelihood and frequency of FCoV shedding and fecal virus load. Chronic shedders have higher antibody titers and shed more virus. This knowledge is important for the management of FCoV infections in multi-cat environments, but the results indicate that antibody measurement cannot replace fecal RT-qPCR.
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The Effect of Natural Feline Coronavirus Infection on the Host Immune Response: A Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of the Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in Cats with and without Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070524. [PMID: 32610501 PMCID: PMC7400348 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a coronavirus-induced disease of cats, in which the immune system is known to play a crucial, but complex, role in the pathogenesis. This role is still incompletely understood, with involvement of both host and viral factors. To evaluate differential gene expression and pathway involvement in feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection and FIP, we applied next-generation RNA-sequencing of the mesenteric lymph nodes from cats with naturally-acquired FIP, as well as those with systemic FCoV infection without FIP, and those with neither. Viral infection was associated with upregulation of viral defenses regardless of the disease state, but to a greater degree in FIP. FIP was associated with higher pro-inflammatory pathway enrichment, whilst non-FIP FCoV-positive cats showed lower enrichment of humoral immunity pathways, below that of uninfected cats in the case of immunoglobulin production pathways. This host response is presumed to be protective. In FIP, downregulation of T cell-related processes was observed, which did not occur in non-FIP FCoV-positive cats. These results emphasize the importance of the host’s immune balance in determining the outcome of the FCoV infection.
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Kennedy MA. Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Update on Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Treatment. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:1001-1011. [PMID: 32563530 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a mysterious and lethal disease of cats. The causative agent, feline coronavirus (FCoV), is ubiquitous in most feline populations, yet the disease is sporadic in nature. Mutations in the infecting virus combined with an inappropriate immune response to the FCoV contribute to the development of FIP. Diagnosis can be challenging because signs may be vague, clinical pathology parameters are nonspecific, and the gold standard for diagnosis is invasive: histopathology of affected tissue. This article discusses the developments in the understanding of this disease as well as the progress in diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Kennedy
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Room A205 VMC, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-4543, USA.
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Ferri F, Porporato F, Rossi F, Enache D, Callegari C, Gerardi G, Coppola LM, Contiero B, Crinò C, Kohan NR, Meli ML, Lutz H, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Zini E. Treatment with Class A CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides in Cats with Naturally Occurring Feline Parvovirus Infection: A Prospective Study. Viruses 2020; 12:v12060640. [PMID: 32545689 PMCID: PMC7354499 DOI: 10.3390/v12060640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline parvovirus (FPV) causes severe gastroenteritis and leukopenia in cats; the outcome is poor. Information regarding specific treatments is lacking. Class A CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-A) are short single-stranded DNAs, stimulating type I interferon production. In cats, CpG-A induced an antiviral response in vivo and inhibited FPV replication in vitro. The aim was to prospectively investigate the effects of CpG-A on survival, clinical score, hematological findings, antiviral response (cytokines), viremia, and fecal shedding (real-time qPCR) in cats naturally infected with FPV. Forty-two FPV-infected cats were randomized to receive 100 µg/kg of CpG-A (n = 22) or placebo (n = 20) subcutaneously, on admission and after 48 h. Blood and fecal samples were collected on admission, after 1, 3, and 7 days. All 22 cats showed short duration pain during CpG-A injections. The survival rate, clinical score, leukocyte and erythrocyte counts, viremia, and fecal shedding at any time-point did not differ between cats treated with CpG-A (50%) and placebo (40%). Antiviral myxovirus resistance (Mx) gene transcription increased in both groups from day 1 to 3 (p = 0.005). Antibodies against FPV on admission were associated with survival in cats (p = 0.002). In conclusion, CpG-A treatment did not improve the outcome in cats with FPV infection. FPV infection produced an antiviral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Ferri
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario di Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Italy; (F.P.); (F.R.); (D.E.); (C.C.); (E.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0321-4600155
| | - Federico Porporato
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario di Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Italy; (F.P.); (F.R.); (D.E.); (C.C.); (E.Z.)
| | - Francesco Rossi
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario di Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Italy; (F.P.); (F.R.); (D.E.); (C.C.); (E.Z.)
| | - Daniela Enache
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario di Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Italy; (F.P.); (F.R.); (D.E.); (C.C.); (E.Z.)
| | - Carolina Callegari
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario di Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Italy; (F.P.); (F.R.); (D.E.); (C.C.); (E.Z.)
| | - Gabriele Gerardi
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; (G.G.); (L.M.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Luigi M. Coppola
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; (G.G.); (L.M.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Barbara Contiero
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; (G.G.); (L.M.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Chiara Crinò
- The Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre, Fourth Avenue, Globe Business Park, Marlow SL7 1YG, UK;
| | - Neda Ranjbar Kohan
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.L.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.L.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Hans Lutz
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.L.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (N.R.K.); (M.L.M.); (H.L.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Eric Zini
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario di Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello (NO), Italy; (F.P.); (F.R.); (D.E.); (C.C.); (E.Z.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro (PD), Italy; (G.G.); (L.M.C.); (B.C.)
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Malbon AJ, Fonfara S, Meli ML, Hahn S, Egberink H, Kipar A. Feline Infectious Peritonitis as a Systemic Inflammatory Disease: Contribution of Liver and Heart to the Pathogenesis. Viruses 2019; 11:E1144. [PMID: 31835559 PMCID: PMC6949997 DOI: 10.3390/v11121144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal immune-mediated disease of cats, induced by feline coronavirus (FCoV). A combination of as yet poorly understood host and viral factors combine to cause a minority of FCoV-infected cats to develop FIP. Clinicopathological features include fever, vasculitis, and serositis, with or without effusions; all of which indicate a pro-inflammatory state with cytokine release. As a result, primary immune organs, as well as circulating leukocytes, have thus far been of most interest in previous studies to determine the likely sources of these cytokines. Results have suggested that these tissues alone may not be sufficient to induce the observed inflammation. The current study therefore focussed on the liver and heart, organs with a demonstrated ability to produce cytokines and therefore with huge potential to exacerbate inflammatory processes. The IL-12:IL-10 ratio, a marker of the immune system's inflammatory balance, was skewed towards the pro-inflammatory IL-12 in the liver of cats with FIP. Both organs were found to upregulate mRNA expression of the inflammatory triad of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in FIP. This amplifying step may be one of the missing links in the pathogenesis of this enigmatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Malbon
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Sonja Fonfara
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
- Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Marina L Meli
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shelley Hahn
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Herman Egberink
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
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Felten S, Hartmann K. Diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A Review of the Current Literature. Viruses 2019; 11:v11111068. [PMID: 31731711 PMCID: PMC6893704 DOI: 10.3390/v11111068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease that poses several challenges for veterinarians: clinical signs and laboratory changes are non-specific, and there are two pathotypes of the etiologic agent feline coronavirus (FCoV), sometimes referred to as feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) that vary fundamentally in their virulence, but are indistinguishable by a number of diagnostic methods. This review focuses on all important steps every veterinary practitioner has to deal with and new diagnostic tests that can be considered when encountering a cat with suspected FIP with the aim to establish a definitive diagnosis. It gives an overview on all available direct and indirect diagnostic tests and their sensitivity and specificity reported in the literature in different sample material. By providing summarized data for sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic test and each sample material, which can easily be accessed in tables, this review can help to facilitate the interpretation of different diagnostic tests and raise awareness of their advantages and limitations. Additionally, diagnostic trees depict recommended diagnostic steps that should be performed in cats suspected of having FIP based on their clinical signs or clinicopathologic abnormalities. These steps can easily be followed in clinical practice.
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29
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Dunbar D, Kwok W, Graham E, Armitage A, Irvine R, Johnston P, McDonald M, Montgomery D, Nicolson L, Robertson E, Weir W, Addie DD. Diagnosis of non-effusive feline infectious peritonitis by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR from mesenteric lymph node fine-needle aspirates. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 21:910-921. [PMID: 30407137 PMCID: PMC11132236 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x18809165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate a feline coronavirus (FCoV) reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) on fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) collected in sterile saline for the purpose of diagnosing non-effusive feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats. METHODS First, the ability of the assay to detect viral RNA in MLN FNA preparations compared with MLN biopsy preparations was assessed in matched samples from eight cats. Second, a panel of MLN FNA samples was collected from a series of cats representing non-effusive FIP cases (n = 20), FCoV-seropositive individuals (n = 8) and FCoV-seronegative individuals (n = 18). Disease status of the animals was determined using a combination of gross pathology, histopathology and/or 'FIP profile', consisting of serology, clinical pathology and clinical signs. RESULTS Viral RNA was detected in 18/20 non-effusive FIP cases; it was not detected in two cases that presented with neurological FIP. Samples from 18 seronegative non-FIP control cats and 7/8 samples from seropositive non-FIP control cats contained no detectable viral RNA. Thus, as a method for diagnosing non-effusive FIP, MLN FNA RT-qPCR had an overall sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 96.1%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In cases with a high index of suspicion of disease, RT-qPCR targeting FCoV in MLN FNA can provide important information to support the ante-mortem diagnosis of non-effusive FIP. Importantly, viral RNA can be reliably detected in MLN FNA samples in saline submitted via the national mail service. When applied in combination with biochemistry, haematology and serological tests in cases with a high index of suspicion of disease, the results of this assay may be used to support a diagnosis of non-effusive FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Dunbar
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wendy Kwok
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Elizabeth Graham
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andy Armitage
- Greenside Veterinary Practice Ltd, Greenside Farm, St Boswells, UK
| | - Richard Irvine
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pamela Johnston
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael McDonald
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Lesley Nicolson
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - William Weir
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Diane D Addie
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Acar DD, Stroobants VJE, Favoreel H, Saelens X, Nauwynck HJ. Identification of peptide domains involved in the subcellular localization of the feline coronavirus 3b protein. J Gen Virol 2019; 100:1417-1430. [PMID: 31483243 PMCID: PMC7079696 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) has been identified as the aetiological agent of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a highly fatal systemic disease in cats. FCoV open reading frame 3 (ORF3) encodes accessory proteins 3a, 3b and 3 c. The FCoV 3b accessory protein consists of 72 amino acid residues and localizes to nucleoli and mitochondria. The present work focused on peptide domains within FCoV 3b that drive its intracellular trafficking. Transfection of different cell types with FCoV 3b fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or 3×FLAG confirmed localization of FCoV 3b in the mitochondria and nucleoli. Using serial truncated mutants, we showed that nucleolar accumulation is controlled by a joint nucleolar and nuclear localization signal (NoLS/NLS) in which the identified overlapping pat4 motifs (residues 53–57) play a critical role. Mutational analysis also revealed that mitochondrial translocation is mediated by N-terminal residues 10–35, in which a Tom20 recognition motif (residues 13–17) and two other overlapping hexamers (residues 24–30) associated with mitochondrial targeting were identified. In addition, a second Tom20 recognition motif was identified further downstream (residues 61–65), although the mitochondrial translocation evoked by these residues seemed less efficient as a diffuse cytoplasmic distribution was also observed. Assessing the spatiotemporal distribution of FCoV 3b did not provide convincing evidence of dynamic shuttling behaviour between the nucleoli and the mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine D. Acar
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Veerle J. E. Stroobants
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Herman Favoreel
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Xavier Saelens
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans J. Nauwynck
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Hans J. Nauwynck,
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Stranieri A, Probo M, Pisu MC, Fioletti A, Meazzi S, Gelain ME, Bonsembiante F, Lauzi S, Paltrinieri S. Preliminary investigation on feline coronavirus presence in the reproductive tract of the tom cat as a potential route of viral transmission. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 22:178-185. [PMID: 30900940 PMCID: PMC7221457 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19837114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an immune-mediated disease initiated
by feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection. To date, the only proven route of
transmission is the faecal–oral route, but a possible localisation of FCoV
in the reproductive tract of tom cats is of concern, owing to the
involvement of the male reproductive tract during FIP and to the presence of
reproduction disorders in FCoV-endemic feline catteries. The aim of the
study was to investigate the presence and localisation of FCoV in semen
and/or in the reproductive tract of tom cats, and its possible association
with seroconversion and viraemic phase. Methods Blood, serum, semen and/or testicle samples were obtained from 46 tom cats.
Serology was performed on 38 serum samples, nested reverse transcriptase PCR
(nRT-PCR) and reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were
performed on 39 blood samples and on 17 semen samples, and histology,
immunohistochemistry and nRT-PCR were performed on 39 testicles. Results Twenty-four of 38 serum samples were positive on serology. Semen samples were
negative on RT-PCR and RT-qPCR for FCoV, while all blood samples were
negative at both molecular methods, except for one sample positive at
RT-qPCR with a very low viral load. All testicles were negative at
immunohistochemistry, while six were positive at nRT-PCR for FCoV. Serology
and blood PCR results suggest that the virus was present in the environment,
stimulating transient seroconversion. FCoV seems not to localise in the
semen of tom cats, making the venereal route as a way of transmission
unlikely. Although viral RNA was found in some testicles, it could not be
correlated with the viraemic phase. Conclusions and relevance In the light of these preliminary results, artificial insemination appears
safer than natural mating as it eliminates the direct contact between
animals, thus diminishing the probability of faecal–oral FCoV
transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Central Laboratory, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Monica Probo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Fioletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Meazzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Central Laboratory, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Maria E Gelain
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Bonsembiante
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Central Laboratory, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Central Laboratory, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
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Felten S, Hartmann K, Doerfelt S, Sangl L, Hirschberger J, Matiasek K. Immunocytochemistry of mesenteric lymph node fine-needle aspirates in the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis. J Vet Diagn Invest 2019; 31:210-216. [PMID: 30694113 DOI: 10.1177/1040638718825280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of tissue samples is considered the gold standard for diagnosing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and, in cats without body cavity effusion, IHC is the only method available to establish definitive antemortem diagnosis. However, IHC requires invasive tissue sample collection. We evaluated sensitivity and specificity of an immunocytochemical assay of fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) of mesenteric lymph nodes that can be obtained noninvasively by ultrasound-guided aspiration to diagnose FIP. FNAs of mesenteric lymph nodes were obtained postmortem from 41 cats suspected of having FIP based on clinical and/or laboratory findings. FIP was confirmed immunohistochemically in 30 cats. In the other 11 cats, a disease other than FIP, which explained the clinical signs, was diagnosed histopathologically. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed as an avidin-biotin complex method using a monoclonal anti-FCoV IgG 2A. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values (NPV, PPV, respectively) including 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were determined. ICC was positive in 17 of 30 cats with FIP, but also in 1 of 11 control cats that was diagnosed with lymphoma. Sensitivity of ICC was 53% (95% CI: 34-72); specificity 91% (95% CI: 59-100); NPV 42% (95% CI: 22-63); and PPV 94% (95% CI: 71-100). In a lethal disease such as FIP, specificity is most important in order to avoid euthanasia of unaffected cats. Given that a false-positive result occurred and FIP was correctly detected in only approximately half of the cases of FIP, ICC of mesenteric lymph node FNA alone cannot reliably confirm or exclude FIP, but can be a helpful test in conjunction with other diagnostic measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Felten, Hartmann, Doerfelt, Sangl, Hirschberger), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany.,Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Felten, Hartmann, Doerfelt, Sangl, Hirschberger), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany.,Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Doerfelt
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Felten, Hartmann, Doerfelt, Sangl, Hirschberger), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany.,Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Sangl
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Felten, Hartmann, Doerfelt, Sangl, Hirschberger), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany.,Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Hirschberger
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Felten, Hartmann, Doerfelt, Sangl, Hirschberger), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany.,Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Felten, Hartmann, Doerfelt, Sangl, Hirschberger), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany.,Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Germany
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Malbon AJ, Meli ML, Barker EN, Davidson AD, Tasker S, Kipar A. Inflammatory Mediators in the Mesenteric Lymph Nodes, Site of a Possible Intermediate Phase in the Immune Response to Feline Coronavirus and the Pathogenesis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis? J Comp Pathol 2018; 166:69-86. [PMID: 30691609 PMCID: PMC7094650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an almost invariably fatal feline coronavirus (FCoV)-induced disease thought to arise from a combination of viral mutations and an overexuberant immune response. Natural initial enteric FCoV infection may remain subclinical, or result in mild enteric signs or the development of FIP; cats may also carry the virus systemically with no adverse effect. This study screened mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), the presumed first site of FCoV spread from the intestine regardless of viraemia, for changes in the transcription of a panel of innate immune response mediators in response to systemic FCoV infection and with FIP, aiming to identify key pathways triggered by FCoV. Cats with and without FIP, the latter with and without FCoV infection in the MLN, were compared. Higher expression levels in FIP were found for toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 4 and 8. These are part of the first line of defence and suggest a response to both viral structural proteins and viral nucleic acid. Expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-15, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, CXCL10, CCL8, interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-β and IFN-γ, was higher in cats with FIP, consistent with inflammatory pathway activation. Expression of genes encoding transcription factors STAT1 and 2, regulating signalling pathways, particularly of the interferons, was also higher. Among cats without FIP, there were few differences between virus-positive and virus-negative MLNs; however, TLR9 and STAT2 expression were higher with infection, suggesting a direct viral effect. The study provides evidence for TLR involvement in the response to FCoV. This could open up new avenues for therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Malbon
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Bern, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Switzerland
| | - M L Meli
- Center for Clinical Studies, Switzerland; Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - A D Davidson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | - A Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK.
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Reverse Genetics for Type I Feline Coronavirus Field Isolate To Study the Molecular Pathogenesis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.01422-18. [PMID: 30065095 PMCID: PMC6069117 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01422-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), one of the most important lethal infections of cats, is caused by feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), the high-virulence biotype of feline coronaviruses (FCoVs). FIPVs are suggested to emerge from feline enteric coronaviruses (FECVs) by acquiring mutations in specific genes in the course of persistent infections. Although numerous studies identified mutations predicted to be responsible for the FECV-FIPV biotype switch, the presumed roles of specific genetic changes in FIP pathogenesis have not been confirmed experimentally. Reverse genetics systems established previously for serotype I and the less common serotype II FCoVs were based on cell culture-adapted FIPV strains which, however, were shown to be unsuitable for FIP pathogenesis studies in vivo To date, systems to produce and manipulate recombinant serotype I field viruses have not been developed, mainly because these viruses cannot be grown in vitro Here, we report the first reverse genetics system based on a serotype I FECV field isolate that is suitable to produce high-titer stocks of recombinant FECVs. We demonstrate that these recombinant viruses cause productive persistent infections in cats that are similar to what is observed in natural infections. The system provides an excellent tool for studying FCoVs that do not grow in standard cell culture systems and will greatly facilitate studies into the molecular pathogenesis of FIP. Importantly, the system could also be adapted for studies of other RNA viruses with large genomes whose production and characterization in vivo are currently hampered by the lack of in vitro propagation systems.IMPORTANCE The availability of recombinant serotype I FCoV field isolates that are amenable to genetic manipulation is key to studying the molecular pathogenesis of FIP, especially since previous studies using cell culture-adapted FIPVs had proven unsuccessful. To our knowledge, we report the first serotype I FECV field isolate-based reverse genetics system that allows the production of high-titer recombinant virus stocks that can be used for subsequent in vivo studies in cats. The system represents a milestone in FCoV research. It provides an essential tool for studying the molecular pathogenesis of FIP and, more specifically, the functions of specific gene products in causing a fundamentally different progression of disease following acquisition of specific mutations. The system developed in this study will also be useful for studying other coronaviruses or more distantly related RNA viruses with large genomes for which suitable in vitro culture systems are not available.
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35
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Jaimes JA, Whittaker GR. Feline coronavirus: Insights into viral pathogenesis based on the spike protein structure and function. Virology 2018; 517:108-121. [PMID: 29329682 PMCID: PMC7112122 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is an etiological agent that causes a benign enteric illness and the fatal systemic disease feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The FCoV spike (S) protein is considered the viral regulator for binding and entry to the cell. This protein is also involved in FCoV tropism and virulence, as well as in the switch from enteric disease to FIP. This regulation is carried out by spike's major functions: receptor binding and virus-cell membrane fusion. In this review, we address important aspects in FCoV genetics, replication and pathogenesis, focusing on the role of S. To better understand this, FCoV S protein models were constructed, based on the human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) S structure. We describe the specific structural characteristics of the FCoV S, in comparison with other coronavirus spikes. We also revise the biochemical events needed for FCoV S activation and its relation to the structural features of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Jaimes
- Department of Microbiology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Cornell University, 930 Campus Rd. VMC C4-133, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, VMC C4-127, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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36
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Tasker S. Diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis: Update on evidence supporting available tests. J Feline Med Surg 2018; 20:228-243. [PMID: 29478397 PMCID: PMC10816288 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x18758592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Practical relevance: Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection is very common in cats, usually causing only mild intestinal signs such as diarrhoea. Up to 10% of FCoV infections, however, result in the fatal disease feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Clinical challenges: Obtaining a definitive diagnosis of FIP based on non-invasive approaches is difficult. Confirmation of the disease relies on finding appropriate cytological or histopathological changes in association with positive immunostaining for FCoV antigen. In FIP cases with effusions, cytology and immunostaining on effusion samples can be relatively easy to perform; otherwise obtaining diagnostic samples is more challenging and collection of biopsies from tissues with gross lesions is necessary. In the absence of a definitive diagnosis, a high index of suspicion of FIP may be obtained from the cat's signalment and history, combined with findings on clinical examination and laboratory test results. If largely consistent with FIP, these can be used as a basis for discussion with the owner about whether additional, more invasive, diagnostic tests are warranted. In some cases it may be that euthanasia is discussed as an alternative to pursuing a definitive diagnosis ante-mortem, especially if financial limitations exist or where there are concerns over a cat's ability to tolerate invasive diagnostic procedures. Ideally, the diagnosis should be confirmed in such patients from samples taken at post-mortem examination. Global importance: FIP occurs wherever FCoV infection is present in cats, which equates to most parts of the world. Evidence base: This review provides a comprehensive overview of how to approach the diagnosis of FIP, focusing on the tests available to the veterinary practitioner and recently published evidence supporting their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Tasker
- The Feline Centre, Langford Vets, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK
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37
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Barker EN, Stranieri A, Helps CR, Porter EL, Davidson AD, Day MJ, Knowles T, Kipar A, Tasker S. Limitations of using feline coronavirus spike protein gene mutations to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis. Vet Res 2017; 48:60. [PMID: 28982390 PMCID: PMC5629788 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-017-0467-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats, and a sequela of systemic feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection. Mutations in the viral spike (S) gene have been associated with FCoVs found in tissues from cats with FIP, but not FCoVs found in faeces from healthy cats, and are implicated in monocyte/macrophage tropism and systemic spread. This study was designed to determine whether S gene mutation analysis can reliably diagnose FIP. Cats were categorised as with FIP (n = 57) or without FIP (n = 45) based on gross post-mortem and histopathological examination including immunohistochemistry for FCoV antigen. RNA was purified from available tissue, fluid and faeces. Reverse-transcriptase quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed on all samples using FCoV-specific primers, followed by sequencing of a section of the S gene on RT-qPCR positive samples. Samples were available from a total of 102 cats. Tissue, fluid, and faecal samples from cats with FIP were more likely to be FCoV RT-qPCR-positive (90.4, 78.4 and 64.6% respectively) than those from cats without FIP (7.8, 2.1 and 20% respectively). Identification of S gene mutated FCoVs as an additional step to the detection of FCoV alone, only moderately increased specificity for tissue samples (from 92.6 to 94.6%) but specificity was unchanged for fluid samples (97.9%) for FIP diagnosis; however, sensitivity was markedly decreased for tissue (from 89.8 to 80.9%) and fluid samples (from 78.4 to 60%) for FIP diagnosis. These findings demonstrate that S gene mutation analysis in FCoVs does not substantially improve the ability to diagnose FIP as compared to detection of FCoV alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Barker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | | | - Chris R Helps
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emily L Porter
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew D Davidson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Michael J Day
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Toby Knowles
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Séverine Tasker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Stranieri A, Giordano A, Bo S, Braghiroli C, Paltrinieri S. Frequency of electrophoretic changes consistent with feline infectious peritonitis in two different time periods (2004-2009 vs 2013-2014). J Feline Med Surg 2017; 19:880-887. [PMID: 27555489 PMCID: PMC11104115 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x16664389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the frequency of electrophoretic changes in serum of cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) changed in recent years vs past years. Methods Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) from cats with FIP and healthy cats recorded in the periods 2004-2009 and 2013-2014 were retrospectively analysed. Relative and absolute values of each electrophoretic fraction were recorded and the number of cats showing single or combined electrophoretic changes consistent with FIP (hypoalbuminaemia, inverted albumin to globulin [A:G] ratio, increased total protein, total globulin, alpha [α]2-globulin and gamma [γ]-globulin concentration) were counted. Additionally, a visual analysis of electrophoretograms was also performed. Results for the two time periods were statistically compared. Results The details of 91 AGE procedures (41 from cats with FIP and 50 from healthy cats) and 45 CZE procedures (26 from cats with FIP and 19 from healthy cats) were obtained from the database. No significant differences between the two time periods were found both in FIP and in healthy cats analysed with CZE and in healthy cats analysed with AGE. Compared with 2004-2009, cats with FIP sampled in 2013-2014 with AGE showed a significantly lower concentration of total protein, γ-globulins and total globulins, and a significantly higher A:G ratio and percentage of albumin and α2-globulins. Using both AGE and CZE, in recent years the proportion of cats with high α2-globulins without gammopathy and the proportion of cats with gammopathy alone decreased. With a visual approach, the number of patterns considered as dubious increased in the second period with AGE (non-statistically significant). Conclusions and relevance The frequency of electrophoretic abnormalities in cats with FIP decreased in recent years, independently of the technique employed. Although the mechanism responsible for this change was not investigated in this study, this altered frequency may decrease the diagnostic accuracy of serum protein electrophoresis for FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Bo
- Bo-Ferro Veterinary Clinic Association, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Braghiroli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Takano T, Nakaguchi M, Doki T, Hohdatsu T. Antibody-dependent enhancement of serotype II feline enteric coronavirus infection in primary feline monocytes. Arch Virol 2017; 162:3339-3345. [PMID: 28730523 PMCID: PMC7086811 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-017-3489-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) has been classified into two biotypes: avirulent feline coronavirus (feline enteric coronavirus: FECV) and virulent feline coronavirus (feline infectious peritonitis virus: FIPV). In FIPV infection, antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) has been reported and was shown to be associated with severe clinical disease. On the other hand, the potential role of ADE in FECV infection has not been examined. In this study, using laboratory strains of serotype II FIPV WSU 79-1146 (FIPV 79-1146) and serotype II FECV WSU 79-1683 (FECV 79-1683), we investigated the relationship between ADE and induction of inflammatory cytokines, which are pathogenesis-related factors, for each strain. As with ADE of FIPV 79-1146 infection, a monoclonal antibody against the spike protein of FCoV (mAb 6-4-2) enhanced FECV 79-1683 replication in U937 cells and primary feline monocytes. However, the ADE activity of FECV 79-1683 was lower than that of FIPV 79-1146. Moreover, mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) significantly increased with ADE of FIPV 79-1146 infection in primary feline monocytes, but FECV 79-1683 did not demonstrate an increase in these levels. In conclusion, infection of monocytes by FECV was enhanced by antibodies, but the efficiency of infection was lower than that of FIPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Takano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Mamiko Nakaguchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Doki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Hohdatsu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan.
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Felten S, Matiasek K, Gruendl S, Sangl L, Hartmann K. Utility of an immunocytochemical assay using aqueous humor in the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis. Vet Ophthalmol 2017; 21:27-34. [PMID: 28493448 PMCID: PMC7169266 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective In cats suffering from feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) without effusion, antemortem diagnosis is challenging. Uveitis is common in these cats. It was the aim of this study to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of an immunocytochemical assay (ICC) in aqueous humor of cats suspected of having FIP. Animals studied The study included 26 cats with immunohistochemically confirmed FIP and 12 control cats for which FIP was suspected due to similar clinical or laboratory changes, but which suffered from other diseases confirmed via histopathology. Procedures All aqueous humor samples were collected postmortem by paracentesis. ICC was carried out as avidin–biotin complex method. Sensitivity, specificity, and the overall accuracy including 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Results Immunocytochemistry was positive in 16 of 25 cats with FIP and 2 of 11 control cats (one cat with lymphoma, one with pulmonary adenocarcinoma). Aqueous humor samples of one cat with FIP and of one control cat were excluded from statistical analysis. Sensitivity was 64.0% (95% CI: 42.5–82.0); specificity 81.8% (95% CI: 48.2–97.7); and overall accuracy 69.4% (95% CI: 51.9–83.7). Conclusions As false‐positive results occurred and specificity is most important in the diagnosis of FIP, the diagnostic utility of ICC in aqueous humor is limited. Further studies are required to clarify the origin of false‐positive ICC results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich, 80539, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical & Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich, 80539, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gruendl
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich, 80539, Germany
| | - Laura Sangl
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich, 80539, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich, 80539, Germany
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Doenges SJ, Weber K, Dorsch R, Fux R, Hartmann K. Comparison of real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum and cell-free body cavity effusion for the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis. J Feline Med Surg 2017; 19:344-350. [PMID: 26787293 PMCID: PMC11119647 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15625354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) remains challenging, especially in cats without effusions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detecting feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum in comparison with the same real-time RT-PCR in cell-free body cavity effusion. Methods This prospective case-control study included 92 cats. Forty-three cats had a definitive diagnosis of FIP, established either by histopathological examination (n = 28) or by positive immunofluorescence staining of FCoV antigen in macrophages of effusions (n = 11), or by both methods (n = 4). Forty-nine control cats had other diseases but similar clinical signs. Real-time RT-PCR was performed on PBMCs of 37 cats (21 cats with FIP, 16 controls), on serum of 51 cats (26 cats with FIP, 25 controls) and on cell-free body cavity effusion of 69 cats (36 cats with FIP, 33 controls). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, including 95% confidence intervals (CI), were calculated. Results Real-time RT-PCR of PBMCs, serum and cell-free body cavity effusion showed a specificity of 100% (95% CI 79.4-100% in PBMCs, 86.3-100% in serum, 89.4-100% in cell-free body cavity effusion) and a sensitivity of 28.6% (95% CI 11.3-52.2%) in PBMCs, 15.4% (95% CI 4.4-34.9%) in serum and 88.9% (95% CI 73.9-96.9%) in cell-free body cavity effusion to diagnose FIP. Conclusions and relevance Although it is known that RT-PCR can often provide false-positive results in healthy cats, this real-time RT-PCR was shown to be a specific tool for the diagnosis of FIP when applied in a clinical setting. Sensitivity in cell-free body cavity effusion was high but low in PBMCs and serum. PBMC samples showed a higher sensitivity than serum samples, and are therefore a better choice if no effusion is present.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karin Weber
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich, Germany
| | - Roswitha Dorsch
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Fux
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, LMU University of Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich, Germany
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42
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Felten S, Weider K, Doenges S, Gruendl S, Matiasek K, Hermanns W, Mueller E, Matiasek L, Fischer A, Weber K, Hirschberger J, Wess G, Hartmann K. Detection of feline coronavirus spike gene mutations as a tool to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis. J Feline Med Surg 2017; 19:321-335. [PMID: 26701958 PMCID: PMC11119656 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15623824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an important cause of death in the cat population worldwide. The ante-mortem diagnosis of FIP in clinical cases is still challenging. In cats without effusion, a definitive diagnosis can only be achieved post mortem or with invasive methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a combined reverse transcriptase nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) and sequencing approach in the diagnosis of FIP, detecting mutations at two different nucleotide positions within the spike (S) gene. Methods The study population consisted of 64 cats with confirmed FIP and 63 cats in which FIP was initially suspected due to similar clinical or laboratory signs, but that were definitively diagnosed with another disease. Serum/plasma and/or effusion samples of these cats were examined for feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA by RT-nPCR and, if positive, PCR products were sequenced for nucleotide transitions within the S gene. Results Specificity of RT-nPCR was 100% in all materials (95% confidence interval [CI] in serum/plasma 83.9-100.0; 95% CI in effusion 93.0-100.0). The specificity of the sequencing step could not be determined as none of the cats of the control group tested positive for FCoV RNA. Sensitivity of the 'combined RT-nPCR and sequencing approach' was 6.5% (95% CI 0.8-21.4) in serum/plasma and 65.3% (95% CI 50.4-78.3) in effusion. Conclusions and relevance A positive result is highly indicative of the presence of FIP, but as none of the control cats tested positive by RT-nPCR, it was not possible to confirm that the FCoV mutant described can only be found in cats with FIP. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the usefulness of the sequencing step including FCoV-RNA-positive cats with and without FIP. A negative result cannot be used to exclude the disease, especially when only serum/plasma samples are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stephanie Doenges
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gruendl
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Walter Hermanns
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Lara Matiasek
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Fischer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Weber
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Hirschberger
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wess
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Felten S, Matiasek K, Gruendl S, Sangl L, Wess G, Hartmann K. Investigation into the utility of an immunocytochemical assay in body cavity effusions for diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis. J Feline Med Surg 2017; 19:410-418. [PMID: 26902098 PMCID: PMC11119638 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x16630357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) exist as two biotypes, feline enteric coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis virus. Although feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a very common disease, the ante-mortem diagnosis of this disease still remains a challenge. Immunofluorescence staining of FCoV in macrophages in effusion has been considered as the reference standard for the diagnosis, but recently this method has been shown to have lower specificity than previously reported. In addition, this method is not widely available and requires the use of fluorescence microscopes. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to evaluate the diagnostic potential of an immunocytochemical (ICC) assay using body cavity effusion. Methods Effusion samples from 27 cats with immunohistochemically confirmed FIP and 29 cats with suspected FIP but a definitive diagnosis of another disease were examined. ICC specimens were evaluated with respect to positive immunostaining. In addition, effusion samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and evaluated cytologically. Results A diagnostic sensitivity of 85.2% was recorded for effusion specimens (95% confidence interval [CI] 66.3-95.8), while the diagnostic specificity was only 72.4% (95% CI 52.8-87.3). Conclusions and relevance Once the clinical disease of FIP develops in a cat, it always leads to death, and most of the cats are euthanased within a few days or weeks. As false-positive results might lead to euthanasia of cats suffering from potentially treatable diseases, the diagnostic specificity of a diagnostic tool is the most important factor in a fatal disease like FIP. Thus, the diagnostic utility of this test proved to be insufficient and positive ICC results should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, full-body necropsy could not be performed in 13/29 control cats. It is possible that these cats actually suffered from early-stage FIP and that this fact might have influenced the diagnostic specificity of the ICC. Based on the results of the present study, however, ICC of effusion samples currently cannot be recommended to confirm a suspicion of FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gruendl
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Sangl
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wess
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) belongs to the few animal virus diseases in which, in the course of a generally harmless persistent infection, a virus acquires a small number of mutations that fundamentally change its pathogenicity, invariably resulting in a fatal outcome. The causative agent of this deadly disease, feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), arises from feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). The review summarizes our current knowledge of the genome and proteome of feline coronaviruses (FCoVs), focusing on the viral surface (spike) protein S and the five accessory proteins. We also review the current classification of FCoVs into distinct serotypes and biotypes, cellular receptors of FCoVs and their presumed role in viral virulence, and discuss other aspects of FIPV-induced pathogenesis. Our current knowledge of genetic differences between FECVs and FIPVs has been mainly based on comparative sequence analyses that revealed “discriminatory” mutations that are present in FIPVs but not in FECVs. Most of these mutations result in amino acid substitutions in the S protein and these may have a critical role in the switch from FECV to FIPV. In most cases, the precise roles of these mutations in the molecular pathogenesis of FIP have not been tested experimentally in the natural host, mainly due to the lack of suitable experimental tools including genetically engineered virus mutants. We discuss the recent progress in the development of FCoV reverse genetics systems suitable to generate recombinant field viruses containing appropriate mutations for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Tekes
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| | - H-J Thiel
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Experimental feline enteric coronavirus infection reveals an aberrant infection pattern and shedding of mutants with impaired infectivity in enterocyte cultures. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20022. [PMID: 26822958 PMCID: PMC4731813 DOI: 10.1038/srep20022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) results from mutations in the viral genome during a common feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infection. Since many virological and immunological data on FECV infections are lacking, the present study investigated these missing links during experimental infection of three SPF cats with FECV strain UCD. Two cats showed mild clinical signs, faecal shedding of infectious virus from 4 dpi, a cell-associated viraemia at inconsistent time points from 5 dpi, a highly neutralising antibody response from 9 dpi, and no major abnormalities in leukocyte numbers. Faecal shedding lasted for 28–56 days, but virus shed during this stage was less infectious in enterocyte cultures and affected by mutations. Remarkably, in the other cat neither clinical signs nor acute shedding were seen, but virus was detected in blood cells from 3 dpi, and shedding of non-enterotropic, mutated viruses suddenly occurred from 14 dpi onwards. Neutralising antibodies arose from 21 dpi. Leukocyte numbers were not different compared to the other cats, except for the CD8+ regulatory T cells. These data indicate that FECV can infect immune cells even in the absence of intestinal replication and raise the hypothesis that the gradual adaptation to these cells can allow non-enterotropic mutants to arise.
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Willi B, Spiri AM, Meli ML, Grimm F, Beatrice L, Riond B, Bley T, Jordi R, Dennler M, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Clinical and molecular investigation of a canine distemper outbreak and vector-borne infections in a group of rescue dogs imported from Hungary to Switzerland. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:154. [PMID: 26179635 PMCID: PMC4504088 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a major pathogen of dogs and wild carnivores worldwide. In Switzerland, distemper in domestic dogs is rarely reported. In recent years, the import of dogs from Eastern Europe to Switzerland has steadily increased. In the present study, we describe a distemper outbreak in 15 rescue dogs that were imported from Hungary to Switzerland by an animal welfare organisation. The data on vaccination and medical history were recorded (14 dogs), and the samples were collected to investigate CDV and vector-borne infections (13 dogs) and canine parvovirus infection (12 dogs). The dogs were monitored for six months. Results One dog was euthanised directly after import. Thirteen dogs showed clinical signs after arrival, i.e., diarrhoea (57 %), coughing (43 %) and nasal and/or ocular discharge (21 %); radiographic findings that were compatible with bronchopneumonia were present in four dogs. CDV infection was diagnosed in 11 dogs (85 %); 10 dogs (91 %) tested PCR-positive in conjunctival swabs. Vector-borne infections (Babesia spp., Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria immitis) were found in 4 dogs (31 %). Three dogs were hospitalized, and six dogs received ambulatory therapy for up to two months until recovery. None of the dogs developed neurological disease. CDV shedding was detected for a period of up to four months. Because dogs were put under strict quarantine until CDV shedding ceased, CDV did not spread to any other dogs. The CDV isolates showed 99 % sequence identity in the HA gene among each other and belonged to the Arctic-like lineage of CDV. Conclusions The present study highlights the imminent risks of spreading contagious viral and vector-borne infections through the non-selective import of sick dogs and dogs with incomplete vaccination from Eastern Europe. CDV shedding was detected for several months after the cessation of clinical signs, which emphasised the roles of asymptomatic carriers in CDV epidemiology. A long-term follow-up using sensitive PCR and strict quarantine measures is of upmost importance in preventing the spread of infection. Dog owners and animal welfare organisations should be educated regarding the importance of complete vaccinations and the impact of dog imports on the spread of viral and vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Willi
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea M Spiri
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Felix Grimm
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Laura Beatrice
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Barbara Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Tim Bley
- Kleintierpraxis Dres. med. vet. Rohner & Bley, Niederglatt, Switzerland.
| | - Rolf Jordi
- Kleintierpraxis Dr. med. vet. Rolf Jordi, Gümligen, Switzerland.
| | - Matthias Dennler
- Clinic of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most important fatal infectious diseases of cats, the pathogenesis of which has not yet been fully revealed. The present review focuses on the biology of feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection and the pathogenesis and pathological features of FIP. Recent studies have revealed functions of many viral proteins, differing receptor specificity for type I and type II FCoV, and genomic differences between feline enteric coronaviruses (FECVs) and FIP viruses (FIPVs). FECV and FIP also exhibit functional differences, since FECVs replicate mainly in intestinal epithelium and are shed in feces, and FIPVs replicate efficiently in monocytes and induce systemic disease. Thus, key events in the pathogenesis of FIP are systemic infection with FIPV, effective and sustainable viral replication in monocytes, and activation of infected monocytes. The host's genetics and immune system also play important roles. It is the activation of monocytes and macrophages that directly leads to the pathologic features of FIP, including vasculitis, body cavity effusions, and fibrinous and granulomatous inflammatory lesions. Advances have been made in the clinical diagnosis of FIP, based on the clinical pathologic findings, serologic testing, and detection of virus using molecular (polymerase chain reaction) or antibody-based methods. Nevertheless, the clinical diagnosis remains challenging in particular in the dry form of FIP, which is partly due to the incomplete understanding of infection biology and pathogenesis in FIP. So, while much progress has been made, many aspects of FIP pathogenesis still remain an enigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Lewis CS, Porter E, Matthews D, Kipar A, Tasker S, Helps CR, Siddell SG. Genotyping coronaviruses associated with feline infectious peritonitis. J Gen Virol 2015; 96:1358-1368. [PMID: 25667330 PMCID: PMC4635486 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.000084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infections are endemic among cats worldwide. The majority of infections are asymptomatic or result in only mild enteric disease. However, approximately 5 % of cases develop feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a systemic disease that is a frequent cause of death in young cats. In this study, we report the complete coding genome sequences of six FCoVs: three from faecal samples from healthy cats and three from tissue lesion samples from cats with confirmed FIP. The six samples were obtained over a period of 8 weeks at a single-site cat rescue and rehoming centre in the UK. We found amino acid differences located at 44 positions across an alignment of the six virus translatomes and, at 21 of these positions, the differences fully or partially discriminated between the genomes derived from the faecal samples and the genomes derived from the tissue lesion samples. In this study, two amino acid differences fully discriminated the two classes of genomes: these were both located in the S2 domain of the virus surface glycoprotein gene. We also identified deletions in the 3c protein ORF of genomes from two of the FIP samples. Our results support previous studies that implicate S protein mutations in the pathogenesis of FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Lewis
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Emily Porter
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - David Matthews
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurer Strasse 268, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Séverine Tasker
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Christopher R Helps
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
| | - Stuart G Siddell
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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Pedersen NC, Eckstrand C, Liu H, Leutenegger C, Murphy B. Levels of feline infectious peritonitis virus in blood, effusions, and various tissues and the role of lymphopenia in disease outcome following experimental infection. Vet Microbiol 2014; 175:157-66. [PMID: 25532961 PMCID: PMC7117444 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2014.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Twenty specific pathogen free cats were experimentally infected with a virulent cat-passaged type I field strain of FIPV. Eighteen cats succumbed within 2-4 weeks to effusive abdominal FIP, one survived for 6 weeks, and one seroconverted without outward signs of disease. A profound drop in the absolute count of blood lymphocytes occurred around 2 weeks post-infection (p.i.) in cats with rapid disease, while the decrease was delayed in the one cat that survived for 6 weeks. The absolute lymphocyte count of the surviving cat remained within normal range. Serum antibodies as measured by indirect immunofluorescence appeared after 2 weeks p.i. and correlated with the onset of disease signs. Viral genomic RNA was either not detectable by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) or detectable only at very low levels in terminal tissues not involved directly in the infection, including hepatic and renal parenchyma, cardiac muscle, lung or popliteal lymph node. High tissue virus loads were measured in severely affected tissues such as the omentum, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen. High levels of viral genomic RNA were also detected in whole ascitic fluid, with the cellular fraction containing 10-1000 times more viral RNA than the supernatant. Replicating virus was strongly associated with macrophages by immunohistochemistry. Virus was usually detected at relatively low levels in feces and there was no evidence of enterocyte infection. Viral genomic RNA was not detected at the level of test sensitivity in whole blood, plasma, or the white cell fraction in terminal samples from the 19 cats that succumbed or in the single survivor. These studies reconfirmed the effect of lymphopenia on disease outcome. FIPV genomic RNA was also found to be highly macrophage associated within diseased tissues and effusions as determined by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry but was not present in blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels C Pedersen
- Center for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - Chrissy Eckstrand
- Department Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Hongwei Liu
- Center for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Brian Murphy
- Department Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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50
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Desmarets LMB, Theuns S, Roukaerts IDM, Acar DD, Nauwynck HJ. Role of sialic acids in feline enteric coronavirus infections. J Gen Virol 2014; 95:1911-1918. [PMID: 24876305 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.064717-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To initiate infections, many coronaviruses use sialic acids, either as receptor determinants or as attachment factors helping the virus find its receptor underneath the heavily glycosylated mucus layer. In the present study, the role of sialic acids in serotype I feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infections was studied in feline intestinal epithelial cell cultures. Treatment of cells with neuraminidase (NA) enhanced infection efficiency, showing that terminal sialic acid residues on the cell surface were not receptor determinants and even hampered efficient virus-receptor engagement. Knowing that NA treatment of coronaviruses can unmask viral sialic acid binding activity, replication of untreated and NA-treated viruses was compared, showing that NA treatment of the virus enhanced infectivity in untreated cells, but was detrimental in NA-treated cells. By using sialylated compounds as competitive inhibitors, it was demonstrated that sialyllactose (2,6-α-linked over 2,3-α-linked) notably reduced infectivity of NA-treated viruses, whereas bovine submaxillary mucin inhibited both treated and untreated viruses. In desialylated cells, however, viruses were less prone to competitive inhibition with sialylated compounds. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that FECV had a sialic acid binding capacity, which was partially masked by virus-associated sialic acids, and that attachment to sialylated compounds could facilitate enterocyte infections. However, sialic acid binding was not a prerequisite for the initiation of infection and virus-receptor engagement was even more efficient after desialylation of cells, indicating that FECV requires sialidases for efficient enterocyte infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lowiese M B Desmarets
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Theuns
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Inge D M Roukaerts
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Delphine D Acar
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Hans J Nauwynck
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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