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Taylor SS, Coggins S, Barker EN, Gunn-Moore D, Jeevaratnam K, Norris JM, Hughes D, Stacey E, MacFarlane L, O'Brien C, Korman R, McLauchlan G, Salord Torres X, Taylor A, Bongers J, Espada Castro L, Foreman M, McMurrough J, Thomas B, Royaux E, Calvo Saiz I, Bertoldi G, Harlos C, Work M, Prior C, Sorrell S, Malik R, Tasker S. Retrospective study and outcome of 307 cats with feline infectious peritonitis treated with legally sourced veterinary compounded preparations of remdesivir and GS-441524 (2020-2022). J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X231194460. [PMID: 37732386 PMCID: PMC10812036 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x231194460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease that arises due to feline coronavirus infection. The nucleoside analogues remdesivir and GS-441524 can be effective in its treatment, but most studies have used unregulated products of unknown composition. The aim of the present study was to describe the treatment of FIP using legally sourced veterinary-prescribed regulated veterinary compounded products containing known amounts of remdesivir (injectable) or GS-441524 (oral tablets). METHODS Cats were recruited via email advice services, product sales contacts and study publicity. Cats were excluded if they were deemed unlikely to have FIP, were not treated exclusively with the veterinary compounded products, or if there was a lack of cat and/or treatment (including response) data. Extensive cat and treatment data were collected. RESULTS Among the 307 cats recruited, the predominant type of FIP was most commonly abdominal effusive (49.5%) and then neurological (14.3%). Three treatment protocols were used; remdesivir alone (33.9%), remdesivir followed by GS-441524 (55.7%) and GS-441524 alone (10.4%). The median (range) initial treatment period duration and longest follow-up time point after starting treatment were 84 (1-330) days and 248 (1-814) days, respectively. The most common side effect was injection pain (in 47.8% of those given subcutaneous remdesivir). Of the 307 cats, 33 (10.8%) relapsed, 15 (45.5%) during and 18 (54.5%) after the initial treatment period. At the longest follow-up time point after completion of the initial treatment period, 84.4% of cats were alive. The cats achieving a complete response within 30 days of starting treatment were significantly more likely to be alive at the end of the initial treatment period than those cats that did not. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Legally sourced remdesivir and GS-441524 products, either alone or used sequentially, were very effective in the treatment of FIP in this group of cats. Variable protocols precluded statistical comparison of treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha S Taylor
- International Society of Feline Medicine, Tisbury, UK
- Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Shirley, UK
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Emi N Barker
- Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | | | | | | | - David Hughes
- Concord Veterinary Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aimee Taylor
- Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Megan Work
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Shirley, UK
| | - Cameron Prior
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Shirley, UK
| | | | | | - Séverine Tasker
- Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Shirley, UK
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
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2
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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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3
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Attipa C, Gunn-Moore D, Mazeri S, Epaminondas D, Lyraki M, Hardas A, Loukaidou S, Gentil M. Concerning feline infectious peritonitis outbreak in Cyprus. Vet Rec 2023; 192:449-450. [PMID: 37265279 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Attipa
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - Danielle Gunn-Moore
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - Stella Mazeri
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG
| | - Demetris Epaminondas
- Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Cyprus
| | | | - Alexandros Hardas
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA
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Kokkinaki KCG, Saridomichelakis MN, Mylonakis ME, Leontides L, Xenoulis PG. Seroprevalence of and risk factors for feline coronavirus infection in cats from Greece. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 94:101962. [PMID: 36812794 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.101962] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a highly contagious and ubiquitous virus of domestic cats and wild felids. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal, systemic disease caused by FCoV infection when spontaneous mutations of the viral genome take place. The aims of this study were primarily to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for FCoV in different populations of cats in Greece and assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 453 cats were prospectively enrolled in the study. A commercially available IFAT kit was used for the detection of FCoV IgG antibodies in serum. Overall, 55 (12.1 %) of the 453 cats were seropositive for FCoV. Based on multivariable analysis, factors associated with FCoV-seropositivity included cats adopted as strays and contact with other cats. This is the first extensive study on the epidemiology of FCoV in cats from Greece and one of the largest worldwide. Feline coronavirus infection is relatively common in Greece. Therefore, it is necessary to establish optimal strategies for the prevention of FCoV infection, considering the high-risk groups of cats identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassiopi Christina G Kokkinaki
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece.
| | - Manolis N Saridomichelakis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Mathios E Mylonakis
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., GR-54627 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Leonidas Leontides
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Animal Health Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Panagiotis G Xenoulis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132 Karditsa, Greece; Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
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5
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Krentz D, Zwicklbauer K, Felten S, Bergmann M, Dorsch R, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML, Spiri AM, von Both U, Alberer M, Hönl A, Matiasek K, Hartmann K. Clinical Follow-Up and Postmortem Findings in a Cat That Was Cured of Feline Infectious Peritonitis with an Oral Antiviral Drug Containing GS-441524. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092040. [PMID: 36146845 PMCID: PMC9506130 DOI: 10.3390/v14092040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first report on a clinical follow-up and postmortem examination of a cat that had been cured of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) with ocular manifestation by successful treatment with an oral multicomponent drug containing GS-441524. The cat was 6 months old when clinical signs (recurrent fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and fulminant anterior uveitis) appeared. FIP was diagnosed by ocular tissue immunohistochemistry after enucleation of the affected eye. The cat was a participant in a FIP treatment study, which was published recently. However, 240 days after leaving the clinic healthy, and 164 days after the end of the 84 days of treatment, the cured cat died in a road traffic accident. Upon full postmortem examination, including histopathology and immunohistochemistry, there were no residual FIP lesions observed apart from a generalized lymphadenopathy due to massive lymphoid hyperplasia. Neither feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA nor FCoV antigen were identified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in any tissues or body fluids, including feces. These results prove that oral treatment with GS-441524 leads to the cure of FIP-associated changes and the elimination of FCoV from all tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Krentz
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Katharina Zwicklbauer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Roswitha Dorsch
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea M. Spiri
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Alberer
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Hönl
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
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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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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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Addie DD, Silveira C, Aston C, Brauckmann P, Covell-Ritchie J, Felstead C, Fosbery M, Gibbins C, Macaulay K, McMurrough J, Pattison E, Robertson E. Alpha-1 Acid Glycoprotein Reduction Differentiated Recovery from Remission in a Small Cohort of Cats Treated for Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040744. [PMID: 35458474 PMCID: PMC9027977 DOI: 10.3390/v14040744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a systemic immune-mediated inflammatory perivasculitis that occurs in a minority of cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV). Various therapies have been employed to treat this condition, which was previously usually fatal, though no parameters for differentiating FIP recovery from remission have been defined to enable clinicians to decide when it is safe to discontinue treatment. This retrospective observational study shows that a consistent reduction of the acute phase protein alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) to within normal limits (WNL, i.e., 500 μg/mL or below), as opposed to duration of survival, distinguishes recovery from remission. Forty-two cats were diagnosed with FIP: 75% (12/16) of effusive and 54% (14/26) of non-effusive FIP cases recovered. Presenting with the effusive or non-effusive form did not affect whether or not a cat fully recovered (p = 0.2). AGP consistently reduced to WNL in 26 recovered cats but remained elevated in 16 cats in remission, dipping to normal once in two of the latter. Anaemia was present in 77% (23/30) of the cats and resolved more quickly than AGP in six recovered cats. The presence of anaemia did not affect the cat’s chances of recovery (p = 0.1). Lymphopenia was observed in 43% (16/37) of the cats and reversed in nine recovered cats but did not reverse in seven lymphopenic cats in the remission group. Fewer recovered cats (9/24: 37%) than remission cats (7/13: 54%) were lymphopenic, but the difference was not statistically different (p = 0.5). Hyperglobulinaemia was slower than AGP to return to WNL in the recovered cats. FCoV antibody titre was high in all 42 cats at the outset. It decreased significantly in 7 recovered cats but too slowly to be a useful parameter to determine discontinuation of antiviral treatments. Conclusion: a sustained return to normal levels of AGP was the most rapid and consistent indicator for differentiating recovery from remission following treatment for FIP. This study provides a useful model for differentiating recovery from chronic coronavirus disease using acute phase protein monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane D. Addie
- Independent Researcher, 64470 Etchebar, France
- Correspondence:
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Krentz D, Zenger K, Alberer M, Felten S, Bergmann M, Dorsch R, Matiasek K, Kolberg L, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML, Spiri AM, Horak J, Weber S, Holicki CM, Groschup MH, Zablotski Y, Lescrinier E, Koletzko B, von Both U, Hartmann K. Curing Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis with an Oral Multi-Component Drug Containing GS-441524. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112228. [PMID: 34835034 PMCID: PMC8621566 DOI: 10.3390/v13112228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a common dis-ease in cats, fatal if untreated, and no effective treatment is currently legally available. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of the multi-component drug Xraphconn® in vitro and as oral treatment in cats with spontaneous FIP by examining survival rate, development of clinical and laboratory parameters, viral loads, anti-FCoV antibodies, and adverse effects. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance identified GS-441524 as an active component of Xraphconn®. Eighteen cats with FIP were prospectively followed up while being treated orally for 84 days. Values of key parameters on each examination day were compared to values before treatment initiation using linear mixed-effect models. Xraphconn® displayed high virucidal activity in cell culture. All cats recovered with dramatic improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters and massive reduction in viral loads within the first few days of treatment without serious adverse effects. Oral treatment with Xraphconn® containing GS-441524 was highly effective for FIP without causing serious adverse effects. This drug is an excellent option for the oral treatment of FIP and should be trialed as potential effective treatment option for other severe coronavirus-associated diseases across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Krentz
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Katharina Zenger
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Martin Alberer
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Roswitha Dorsch
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Laura Kolberg
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (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.)
| | - 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.)
| | - 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.)
| | - Jeannie Horak
- Department Paediatrics, Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (J.H.); (B.K.)
| | - Saskia Weber
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (S.W.); (C.M.H.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Cora M. Holicki
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (S.W.); (C.M.H.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (S.W.); (C.M.H.); (M.H.G.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Eveline Lescrinier
- Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Berthold Koletzko
- Department Paediatrics, Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (J.H.); (B.K.)
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
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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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12
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Emmler L, Felten S, Matiasek K, Balzer HJ, Pantchev N, Leutenegger C, Hartmann K. Feline coronavirus with and without spike gene mutations detected by real-time RT-PCRs in cats with feline infectious peritonitis. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 22:791-799. [PMID: 31729897 PMCID: PMC7206566 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19886671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) emerges when feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) mutate within their host to a highly virulent biotype and the immune response is not able to control the infection. FCoV spike (S) gene mutations are considered to contribute to the change in virulence by enabling FCoV infection of and replication in macrophages. This study investigated the presence of FCoV with and without S gene mutations in cats with FIP using two different real-time RT-PCRs on different samples obtained under clinical conditions. METHODS Fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) and incisional biopsies (IBs) of popliteal and mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, omentum and kidneys (each n = 20), EDTA blood (n = 13), buffy coat smears (n = 13), serum (n = 11), effusion (n = 14), cerebrospinal fluid (n = 16), aqueous humour (n = 20) and peritoneal lavage (n = 6) were obtained from 20 cats with FIP diagnosed by immunohistochemistry. Samples were examined by RT-PCR targeting the FCoV 7b gene, detecting all FCoV, and S gene mutation RT-PCR targeting mutations in nucleotides 23531 and 23537. The prevalence of FCoV detected in each sample type was calculated. RESULTS In 20/20 cats, FCoV with S gene mutations was present in at least one sample, but there was variation in which sample was positive. FCoV with mutations in the S gene was most frequently found in effusion (64%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 39-89), followed by spleen, omentum and kidney IBs (50%, 95% CI 28-72), mesenteric lymph node IBs and FNAs (45%, 95% CI 23-67), and FNAs of spleen and liver and liver IBs (40%, 95% CI 19-62). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In these 20 cats with FIP, FCoVs with S gene mutations were found in every cat in at least one tissue or fluid sample. This highlights the association between mutated S gene and systemic FCoV spread. Examining a combination of different samples increased the probability of finding FCoV with the mutated S gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Emmler
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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13
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Perera KD, Rathnayake AD, Liu H, Pedersen NC, Groutas WC, Chang KO, Kim Y. Characterization of amino acid substitutions in feline coronavirus 3C-like protease from a cat with feline infectious peritonitis treated with a protease inhibitor. Vet Microbiol 2019; 237:108398. [PMID: 31585653 PMCID: PMC6779346 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.108398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a highly fatal disease caused by a virulent feline coronavirus in domestic and wild cats. We have previously reported the synthesis of potent coronavirus 3C-like protease (3CLpro) inhibitors and the efficacy of a protease inhibitor, GC376, in client-owned cats with FIP. In this study, we studied the effect of the amino acid changes in 3CLpro of feline coronavirus from a feline patient who received antiviral treatment for prolonged duration. We generated recombinant 3CLpro containing the identified amino acid changes (N25S, A252S or K260 N) and determined their susceptibility to protease inhibitors in the fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. The assay showed that N25S in 3CLpro confers a small change (up to 1.68-fold increase in the 50% inhibitory concentration) in susceptibility to GC376, but other amino acid changes do not affect susceptibility. Modelling of 3CLpro carrying the amino acid changes was conducted to probe the structural basis for these findings. The results of this study may explain the observed absence of clinical resistance to the long-term antiviral treatment in the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishani Dinali Perera
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | | | - Hongwei Liu
- Center for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Niels C Pedersen
- Center for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA.
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14
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Mucosal Immune Response to Feline Enteric Coronavirus Infection. Viruses 2019; 11:v11100906. [PMID: 31569783 PMCID: PMC6832150 DOI: 10.3390/v11100906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis is a devastating, fatal disease of domestic cats caused by a pathogenic mutant virus derived from the ubiquitous feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). Infection by FECV is generally subclinical, and little is known about the mucosal immune response that controls and eliminates the virus. We investigated the mucosal immune response against FECV in an endemically infected breeding colony over a seven-month period. Thirty-three cats were grouped according to FECV seropositivity and fecal virus shedding into naïve/immunologically quiescent, convalescent and actively infected groups. Blood, fecal samples and colon biopsies were collected to assess the mucosal and systemic immunologic and virologic profile. Results showed that cats with active FECV infections have strong systemic IgG and mucosal IgA responses that wane after virus clearance. Significant FECV-specific mucosal T cell IFNγ responses were not detected in any of the three groups. A shift toward an inflammatory state in the mucosa was suggested by increased IL17:FoxP3 expression. However, no histologic abnormalities were observed, and no shifts in lymphocyte subpopulation phenotype or proliferation were noted. Together, the results suggest that control of FECV is mediated by humoral mucosal and systemic responses and that perturbations in the primary reservoir organ (colon) are minimal.
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15
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Perera KD, Galasiti Kankanamalage AC, Rathnayake AD, Honeyfield A, Groutas W, Chang KO, Kim Y. Protease inhibitors broadly effective against feline, ferret and mink coronaviruses. Antiviral Res 2018; 160:79-86. [PMID: 30342822 PMCID: PMC6240502 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ferret and mink coronaviruses typically cause catarrhal diarrhea in ferrets and minks, respectively. In recent years, however, systemic fatal coronavirus infection has emerged in ferrets, which resembles feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats. FIP is a highly fatal systemic disease caused by a virulent feline coronavirus infection in cats. Despite the importance of coronavirus infections in these animals, there are no effective commercial vaccines or antiviral drugs available for these infections. We have previously reported the efficacy of a protease inhibitor in cats with FIP, demonstrating that a virally encoded 3C-like protease (3CLpro) is a valid target for antiviral drug development for coronavirus infections. In this study, we extended our previous work on coronavirus inhibitors and investigated the structure-activity relationships of a focused library of protease inhibitors for ferret and mink 3CLpro. Using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, we identified potent inhibitors broadly effective against feline, ferret and mink coronavirus 3CLpro. Multiple amino acid sequence analysis and modelling of 3CLpro of ferret and mink coronaviruses were conducted to probe the structural basis for these findings. The results of this study provide support for further research to develop broad-spectrum antiviral agents for multiple coronavirus infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on small molecule inhibitors of ferret and mink coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishani Dinali Perera
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | | | | | - Amanda Honeyfield
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - William Groutas
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, USA
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA.
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16
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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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17
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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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18
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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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19
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Kim Y, Liu H, Galasiti Kankanamalage AC, Weerasekara S, Hua DH, Groutas WC, Chang KO, Pedersen NC. Reversal of the Progression of Fatal Coronavirus Infection in Cats by a Broad-Spectrum Coronavirus Protease Inhibitor. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005531. [PMID: 27027316 PMCID: PMC4814111 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses infect animals and humans causing a wide range of diseases. The diversity of coronaviruses in many mammalian species is contributed by relatively high mutation and recombination rates during replication. This dynamic nature of coronaviruses may facilitate cross-species transmission and shifts in tissue or cell tropism in a host, resulting in substantial change in virulence. Feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) causes inapparent or mild enteritis in cats, but a highly fatal disease, called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), can arise through mutation of FECV to FIP virus (FIPV). The pathogenesis of FIP is intimately associated with immune responses and involves depletion of T cells, features shared by some other coronaviruses like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. The increasing risks of highly virulent coronavirus infections in humans or animals call for effective antiviral drugs, but no such measures are yet available. Previously, we have reported the inhibitors that target 3C-like protease (3CLpro) with broad-spectrum activity against important human and animal coronaviruses. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of our 3CLpro inhibitor in laboratory cats with FIP. Experimental FIP is 100% fatal once certain clinical and laboratory signs become apparent. We found that antiviral treatment led to full recovery of cats when treatment was started at a stage of disease that would be otherwise fatal if left untreated. Antiviral treatment was associated with a rapid improvement in fever, ascites, lymphopenia and gross signs of illness and cats returned to normal health within 20 days or less of treatment. Significant reduction in viral titers was also observed in cats. These results indicate that continuous virus replication is required for progression of immune-mediated inflammatory disease of FIP. These findings may provide important insights into devising therapeutic strategies and selection of antiviral compounds for further development for important coronaviruses in animals and humans. Coronaviruses are important pathogens in humans and animals. Although some coronaviruses can cause severe illness in humans and animals with considerable fatality, there is no antiviral drugs available for coronavirus infections. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), caused by virulent feline coronavirus, is the leading infectious cause of death in young cats, and also threatens endangered captive wild cats. We have previously reported series of small molecule protease inhibitors with broad-spectrum activity against important human and animal coronaviruses. In this report, we provide, for the first time, experimental evidence of efficacy and safety of one of the protease inhibitors in laboratory cats with experimentally induced FIP. These findings suggest that direct inhibition of virus replication by a protease inhibitor can be devised as a viable treatment option for coronavirus infection and our protease inhibitor has a potential to be developed into an effective therapeutic agent for FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjeong Kim
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Hongwei Liu
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | | | - Sahani Weerasekara
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Duy H. Hua
- Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - William C. Groutas
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Kyeong-Ok Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Niels C. Pedersen
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
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20
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Takano T, Satomi Y, Oyama Y, Doki T, Hohdatsu T. Differential effect of cholesterol on type I and II feline coronavirus infection. Arch Virol 2015; 161:125-33. [PMID: 26514843 PMCID: PMC7086697 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-015-2655-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of domestic and wild felidae that is caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). FCoV has been classified into types I and II. Since type I FCoV infection is dominant in the field, it is necessary to develop antiviral agents and vaccines against type I FCoV infection. However, few studies have been conducted on type I FCoV. Here, we compare the effects of cholesterol on types I and II FCoV infections. When cells were treated methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) and inoculated with type I FCoV, the infection rate decreased significantly, and the addition of exogenous cholesterol to MβCD-treated cells resulted in the recovery of the infectivity of type I FCoV. Furthermore, exogenous cholesterol increased the infectivity of type I FCoV. In contrast, the addition of MβCD and exogenous cholesterol had little effect on the efficiency of type II FCoV infection. These results strongly suggest that the dependence of infection by types I and II FCoV on cholesterol differs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Takano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Yui Satomi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Yuu Oyama
- 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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21
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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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22
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Tanaka Y, Sasaki T, Matsuda R, Uematsu Y, Yamaguchi T. Molecular epidemiological study of feline coronavirus strains in Japan using RT-PCR targeting nsp14 gene. BMC Vet Res 2015; 11:57. [PMID: 25889235 PMCID: PMC4359392 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0372-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Feline infectious peritonitis is a fatal disease of cats caused by infection with feline coronavirus (FCoV). For detecting or genotyping of FCoV, some RT-PCR plus nested PCR techniques have been reported previously. However, referring to the whole genome sequences (WGSs) registered at NCBI, there are no detection methods that can tolerate the genetic diversity among FCoV population. In addition, the quasispecies nature of FCoV, which consists of heterogeneous variants, has been also demonstrated; thus, a universal method for heteropopulations of FCoV variants in clinical specimens is desirable. Results To develop an RT-PCR method for detection and genotyping of FCoV, we performed comparative genome analysis using WGSs of 32 FCoV, 7 CCoV and 5 TGEV strains obtained from NCBI. As the PCR target, we focused on the nsp14 coding region, which is highly conserved and phylogenetically informative, and developed a PCR method targeting nsp14 partial sequences. Among 103 ascites, 45 pleural effusion and 214 blood specimens from clinically ill cats, we could detect FCoV in 55 (53.4%), 14 (31.1%) and 19 (8.9%) specimens using the present method. Direct sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis allowed discrimination between type I- and II-FCoV serotypes. Our nsp14 amino acid sequence typing (nsp14 aa ST) showed that the FCoV clone with sequence type (ST) 42, which was the most predominant genotype of WGS strains, was prevalent in domestic cats in Japan. Conclusions Our nsp14 PCR scheme will contribute to virus detection, epidemiology and ecology of FCoV strains. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0372-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Tanaka
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene, Veterinary School, Nippon Veterinary & Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyounan, Musashino, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan.
| | - Takashi Sasaki
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene, Veterinary School, Nippon Veterinary & Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyounan, Musashino, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan.
| | - Ryo Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Hygiene, Veterinary School, Nippon Veterinary & Life Science University, 1-7-1 Kyounan, Musashino, Tokyo, 180-8602, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Uematsu
- Canine Lab., Inc., Nokodai-Tamakoganei Venture Port 302, 2-24-16, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-0012, Japan.
| | - Tomohiro Yamaguchi
- Canine Lab., Inc., Nokodai-Tamakoganei Venture Port 302, 2-24-16, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-0012, Japan.
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23
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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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24
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Paltrinieri S, Rossi G, Giordano A. Relationship between rate of infection and markers of inflammation/immunity in Holy Birman cats with feline coronavirus. Res Vet Sci 2014; 97:263-70. [PMID: 25241387 PMCID: PMC7111858 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess whether Holy Birman cats (HB) have a peculiar immune profile and a higher rate of infection by feline coronaviruses (FCoV). Leucocyte and lymphocyte subsets, antibody titers, α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), globulin fractions, IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-γ in blood and fecal FCoV excretion were determined in HB (n = 75) and in cats from other breeds (n = 94). Significantly higher CD4/CD8 ratio, IFN-γ concentration and IL12/IL4 ratio and significantly lower IL-4 concentration and proportion of shedders were found in HB than in other breeds. No other differences were found. In conclusion, this study did not provide evidence of peculiar immune profiles in HB, except for a prevalent Th1 profile, that may explain why in our caseload the rate of shedders was lower in HB than in other breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - G Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - A Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
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25
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Pedersen NC. An update on feline infectious peritonitis: virology and immunopathogenesis. Vet J 2014; 201:123-32. [PMID: 24837550 PMCID: PMC7110662 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) continues to be one of the most researched infectious diseases of cats. The relatively high mortality of FIP, especially for younger cats from catteries and shelters, should be reason enough to stimulate such intense interest. However, it is the complexity of the disease and the grudging manner in which it yields its secrets that most fascinate researchers. Feline leukemia virus infection was conquered in less than two decades and the mysteries of feline immunodeficiency virus were largely unraveled in several years. After a half century, FIP remains one of the last important infections of cats for which we have no single diagnostic test, no vaccine and no definitive explanations for how virus and host interact to cause disease. How can a ubiquitous and largely non-pathogenic enteric coronavirus transform into a highly lethal pathogen? What are the interactions between host and virus that determine both disease form (wet or dry) and outcome (death or resistance)? Why is it so difficult, and perhaps impossible, to develop a vaccine for FIP? What role do genetics play in disease susceptibility? This review will explore research conducted over the last 5 years that attempts to answer these and other questions. Although much has been learned about FIP in the last 5 years, the ultimate answers remain for yet more studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels C Pedersen
- Center for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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