1
|
Beatty JA, Choi YR, Nekouei O, Woodhouse FM, Gray JJ, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Barrs VR. Epidemiology of Pathogenic Retroviruses and Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus in Community and Client-Owned Cats in Hong Kong. Viruses 2024; 16:167. [PMID: 38399943 PMCID: PMC10893229 DOI: 10.3390/v16020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the local epidemiology of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in Hong Kong will inform retrovirus prevention strategies. Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), a novel hepatitis-B-like virus, is commonly detected among client-owned cats in Hong Kong, but community cats have not been studied. The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency and potential risk factors for (i) FeLV and FIV among community and client-owned cats and (ii) perform molecular detection of DCH among community cats in Hong Kong. Blood samples from 713 cats were obtained from client-owned (n = 415, residual diagnostic) and community cats (n = 298, at trap-neuter-return). Point-of-care (POC) testing for FeLV antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) anti-p15 and p24 antibodies was performed. FeLV-positive samples were progressed to p27 sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Whole blood DNA was tested with qPCRs for FeLV U3 and gag, and nested PCRs where additional information was required. DCH qPCR was performed on a subset of community cats (n = 193). A single, regressive, FeLV infection was detected in a client-owned cat (1/415 FeLV U3 qPCR positive, 0.2%, 95% CI 0.0-1.3%). Five/415 client-owned cats tested presumably false FeLV-antigen positive (qPCR negative). No markers of FeLV infection were detected in community cats (0/298; 0%). FIV seroprevalence was much higher in community cats (46/298, 15.4%) than in client-owned cats (13/415, 3.1%) (p < 0.001). Mixed breed was a risk factor for FIV infection in client-owned cats. Neither sex nor age were associated with FIV infection. DCH DNA was detected in 34/193 (17.6%) community cats (median viral load 6.32 × 103 copies/reaction). FeLV infection is rare in Hong Kong, negatively impacting the positive predictive value of diagnostic tests. FeLV-antigen testing remains the screening test of choice, but confirmation of a positive result using FeLV qPCR is essential. FIV infection is common in community cats and the absence of a sex predisposition, seen previously in cats managed similarly, raises questions about virus-transmission dynamics in these groups. DCH infection is very common in Hong Kong, both in client-owned and community cats, highlighting the importance of understanding the pathogenic potential of this virus for cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Beatty
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (J.A.B.); (Y.R.C.)
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Ru Choi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (J.A.B.); (Y.R.C.)
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Omid Nekouei
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Fiona. M. Woodhouse
- The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR, China; (F.M.W.); (J.J.G.)
| | - Jane. J. Gray
- The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong SAR, China; (F.M.W.); (J.J.G.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa R. Barrs
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (J.A.B.); (Y.R.C.)
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Choi YR, Iturriaga MP, Nekouei O, Tu T, Van Brussel K, Barrs VR, Beatty JA. Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus and Pathogenic Retroviruses; A Sero-Molecular Survey of Cats in Santiago, Chile. Viruses 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 38257747 PMCID: PMC10820300 DOI: 10.3390/v16010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cat ownership is common in Chile, but data on the regional prevalence of infectious agents are limited. A sero-molecular survey of 120 client- or shelter-owned domestic cats in greater Santiago was performed. Whole blood DNA was tested for the novel hepatitis-B-like virus, domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) by conventional PCR (cPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR), and for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) by qPCR. Point-of-care serology for FeLV p27 antigen and antibodies recognising feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) p15 and p24 was performed. DCH DNA was detected in the serum of 2/120 cats (1.67%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the DCH detected in Chile occupies a position outside the main clustering of DCH in the near-complete genome tree. Progressive (antigen-positive, provirus-positive) and regressive (antigen-negative, provirus-positive) FeLV infections were identified in 6/120 (5%) and 9/120 (7.5%) of cats. A total of 2/120 (1.7%) cats had dual FeLV/FIV infection, and another 2 cats had FIV infection alone. This study shows that the global footprint of DCH includes South America with a low molecular frequency in Chile, similar to that reported in the USA. Progressive FeLV infection is relatively common in urban Chile, and male cats are at greater risk than females. Testing and control measures for pathogenic retroviruses are indicated. The potential impact of FeLV, FIV and DCH on Chile's wildcat species is worthy of further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ru Choi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong;
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - María Paz Iturriaga
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 7550196, Chile;
| | - Omid Nekouei
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life, Hong Kong;
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Clinical School and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Kate Van Brussel
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, USA;
| | - Vanessa R. Barrs
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong;
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Julia A. Beatty
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong;
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Capozza P, Pellegrini F, Camero M, Diakoudi G, Omar AH, Salvaggiulo A, Decaro N, Elia G, Catucci L, Di Martino B, Fruci P, Tomassini L, Lepri E, Martella V, Lanave G. Hepadnavirus Infection in a Cat with Chronic Liver Disease: A Multi-Disciplinary Diagnostic Approach. Vet Sci 2023; 10:668. [PMID: 38133220 PMCID: PMC10747313 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A 3-year-old female stray, shorthair cat, with clinical signs and serum chemistry markers indicative of hepatic disease, was diagnosed with domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) infection. Coupling molecular and serological data, the infection was seemingly contextualized into a chronic phase, since IgM anti-core antibodies, a marker of early-stage Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection, were not detected. However, the cat possessed IgG anti-core, a common indicator of chronic HBV infection in human patients and did not show seroconversion to the anti-DCH surface antigen, considered protective during HBV infection and associated with long-term protective immunity. On genome sequencing, the DCH strain showed 98.3% nucleotide identity to strains previously identified in Italy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Capozza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| | - Francesco Pellegrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| | - Michele Camero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| | - Georgia Diakoudi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| | - Ahmed Hassan Omar
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| | - Anna Salvaggiulo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| | - Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| | - Gabriella Elia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| | | | - Barbara Di Martino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.D.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Paola Fruci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.D.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Letizia Tomassini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Umbria e delle Marche, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Elvio Lepri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy; (P.C.); (F.P.); (M.C.); (G.D.); (A.H.O.); (A.S.); (N.D.); (G.E.); (G.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beatty JA, Tu T, Pesavento PA, Cavasin JP, Chen MC, Lidbury JA, Steiner JM, Barrs VR, Cullen JM. Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus and Lymphoma. Viruses 2023; 15:2294. [PMID: 38140535 PMCID: PMC10747666 DOI: 10.3390/v15122294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We write to comment on Piewbang C et al [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Beatty
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Clinical School and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Patricia A. Pesavento
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 4206 Vet Med 3A, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Joao P. Cavasin
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (J.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.M.S.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Min-Chun Chen
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (J.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.M.S.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Jonathan A. Lidbury
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (J.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.M.S.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Joerg M. Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (J.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.M.S.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Vanessa R. Barrs
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - John M. Cullen
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (J.P.C.); (J.A.L.); (J.M.S.); (J.M.C.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Silva BBI, Chen JY, Villanueva BHA, Lu ZY, Hsing HZ, Montecillo AD, Shofa M, Minh H, Chuang JP, Huang HY, Saito A, Chuang KP. Genetic Diversity of Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus in Southern Taiwan. Viruses 2023; 15:2128. [PMID: 37896905 PMCID: PMC10612041 DOI: 10.3390/v15102128] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) is an infectious disease associated with chronic hepatitis in cats, which suggests a similarity with hepatitis B virus infections in humans. Since its first identification in Australia in 2018, DCH has been reported in several countries with varying prevalence rates, but its presence in Taiwan has yet to be investigated. In this study, we aimed to identify the presence and genetic diversity of DCH infections in Taiwan. Among the 71 samples tested, eight (11.27%) were positive for DCH. Of these positive cases, three cats had elevated levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), suggesting an association between DCH infection and chronic hepatitis. Four DCH-positive samples were also tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) coinfection. One sample (25%) was positive for FIV, whereas there was no positive sample for FeLV (0%). In addition, we performed whole genome sequencing on six samples to determine the viral genome sequences. Phylogenetic analyses identified a distinct lineage compared with previously reported sequences. This study highlights the importance of continuous surveillance of DCH and further research to elucidate the pathophysiology and transmission route of DCH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benji Brayan Ilagan Silva
- International Degree Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; (B.B.I.S.); (B.H.A.V.)
| | - Jin-Yang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Animal Vaccine Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan;
| | - Brian Harvey Avanceña Villanueva
- International Degree Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; (B.B.I.S.); (B.H.A.V.)
- School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines
| | - Zi-Ying Lu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Hua-Zhen Hsing
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Andrew D. Montecillo
- Microbiology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines;
- Graduate School, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Maya Shofa
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8891692, Japan
| | - Hoang Minh
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Jen-Pin Chuang
- Department of Surgery, Chia-Yi Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Chia-Yi 60069, Taiwan;
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Huai-Ying Huang
- International Degree Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; (B.B.I.S.); (B.H.A.V.)
- Demin Veterinary Hospital, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
- Department of Pet Care and Grooming, Ta Jen University, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| | - Akatsuki Saito
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8891692, Japan
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8892192, Japan
| | - Kuo-Pin Chuang
- International Degree Program in Animal Vaccine Technology, International College, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan; (B.B.I.S.); (B.H.A.V.)
- Graduate Institute of Animal Vaccine Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan;
- School of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Companion Animal Research Center, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Adıgüzel E, Erdem‐Şahinkesen E, Koç BT, Demirden C, Oğuzoğlu TÇ. The detection and full genomic characterization of domestic cat Orthohepadnaviruses from Türkiye. Vet Med Sci 2023; 9:1965-1972. [PMID: 37471581 PMCID: PMC10508501 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic cat hepadnaviruses (DCHs) have been described as a novel virus that can infect cats. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study is the first identification and molecular characterizations of DCH infection in Turkish domestic cats. METHODS The blood, organ and ascites fluid samples from 550 cats were randomly sampled. The presence of DCH nucleic acid was investigated by using both in the literature and newly designed primers. RESULTS It was found that the hepadnavirus positivity rate is 4% (22/550) in Türkiye. The full genomic characterization was performed on 13 of 22 samples, and others were characterized as nearly full genome. In this study, we highlight that whole blood samples should be also screened for DCH, not only serum samples as has frequently been done in other studies. DCH-infected cats were also found positive (54.54%, 12/22) for Feline leukaemia virus infection. BLAST results revealed that Turkish DCHs have 86.32%-99.08% homology with strains in the GenBank database, enabling us to construct phylogenetic trees. CONCLUSIONS According to this study's results, it is suggested that this infection should be added to veterinary diagnostic panels worldwide. Additionally, we suggest that our new synthesized primers for the amplification of X gene can also be used for diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ece Adıgüzel
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and ForestryAtkaracalar District DirectorateCankiriTürkiye
- Graduate School of Health SciencesAnkara UniversityAnkaraTürkiye
| | | | - Bahattin Taylan Koç
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineAdnan Menderes UniversityAydinTürkiye
| | - Cansu Demirden
- Graduate School of Health SciencesAnkara UniversityAnkaraTürkiye
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and ForestryEast Anatolian Agricultural Research InstituteErzurumTürkiye
| | - Tuba Çiğdem Oğuzoğlu
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineAnkara UniversityAnkaraTürkiye
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ratti G, Stranieri A, Scavone D, Cafiso A, Meazzi S, Luzzago C, Dall'Ara P, Tagliasacchi F, Cavicchioli L, Ferrari F, Giordano A, Paltrinieri S, Lauzi S. Detection and genetic characterization of domestic cat hepadnavirus in cats with cavitary effusions. Vet Microbiol 2023; 284:109828. [PMID: 37406408 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
After the identification of the novel domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) in 2018, its potential pathogenetic role in feline hepatic diseases has been suggested. Following the detection of DCH in a cat's serum and peritoneal effusion, the aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the presence of DCH in cats with and without cavitary effusions along with DCH presence in effusions. Stored serum and effusion samples from cats with and without effusions admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Lodi (Italy) in 2020-2022 were included based on results of hematobiochemical parameters. Effusions were classified based on cytological and physicochemical findings. The likelihood of liver damage was estimated based on clinical and laboratory findings. Samples were tested for DCH presence by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Positive samples were subjected to whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. DCH was detected in both serum and peritoneal effusion samples of 2/72 (2.8%) enrolled cats, included in the group with effusions (2/33; 6.1%), with one cat showing inflammatory and the other non-inflammatory effusion. Both DCH-positive cats belonged to the group with a likelihood of liver damage (2/22, 9.1%). Phylogeny showed that the DCH sequences from this study clustered with the prototypic Australian strain but were not included in the clade with other Italian DCH sequences. Results suggest the circulation of different DCH variants in Italy and show the presence of DCH in effusion samples from DCH-positive cats, mirroring the presence of HBV in body fluids from HBV-infected humans. Further studies are still recommended to define the pathogenic role of DCH in cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ratti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Donatella Scavone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cafiso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Sara Meazzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Camilla Luzzago
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy.
| | - Paola Dall'Ara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Filippo Tagliasacchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Laura Cavicchioli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shofa M, Ohkawa A, Okabayashi T, Kaneko Y, Saito A. Development of a direct duplex real-time PCR assay for rapid detection of domestic cat hepadnavirus. J Vet Diagn Invest 2023; 35:139-144. [PMID: 36786316 PMCID: PMC9999387 DOI: 10.1177/10406387231154610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) is a novel hepadnavirus, first identified in 2018. DCH is generally detected using conventional PCR assays, which include time-consuming agarose gel electrophoresis. We developed a rapid, sensitive, and specific real-time PCR (rtPCR) assay for the detection of the DCH genome. To streamline the procedure, our rtPCR assay was carried out using blood samples, without DNA extraction. A consensus primers/probe set was designed based on the nucleotide sequences of the surface/polymerase gene of all DCH strains available in GenBank. To exclude the possibility that the PCR reaction was blocked by anticoagulants, we also used a primers/probe set for amplifying the cat beta-actin gene as a reference gene. Our direct duplex rtPCR assay had high sensitivity, with a limit of detection of 10 copies/μL of blood for DCH. Our direct duplex rtPCR assay should be a useful tool for DCH detection and surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Shofa
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture; Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Akiho Ohkawa
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Tamaki Okabayashi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture; Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kaneko
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Akatsuki Saito
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture; Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fruci P, Palombieri A, Sarchese V, Aste G, Friedrich KG, Martella V, Di Martino B, Di Profio F. Serological and Molecular Survey on Domestic Dog Hepadnavirus in Household Dogs, Italy. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040729. [PMID: 36830516 PMCID: PMC9951874 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of hepadnaviruses in cats (domestic cat hepadnavirus, DCH) and of a DCH-like virus in dogs has raised several questions regarding the role of these viruses in pets, with particular emphasis on their potential impact on animal health and epidemiology, as well as possible zoonotic implications. In this study, by screening an age-stratified collection of 600 canine serum samples for DCH with an ELISA assay based on the recombinant core antigen (DCHCAg), specific antibodies were found with an overall prevalence of 10.0% (60/600), with a higher prevalence in younger and older dogs. By retesting the canine DCHCAbs-positive sera with an ELISA test based on the recombinant surface protein of DCH (DCHSAg), a total of 18 sera (30%, 18/60) also contained IgG anti-DCHSAg. All the sera were also assessed molecularly using either a consensus hepadnavirus PCR or a specific real-time PCR for DCH. Hepadnavirus DNA was detected in four seronegative dogs, with a prevalence rate of 0.7% (4/600). On sequence analysis of the polymerase region amplified with pan-hepadnavirus primers, the amplicons displayed the highest nucleotide identity (97.3-99.6%) to DCH sequences detected in cats and to the domestic dog hepadnavirus recently identified in a canine serum sample from Italy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Fruci
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Palombieri
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sarchese
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Aste
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Klaus G. Friedrich
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Fondazione Bioparco, Viale del Giardino Zoologico 20, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Di Profio
- University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-086-126-6885
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Capozza P, Carrai M, Choi YR, Tu T, Nekouei O, Lanave G, Martella V, Beatty JA, Barrs VR. Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus: Molecular Epidemiology and Phylogeny in Cats in Hong Kong. Viruses 2023; 15:150. [PMID: 36680190 PMCID: PMC9865086 DOI: 10.3390/v15010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) is an emerging virus related to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The pathogenic potential of DCH in cats remains to be established. The molecular prevalence of DCH varies widely in the regions investigated so far. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, load, and risk factors for DCH detection among cats in Hong Kong, and to generate molecular and epidemiological data on the DCH strains circulating in cats in Hong Kong. DCH DNA was detected using DCH-specific qPCR in 57/513 (11.1%) residual diagnostic blood samples from owned cats. The median viral load was 8.85 × 103 copies/mL of whole blood (range for the 5th to the 95th percentile, 3.33 × 103 to 2.2 × 105 copies per mL). Two outliers had higher viral loads of 1.88 × 107 copies/mL and 4.90 × 109 copies/mL. DCH was detected in cats from 3 months to 19 years of age. Sex, age, neuter status, breed, or elevated serum alanine aminotransferase were not statistically associated with DCH DNA detection. On phylogenetic analysis based on 12 complete genome sequences, the Hong Kong DCH viruses clustered in Genotype A with viruses from Australia and Asia (clade A1), distinct from viruses from Europe (clade A2). Sequence analysis found that DCH has similar epsilon and direct repeat regions to human HBV, suggesting a conserved method of replication. Based on our findings, the DCH strains circulating in Hong Kong are a continuum of the Asiatic strains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Capozza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maura Carrai
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Yan Ru Choi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Clinical School and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Omid Nekouei
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Julia A. Beatty
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Vanessa R. Barrs
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shofa M, Kaneko Y, Takahashi K, Okabayashi T, Saito A. Global Prevalence of Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus: An Emerging Threat to Cats’ Health? Front Microbiol 2022; 13:938154. [PMID: 35814669 PMCID: PMC9263588 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.938154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B is an infectious hepatocellular disease of global concern caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), which belongs to Hepadnaviridae. Recently, a novel HBV-like virus, domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), was detected from an immunocompromised cat with a hepatic disease in Australia. Subsequent molecular investigation by independent research groups revealed that its prevalence rates were 6.5% in Australia, 10.8% in Italy, 12.4% in Thailand, 12.3% in Malaysia, 3.08% in the United Kingdom, and 0.78% in Japan. Although the correlation between DCH infection and hepatic diseases remains to be elucidated, understanding the diversity of circulating DCH will contribute to its prevention and control in domestic cats. Herein, we summarize the current epidemiological data of DCH in these countries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Shofa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kaneko
- Faculty of Agriculture, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kazuki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Tamaki Okabayashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Akatsuki Saito
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- *Correspondence: Akatsuki Saito,
| |
Collapse
|