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Gallina L, Facile V, Roda N, Sabetti MC, Terrusi A, Urbani L, Magliocca M, Vasylyeva K, Dondi F, Balboni A, Battilani M. Molecular investigation and genetic characterization of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in cats referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Northern Italy. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10380-6. [PMID: 38644457 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is responsible for feline leukemia syndrome in domestic cats. The prevention and control of disease caused by FeLV are primarily based on vaccination and identification and isolation of infected subjects. Antigen diagnostic methods, which are the most widely used in clinical practices, can be associated to molecular tests to characterize the FeLV detected. In this study, a quantitative SYBR Green Real-Time PCR (qPCR) assay was used to detect FeLV proviral DNA in blood samples from antigen positive cats referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Northern Italy in 2018-2021. To genetically characterize the identified viruses, a portion of the viral envelope (env) gene was amplified using six different end-point PCRs and sequenced. Twenty-two of 26 (84.6%) cats included in the study tested positive by qPCR assay. This suggests a high performance of the qPCR adopted but further studies are required to investigate the cause of discordant results between the antigen test and qPCR in four cats. From env gene analysis, 15/22 qPCR-positive cats were infected by FeLV subtype A and 5/15 shown coinfection with subtype B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gallina
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Veronica Facile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Nicola Roda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Sabetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Alessia Terrusi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Lorenza Urbani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Martina Magliocca
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Kateryna Vasylyeva
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Andrea Balboni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy.
| | - Mara Battilani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
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Meli ML, Pineroli B, Geisser E, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Prospective Investigation of Feline Leukemia Virus Infection in Stray Cats Subjected to a Trap-Neuter-Return Program in Switzerland. Viruses 2024; 16:394. [PMID: 38543760 PMCID: PMC10975613 DOI: 10.3390/v16030394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) remains a serious concern in some countries despite advances in diagnostics and vaccines. FeLV-infected cats often have reduced lifespans due to FeLV-associated diseases. The infection is transmitted through social interactions. While Northern European countries have reported a decrease in FeLV among pet cats, Switzerland's rates remain stagnant at 2.7% (2016/17: 95% CI 1.4-5.2%). Research on FeLV in Swiss stray cats has been lacking, even though these animals could serve as a virus reservoir. Sampling stray cats that do not receive regular veterinary care can be challenging. Collaboration with the Swiss Network for Animal Protection (NetAP) allowed for the prospective collection of saliva samples from 1711 stray cats during a trap-neuter-return program from 2019 to 2023. These samples were tested for FeLV RNA using RT-qPCR as a measure for antigenemia. Viral RNA was detected in 4.0% (95% CI 3.1-5.0%) of the samples, with 7.7% (95% CI 4.9-11.3%) in sick cats and 3.3% (95% CI 2.4-4.4%) in healthy ones. We identified three geographically independent hotspots with alarmingly high FeLV infection rates in stray cats (up to 70%). Overall, including the previous data of privately owned cats, FeLV-positive cats were scattered throughout Switzerland in 24/26 cantons. Our findings underscore welfare concerns for FeLV infections among stray cats lacking veterinary attention, highlighting the potential risk of infection to other free-roaming cats, including those privately owned. This emphasizes the critical significance of vaccinating all cats with outdoor access against FeLV and developing programs to protect cats from FeLV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.)
| | - Benita Pineroli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.)
| | - Esther Geisser
- Network for Animal Protection (NetAP), 8133 Esslingen, Switzerland;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.)
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Ngo MH, AbuEed L, Kawasaki J, Oishi N, Pramono D, Kimura T, Sakurai M, Watanabe K, Mizukami Y, Ochi H, Anai Y, Odahara Y, Umehara D, Kawamura M, Watanabe S, Miyake A, Nishigaki K. Multiple recombination events between endogenous retroviral elements and feline leukemia virus. J Virol 2024; 98:e0140023. [PMID: 38240589 PMCID: PMC10878261 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01400-23] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an exogenous retrovirus that causes malignant hematopoietic disorders in domestic cats, and its virulence may be closely associated with viral sequences. FeLV is classified into several subgroups, including A, B, C, D, E, and T, based on viral receptor interference properties or receptor usage. However, the transmission manner and disease specificity of the recombinant viruses FeLV-D and FeLV-B remain unclear. The aim of this study was to understand recombination events between exogenous and endogenous retroviruses within a host and elucidate the emergence and transmission of recombinant viruses. We observed multiple recombination events involving endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in FeLV from a family of domestic cats kept in one house; two of these cats (ON-T and ON-C) presented with lymphoma and leukemia, respectively. Clonal integration of FeLV-D was observed in the ON-T case, suggesting an association with FeLV-D pathogenesis. Notably, the receptor usage of FeLV-B observed in ON-T was mediated by feline Pit1 and feline Pit2, whereas only feline Pit1 was used in ON-C. Furthermore, XR-FeLV, a recombinant FeLV containing an unrelated sequence referred to the X-region, which is homologous to a portion of the 5'-leader sequence of Felis catus endogenous gammaretrovirus 4 (FcERV-gamma4), was isolated. Genetic analysis suggested that most recombinant viruses occurred de novo; however, the possibility of FeLV-B transmission was also recognized in the family. This study demonstrated the occurrence of multiple recombination events between exogenous and endogenous retroviruses in domestic cats, highlighting the contribution of ERVs to pathogenic recombinant viruses.IMPORTANCEFeline leukemia virus subgroup A (FeLV-A) is primarily transmitted among cats. During viral transmission, genetic changes in the viral genome lead to the emergence of novel FeLV subgroups or variants with altered virulence. We isolated three FeLV subgroups (A, B, and D) and XR-FeLV from two cats and identified multiple recombination events in feline endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), such as enFeLV, ERV-DC, and FcERV-gamma4, which are present in the cat genome. This study highlights the pathogenic contribution of ERVs in the emergence of FeLV-B, FeLV-D, and XR-FeLV in a feline population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Ha Ngo
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Loai AbuEed
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Junna Kawasaki
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Didik Pramono
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Tohru Kimura
- Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masashi Sakurai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kenji Watanabe
- Institute of Gene Research, Science Research Center, Yamaguchi University, Minami-kogushi, Ube, Japan
| | - Yoichi Mizukami
- Institute of Gene Research, Science Research Center, Yamaguchi University, Minami-kogushi, Ube, Japan
| | - Haruyo Ochi
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yukari Anai
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yuka Odahara
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Daigo Umehara
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Maki Kawamura
- Life Science Division, Advanced Technology Institute, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shinya Watanabe
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ariko Miyake
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Kazuo Nishigaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, Joint Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Fusco G, Marati L, Pugliese A, Levante M, Ferrara G, de Carlo E, Amoroso MG, Montagnaro S. Prevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats from southern Italy: a 10-year cross-sectional study. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1260081. [PMID: 38026675 PMCID: PMC10657833 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1260081] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are well-known retroviruses causing important infections in domestic cats worldwide. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of FeLV and FIV infections in cat living indoor and outdoor in southern Italy. Methods The survey was conducted on 1322 stray and owned cats from the regions of Campania, Basilicata, and Calabria. It was carried out over a 10-year period to obtain a more realistic picture of the prevalence of these retroviral diseases in the country. FIV and FeLV status was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercial kit (SNAP Combo Plus FeLV/FIV, IDEXX). Risk factors were analysed by logistic regression. Results and Discussion The results showed that 101/1322 (7.64%) cats were positive for FeLV antigen and 110/1322 (8.32%) cats were positive for FIV antibody. Twenty-six of the 1322 cats (1.97%) were positive for both FIV and FeLV infection. Our results are similar to those published in recent studies in Europe. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between year, province, region, lifestyle and risk of FeLV infection. FIV positivity was instead statistically associated only with year and lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Fusco
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Luisa Marati
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Annamaria Pugliese
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Martina Levante
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Ferrara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Esterina de Carlo
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Amoroso
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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Marcondes M. Feline leukaemia vaccination. Vet Rec 2023; 193:372-373. [PMID: 37921294 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
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Descamps M, Humm K. Why some canine and feline blood donors do not make the cut: A cohort study. Vet Rec 2023; 193:e2993. [PMID: 37183182 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there has been extensive investigation into the selection and retention of human blood donors, veterinary research in this area is limited. This study aimed to identify the reasons for the rejection and withdrawal of canine and feline blood donors from a blood donation programme. METHODS Records of cats and dogs presenting as prospective blood donors and/or donating between 2014 and 2019 were analysed. Reasons for rejection at sign-up were categorised into medical and temperament. Reasons why animals left before retirement age were categorised into medical, temperament and owner related. RESULTS Data from 362 dogs and 134 cats were analysed. Cats (20.8%) were more likely to be rejected than dogs (5.2%) at sign-up, mostly due to medical reasons. Both species often left the blood donor service early due to temperament reasons. Owner and medical reasons for leaving early were also common. LIMITATION This was a retrospective study with subjective assessment of temperament. CONCLUSIONS Inability to donate due to temperament and medical reasons is common. When recruiting blood donors, it should be recognised that a fairly high proportion will not be successful. Owner understanding and motivation are essential to ensure successful selection and retention of donors, which allows amortisation of recruitment costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjanne Descamps
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, UK
| | - Karen Humm
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, UK
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de Mello LS, Ribeiro PR, de Almeida BA, Bandinelli MB, Sonne L, Driemeier D, Pavarini SP. Diseases associated with feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection: A retrospective study of 1470 necropsied cats (2010-2020). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 95:101963. [PMID: 36858000 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.101963] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses affecting cats worldwide, and the prevalence of infection varies considerably according to the geographic area. We retrospectively described FIV- and FeLV-associated diseases in a population of 1470 necropsied cats, of which 396 (26.9%) were infected with FeLV, 199 (13.5%) with FIV, and 134 (9.1%) with FeLV and FIV concomitantly. Cats infected with FeLV (OR 3.4) and co-infected with FeLV and FIV (OR 1.9) were more likely to have neoplasms. The diagnosis of lymphoma and leukemia was higher in cats infected with FeLV (OR 3.9 and 19.4, respectively) and coinfected with FeLV and FIV (OR 1.9 and 19.3, respectively). The odds of diagnosing bacterial diseases were higher in cats coinfected with FeLV and FIV (OR: 2.8), whereas the odds of viral diseases were higher in those infected with FeLV (OR: 2.8), with 2.2 times more diagnoses of feline infectious peritonitis. Neoplastic and infectious diseases in FIV-infected cats did not differ significantly from those in uninfected cats. According to our results, a high prevalence of retroviral infections was observed in southern Brazil, mainly in relation to FeLV. Infected cats were significantly younger than uninfected cats. The main causes of death associated with FeLV infection and FeLV and FIV coinfection were neoplastic and infectious diseases. In contrast, FIV infection was not associated with any specific condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Santos de Mello
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Paula Reis Ribeiro
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Albuquerque de Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcele Bettim Bandinelli
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Sonne
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - David Driemeier
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
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Khalife S, Kassaa IA. Occurrence and risk factors of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) in cats of Lebanon. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 93:101931. [PMID: 36565524 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101931] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2020 and August 2021. Blood samples were collected from 260 household cats recruited in different clinics in North and Mount Lebanon, with the aim of determining the seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). The seroprevalence reported reached 18.84% (95% CI 0.14-0.24) and 13.84% (95% CI 0.09-0.18) for FIV and FeLV, respectively. FIV seropositivity was associated with a younger age, health and neuter status, lymphoma, lethargy, and vomiting. Furthermore, male sex, neuter status, lymphoma, anaemia, lethargy, and vomiting were significantly associated with FeLV seropositivity. This first data from Lebanon emphasizes the need for implementing preventive programmes to cope with FIV- and FeLV-associated morbidity and mortality among cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khalife
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Tripoli, Lebanon.
| | - Imad Al Kassaa
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
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Edinboro CH. Feral Cat Populations and Feline Retrovirus Prevalence in San Mateo County, California in Three Time Periods between 2001 and 2016. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243477. [PMID: 36552398 PMCID: PMC9774651 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was initiated in 2004 because the prevalence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections in feral cats in San Mateo County (SMC) was not known. The cities attributed to the feral cat population presented to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Spay/Neuter Clinic and to the Shelter itself were analyzed to examine potential geographic concentrations of feral cats with positive retroviral status. Trends in FIV and FeLV status were examined in three 3-year periods (2001−2003, 2005−2007, and 2014−2016). Population trends over the 15 years of this study for feral cats admitted to the Shelter were also examined. In each study period, more female feral cats were presented to the S/N Clinic (54.06%, 57.37%, 54.89%). FIV prevalence increased from 5.52% to 6.41% (p = 0.29) from the first to third period; FeLV prevalence decreased significantly from 1.73% to 0.29% (p = 0.01). Significantly more FIV-positive males than females were identified each year and for each period (p < 0.01). The four largest SMC cities were the major source of feral cats to the Shelter, S/N Clinic, and of FIV- and FeLV-positive cats in the first two periods; in the third period, 50% of feral cats to the Shelter and of FeLV-positive cats were from these cities. Despite a 61.63% reduction in feral cat admissions to the S/N Clinic, the FIV prevalence for males remained similar and increased for females. The retrovirus prevalence suggests the need for continued testing and surveillance of FIV among SMC free-living cats.
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Clinicopathological Findings in Cats Tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV). ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2022-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological changes in a population of cats tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), in an Italian Veterinary University Hospital, in the period between January 2002 and May 2016. During the period of 14 years, 1834 cats were tested, and of these 241/1834 (13.1%) were positive for FIV antibodies and 92/1834 (5%) cats were positive for FeLV antigen. These data confirm the presence of a high prevalence of these viruses on Italian territory. To the authors’ knowledge, this study describes findings that have never been evaluated before, such as iron status in retrovirus-infected cats and urinalysis in FeLV-positive cats. In this study, FIV-positive cats were more likely to have higher serum protein concentration and lower albumin-globulin ratio than other groups of cats. Lower urine specific gravity and higher urine protein to creatinine ratio were also detected for FIV-positive cats when compared with negative and healthy cats. FeLV-positive cats were more likely to have cytopenia, decreased haemoglobin, haematocrit and RBC compared with other groups of cats. The data obtained underline the importance of considering retroviral infections in the presence of a broad spectrum of risk factors and laboratory anomalies.
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A Retrospective Study of Viral Molecular Prevalences in Cats in Southern Italy (Campania Region). Viruses 2022; 14:v14112583. [PMID: 36423192 PMCID: PMC9699332 DOI: 10.3390/v14112583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
From 2019 to 2021, a retrospective molecular study was conducted in the Campania region (southern Italy) to determine the prevalence of viral diseases in domestic cats. A total of 328 dead animals were analyzed by Real-Time PCR for the presence of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline enteric coronavirus (FCoV), rotavirus (RVA), feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), and feline calicivirus (FCV). The possible presence of SARS-CoV-2 was also investigated by Real-Time PCR. The cats included in this study were specifically sourced and referred by local veterinarians and local authorities to the Zooprofilactic Experimental Institute of Southern Italy (IZSM) for pathological evaluation. The samples consisted of owners, catteries, and stray cats. Results revealed: 73.5% positive cats for FPV (189/257), 23.6% for FeLV (21/89), 21.5% for FCoV (56/266), 11.4% for RVA (16/140), 9.05% for FeHV-1 (21/232), and 7.04 for FCV (15/213). In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 was never detected. FPV was more prevalent in winter (p = 0.0027). FCoV FHV-1, FCV, and RVA predominated in autumn, whereas FeLV predominated in summer. As expected, viral infections were found more frequently in outdoor and shelter cats than in indoor ones, although no statistical association was found between animal lifestyle and viral presence. The study showed a high prevalence of FPV, FeLV, and FCoV and a moderate prevalence of RVA, FHV-1, and FCV. Moreover, the prevalence of these pathogens varied among the cat populations investigated.
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Scavone D, Lauzi S, Stranieri A, Tramontano G, Ratti G, Paltrinieri S. Evaluating the presence of domestic cat hepadnavirus viraemia in cats with biochemical alterations suggestive of liver disease. Vet Rec 2022; 191:e1626. [PMID: 35393638 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) infection and feline chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma has been suggested. However, studies focused on the association between DCH infection and clinicopathological changes consistent with liver disease in cats are not available. METHODS This retrospective investigation included sera obtained from 96 cats that had the serum activity of at least alanine aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase measured during initial diagnostic work-up. Based on these haematobiochemical results, cats were categorised according to their likelihood of having liver disease (absent, low, intermediate or high). DCH DNA was detected using real-time PCR, nested PCR and sequencing. RESULTS Overall, potential liver damage was observed in 44 cats, including cats with low (n = 14), intermediate (n = 10) and high (n = 20) likelihood of liver disease. Four cats (4.2%) were DCH-positive, with three positive cats belonging to the liver disease group (two with low and one with intermediate likelihood of liver disease). CONCLUSIONS Although the pathogenic potential of DCH in cats still has to be clarified, these results suggest that DCH testing should not be based only on the presence of biochemical changes potentially consistent with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Scavone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Giada Tramontano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ratti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
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13
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Kokkinaki KG, Saridomichelakis MN, Leontides L, Mylonakis ME, Konstantinidis AO, Steiner JM, Suchodolski JS, Xenoulis PG. A prospective epidemiological, clinical, and clinicopathologic study of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection in 435 cats from Greece. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 78:101687. [PMID: 34225228 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses causing significant morbidity and mortality in cats. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and clinicopathologic aspects of FeLV and FIV infections in different populations of cats in Greece, including client-owned cats, stray cats and cats who live in catteries. A total of 435 cats were prospectively enrolled. Serological detection of FeLV antigen and FIV antibody was performed using a commercial in-house ELISA test kit. The results showed that 17 (3.9 %) and 40 (9.2 %) of the 435 cats were positive for FeLV antigen and FIV antibody, respectively, whereas 5 (1.1 %) had concurrent infection with FeLV and FIV. Factors that were associated with FeLV antigenemia, based on multivariate analysis, included vomiting, rhinitis, infection with FIV, neutropenia, decreased blood urea nitrogen and increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Factors associated with FIV seropositivity included male gender, older age, outdoor access, weight loss, fever, gingivostomatitis, skin lesions and/or pruritus and hyperglobulinemia. Various clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities were found to be significantly associated with retroviral infections, suggesting that current guidelines to test all sick cats should be followed, taking into particular consideration the high-risk groups of cats found in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Kokkinaki
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132, Karditsa, Greece.
| | - M N Saridomichelakis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132, Karditsa, Greece
| | - L Leontides
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Animal Health Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132, Karditsa, Greece
| | - M E Mylonakis
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., GR-54627, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A O Konstantinidis
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., GR-54627, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - J M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, 4474-77843 TAMU, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, 4474-77843 TAMU, College Station, TX, USA
| | - P 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 and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, 4474-77843 TAMU, College Station, TX, USA
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14
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Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R. What's New in Feline Leukemia Virus Infection. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:1013-1036. [PMID: 32680664 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus with global impact on the health of domestic cats that causes tumors (mainly lymphoma), bone marrow disorders, and immunosuppression. The importance of FeLV is underestimated due to complacency associated with previous decline in prevalence. However, with this comes lowered vigilance, which, along with potential for regressively infected cats to reactivate viremia and shed the virus or develop clinical signs, can pose a risk to feline health. This article summarizes knowledge on FeLV pathogenesis, courses of infection, and factors affecting prevalance, infection outcome, and development of FeLV-associated diseases, with special focus on regressive FeLV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich 80539, Germany.
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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15
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Studer N, Lutz H, Saegerman C, Gönczi E, Meli ML, Boo G, Hartmann K, Hosie MJ, Moestl K, Tasker S, Belák S, Lloret A, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink HF, Pennisi MG, Truyen U, Frymus T, Thiry E, Marsilio F, Addie D, Hochleithner M, Tkalec F, Vizi Z, Brunetti A, Georgiev B, Ludwig-Begall LF, Tschuor F, Mooney CT, Eliasson C, Orro J, Johansen H, Juuti K, Krampl I, Kovalenko K, Šengaut J, Sobral C, Borska P, Kovaříková S, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Pan-European Study on the Prevalence of the Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection - Reported by the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD Europe). Viruses 2019; 11:v11110993. [PMID: 31671816 PMCID: PMC6893802 DOI: 10.3390/v11110993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus associated with fatal disease in progressively infected cats. While testing/removal and vaccination led to a decreased prevalence of FeLV, recently, this decrease has reportedly stagnated in some countries. This study aimed to prospectively determine the prevalence of FeLV viraemia in cats taken to veterinary facilities in 32 European countries. FeLV viral RNA was semiquantitatively detected in saliva, using RT-qPCR as a measure of viraemia. Risk and protective factors were assessed using an online questionnaire to report geographic, demographic, husbandry, FeLV vaccination, and clinical data. The overall prevalence of FeLV viraemia in cats visiting a veterinary facility, of which 10.4% were shelter and rescue cats, was 2.3% (141/6005; 95% CI: 2.0%–2.8%) with the highest prevalences in Portugal, Hungary, and Italy/Malta (5.7%–8.8%). Using multivariate analysis, seven risk factors (Southern Europe, male intact, 1–6 years of age, indoor and outdoor or outdoor-only living, living in a group of ≥5 cats, illness), and three protective factors (Northern Europe, Western Europe, pedigree cats) were identified. Using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, the origin of cats in Europe, pedigree, and access to outdoors were important predictors of FeLV status. FeLV-infected sick cats shed more viral RNA than FeLV-infected healthy cats, and they suffered more frequently from anaemia, anorexia, and gingivitis/stomatitis than uninfected sick cats. Most cats had never been FeLV-vaccinated; vaccination rates were indirectly associated with the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. In conclusion, we identified countries where FeLV was undetectable, demonstrating that the infection can be eradicated and highlighting those regions where awareness and prevention should be increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Studer
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Hans Lutz
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Enikö Gönczi
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Gianluca Boo
- Department of Geography, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany.
| | - Margaret J Hosie
- MRC- University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Karin Moestl
- Institute of Virology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK & Chief Medical Officer, Linnaeus Group, Shirley, Solihull B90 4BN, UK.
| | - Sándor Belák
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (BVF), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Albert Lloret
- Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Herman F Egberink
- University of Utrecht, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Maria-Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Tadeusz Frymus
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - 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.
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Diane Addie
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | | | - Filip Tkalec
- Veterinarska klinika Kreszinger, 10360 Sesvete, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Zsuzsanna Vizi
- University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Anna Brunetti
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Boyko Georgiev
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Louisa F Ludwig-Begall
- 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.
| | - Flurin Tschuor
- Kleintierklinik BolligerTschuor AG, Fachtierärzte für Kleintiere, 4665 Oftringen - Zofingen, Switzerland.
| | - Carmel T Mooney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Catarina Eliasson
- Jamaren - Swedish Veterinary Feline Study Group, 275 71 Lövestad, Sweden.
| | | | | | - Kirsi Juuti
- CatVet Kissaklinikka, 00400 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Igor Krampl
- Slovak Small Animal Veterinary Association, 821 02 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Kaspars Kovalenko
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Latvia University of Lifesciences and Technologies, LV-3004 Jelgava, Latvia.
| | - Jakov Šengaut
- Jakov Veterinary Centre, Gerosios Vilties g. 1, LT-03147 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | | | - Petra Borska
- Small Animal Emergency Clinic, 637 00 Brno-Jundrov, Czech Republic.
| | - Simona Kovaříková
- Department of Animal Protection, Welfare and Behavior, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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16
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Clinical and Molecular Features of Feline Foamy Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus Co-Infection in Naturally-Infected Cats. Viruses 2018; 10:v10120702. [PMID: 30544924 PMCID: PMC6315984 DOI: 10.3390/v10120702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline foamy virus (FFV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) belong to the Retroviridae family. While disease has not been reported for FFV infection, FeLV infection can cause anemia and immunosuppression (progressive infection). Co-infection with FFV/FeLV allows evaluation of the pathogenic potential and epidemiology of FFV infection in cats with FeLV pathology. Blood and buccal swab samples from 81 cats were collected in Rio de Janeiro. Plasma was serologically tested for FeLV. DNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and buccal swabs was used to PCR detect FFV and FeLV. A qPCR was developed to detect and measure FFV proviral loads (pVLs) in cats. FeLV qPCR was performed using previous methods. The median log10 pVL of FFV mono-infected individuals was lower than found in FFV/FeLV co-infected cats in buccal swabs (p = 0.003). We found 78% of cats had detectable buccal FFV DNA in FFV mono-infected and FFV co-infected FeLV-progressive cats, while in FeLV-regressive cats (those without signs of disease) 22% of cats had detectable buccal FFV DNA (p = 0.004). Our results suggest that regressive FeLV infection may reduce FFV saliva transmission, the main mode of FV transmission. We did not find evidence of differences in pathogenicity in FFV mono- and -dually infected cats. In summary, we show that FVs may interact with FeLV within the same host. Our study supports the utility of cats naturally co-infected with retroviruses as a model to investigate the impact of FV on immunocompromised mammalian hosts.
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17
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Druet I, Hennet P. Relationship between Feline calicivirus Load, Oral Lesions, and Outcome in Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (Caudal Stomatitis): Retrospective Study in 104 Cats. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:209. [PMID: 29270412 PMCID: PMC5724031 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study was performed to assess the relationship between oral Feline calicivirus (FCV) load and severity of lesions at the time of presentation of cats suffering from feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) (part 1) and treatment outcome after dental extractions (part 2). We hypothesized that a higher FCV viral load would be positively correlated with the severity of lesions at presentation and negatively correlated with treatment outcome. In addition, the effect of dental extractions on outcome and the influence of preoperative severity of lesions on the outcome were investigated. Materials and methods Cats with FCGS were included in the study if they had been diagnosed with caudal stomatitis, had been tested positive for FCV using a real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR test on oropharyngeal swab, and had dental extractions performed within the authors’ department. General practitioners provided all previous medical treatments. Cats with recheck examinations were included in part 2 of the study. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the different parameters. Results One hundred four cats met the requirements for part 1 and 56 cats for part 2 of the study. Data collected from patients’ record included patient history, viral testing results, extent and severity of oral lesions, extent of teeth extraction. Signalment, history, preoperative treatment, and severity of caudal and alveolar stomatitis score were not associated with FCV load (P > 0.05). Presence of lingual ulcers was significantly correlated with FCV load (P = 0.0325). Clinical cure (32.1%) or very significant improvement (19.6%) was achieved in 51.8% of cats within 38 days. Concomitantly, 60.7% of the owners considered their cat cured (41.1%) or significantly improved (19.6%). Extent of teeth extraction was not found to influence the clinical outcome (P > 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study did not support the hypothesis that FCV oral load is correlated with the severity of oral lesions or with the outcome following dental extractions. In addition, the severity of caudal inflammation was not correlated with healing time or achievement of cure.
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