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Stranieri A, Lauzi S, Paltrinieri S. Clinicopathological and Molecular Analysis of Aqueous Humor for the Diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Vet Sci 2024; 11:207. [PMID: 38787179 PMCID: PMC11125769 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11050207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to assess the diagnostic utility for FIP of cytology, protein measurement and RT-PCR for feline coronaviruses (FCoV) on aqueous humor (AH), since little information is currently available. METHODS AH samples (n = 85) were collected post-mortem from 13 cats with effusive FIP (E-FIP), 15 with non-effusive FIP (NE-FIP) and 16 without FIP, to perform cytology (n = 83) and RT-PCR (n = 66) and to calculate their sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-). The protein concentration was measured on 80 fluids. RESULTS The proportion of RT-PCR positive samples did not differ among groups, while positive cytology was more frequent in samples with FIP (p = 0.042) or positive RT-PCR (p = 0.007). Compared with other groups, the protein concentration was higher in samples with NE-FIP (p = 0.017), positive RT-PCR (p = 0.005) or positive cytology (p < 0.001). The specificity of cytology together with RT-PCR, cytology alone, RT-PCR alone and cytological proteinaceous background were 90.0%, 84.6%, 70.0%, 61.5%, and the LRs 3.48, 2.65, 1.83, 1.64, respectively. However, their sensitivities were low (34.8-63.0%) and their LR- high (0.60-0.72). CONCLUSIONS Based on the LR+, cytology and/or RT-PCR may support the diagnosis when the pre-test probability of FIP is high. The concentration of intraocular protein is a promising marker, especially in NE-FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (Divas), University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (S.L.)
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2
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Curtis BE, Abdo Z, Graham B, LaVoy A, Evans SJM, Santangelo K, Dean GA. An Aptamer-Based Proteomic Analysis of Plasma from Cats ( Felis catus) with Clinical Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Viruses 2024; 16:141. [PMID: 38257841 PMCID: PMC10819688 DOI: 10.3390/v16010141] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a systemic disease manifestation of feline coronavirus (FCoV) and is the most important cause of infectious disease-related deaths in domestic cats. FIP has a variable clinical manifestation but is most often characterized by widespread vasculitis with visceral involvement and/or neurological disease that is typically fatal in the absence of antiviral therapy. Using an aptamer-based proteomics assay, we analyzed the plasma protein profiles of cats who were naturally infected with FIP (n = 19) in comparison to the plasma protein profiles of cats who were clinically healthy and negative for FCoV (n = 17) and cats who were positive for the enteric form of FCoV (n = 9). We identified 442 proteins that were significantly differentiable; in total, 219 increased and 223 decreased in FIP plasma versus clinically healthy cat plasma. Pathway enrichment and associated analyses showed that differentiable proteins were related to immune system processes, including the innate immune response, cytokine signaling, and antigen presentation, as well as apoptosis and vascular integrity. The relevance of these findings is discussed in the context of previous studies. While these results have the potential to inform diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative investigations, they represent only a first step, and will require further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gregg A. Dean
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; (B.E.C.); (A.L.); (S.J.M.E.); (K.S.)
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3
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Zhu J, Deng S, Mou D, Zhang G, Fu Y, Huang W, Zhang Y, Lyu Y. Analysis of spike and accessory 3c genes mutations of less virulent and FIP-associated feline coronaviruses in Beijing, China. Virology 2024; 589:109919. [PMID: 37939649 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109919] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in S and 3c genes of feline coronavirus (FCoV) have been associated with the development of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). In the present study, FCoV S and 3c genes mutations were analyzed in healthy and FIP cats. M1058L mutation was found in 13.64% (3/22) feces from FIP cats, but not in feces from healthy cats (0/39). The intact 3c gene was found in feces from both healthy cats (19/19) and FIP cats (12/12). All parenteral samples from FIP cats carried one or more of the M1058L mutation, S1060A mutation and mutated 3c gene. FCoV reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of parenteral samples (including ascites, pleural effusions and tissue) is recommended as the gold standard for clinical diagnosis of FIP rather than detection of the M1058L mutation, but when cats have severe gastrointestinal symptoms and lesions, detection of the M1058L mutation in feces may be helpful in diagnosing FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuqi Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Danxia Mou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Gege Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yingying Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wei Huang
- China Agricultural University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yueping Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yanli Lyu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; China Agricultural University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100193, China.
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4
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Chan I, Dowsey A, Lait P, Tasker S, Blackwell E, Helps CR, Barker EN. Prevalence and risk factors for common respiratory pathogens within a cohort of pet cats in the UK. J Small Anim Pract 2023; 64:552-560. [PMID: 37248773 PMCID: PMC10953343 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and Chlamydia felis are common causes of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in cats. Their prevalence in the UK pet cat population has not been reported and little is known regarding the risk factors for their oral carriage. METHODS Total nucleic acid was extracted from owner-collected buccal swabs (n=600) from cats enrolled in a self-selected longitudinal cohort study. Duplex quantitative PCRs for the detection of FHV and C. felis genomic DNA and reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCRs for the detection of FCV genomic RNA were performed. Duplicates, swabs with insufficient host DNA/RNA, and cats with missing data were excluded. Selected epidemiological data were interrogated using univariable and multi-variable logistic regression modelling to identify risk factors. RESULTS Data from 430 cats were included in the final statistical model. Of these, 2.1% (n=9/430; 95% CI 1.0% to 3.9%) were positive for FHV, 13.3% (n=57/430; 95% CI 10.2% to 16.8%) positive for FCV and 1.2% (n=5/430; 95% CI 0.4% to 2.7%) positive for C. felis. FCV co-infection was present in five (44%) FHV-positive cats and three (60%) C. felis-positive cats. FCV carriage was more frequent in purebred cats (odds ratio 2.48; 95% CI 1.37 to 4.49) and in cats with current or historical clinical signs compatible with URTD (odds ratio 2.98; 95% CI 1.22 to 7.27). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE FCV was the most frequently encountered URTD pathogen in this sample of cats; this should be noted for disinfectant choice. In cats suspected of having FHV or C. felis infection, assessment for co-infection with FCV is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Chan
- Internal MedicineSmall Animal Specialist HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Bristol Veterinary SchoolUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
| | - A. Dowsey
- Bristol Veterinary SchoolUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
| | - P. Lait
- Bristol Veterinary SchoolUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
| | - S. Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary SchoolUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
- The Linnaeus Medical TeamLinnaeus GroupSolihullUK
| | - E. Blackwell
- Bristol Veterinary SchoolUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
| | - C. R. Helps
- Bristol Veterinary SchoolUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
- Langford VetsUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
| | - E. N. Barker
- Bristol Veterinary SchoolUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
- Langford VetsUniversity of BristolLangfordUK
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5
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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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6
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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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Olarte-Castillo XA, Licitra BN, André NM, Sierra MA, Mason CE, Goodman LB, Whittaker GR. Intra-host variation in the spike S1/S2 region of a feline coronavirus type-1 in a cat with persistent infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.31.551356. [PMID: 37577589 PMCID: PMC10418068 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.31.551356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus type 1 (FCoV-1) is widely known for causing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a systemic infection that is often fatal, with the virus known as the FIPV biotype. However, subclinical disease also occurs, in which cats may not show signs and intermittently shed the virus, including in feces, possibly for long periods of time. This virus is known as the FECV biotype. Progression of FECV to FIPV has been linked to several genomic changes, however a specific region of the viral spike protein at the interface of the spike S1 and S2 domains has been especially implicated. In this study, we followed a cat (#576) for six years from 2017, at which time FCoV-1 was detected in feces and conjunctival swabs, until 2022, when the animal was euthanized based on a diagnosis of alimentary small cell lymphoma. Over this time period, the cat was clinically diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and chronic rhinitis, and cardiac problems were also suspected. Using hybridization capture targeting the spike (S) gene of FCoV followed by next-generation sequencing, we screened 27 clinical samples. We detected FCoV-1 in 4 samples taken in 2017 (intestine and nasal tissue, feces, and conjunctiva), and 3 samples taken in 2022 (feces, and intestinal and heart tissue), but not in fecal samples taken in 2019 and 2020. Next, we focused on the S1/S2 region within S, which contains the furin cleavage site (FCS), a key regulator of viral transmission and pathogenesis. We show that the FCoV-1 variants obtained from feces in 2017 and 2022 were identical, while the ones from conjunctiva (2017), heart (2022), and intestine (2017 and 2022) were distinct. Sequence comparison of all the variants obtained showed that most of the non-synonymous changes in the S1/S2 region occur within the FCS. In the heart, we found two variants that differed by a single nucleotide, resulting in distinct FCS motifs that differ in one amino acid. It is predicted that one of these FCS motifs will down-regulate spike cleavability. The variant from the conjunctiva (2017) had a 6-nucleotide in-frame insertion that resulted in a longer and more exposed S1/S2 loop, which is predicted to be more accessible to the furin protease. Our studies indicate that FCoV-1 can independently persist in the gastrointestinal tract and heart of a cat over a long period of time without evidence of typical FIP signs, with intermittent viral shedding from the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
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8
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Zehr JD, Kosakovsky Pond SL, Millet JK, Olarte-Castillo XA, Lucaci AG, Shank SD, Ceres KM, Choi A, Whittaker GR, Goodman LB, Stanhope MJ. Natural selection differences detected in key protein domains between non-pathogenic and pathogenic feline coronavirus phenotypes. Virus Evol 2023; 9:vead019. [PMID: 37038392 PMCID: PMC10082545 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) commonly cause mild enteric infections in felines worldwide (termed feline enteric coronavirus [FECV]), with around 12 per cent developing into deadly feline infectious peritonitis (FIP; feline infectious peritonitis virus [FIPV]). Genomic differences between FECV and FIPV have been reported, yet the putative genotypic basis of the highly pathogenic phenotype remains unclear. Here, we used state-of-the-art molecular evolutionary genetic statistical techniques to identify and compare differences in natural selection pressure between FECV and FIPV sequences, as well as to identify FIPV- and FECV-specific signals of positive selection. We analyzed full-length FCoV protein coding genes thought to contain mutations associated with FIPV (Spike, ORF3abc, and ORF7ab). We identified two sites exhibiting differences in natural selection pressure between FECV and FIPV: one within the S1/S2 furin cleavage site (FCS) and the other within the fusion domain of Spike. We also found fifteen sites subject to positive selection associated with FIPV within Spike, eleven of which have not previously been suggested as possibly relevant to FIP development. These sites fall within Spike protein subdomains that participate in host cell receptor interaction, immune evasion, tropism shifts, host cellular entry, and viral escape. There were fourteen sites (twelve novel sites) within Spike under positive selection associated with the FECV phenotype, almost exclusively within the S1/S2 FCS and adjacent to C domain, along with a signal of relaxed selection in FIPV relative to FECV, suggesting that furin cleavage functionality may not be needed for FIPV. Positive selection inferred in ORF7b was associated with the FECV phenotype and included twenty-four positively selected sites, while ORF7b had signals of relaxed selection in FIPV. We found evidence of positive selection in ORF3c in FCoV-wide analyses, but no specific association with the FIPV or FECV phenotype. We hypothesize that some combination of mutations in FECV may contribute to FIP development, and that it is unlikely to be one singular 'switch' mutational event. This work expands our understanding of the complexities of FIP development and provides insights into how evolutionary forces may alter pathogenesis in coronavirus genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan D Zehr
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Sergei L Kosakovsky Pond
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jean K Millet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, Jouy-en-Josas 78352, France
| | - Ximena A Olarte-Castillo
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Alexander G Lucaci
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Stephen D Shank
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Kristina M Ceres
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Annette Choi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Laura B Goodman
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Michael J Stanhope
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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9
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Gao YY, Wang Q, Liang XY, Zhang S, Bao D, Zhao H, Li SB, Wang K, Hu GX, Gao FS. An updated review of feline coronavirus: mind the two biotypes. Virus Res 2023; 326:199059. [PMID: 36731629 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) includes two biotypes: feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). Although both biotypes can infect cats, their pathogenicities differ. The FIPV biotype is more virulent than the FECV biotype and can cause peritonitis or even death in cats, while most FECV biotypes do not cause lesions. Even pathogenic strains of the FECV biotype can cause only mild enteritis because of their very low virulence. This article reviews recent progress in FCoV research with regard to FCoV etiological characteristics; epidemiology; clinical symptoms and pathological changes; pathogenesis; and current diagnosis, prevention and treatment methods. It is hoped that this review will provide a reference for further research on FCoV and other coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Yu Gao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Affiliated Hospital, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130117, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Liang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Di Bao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Shao-Bai Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China.
| | - Gui-Xue Hu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China.
| | - Feng-Shan Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Life and Health, Dalian University, Xuefu Street 10, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, China; The Dalian Gene and Protein Engineering for Drug Screening Key Laboratory, Dalian 116622, China.
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10
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Zehr JD, Pond SLK, Millet JK, Olarte-Castillo XA, Lucaci AG, Shank SD, Ceres KM, Choi A, Whittaker GR, Goodman LB, Stanhope MJ. Natural selection differences detected in key protein domains between non-pathogenic and pathogenic Feline Coronavirus phenotypes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.11.523607. [PMID: 36712007 PMCID: PMC9882035 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.11.523607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Feline Coronaviruses (FCoVs) commonly cause mild enteric infections in felines worldwide (termed Feline Enteric Coronavirus [FECV]), with around 12% developing into deadly Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP; Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus [FIPV]). Genomic differences between FECV and FIPV have been reported, yet the putative genotypic basis of the highly pathogenic phenotype remains unclear. Here, we used state-of-the-art molecular evolutionary genetic statistical techniques to identify and compare differences in natural selection pressure between FECV and FIPV sequences, as well as to identify FIPV and FECV specific signals of positive selection. We analyzed full length FCoV protein coding genes thought to contain mutations associated with FIPV (Spike, ORF3abc, and ORF7ab). We identified two sites exhibiting differences in natural selection pressure between FECV and FIPV: one within the S1/S2 furin cleavage site, and the other within the fusion domain of Spike. We also found 15 sites subject to positive selection associated with FIPV within Spike, 11 of which have not previously been suggested as possibly relevant to FIP development. These sites fall within Spike protein subdomains that participate in host cell receptor interaction, immune evasion, tropism shifts, host cellular entry, and viral escape. There were 14 sites (12 novel) within Spike under positive selection associated with the FECV phenotype, almost exclusively within the S1/S2 furin cleavage site and adjacent C domain, along with a signal of relaxed selection in FIPV relative to FECV, suggesting that furin cleavage functionality may not be needed for FIPV. Positive selection inferred in ORF7b was associated with the FECV phenotype, and included 24 positively selected sites, while ORF7b had signals of relaxed selection in FIPV. We found evidence of positive selection in ORF3c in FCoV wide analyses, but no specific association with the FIPV or FECV phenotype. We hypothesize that some combination of mutations in FECV may contribute to FIP development, and that is unlikely to be one singular "switch" mutational event. This work expands our understanding of the complexities of FIP development and provides insights into how evolutionary forces may alter pathogenesis in coronavirus genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan D. Zehr
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Sergei L. Kosakovsky Pond
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jean K. Millet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UVSQ, Virologie et Immunologie Moléculaires, 78352 Jouyen-Josas, France
| | - Ximena A. Olarte-Castillo
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Alexander G. Lucaci
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Stephen D. Shank
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Kristina M. Ceres
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Annette Choi
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Gary R. Whittaker
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Laura B. Goodman
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Michael J. Stanhope
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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11
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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: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [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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12
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Development of Colorimetric Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detecting Feline Coronavirus. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162075. [PMID: 36009664 PMCID: PMC9405184 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Feline coronavirus infecting domestic cats can cause feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a fatal infectious disease. Several relevant clinical diagnoses and molecular methods are complicated and often ambiguous for veterinarians. In this work developed a rapid, sensitive, specific, and easy-to-visualize colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay with a novel LAMP primer set that has high specificity was developed using neutral red as an indicator dye. This proposed procedure could reliably detect FCoV RNA from effusion fluids comparable to the conventional PCR method. Considering these advantages, the RT-LAMP developed here has great potential on FIP-associated FCoV surveillance. Together with other sophisticated molecular diagnostic tools, this method can further be exploited in clinical laboratories to inspect suspected cats with effusive FIP. Abstract Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a worldwide fatal disease caused by a mutant feline coronavirus (FCoV). Simple and efficient molecular detection methods are needed. Here, sensitive, specific, rapid, and reliable colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was developed to detect the ORF1a/1b gene of FCoV from cats with suspected FIP using neutral red as an indicator. Novel LAMP primers were specifically designed based on the gene of interest. The isothermal assay could visually detect FCoV at 58 °C for 50 min. The RT-LAMP assay was highly specific and had no cross-reactivity with other related feline viruses. The detection limit of FCoV detection by RT-LAMP was 20 fg/µL. A blind clinical test (n = 81) of the developed RT-LAMP procedure was in good agreement with the conventional PCR method. In the light of its performance specificity, sensitivity, and easy visualization, this neutral-red-based RT-LAMP approach would be a fruitful alternative molecular diagnostic tool for veterinary inspection of FCoV when combined with nucleotide sequencing or specific PCR to affirm the highly virulent FIP-associated FCoV.
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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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Ratti G, Stranieri A, Giordano A, Oltolina M, Bonacina E, Magnone W, Morici M, Ravasio G, Paltrinieri S, Lauzi S. Molecular Detection of Feline Coronavirus in Captive Non-Domestic Felids from Zoological Facilities. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141864. [PMID: 35883409 PMCID: PMC9312121 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Non-domestic felids are well-known threatened species, and are susceptible to several diseases that also affect domestic cats. Among viral infections, fatal outbreaks of feline infectious peritonitis, caused by a feline coronavirus, have been reported in captive settings. Considering the devastating effects that this pathogen could have in non-domestic felids, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of feline coronavirus in captive non-domestic felids from Northern Italy, since in the literature, this information is not currently available. The overall prevalence of feline coronavirus in captive non-domestic felids from Northern Italy was 7.9%. Results of the present study highlight the need of control programs for feline coronavirus infection to prevent pathogen introduction into a naïve group of animals, which may lead to devastating effects on animal welfare and conservation programs. Abstract Cases of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a disease with a high mortality rate caused by the feline coronavirus (FCoV), have been reported in non-domestic felids, highlighting the need for surveys of FCoV in these endangered species. With the aim of adding information on FCoV prevalence in captive non-domestic felids, samples (feces or rectal swabs and, when available, oral swabs, blood, and abdominal effusion) collected between 2019 and 2021 from 38 non-domestic felids from three different zoological facilities of Northern Italy were tested for evidence of FCoV infection via RT-qPCR. Three animals were found to be FCoV positive, showing an overall 7.9% FCoV prevalence ranging from 0% to 60%, according to the zoological facility. FCoV infection was detected in tiger cubs of the same litter, and all of them showed FCoV-positive oral swabs, with low viral loads, whereas in one animal, FCoV presence was also detected in rectal swabs at low FCoV copy numbers. Future studies should be carried out, including samplings from a higher number of captive non-domestic felids, in order to gain a deeper knowledge of FCoV epidemiology within these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ratti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.R.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.R.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.R.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-2-50-33-40-40
| | - Maurizio Oltolina
- Parco Faunistico Le Cornelle, Via Cornelle 16, 24030 Valbrembo, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Bonacina
- Ambulatorio Veterinario San Rocco, Viale della Vittoria 23/A, 23815 Introbio Valsassina, Italy;
| | - William Magnone
- Parco Natura Viva Garda Zoological Park S.r.l, Località Quercia, 37012 Bussolengo, Italy;
| | - Manuel Morici
- Pombia Park S.r.l., Via Larino 3, 28050 Pombia, Italy;
| | - Giuliano Ravasio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.R.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.R.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.); (S.L.)
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (G.R.); (A.S.); (G.R.); (S.P.); (S.L.)
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15
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Meli ML, Spiri AM, Zwicklbauer K, Krentz D, Felten S, Bergmann M, Dorsch R, Matiasek K, Alberer M, Kolberg L, von Both U, Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Fecal Feline Coronavirus RNA Shedding and Spike Gene Mutations in Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis Treated with GS-441524. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051069. [PMID: 35632813 PMCID: PMC9147249 DOI: 10.3390/v14051069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As previously demonstrated by our research group, the oral multicomponent drug Xraphconn® containing GS-441524 was effective at curing otherwise fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in 18 feline coronavirus (FCoV)-infected cats. The aims of the current study were to investigate, using samples from the same animals as in the previous study, (1) the effect of treatment on fecal viral RNA shedding; (2) the presence of spike gene mutations in different body compartments of these cats; and (3) viral RNA shedding, presence of spike gene mutations, and anti-FCoV antibody titers in samples of 12 companion cats cohabitating with the treated cats. Eleven of the eighteen treated FIP cats (61%) were shedding FCoV RNA in feces within the first three days after treatment initiation, but all of them tested negative by day 6. In one of these cats, fecal shedding reoccurred on day 83. Two cats initially negative in feces were transiently positive 1–4 weeks into the study. The remaining five cats never shed FCoV. Viral RNA loads in feces decreased with time comparable with those in blood and effusion. Specific spike gene mutations linked to systemic FCoV spread were consistently found in blood and effusion from treated FIP cats, but not in feces from treated or companion cats. A new mutation that led to a not yet described amino acid change was identified, indicating that further mutations may be involved in the development of FIP. Eight of the twelve companion cats shed FCoV in feces. All but one of the twelve companion cats had anti-FCoV antibodies. Oral treatment with GS-441524 effectively decreased viral RNA loads in feces, blood, and effusion in cats with FIP. Nonetheless, re-shedding can most likely occur if cats are re-exposed to FCoV by their companion cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.H.-L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea M. Spiri
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Katharina Zwicklbauer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Daniela Krentz
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Roswitha Dorsch
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical & Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Martin Alberer
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU-Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Laura Kolberg
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU-Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU-Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.H.-L.)
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16
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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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17
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Healey EA, Andre NM, Miller AD, Whittaker GR, Berliner EA. Outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in shelter-housed cats: molecular analysis of the feline coronavirus S1/S2 cleavage site consistent with a 'circulating virulent-avirulent theory' of FIP pathogenesis. JFMS Open Rep 2022; 8:20551169221074226. [PMID: 35173971 PMCID: PMC8841931 DOI: 10.1177/20551169221074226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Case series summary This case series describes three shelter-housed cats concurrently diagnosed with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The cats were from a cohort of seven surrendered from the site of a house fire. The three cats presented with mild upper respiratory signs. Within 10 days they clinically declined: progressive signs included pyrexia, icterus, lethargy, anorexia and cavitary effusions. Necropsy followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed a diagnosis of FIP in all three. Molecular analysis of the causative feline coronavirus (FCoV) revealed varied amino acid alterations in the spike gene both between cats and between sample types in individual cats. A fourth cat from the cohort remained healthy in the shelter but succumbed to FIP 6 weeks post-adoption. Relevance and novel information This case series places FCoV genetic sequences in the context of clinical signs in a small shelter outbreak. Each of the three cats concurrently developed a slightly different clinical presentation. PCR amplification and genetic sequencing revealed that two cats shared an S1/S2 cleavage site mutation (R790S) previously described to be associated with the development of FIP; one of the cats had an additional S1/S2 cleavage site mutation (R793S). The third cat had a single, identical S1/S2 point mutation (R790G) unique from the other two cats; the R790G mutation has not been previously reported. This case series provides interesting data on point mutations associated with the development of FIP and provides support for a 'circulating virulent-avirulent theory' of FIP pathogenesis in a small shelter outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni A Healey
- Cornell University College of
Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Nicole M Andre
- Department of Microbiology and
Immunology, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Andrew D Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences,
Section of Anatomic Pathology, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine,
Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology and
Immunology, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Master of Public Health Program,
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Berliner
- Department of Population Medicine and
Diagnostic Sciences, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, Cornell University College
of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Elizabeth A Berliner DVM, DABVP (Shelter
Medicine Practice; Canine and Feline Practice), Department of Population
Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, Cornell
University College of Veterinary Medicine, 930 N Campus Rd, Ithaca NY 14853, USA
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18
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Therapeutic Effects of Mutian ® Xraphconn on 141 Client-Owned Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis Predicted by Total Bilirubin Levels. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120328. [PMID: 34941855 PMCID: PMC8705141 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120328] [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: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease caused by feline coronavirus or its variant, referred to as the FIP virus. Recently, favorable treatment outcomes of the anti-viral drug Mutian® Xraphconn (Mutian X) were noted in cats with FIP. Thus, the therapeutic efficacy of Mutian X in cats with FIP must be explored, although the predictors of therapeutic success remain unknown. In the present study, we administered Mutian X to 141 pet cats with effusive FIP following initial veterinarian examinations. Of these, 116 cats survived but the remaining 25 died during treatment. Pre-treatment signalment, viral gene expression, and representative laboratory parameters for routine FIP diagnosis (i.e., hematocrit, albumin-to-globulin ratio, total bilirubin, serum amyloid-A, and α1-acid glycoprotein) were statistically compared between the survivor and non-survivor groups. The majority of these parameters, including hematocrit, albumin-to-globulin ratio, serum amyloid-A, α1-acid glycoprotein, and viral gene expression, were comparable between the two groups. Interestingly, however, total bilirubin levels in the survivor group were significantly lower than those in the non-survivor group (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, in almost all surviving cats with effusive FIP (96.6%, 28/29), the pre-treatment total bilirubin levels were below 0.5 mg/dL; however, the survival rate decreased drastically (14.3%, 1/7) when the pre-treatment total bilirubin levels exceeded 4.0 mg/dL. Thus, circulating total bilirubin levels may act as a prognostic risk factor for severe FIP and may serve as the predictor of the therapeutic efficacy of Mutian X against this fatal disease.
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19
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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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20
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Kobialka RM, Ceruti A, Bergmann M, Hartmann K, Truyen U, Abd El Wahed A. Molecular Detection of Feline Coronavirus Based on Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101237. [PMID: 34684186 PMCID: PMC8538120 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is endemic in cat populations worldwide. Persistently, subclinically infected cats play a significant role in spreading the infection. Testing fecal samples of cats may facilitate efforts to decrease the viral burden within a population. Real-time RT-PCR is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of FCoV but must be performed in a fully equipped laboratory. A simple and accurate assay is needed to identify FCoV at the point-of-need. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid FCoV detection assay based on isothermal amplification technology, i.e., reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA). Primers were designed to target the highly conserved 3′ untranslated region of the 7b gene. Running on a constant temperature of 42 °C, reverse transcription as well as DNA amplification and detection was achieved in a maximum of 15 min. A probit analysis revealed a detection limit of 58.5 RNA copies/reaction. For cross-detection, nucleic acids from 19 viruses were tested. Both RT-RPA and real-time RT-PCR showed cross-detection with canine coronavirus and transmissible gastroenteritis virus, but not with other pathogens. To evaluate clinical performance, RNA was extracted from 39 fecal samples from cats. All samples were tested simultaneously with real-time RT-PCR resulting in a RT-RPA sensitivity and specificity of 90.9% and 100%, respectively. RT-RPA can be considered a promising simple method for rapid detection of FCoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rea Maja Kobialka
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (R.M.K.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Arianna Ceruti
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (R.M.K.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Michelle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany; (M.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany; (M.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (R.M.K.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (R.M.K.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-341-97-38-153
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21
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Diagnostic Value of Detecting Feline Coronavirus RNA and Spike Gene Mutations in Cerebrospinal Fluid to Confirm Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020186. [PMID: 33513683 PMCID: PMC7912268 DOI: 10.3390/v13020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cats with neurologic feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) are difficult to diagnose. Aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of detecting feline coronavirus (FCoV) RNA and spike (S) gene mutations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS The study included 30 cats with confirmed FIP (six with neurological signs) and 29 control cats (eleven with neurological signs) with other diseases resulting in similar clinical signs. CSF was tested for FCoV RNA by 7b-RT-qPCR in all cats. In RT-qPCR-positive cases, S-RT-qPCR was additionally performed to identify spike gene mutations. RESULTS Nine cats with FIP (9/30, 30%), but none of the control cats were positive for FCoV RNA in CSF. Sensitivity of 7b-RT-qPCR in CSF was higher for cats with neurological FIP (83.3%; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 41.8-98.9) than for cats with non-neurological FIP (16.7%; 95% CI 6.1-36.5). Spike gene mutations were rarely detected. CONCLUSIONS FCoV RNA was frequently present in CSF of cats with neurological FIP, but only rarely in cats with non-neurological FIP. Screening for spike gene mutations did not enhance specificity in this patient group. Larger populations of cats with neurological FIP should be explored in future studies.
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22
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Decaro N, Mari V, Lanave G, Lorusso E, Lucente MS, Desario C, Colaianni ML, Elia G, Ferringo F, Alfano F, Buonavoglia C. Mutation analysis of the spike protein in Italian feline infectious peritonitis virus and feline enteric coronavirus sequences. Res Vet Sci 2021; 135:15-19. [PMID: 33418186 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) exists as two different genotypes, FCoV type I and II, each including two biotypes, feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), the latter being a virulent variant originating from the former virus. Recently, two amino acid substitutions, M1058L and S1060A, within the spike protein have been associated to the FECV/FIPV virulence change. In this study, we have analysed the frequency of detection of such mutations in FIPV and FECV strains circulating in Italian cats and obtained information about their evolutionary relationships with reference isolates. A total of 40 FCoV strains, including 19 strains from effusions or tissue samples of FIP cats and 21 strains from faecal samples of non-FIP cats, were analysed. Mutation M1058L was detected in 16/18 FCoV-I and 1/1 FCoV-II strains associated with FIP, while change S1060A was presented by two FIPV strains. By phylogenetic analysis, FCoV sequences clustered according to the genotype but not according to the biotype, with FECV/FIPV strains recovered from the same animal being closely related. Further studies are needed to better define the genetic signatures associated with the FECV/FIPV virulence shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Prov. per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy.
| | - V Mari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Prov. per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - G Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Prov. per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - E Lorusso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Prov. per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - M S Lucente
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Prov. per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - C Desario
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Prov. per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - M L Colaianni
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Puglia e Basilicata, via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, FG, Italy
| | - G Elia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Prov. per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | - F Ferringo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Puglia e Basilicata, via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, FG, Italy
| | - F Alfano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, NA, Italy
| | - C Buonavoglia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Strada Prov. per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
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23
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Ghosh S, Malik YS. Drawing Comparisons between SARS-CoV-2 and the Animal Coronaviruses. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1840. [PMID: 33238451 PMCID: PMC7700164 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a novel zoonotic coronavirus (CoV), SARS-CoV-2, has infected 46,182 million people, resulting in 1,197,026 deaths (as of 1 November 2020), with devastating and far-reaching impacts on economies and societies worldwide. The complex origin, extended human-to-human transmission, pathogenesis, host immune responses, and various clinical presentations of SARS-CoV-2 have presented serious challenges in understanding and combating the pandemic situation. Human CoVs gained attention only after the SARS-CoV outbreak of 2002-2003. On the other hand, animal CoVs have been studied extensively for many decades, providing a plethora of important information on their genetic diversity, transmission, tissue tropism and pathology, host immunity, and therapeutic and prophylactic strategies, some of which have striking resemblance to those seen with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the evolution of human CoVs, including SARS-CoV-2, is intermingled with those of animal CoVs. In this comprehensive review, attempts have been made to compare the current knowledge on evolution, transmission, pathogenesis, immunopathology, therapeutics, and prophylaxis of SARS-CoV-2 with those of various animal CoVs. Information on animal CoVs might enhance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2, and accordingly, benefit the development of effective control and prevention strategies against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvik Ghosh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Yashpal S. Malik
- College of Animal Biotechnology, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana 141004, India;
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24
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Hoey C, Nye G, Fadda A, Bradshaw J, Barker EN. Subarachnoid diverticulum associated with feline infectious peritonitis in a Siberian cat. JFMS Open Rep 2020; 6:2055116920941477. [PMID: 33149927 PMCID: PMC7580156 DOI: 10.1177/2055116920941477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Case summary A 7-month-old Siberian cat was presented for investigation of acute onset multifocal neurological deficits. Neurological examination documented dull mental status and an ambulatory left hemiparesis. Serum biochemistry documented marked hyperglobulinaemia. MRI of the brain identified marked leptomeningeal contrast enhancement extending along the brainstem caudally to involve the cranial cervical spinal cord. MRI of the cervical spine further identified a subarachnoid diverticulum that extended from the level of the obex to the C2-C3 vertebrae. Cerebrospinal fluid quantitative RT-PCR was positive for the presence of feline coronavirus. Histopathology revealed pyogranulomatous meningitis and choroid plexitis, uveitis and nephritis. Relevance and novel information This article describes the first reported case of a subarachnoid diverticulum associated with feline infectious peritonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hoey
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - George Nye
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Janet Bradshaw
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Emi N Barker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, UK.,The Feline Centre, Langford Vets, Langford, Bristol, UK
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25
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Colony Stimulating Factors in Early Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus Infection of Monocytes and in End Stage Feline Infectious Peritonitis; A Combined In Vivo And In Vitro Approach. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110893. [PMID: 33121170 PMCID: PMC7692899 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection initiates monocyte-associated viremia and viral persistence. Virus-infected, -activated monocytes also trigger feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a fatal systemic disease of felids typified by granulomatous (peri)phlebitis. Currently, the exact mechanisms inducing monocyte activation and FIP are unknown. This study attempted to identify the potential immediate effect of virulent FCoV on colony-stimulating factor (CSF) (granulocyte (G)-CSF, monocyte (M)-CSF and granulocyte-monocyte (GM)-CSF levels through in vitro assessment, alongside prototypical pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators (interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-12p40, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10); this was assessed alongside the in vivo situation in the hemolymphatic tissues of cats euthanized with natural end-stage FIP. For the in vitro work, isolated monocytes from SPF cats were cultured short-term and infected with the FIP virus (FIPV) strain DF2. Mediator transcription was assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) at 3, 6 and 9 h post infection (hpi), and in the post-mortem samples of bone marrow, spleen, and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) of cats with FIP. We observed limited and transient changes in cytokine transcription in monocytes after infection, i.e., a significant increase of IL-6 at 3 hpi and of GM-CSF over the 3 and 6 hpi period, whereas M-CSF was significantly decreased at 9 hpi, with a limited effect of age. The findings indicate that the infection induces expansion of the monocyte/macrophage population, which would ensure the sufficient supply of cells for consistent viral replication. In natural disease, the only upregulation was of G-CSF in the MLN, suggesting either immune exhaustion or an active downregulation by the host as part of its viral response.
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26
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Hu X, Xiao L, Cong X, Zhu Y, Huang B, Cong F. Development of a recombinase polymerase amplification fluorescence assay to detect feline coronavirus. Mol Cell Probes 2020; 54:101669. [PMID: 33203619 PMCID: PMC7581357 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2020.101669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is classified into two pathotypes: the avirulent feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), and the virulent feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Rapid pathogen detection, which is efficient and convenient, is the best approach for early confirmatory diagnosis. In this study, we first developed and evaluated a rapid recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) detection method for FCoV that can detect FCoV within 15 min at 39 °C. The detection limit of that assay was 233 copies/μL DNA molecules per reaction. The specificity was high: it did not cross-react with canine distemper virus (CDV), canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine adenovirus (CAV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), or feline parvovirus (FPV). This assay was evaluated using 42 clinical samples (30 diarrhea samples and 12 ascites samples). The coincidence rate between FCoV-RPA and RT-qPCR for detection in clinical samples was 95.2%. In summary, FCoV-RPA analysis provides an efficient, rapid, and sensitive detection method for FCoV. FCoV RPA has the shortest reaction time within 15 min among all the PCR-based methods. FCoV RPA detection method has no cross-reactivity with other pathogens. The sensitivity of FCoV RPA was consistent with real-time PCR, as low as 204 copies/μL of DNA molecules per reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Hu
- School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin Key Laboratory of Zoological Diversity and Ecological Conservation, Yibin, 644000, China.
| | - Li Xiao
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangzhou, 510633, China.
| | - Xiao Cong
- Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, 233100, China.
| | - Yujun Zhu
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangzhou, 510633, China.
| | - Bihong Huang
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangzhou, 510633, China.
| | - Feng Cong
- Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangzhou, 510633, China.
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27
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Paltrinieri S, Giordano A, Stranieri A, Lauzi S. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19): Are they similar? Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1786-1799. [PMID: 32985113 PMCID: PMC7537058 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
SARS‐CoV‐2 has radically changed our lives causing hundreds of thousands of victims worldwide and influencing our lifestyle and habits. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease of felids caused by the feline coronaviruses (FCoV). FIP has been considered irremediably deadly until the last few years. Being one of the numerous coronaviruses that are well known in veterinary medicine, information on FCoV could be of interest and might give suggestions on pathogenic aspects of SARS‐CoV‐2 that are still unclear. The authors of this paper describe the most important aspects of FIP and COVID‐19 and the similarities and differences between these important diseases. SARS‐CoV‐2 and FCoV are taxonomically distant viruses, and recombination events with other coronaviruses have been reported for FCoV and have been suggested for SARS‐CoV‐2. SARS‐CoV‐2 and FCoV differ in terms of some pathogenic, clinical and pathological features. However, some of the pathogenic and immunopathogenic events that are well known in cats FIP seem to be present also in people with COVID‐19. Moreover, preventive measures currently recommended to prevent SARS‐CoV‐2 spreading have been shown to allow eradication of FIP in feline households. Finally, one of the most promising therapeutic compounds against FIP, GS‐441524, is the active form of Remdesivir, which is being used as one therapeutic option for COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
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28
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Stranieri A, Scavone D, Paltrinieri S, Giordano A, Bonsembiante F, Ferro S, Gelain ME, Meazzi S, Lauzi S. Concordance between Histology, Immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR in the Diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9100852. [PMID: 33081040 PMCID: PMC7603141 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Histology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) have been used to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), but no information regarding the comparison of their diagnostic performances on the same organ is available. The aims of this study were to determine the concordance among these tests and to evaluate which combination of tests and organs can be used in vivo. Histology, IHC, and nested RT-PCR (RT-nPCR) for feline coronavirus (FCoV) were performed on spleen, liver, mesenteric lymph node, kidney, large and small intestine, and lung from 14 FIP and 12 non-FIP cats. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and concordance were calculated. IHC and RT-nPCR had the highest concordance in lung and liver, histology and IHC in the other organs. The sensitivity of histology, IHC, and RT-nPCR on the different organs ranged from 41.7 to 76.9%, 46.2 to 76.9%, and 64.3 to 85.7%, respectively, and their specificity ranged from 83.3 to 100.0%, 100% and 83.3 to 100.0%. Therefore, IHC is recommended when histology is consistent with FIP. If RT-nPCR is performed as the first diagnostic approach, results should always be confirmed with IHC. Lung or liver provide accurate information regardless of the method, while IHC is preferred to RT-nPCR to confirm FIP in the kidney or intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Donatella Scavone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0250334043
| | - Alessia Giordano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federico Bonsembiante
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy; (F.B.); (S.F.); (M.E.G.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Productions and Health, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Ferro
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy; (F.B.); (S.F.); (M.E.G.)
| | - Maria Elena Gelain
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy; (F.B.); (S.F.); (M.E.G.)
| | - Sara Meazzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (A.S.); (D.S.); (A.G.); (S.M.); (S.L.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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30
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Correlation of Feline Coronavirus Shedding in Feces with Coronavirus Antibody Titer. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080598. [PMID: 32707796 PMCID: PMC7459802 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection is ubiquitous in multi-cat households. Responsible for the continuous presence are cats that are chronically shedding a high load of FCoV. The aim of the study was to determine a possible correlation between FCoV antibody titer and frequency and load of fecal FCoV shedding in cats from catteries. METHODS Four fecal samples from each of 82 cats originating from 19 German catteries were examined for FCoV viral loads by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Additionally, antibody titers were determined by an immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS Cats with antibodies were more likely to be FCoV shedders than non-shedders, and there was a weak positive correlation between antibody titer and mean fecal virus load (Spearman r = 0.2984; p = 0.0072). Antibody titers were significantly higher if cats shed FCoV more frequently throughout the study period (p = 0.0063). When analyzing only FCoV shedders, cats that were RT-qPCR-positive in all four samples had significantly higher antibody titers (p = 0.0014) and significantly higher mean fecal virus loads (p = 0.0475) than cats that were RT-qPCR-positive in only one, two, or three samples. CONCLUSIONS The cats' antibody titers correlate with the likelihood and frequency of FCoV shedding and fecal virus load. Chronic shedders have higher antibody titers and shed more virus. This knowledge is important for the management of FCoV infections in multi-cat environments, but the results indicate that antibody measurement cannot replace fecal RT-qPCR.
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31
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Barker EN, Lait P, Ressel L, Blackwell EJ, Tasker S, Kedward-Dixon H, Kipar A, Helps CR. Evaluation of Interferon-Gamma Polymorphisms as a Risk Factor in Feline Infectious Peritonitis Development in Non-Pedigree Cats-A Large Cohort Study. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070535. [PMID: 32635137 PMCID: PMC7399832 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a common infectious cause of death in cats, with heritable host factors associated with altered risk of disease. To assess the role of feline interferon-gamma gene (fIFNG) variants in this risk, the allele frequencies of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (g.401 and g.408) were determined for non-pedigree cats either with confirmed FIP (n = 59) or from the general population (cats enrolled in a large lifetime longitudinal study; n = 264). DNA was extracted from buccal swabs or tissue samples. A pyrosequencing assay to characterize the fIFNG SNPs was designed, optimized and subsequently performed on all samples. Genotype and allele frequency were calculated for each population. Characterization of the target SNPs was possible for 56 of the cats with FIP and 263 of the cats from the general population. The SNPs were in complete linkage disequilibrium with each other. There was an association between FIP status and genotype (χ2; p = 0.028), with a reduced risk of developing FIP (χ2; p = 0.0077) associated with the genotype TT at both positions. These results indicate that, although fIFNG variants may be associated with altered risk of disease, the prevalence of individual variants within both populations limits application of their characterization to breeding purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi N. Barker
- Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK; (P.L.); (C.R.H.)
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU. UK; (E.-J.B.); (S.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-117-394-0513
| | - Philippa Lait
- Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK; (P.L.); (C.R.H.)
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU. UK; (E.-J.B.); (S.T.)
| | - Lorenzo Ressel
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston CH64 7TE, UK;
| | - Emily-Jayne Blackwell
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU. UK; (E.-J.B.); (S.T.)
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU. UK; (E.-J.B.); (S.T.)
- The Linnaeus Group, Shirley, Solihull B90 1BN, UK
| | | | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Institute of Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L1 8JX, UK
| | - Christopher R. Helps
- Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, UK; (P.L.); (C.R.H.)
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU. UK; (E.-J.B.); (S.T.)
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Sangl L, Felten S, Matiasek K, Dörfelt S, Bergmann M, Balzer HJ, Pantchev N, Leutenegger C, Hartmann K. Detection of feline coronavirus RNA, spike gene mutations, and feline coronavirus antigen in macrophages in aqueous humor of cats in the diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:527-534. [PMID: 32517543 PMCID: PMC7438658 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720927362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveitis is common in cats, and is often a feature of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). We evaluated 3 tools for detection of feline coronavirus (FCoV) in aqueous humor: 1) a 7b gene reverse-transcription real-time PCR (7b-RT-rtPCR) assay to detect FCoV RNA, 2) a spike gene mutation RT-rtPCR (S-RT-rtPCR) assay to detect 2 point mutations in the spike gene of FCoV in cats positive by 7b-RT-rtPCR, and 3) immunocytochemistry (ICC) for detection of FCoV antigen in aqueous humor macrophages. We studied 58 cats, including 31 cats with FIP and 27 control cats. FIP was excluded by postmortem examination and negative immunohistochemistry (IHC). Aqueous humor samples obtained postmortem were assessed using 7b-RT-rtPCR in all cats, and positive samples were evaluated with S-RT-rtPCR. ICC evaluation of aqueous humor samples from 36 of the 58 cats was done using an avidin-biotin complex method and monoclonal anti-FCoV IgG 2A. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were calculated including 95% CIs. 7b-RT-rtPCR had a specificity of 100.0% (95% CI: 87.2-100.0) and sensitivity of 35.5% (95% CI: 19.2-54.6). Specificity of S-RT-rtPCR could not be determined because there were no FCoV 7b-RT-rtPCR-positive samples in the control group. Sensitivity of S-RT-rtPCR was 12.9% (95% CI 3.6-29.8). Sensitivity and specificity of ICC were 62.5% (95% CI: 40.6-81.2) and 80.0% (95% CI: 44.4-97.5), respectively. The combination of 7b-RT-rtPCR and IHC could be useful in diagnosing FIP; S-RT-rtPCR did not add value; and ICC of aqueous humor samples cannot be recommended for the diagnosis of FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sangl
- Laura Sangl, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich, Bayern, 80539, Germany.
| | - Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Sangl, Hartmann, Dörfelt, Felten, Bergmann) and Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Munich, Bayern, Germany
- Idexx Laboratories, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Balzer, Pantchev) and West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger)
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Sangl, Hartmann, Dörfelt, Felten, Bergmann) and Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Munich, Bayern, Germany
- Idexx Laboratories, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Balzer, Pantchev) and West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger)
| | - Stefanie Dörfelt
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Sangl, Hartmann, Dörfelt, Felten, Bergmann) and Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Munich, Bayern, Germany
- Idexx Laboratories, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Balzer, Pantchev) and West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger)
| | - Michele Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Sangl, Hartmann, Dörfelt, Felten, Bergmann) and Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Munich, Bayern, Germany
- Idexx Laboratories, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Balzer, Pantchev) and West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger)
| | - Hans-Jörg Balzer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Sangl, Hartmann, Dörfelt, Felten, Bergmann) and Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Munich, Bayern, Germany
- Idexx Laboratories, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Balzer, Pantchev) and West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger)
| | - Nikola Pantchev
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Sangl, Hartmann, Dörfelt, Felten, Bergmann) and Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Munich, Bayern, Germany
- Idexx Laboratories, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Balzer, Pantchev) and West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger)
| | - Christian Leutenegger
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Sangl, Hartmann, Dörfelt, Felten, Bergmann) and Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Munich, Bayern, Germany
- Idexx Laboratories, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Balzer, Pantchev) and West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger)
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine (Sangl, Hartmann, Dörfelt, Felten, Bergmann) and Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology (Matiasek), Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, Munich, Bayern, Germany
- Idexx Laboratories, Ludwigsburg, Germany (Balzer, Pantchev) and West Sacramento, CA (Leutenegger)
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The Effect of Natural Feline Coronavirus Infection on the Host Immune Response: A Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of the Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in Cats with and without Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070524. [PMID: 32610501 PMCID: PMC7400348 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a coronavirus-induced disease of cats, in which the immune system is known to play a crucial, but complex, role in the pathogenesis. This role is still incompletely understood, with involvement of both host and viral factors. To evaluate differential gene expression and pathway involvement in feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection and FIP, we applied next-generation RNA-sequencing of the mesenteric lymph nodes from cats with naturally-acquired FIP, as well as those with systemic FCoV infection without FIP, and those with neither. Viral infection was associated with upregulation of viral defenses regardless of the disease state, but to a greater degree in FIP. FIP was associated with higher pro-inflammatory pathway enrichment, whilst non-FIP FCoV-positive cats showed lower enrichment of humoral immunity pathways, below that of uninfected cats in the case of immunoglobulin production pathways. This host response is presumed to be protective. In FIP, downregulation of T cell-related processes was observed, which did not occur in non-FIP FCoV-positive cats. These results emphasize the importance of the host’s immune balance in determining the outcome of the FCoV infection.
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Kennedy MA. Feline Infectious Peritonitis: Update on Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Treatment. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:1001-1011. [PMID: 32563530 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a mysterious and lethal disease of cats. The causative agent, feline coronavirus (FCoV), is ubiquitous in most feline populations, yet the disease is sporadic in nature. Mutations in the infecting virus combined with an inappropriate immune response to the FCoV contribute to the development of FIP. Diagnosis can be challenging because signs may be vague, clinical pathology parameters are nonspecific, and the gold standard for diagnosis is invasive: histopathology of affected tissue. This article discusses the developments in the understanding of this disease as well as the progress in diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Kennedy
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Room A205 VMC, 2407 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996-4543, USA.
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Decaro N, Lorusso A. Novel human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): A lesson from animal coronaviruses. Vet Microbiol 2020; 244:108693. [PMID: 32402329 PMCID: PMC7195271 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The recent pandemic caused by the novel human coronavirus, referrred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), not only is having a great impact on the health care systems and economies in all continents but it is also causing radical changes of common habits and life styles. The novel coronavirus (CoV) recognises, with high probability, a zoonotic origin but the role of animals in the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology is still largely unknown. However, CoVs have been known in animals since several decades, so that veterinary coronavirologists have a great expertise on how to face CoV infections in animals, which could represent a model for SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. In the present paper, we provide an up-to-date review of the literature currently available on animal CoVs, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the emergence of novel CoV strains with different antigenic, biologic and/or pathogenetic features. A full comprehension of the mechanisms driving the evolution of animal CoVs will help better understand the emergence, spreading, and evolution of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Decaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Alessio Lorusso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Abruzzo e del Molise 'G. Caporale', Teramo, Italy
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Felten S, Hartmann K. Diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis: A Review of the Current Literature. Viruses 2019; 11:v11111068. [PMID: 31731711 PMCID: PMC6893704 DOI: 10.3390/v11111068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease that poses several challenges for veterinarians: clinical signs and laboratory changes are non-specific, and there are two pathotypes of the etiologic agent feline coronavirus (FCoV), sometimes referred to as feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) that vary fundamentally in their virulence, but are indistinguishable by a number of diagnostic methods. This review focuses on all important steps every veterinary practitioner has to deal with and new diagnostic tests that can be considered when encountering a cat with suspected FIP with the aim to establish a definitive diagnosis. It gives an overview on all available direct and indirect diagnostic tests and their sensitivity and specificity reported in the literature in different sample material. By providing summarized data for sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic test and each sample material, which can easily be accessed in tables, this review can help to facilitate the interpretation of different diagnostic tests and raise awareness of their advantages and limitations. Additionally, diagnostic trees depict recommended diagnostic steps that should be performed in cats suspected of having FIP based on their clinical signs or clinicopathologic abnormalities. These steps can easily be followed in clinical practice.
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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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Dunbar D, Kwok W, Graham E, Armitage A, Irvine R, Johnston P, McDonald M, Montgomery D, Nicolson L, Robertson E, Weir W, Addie DD. Diagnosis of non-effusive feline infectious peritonitis by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR from mesenteric lymph node fine-needle aspirates. J Feline Med Surg 2019; 21:910-921. [PMID: 30407137 PMCID: PMC11132236 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x18809165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate a feline coronavirus (FCoV) reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) on fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) collected in sterile saline for the purpose of diagnosing non-effusive feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats. METHODS First, the ability of the assay to detect viral RNA in MLN FNA preparations compared with MLN biopsy preparations was assessed in matched samples from eight cats. Second, a panel of MLN FNA samples was collected from a series of cats representing non-effusive FIP cases (n = 20), FCoV-seropositive individuals (n = 8) and FCoV-seronegative individuals (n = 18). Disease status of the animals was determined using a combination of gross pathology, histopathology and/or 'FIP profile', consisting of serology, clinical pathology and clinical signs. RESULTS Viral RNA was detected in 18/20 non-effusive FIP cases; it was not detected in two cases that presented with neurological FIP. Samples from 18 seronegative non-FIP control cats and 7/8 samples from seropositive non-FIP control cats contained no detectable viral RNA. Thus, as a method for diagnosing non-effusive FIP, MLN FNA RT-qPCR had an overall sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 96.1%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In cases with a high index of suspicion of disease, RT-qPCR targeting FCoV in MLN FNA can provide important information to support the ante-mortem diagnosis of non-effusive FIP. Importantly, viral RNA can be reliably detected in MLN FNA samples in saline submitted via the national mail service. When applied in combination with biochemistry, haematology and serological tests in cases with a high index of suspicion of disease, the results of this assay may be used to support a diagnosis of non-effusive FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Dunbar
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wendy Kwok
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Elizabeth Graham
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andy Armitage
- Greenside Veterinary Practice Ltd, Greenside Farm, St Boswells, UK
| | - Richard Irvine
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pamela Johnston
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Michael McDonald
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Lesley Nicolson
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - William Weir
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Diane D Addie
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Feline morbillivirus in Northern Italy: prevalence in urine and kidneys with and without renal disease. Vet Microbiol 2019; 233:133-139. [PMID: 31176399 PMCID: PMC7127068 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is an emerging virus that was first described in Hong Kong in 2012. Several reports suggested the epidemiological association of FeMV infection with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and the genetic diversity of FeMV as well as the relationship between FeMV infection and CKD in cats from Northern Italy. Urine (n = 81) and kidney samples (n = 27) from 92 cats admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Milan between 2014 and 2017 were investigated for FeMV infection. FeMV RNA was detected in one urine sample (1.23%; 95% CI: 0.03-6.68%) and in two kidneys (7.40%; 95% CI: 0.91-24.28%). FeMV RNA was revealed only in urine or kidneys of cats without evidence of CKD. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the three strains clustered with FeMV strains retrieved from public database, forming a distinct sub-cluster of FeMV. The presence of distinct genotypes of FeMV found in this study is in accordance with previous studies demonstrating that FeMV strains are genetically diverse. A clear relationship between the presence of FeMV infection and CKD in the cats from Northern Italy was not observed, confirming recent reports that do not support the hypothesis that FeMV infection is associated with the development of CKD.
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40
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Malbon AJ, Meli ML, Barker EN, Davidson AD, Tasker S, Kipar A. Inflammatory Mediators in the Mesenteric Lymph Nodes, Site of a Possible Intermediate Phase in the Immune Response to Feline Coronavirus and the Pathogenesis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis? J Comp Pathol 2018; 166:69-86. [PMID: 30691609 PMCID: PMC7094650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an almost invariably fatal feline coronavirus (FCoV)-induced disease thought to arise from a combination of viral mutations and an overexuberant immune response. Natural initial enteric FCoV infection may remain subclinical, or result in mild enteric signs or the development of FIP; cats may also carry the virus systemically with no adverse effect. This study screened mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), the presumed first site of FCoV spread from the intestine regardless of viraemia, for changes in the transcription of a panel of innate immune response mediators in response to systemic FCoV infection and with FIP, aiming to identify key pathways triggered by FCoV. Cats with and without FIP, the latter with and without FCoV infection in the MLN, were compared. Higher expression levels in FIP were found for toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 4 and 8. These are part of the first line of defence and suggest a response to both viral structural proteins and viral nucleic acid. Expression of genes encoding inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-15, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, CXCL10, CCL8, interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-β and IFN-γ, was higher in cats with FIP, consistent with inflammatory pathway activation. Expression of genes encoding transcription factors STAT1 and 2, regulating signalling pathways, particularly of the interferons, was also higher. Among cats without FIP, there were few differences between virus-positive and virus-negative MLNs; however, TLR9 and STAT2 expression were higher with infection, suggesting a direct viral effect. The study provides evidence for TLR involvement in the response to FCoV. This could open up new avenues for therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Malbon
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Bern, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Studies, Switzerland
| | - M L Meli
- Center for Clinical Studies, Switzerland; Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - A D Davidson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | - A Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK.
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41
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Shirato K, Chang HW, Rottier PJM. Differential susceptibility of macrophages to serotype II feline coronaviruses correlates with differences in the viral spike protein. Virus Res 2018; 255:14-23. [PMID: 29936068 PMCID: PMC7114831 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Differences in the S protein modulate serotype II FCoV infection of macrophages. Critical residues in the spike S2 domain of type II FCoV affecting cell tropism. Cooperativity at 5 positions in the S protein modulates FCoV macrophage entry.
The ability to infect and replicate in monocytes/macrophages is a critically distinguishing feature between the two feline coronavirus (FCoV) pathotypes: feline enteric coronavirus (FECV; low-virulent) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV; lethal). Previously, by comparing serotype II strains FIPV 79-1146 and FECV 79-1683 and recombinant chimeric forms thereof in cultured feline bone marrow macrophages, we mapped this difference to the C-terminal part of the viral spike (S) protein (S2). In view of the later identified diagnostic difference in this very part of the S protein of serotype I FCoV pathotypes, the present study aimed to further define the contribution of the earlier observed ten amino acids difference to the serotype II virus phenotype in macrophages. Using targeted RNA recombination as a reverse genetics system we introduced the mutations singly and in combinations into the S gene and evaluated their effects on the infection characteristics of the mutant viruses in macrophages. While some of the single mutations had a significant effect, none of them fully reverted the infection phenotype. Only by combining five specific mutations the infections mediated by the FIPV and FECV spike proteins could be fully blocked or potentiated, respectively. Hence, the differential macrophage infection phenotype is caused by the cooperative effect of five mutations, which occur in five functionally different domains of the spike fusion subunit S2. The significance of these observations will be discussed, taking into account also some questions related to the identity of the virus strains used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Shirato
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Acute Respiratory Viral Diseases and Cytokines, Department of Virology III, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 4-7-1 Gakuen, Musashimurayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Hui-Wen Chang
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Peter J M Rottier
- Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Jaimes JA, Whittaker GR. Feline coronavirus: Insights into viral pathogenesis based on the spike protein structure and function. Virology 2018; 517:108-121. [PMID: 29329682 PMCID: PMC7112122 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is an etiological agent that causes a benign enteric illness and the fatal systemic disease feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The FCoV spike (S) protein is considered the viral regulator for binding and entry to the cell. This protein is also involved in FCoV tropism and virulence, as well as in the switch from enteric disease to FIP. This regulation is carried out by spike's major functions: receptor binding and virus-cell membrane fusion. In this review, we address important aspects in FCoV genetics, replication and pathogenesis, focusing on the role of S. To better understand this, FCoV S protein models were constructed, based on the human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) S structure. We describe the specific structural characteristics of the FCoV S, in comparison with other coronavirus spikes. We also revise the biochemical events needed for FCoV S activation and its relation to the structural features of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Jaimes
- Department of Microbiology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Cornell University, 930 Campus Rd. VMC C4-133, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Gary R Whittaker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, VMC C4-127, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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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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