1
|
Schroers M, Meyer-Lindenberg A. Performance and overview of clinically relevant areas of application of saliva testing in the cat. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1385345. [PMID: 38840640 PMCID: PMC11150842 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1385345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The cat represents an important model in order to investigate basic physiological knowledge of salivary secretion as well as pharmacokinetics of active substances. Objective The aim of the study was to review in which diagnostic application areas saliva testing is routinely used and in which areas it could be further explored in the future. Materials and methods Literature relevant to the research question was collected in March 2022 using the Pubmed database. Results The diagnosis of infectious diseases in cat saliva is one of the most important fields of application. Saliva diagnostics may also indicate dental diseases, allergies or kidney and other metabolic diseases. Sexual and stress hormones can also be measured in cat saliva. A number of clinically relevant allergens in cat saliva that may cause allergies in humans has been investigated and described, in addition to infectious agents that can be transmitted from cats to humans. Conclusions Saliva testing in cats can be useful in many areas, including the detection of infectious diseases, allergies and dental disease. However, it is far from being used to its full potential within veterinary medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maike Schroers
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Veterinary Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gallina L, Facile V, Roda N, Sabetti MC, Terrusi A, Urbani L, Magliocca M, Vasylyeva K, Dondi F, Balboni A, Battilani M. Molecular investigation and genetic characterization of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in cats referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Northern Italy. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10380-6. [PMID: 38644457 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is responsible for feline leukemia syndrome in domestic cats. The prevention and control of disease caused by FeLV are primarily based on vaccination and identification and isolation of infected subjects. Antigen diagnostic methods, which are the most widely used in clinical practices, can be associated to molecular tests to characterize the FeLV detected. In this study, a quantitative SYBR Green Real-Time PCR (qPCR) assay was used to detect FeLV proviral DNA in blood samples from antigen positive cats referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Northern Italy in 2018-2021. To genetically characterize the identified viruses, a portion of the viral envelope (env) gene was amplified using six different end-point PCRs and sequenced. Twenty-two of 26 (84.6%) cats included in the study tested positive by qPCR assay. This suggests a high performance of the qPCR adopted but further studies are required to investigate the cause of discordant results between the antigen test and qPCR in four cats. From env gene analysis, 15/22 qPCR-positive cats were infected by FeLV subtype A and 5/15 shown coinfection with subtype B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gallina
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Veronica Facile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Nicola Roda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Sabetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Alessia Terrusi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Lorenza Urbani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Martina Magliocca
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Kateryna Vasylyeva
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Andrea Balboni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy.
| | - Mara Battilani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Giselbrecht J, Jähne S, Bergmann M, Meli ML, Teichmann-Knorrn S, Zablotski Y, Pennisi MG, Layachi N, Serra R, Bo S, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hartmann K. Evaluation of a Revised Point-of-Care Test for the Detection of Feline Leukaemia p27 Antigen and Anti-p15E Antibodies in Cats. Viruses 2024; 16:614. [PMID: 38675954 PMCID: PMC11054206 DOI: 10.3390/v16040614] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The first point-of-care (PoC) test (v-RetroFel®; modified version 2021) determining the presence of FeLV p27 antigen and FeLV anti-p15E antibodies has become recently commercially available to identify different feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection outcomes. This study aimed to assess this PoC test's performance concerning FeLV p27 antigen and FeLV anti-p15E antibody detection. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were assessed after ten minutes (recommended) and 20 min (prolonged) incubation times. The test results were evaluated as either positive or negative. Serum samples from 934 cats were included, originating from Italy (n = 269), Portugal (n = 240), Germany (n = 318), and France (n = 107). FeLV p27 antigen and anti-p15E antibodies were measured by reference standard ELISAs and compared to the PoC test results. The PoC test was easy to perform and the results easy to interpret. Sensitivity and specificity for FeLV p27 antigen were 82.8% (PPV: 57.8%) and 96.0% (NPV: 98.8%) after both, ten and 20 minues of incubation time. Sensitivity and specificity for anti-p15E antibodies were 31.4% (PPV: 71.6%) and 96.9% (NPV: 85.1%) after ten minutes incubation time; sensitivity was improved by a prolonged incubation time (20 min) to 40.0% (PPV: 76.3%), while specificity remained the same (96.9%, NPV: 86.7%). Despite the improved sensitivity using the prolonged incubation time, lower than ideal sensitivities for both p27 antigen and especially anti-p15E antibodies were found, indicating that the PoC test in its current version needs further improvement prior to application in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Giselbrecht
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Stéphanie Jähne
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Yury Zablotski
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Rodrigo Serra
- Investigacao Veterinaria Independente, 1700-119 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stefano Bo
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Bo-Ferro, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Meli ML, Pineroli B, Geisser E, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Prospective Investigation of Feline Leukemia Virus Infection in Stray Cats Subjected to a Trap-Neuter-Return Program in Switzerland. Viruses 2024; 16:394. [PMID: 38543760 PMCID: PMC10975613 DOI: 10.3390/v16030394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) remains a serious concern in some countries despite advances in diagnostics and vaccines. FeLV-infected cats often have reduced lifespans due to FeLV-associated diseases. The infection is transmitted through social interactions. While Northern European countries have reported a decrease in FeLV among pet cats, Switzerland's rates remain stagnant at 2.7% (2016/17: 95% CI 1.4-5.2%). Research on FeLV in Swiss stray cats has been lacking, even though these animals could serve as a virus reservoir. Sampling stray cats that do not receive regular veterinary care can be challenging. Collaboration with the Swiss Network for Animal Protection (NetAP) allowed for the prospective collection of saliva samples from 1711 stray cats during a trap-neuter-return program from 2019 to 2023. These samples were tested for FeLV RNA using RT-qPCR as a measure for antigenemia. Viral RNA was detected in 4.0% (95% CI 3.1-5.0%) of the samples, with 7.7% (95% CI 4.9-11.3%) in sick cats and 3.3% (95% CI 2.4-4.4%) in healthy ones. We identified three geographically independent hotspots with alarmingly high FeLV infection rates in stray cats (up to 70%). Overall, including the previous data of privately owned cats, FeLV-positive cats were scattered throughout Switzerland in 24/26 cantons. Our findings underscore welfare concerns for FeLV infections among stray cats lacking veterinary attention, highlighting the potential risk of infection to other free-roaming cats, including those privately owned. This emphasizes the critical significance of vaccinating all cats with outdoor access against FeLV and developing programs to protect cats from FeLV infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.)
| | - Benita Pineroli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.)
| | - Esther Geisser
- Network for Animal Protection (NetAP), 8133 Esslingen, Switzerland;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Miguel-Pastor L, Satué K, Chicharro D, Peláez P, Torres-Torrillas M, Carrillo JM, Cerón JJ, Sopena JJ, Rubio M. Evaluation of Platelet-Rich Plasma by means of PRGF ®-Endoret ® protocol in leukemia cats: PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1 valuation. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1110055. [PMID: 36777664 PMCID: PMC9909748 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1110055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a chronic disease that leads to the weakening of a cat's immune system. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) offers therapeutic effects for multiple diseases, the use of PRP and growth factors (GFs) determination could be an alternative treatment to improve the quality of life in these patients. The objectives of this study were to determine and compare the concentration of platelets (PLTs), red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) between samples of whole blood (WB), PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) fractions, and to evaluate the concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in both fractions in FeLV cats using a PRGF®-Endoret® protocol previously standardized in this species. Methods WB was collected from 11 asymptomatic FeLV-positive cats. PRP and PPP was obtained following PRGF®-Endoret® technology according to centrifugation at 265 g for 10 min. Cellular components, RBCs, WBCs, PLTs, and the PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations in PRP and PPP fractions were determined. Results PLT in the PRP fraction was statistically higher than WB and PPP fraction, with no statistical differences between WB and PPP. PLT concentration increased 1.4 times in PRP fraction compared to WB. Mean platelet volume (MPV) did not differ significantly between the WB, PRP, and PPP fractions. Compared to WB, the absolute numbers of RBCs and WBCs were decreased by 99% and more than 95% in the PRP and PPP fractions, respectively. TGF-ß1 concentrations increased in PRP vs. PPP, with no changes in PDGF-BB. Discussion Based on the degree of PLT enrichment and the absence of RBCs and WBCs, this blood product could be classified as a Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma (P-PRP). The presence of GFs in PRP and PPP samples suggests that the PRGF®-Endoret® methodology is suitable for obtaining PRP in FeLV cats, despite future studies are necessary to optimize the technique, standardize the results and assess clinical efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Miguel-Pastor
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Katy Satué
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Deborah Chicharro
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pau Peláez
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marta Torres-Torrillas
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Carrillo
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain,García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - José J. Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquín J. Sopena
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain,García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain,*Correspondence: Joaquín J. Sopena ✉
| | - Mónica Rubio
- Bioregenerative Medicine and Applied Surgery Research Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain,García Cugat Foundation CEU-UCH Chair of Medicine and Regenerative Surgery, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Giselbrecht J, Bergmann M, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hartmann K. [Feline leukemia virus infection - a guide to diagnosis]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2022; 50:198-212. [PMID: 35790167 DOI: 10.1055/a-1845-0750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection affects cats worldwide. The course of FeLV infection can change and vary over time. The complex pathogenesis, the availability of many different testing methods, and the interpretation of test results are often challenging for veterinarians. Cats with progressive infection (persistently p27 antigen-positive) shed FeLV mainly through saliva and are therefore considered a source of infection for uninfected cats. Diagnosing regressive infection is often challenging, since it usually cannot be detected by commonly used point of care-tests (p27 antigen test) and thus, it often remains undetected. Nevertheless, cats with regressive infection are FeLV carriers (provirus-positive) and when the immune system is suppressed, reactivation of the infection and FeLV-associated clinical signs can occur. Abortively infected cats are never viraemic, do not shed virus, and do not develop clinical signs. Abortive infection can solely be diagnosed via antibodies detection in blood. A new point-of-care test for the identification of antibodies against FeLV p15E antigen has recently been introduced on the European market and is currently being evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | | | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sprißler F, Jongwattanapisan P, Luengyosluechakul S, Pusoonthornthum R, Reese S, Bergmann M, Hartmann K. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus Infection in Healthy Cats in Thailand. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:764217. [PMID: 35211532 PMCID: PMC8862143 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.764217] [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: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) occur worldwide and are among the most important infectious diseases in cats. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of FIV and FeLV infection in healthy outdoor cats in North, Northeast and Central Thailand. So far, a study on retrovirus prevalence of healthy cats in Thailand in a larger geographic area has not been published yet. In addition, risk factors for FIV and FeLV infections were evaluated. Two hundred sixty healthy cats were prospectively recruited. They originated from 13 locations in North, Northeast, and Central Thailand and were presented for either preventive health care and/or neutering. In each cat, a physical examination was performed to confirm health status. FIV and FeLV status was determined using a commercial rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (SNAP Combo Plus FeLV/FIV, IDEXX). Risk factors were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. Samples of 15/260 (5.8%) cats were positive for FIV antibodies, and 11/260 (4.2%) samples were positive for FeLV antigen. One of the 260 (0.4%) cats was positive for both, FIV and FeLV infection. In binary logistic regression analysis, no parameter was associated with a higher risk for FeLV infection. However, cats had a significantly (p = 0.025) higher risk for FIV infection when they were 2 years or older. FIV and FeLV infections occur in healthy cats in North, Northeast and Central Thailand, but prevalence was lower than expected. No risk factors for FeLV infection were detected, but risk for FIV infection increases with age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Sprißler
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Fabienne Sprißler
| | | | | | - Rosama Pusoonthornthum
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Chulalongkorn University of Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sven Reese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Section for Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Willi B, Meli ML, Cafarelli C, Gilli UO, Kipar A, Hubbuch A, Riond B, Howard J, Schaarschmidt D, Regli W, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Cytauxzoon europaeus infections in domestic cats in Switzerland and in European wildcats in France: a tale that started more than two decades ago. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:19. [PMID: 34998440 PMCID: PMC8742954 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytauxzoon spp. infection is believed to be a newly emerging tick-borne disease in felids in Europe, with three species of the haemoparasite having recently been differentiated in wild felids. In Switzerland, rare infections have been documented in domestic cats in the west and northwest of the country, the first of which was in 2014. The aims of the present study were: (i) to characterize a Cytauxzoon spp. hotspot in domestic cats in central Switzerland; (ii) to elucidate the geographic distribution of Cytauxzoon spp. in domestic cats in Switzerland; (iii) to assess suspected high-risk populations, such as stray and anaemic cats; and (iv) to investigate the newly emerging nature of the infection. Cytauxzoon spp. were further differentiated using mitochondrial gene sequencing. METHODS The overall study included samples from 13 cats from two households in central Switzerland (study A), 881 cats from all regions of Switzerland (study B), 91 stray cats from a hotspot region in the northwest of Switzerland and 501 anaemic cats from across Switzerland (study C), and 65 Swiss domestic cats sampled in 2003 and 34 European wildcats from eastern France sampled in the period 1995-1996 (study D). The samples were analysed for Cytauxzoon spp. using real-time TaqMan quantitative PCR, and positive samples were subjected to 18S rRNA, cytochrome b (CytB) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequencing. RESULTS In study A, six of 13 cats from two neighbouring households in central Switzerland tested postive for Cytauxzoon spp.; two of the six infected cats died from bacterial infections. In studies B and C, only one of the 881 cats (0.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0-0.3%) in the countrywide survey and one of the 501 anaemic cats (0.2%; 95% CI: 0-0.6%) tested postive for Cytauxzoon spp. while eight of the 91 stray cats in the northwest of Switzerland tested positive (8.8%; 95% CI: 3.0-14.6%). In study D, Cytauxzoon spp. was detected in one of the 65 domestic cat samples from 2003 (1.5%; 95% CI: 0-4.5%) and in ten of the 34 European wildcat samples from 1995 to 1996 (29%; 95% CI: 14.2-44.7%). The isolates showed ≥ 98.6% sequence identities among the 18S rRNA, CytB and COI genes, respectively, and fell in the subclade Cytauxzoon europaeus based on CytB and COI gene phylogenetic analyses. CONCLUSIONS The study challenges the newly emerging nature of Cytauxzoon spp. in central Europe and confirms that isolates from domestic cats in Switzerland and European wild felids belong to the same species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Cafarelli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs O Gilli
- IDEXX Diavet Laboratories, Bäch, Switzerland
| | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alina Hubbuch
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department for Small Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Judith Howard
- Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Feline leukemia virus in owned cats in Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Vet Microbiol 2021; 254:109008. [PMID: 33582484 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus associated with fatal disease in cats with infection in its progressive form. Although there are numerous reports on the occurrence of FeLV in the feline population worldwide, there is a paucity of data in Asia. In this study, we assessed the circulation of FeLV by ELISA and nested PCR in cats from different countries in Southeast Asia (i.e., Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam) and Taiwan during 2017-2018. Forty-seven cats were positive to FeLV by antigen or provirus detection, but 32 samples were considered truly positive on the basis of positive molecular testing. Frequency of occurrence of FeLV proviral DNA ranged from 0% (0/43 positive samples) in Indonesia to 18.5% (22/119 positive samples) in Thailand. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between country of cats origin, age, lifestyle, abnormal oral mucosa, and FeLV molecular positive results. In-depth studies are needed in other countries in Southeast Asia to elucidate the mosaic of knowledge about FeLV epidemiology.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus of domestic cats worldwide. Cats lacking strong FeLV-specific immunity and undergoing progressive infection commonly develop fatal FeLV-associated disease. Many aspects of FeLV infection pathogenesis have been elucidated, some during more recent years using molecular techniques. It is recommended that the FeLV status of every cat is known, since FeLV infection can influence the prognosis and clinical management of every sick cat. Moreover, knowledge of a cat's FeLV status is of epidemiological importance to prevent further spread of the infection. CLINICAL CHALLENGES Diagnosing FeLV infection remains challenging due to different outcomes of infection, which can vary over time depending on the balance between the virus and the host's immune system. Furthermore, testing for FeLV infection has become more refined over the years and now includes diagnostic assays for different viral and immunological parameters. Knowledge of FeLV infection pathogenesis, as well as the particulars of FeLV detection methods, is an important prerequisite for correct interpretation of any test results and accurate determination of a cat's FeLV status. AIMS The current review presents recent knowledge on FeLV pathogenesis, key features to be determined in FeLV infection, and frequently used FeLV detection methods, and their characteristics and interpretation. An algorithm for the diagnosis of FeLV infection in a single cat, developed by the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases, is included, and FeLV testing in specific situations is addressed. As well as increasing awareness of this deadly infection in domestic cats, the aim is to contribute diagnostic expertise to allow veterinarians in practice to improve their recognition, and further reduce the prevalence, of FeLV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Prof, Dr med vet, FVH Professor of Laboratory Medicine, Director of Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Head of Clinical Laboratory and Centre for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Prof, Dr med vet, Dr habil, Dip ECVIM-CA (Internal Medicine) Professor of Internal Medicine, Head of Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R. What's New in Feline Leukemia Virus Infection. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:1013-1036. [PMID: 32680664 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus with global impact on the health of domestic cats that causes tumors (mainly lymphoma), bone marrow disorders, and immunosuppression. The importance of FeLV is underestimated due to complacency associated with previous decline in prevalence. However, with this comes lowered vigilance, which, along with potential for regressively infected cats to reactivate viremia and shed the virus or develop clinical signs, can pose a risk to feline health. This article summarizes knowledge on FeLV pathogenesis, courses of infection, and factors affecting prevalance, infection outcome, and development of FeLV-associated diseases, with special focus on regressive FeLV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich 80539, Germany.
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang X, Li F, Han M, Jia S, Wang L, Qiao X, Jiang Y, Cui W, Tang L, Li Y, Xu YG. Cloning, Prokaryotic Soluble Expression, and Analysis of Antiviral Activity of Two Novel Feline IFN-ω Proteins. Viruses 2020; 12:v12030335. [PMID: 32204464 PMCID: PMC7150924 DOI: 10.3390/v12030335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cats are becoming more popular as household companions and pets, forming close relationships with humans. Although feline viral diseases can pose serious health hazards to pet cats, commercialized preventative vaccines are lacking. Interferons (IFNs), especially type I IFNs (IFN-α, IFN-β, and interferon omega (IFN-ω)), have been explored as effective therapeutic drugs against viral diseases in cats. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding feline IFN-ω (feIFN-ω), compared to IFN-α and IFN-β. In this study, we cloned the genes encoding feIFN-ωa and feIFN-ωb from cat spleen lymphocytes. Homology and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that these two genes belonged to new subtypes of feIFN-ω. The recombinant feIFN-ωa and feIFN-ωb proteins were expressed in their soluble forms in Escherichia coli, followed by purification. Both proteins exhibited effective anti-vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) activity in Vero, F81 (feline kidney cell), Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK), Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK), and porcine kidney (PK-15) cells, showing broader cross-species antiviral activity than the INTERCAT IFN antiviral drug. Furthermore, the recombinant feIFN-ωa and feIFN-ωb proteins demonstrated antiviral activity against VSV, feline coronavirus (FCoV), canine parvovirus (CPV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), indicating better broad-spectrum antiviral activity than the INTERCAT IFN. The two novel feIFN-ω proteins (feIFN-ωa and feIFN-ωb) described in this study show promising potential to serve as effective therapeutic agents for treating viral infections in pet cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Fengsai Li
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Meijing Han
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Shuo Jia
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Li Wang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xinyuan Qiao
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yanping Jiang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Wen Cui
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Lijie Tang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
- Northeastern Science Inspection Station, China Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Biology, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yijing Li
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
- Northeastern Science Inspection Station, China Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Biology, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yi-Gang Xu
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (X.W.); (F.L.); (M.H.); (S.J.); (L.W.); (X.Q.); (Y.J.); (W.C.); (L.T.); (Y.L.)
- Northeastern Science Inspection Station, China Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogen Biology, Harbin 150030, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-451-55190824
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Little S, Levy J, Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hosie M, Olah G, Denis KS. 2020 AAFP Feline Retrovirus Testing and Management Guidelines. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:5-30. [PMID: 31916872 PMCID: PMC11135720 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19895940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections are found in cats worldwide. Both infections are associated with a variety of clinical signs and can impact quality of life and longevity. SCOPE This document is an update of the 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines and represents current knowledge on pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of retrovirus infections in cats. TESTING AND INTERPRETATION Although vaccines are available for FeLV in many countries and for FIV in some countries, identification of infected cats remains an important factor for preventing new infections. The retrovirus status of every cat at risk of infection should be known. Cats should be tested as soon as possible after they are acquired, following exposure to an infected cat or a cat of unknown infection status, prior to vaccination against FeLV or FIV, and whenever clinical illness occurs. It might not be possible to determine a cat's infection status based on testing at a single point in time; repeat testing using different methods could be required. Although FeLV and FIV infections can be associated with clinical disease, some infected cats, especially those infected with FIV, can live for many years with good quality of life. MANAGEMENT OF INFECTED CATS There is a paucity of data evaluating treatments for infected cats, especially antiretroviral and immunomodulatory drugs. Management of infected cats is focused on effective preventive healthcare strategies, and prompt identification and treatment of illness, as well as limiting the spread of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Levy
- Charing Cross Cat Clinic, Brantford, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Glenn Olah
- Charing Cross Cat Clinic, Brantford, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Studer N, Lutz H, Saegerman C, Gönczi E, Meli ML, Boo G, Hartmann K, Hosie MJ, Moestl K, Tasker S, Belák S, Lloret A, Boucraut-Baralon C, Egberink HF, Pennisi MG, Truyen U, Frymus T, Thiry E, Marsilio F, Addie D, Hochleithner M, Tkalec F, Vizi Z, Brunetti A, Georgiev B, Ludwig-Begall LF, Tschuor F, Mooney CT, Eliasson C, Orro J, Johansen H, Juuti K, Krampl I, Kovalenko K, Šengaut J, Sobral C, Borska P, Kovaříková S, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Pan-European Study on the Prevalence of the Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection - Reported by the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD Europe). Viruses 2019; 11:v11110993. [PMID: 31671816 PMCID: PMC6893802 DOI: 10.3390/v11110993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus associated with fatal disease in progressively infected cats. While testing/removal and vaccination led to a decreased prevalence of FeLV, recently, this decrease has reportedly stagnated in some countries. This study aimed to prospectively determine the prevalence of FeLV viraemia in cats taken to veterinary facilities in 32 European countries. FeLV viral RNA was semiquantitatively detected in saliva, using RT-qPCR as a measure of viraemia. Risk and protective factors were assessed using an online questionnaire to report geographic, demographic, husbandry, FeLV vaccination, and clinical data. The overall prevalence of FeLV viraemia in cats visiting a veterinary facility, of which 10.4% were shelter and rescue cats, was 2.3% (141/6005; 95% CI: 2.0%–2.8%) with the highest prevalences in Portugal, Hungary, and Italy/Malta (5.7%–8.8%). Using multivariate analysis, seven risk factors (Southern Europe, male intact, 1–6 years of age, indoor and outdoor or outdoor-only living, living in a group of ≥5 cats, illness), and three protective factors (Northern Europe, Western Europe, pedigree cats) were identified. Using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, the origin of cats in Europe, pedigree, and access to outdoors were important predictors of FeLV status. FeLV-infected sick cats shed more viral RNA than FeLV-infected healthy cats, and they suffered more frequently from anaemia, anorexia, and gingivitis/stomatitis than uninfected sick cats. Most cats had never been FeLV-vaccinated; vaccination rates were indirectly associated with the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. In conclusion, we identified countries where FeLV was undetectable, demonstrating that the infection can be eradicated and highlighting those regions where awareness and prevention should be increased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Studer
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Hans Lutz
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Enikö Gönczi
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Gianluca Boo
- Department of Geography, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany.
| | - Margaret J Hosie
- MRC- University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Karin Moestl
- Institute of Virology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK & Chief Medical Officer, Linnaeus Group, Shirley, Solihull B90 4BN, UK.
| | - Sándor Belák
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (BVF), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Albert Lloret
- Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Herman F Egberink
- University of Utrecht, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, 3584 CL Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Maria-Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Tadeusz Frymus
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Diane Addie
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | | | - Filip Tkalec
- Veterinarska klinika Kreszinger, 10360 Sesvete, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Zsuzsanna Vizi
- University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Anna Brunetti
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Boyko Georgiev
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Louisa F Ludwig-Begall
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Flurin Tschuor
- Kleintierklinik BolligerTschuor AG, Fachtierärzte für Kleintiere, 4665 Oftringen - Zofingen, Switzerland.
| | - Carmel T Mooney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Catarina Eliasson
- Jamaren - Swedish Veterinary Feline Study Group, 275 71 Lövestad, Sweden.
| | | | | | - Kirsi Juuti
- CatVet Kissaklinikka, 00400 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Igor Krampl
- Slovak Small Animal Veterinary Association, 821 02 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Kaspars Kovalenko
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Latvia University of Lifesciences and Technologies, LV-3004 Jelgava, Latvia.
| | - Jakov Šengaut
- Jakov Veterinary Centre, Gerosios Vilties g. 1, LT-03147 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | | | - Petra Borska
- Small Animal Emergency Clinic, 637 00 Brno-Jundrov, Czech Republic.
| | - Simona Kovaříková
- Department of Animal Protection, Welfare and Behavior, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Prevalence, Geographic Distribution, Risk Factors and Co-Infections of Feline Gammaherpesvirus Infections in Domestic Cats in Switzerland. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080721. [PMID: 31390829 PMCID: PMC6723517 DOI: 10.3390/v11080721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a gammaherpesvirus was described in domestic cats (FcaGHV1). The goal of the present study was to investigate the presence of FcaGHV1 in Swiss domestic cats and analyze potential risk factors. Blood samples from 881 cats presented to veterinarians in all Swiss cantons and from 91 stray cats and neoplastic tissue samples from 17 cats with lymphoma were evaluated. FcaGHV1 was detected by real-time PCR targeting the glycoprotein B gene, followed by sequencing. Blood samples were also tested for feline hemoplasmas, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). The molecular prevalence of FcaGHV1 was 6.0% (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.5–7.8%) in cats presented to veterinarians and 5.5% (95% CI, 1.8–12.4%) in stray cats. FcaGHV1 PCR-positive cats originated from 19/26 Swiss cantons. Factors significantly associated with FcaGHV1 detection included male sex, age >3 years, nonpedigree status and co-infection with FIV and hemoplasmas. Moreover, FeLV viremia tended to be associated with FcaGHV1 detection. High FcaGHV1 blood loads were found more frequently in FeLV-viremic cats and less frequently in hemoplasma-infected cats than in uninfected cats. Clinical information was unavailable for most of the 881 cats, but leukemia, carcinoma and cardiomyopathy were reported in FcaGHV1-positive cats. None of the tissue samples from the 17 cats with lymphoma tested positive for FcaGHV1. Sequence analyses revealed homogeneity among the Swiss isolates and >99.7% identity to published FcaGHV1 sequences. In conclusion, FcaGHV1 is present in Switzerland with a similar prevalence in cats presented to veterinarians and in stray cats. The pathogenic potential of FcaGHV1 needs further evaluation.
Collapse
|
16
|
Westman M, Norris J, Malik R, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Harvey A, McLuckie A, Perkins M, Schofield D, Marcus A, McDonald M, Ward M, Hall E, Sheehy P, Hosie M. The Diagnosis of Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) Infection in Owned and Group-Housed Rescue Cats in Australia. Viruses 2019; 11:v11060503. [PMID: 31159230 PMCID: PMC6630418 DOI: 10.3390/v11060503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A field study was undertaken to (i) measure the prevalence of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) exposure and FeLV infection in a cross-section of healthy Australian pet cats; and (ii) investigate the outcomes following natural FeLV exposure in two Australian rescue facilities. Group 1 (n = 440) consisted of healthy client-owned cats with outdoor access, predominantly from eastern Australia. Groups 2 (n = 38) and 3 (n = 51) consisted of a mixture of healthy and sick cats, group-housed in two separate rescue facilities in Sydney, Australia, tested following identification of index cases of FeLV infection in cats sourced from these facilities. Diagnostic testing for FeLV exposure/infection included p27 antigen testing using three different point-of-care FeLV kits and a laboratory-based ELISA, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing to detect FeLV proviral DNA in leukocytes, real-time reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) testing to detect FeLV RNA in plasma, and neutralising antibody (NAb) testing. Cats were classified as FeLV-uninfected (FeLV-unexposed and presumptively FeLV-abortive infections) or FeLV-infected (presumptively regressive and presumptively progressive infections). In Group 1, 370 FeLV-unexposed cats (370/440, 84%), 47 abortive infections (47/440, 11%), nine regressive infections (9/440, 2%), and two progressive infections (2/440, 0.5%) were identified, and 12 FeLV-uninfected cats (12/440, 3%) were unclassifiable as FeLV-unexposed or abortive infections due to insufficient samples available for NAb testing. In Groups 2 and 3, 31 FeLV-unexposed cats (31/89, 35%), eight abortive infections (8/89, 9%), 22 regressive infections (22/89; 25%), and 19 progressive infections (19/89; 21%) were discovered, and nine FeLV-uninfected cats (9/89; 10%) were unclassifiable due to insufficient samples available for NAb testing. One of the presumptively progressively-infected cats in Group 3 was likely a focal FeLV infection. Two other presumptively progressively-infected cats in Group 3 may have been classified as regressive infections with repeated testing, highlighting the difficulties associated with FeLV diagnosis when sampling cats at a single time point, even with results from a panel of FeLV tests. These results serve as a reminder to Australian veterinarians that the threat of FeLV to the general pet cat population remains high, thus vigilant FeLV testing, separate housing for FeLV-infected cats, and FeLV vaccination of at-risk cats is important, particularly in group-housed cats in shelters and rescue facilities, where outbreaks of FeLV infection can occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory and Centre for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, The University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea Harvey
- Small Animal Specialist Hospital, 1 Richardson Place, North Ryde, Sydney, 2113 NSW, Australia.
| | - Alicia McLuckie
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | - Alan Marcus
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Mike McDonald
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Michael Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, 2570 NSW, Australia.
| | - Evelyn Hall
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, 2570 NSW, Australia.
| | - Paul Sheehy
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, 2570 NSW, Australia.
| | - Margaret Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, Scotland G61 1QH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|