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Westman ME, Hall E, Norris JM, Meili T, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Malik R. Antiviral therapy in cats progressively infected with feline leukaemia virus: lessons from a series of 18 consecutive cases from Australia. Aust Vet J 2024. [PMID: 39042044 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13363] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is doubtful that any of the treatments proposed for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection are effective, despite the entity being described 60 years ago. METHODS Eighteen pet cats with progressive FeLV infections were recruited in Australia. One or more antiviral drugs were trialled in 16 cats, while two FeLV-infected cats were not handleable and served as untreated controls. Six cats were administered RetroMAD1™ only (0.5 mg/kg orally twice daily), a commercially available recombinant chimeric protein with proposed antiretroviral activity. Three cats were administered the integrase inhibitor raltegravir only (10-15 mg/kg orally twice daily), a drug used as a component of highly effective antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. Three cats were administered RetroMAD1™ and raltegravir concurrently, and four cats were administered raltegravir and the reverse transcriptase inhibitor zidovudine (AZT, 5 mg/kg orally twice daily) concurrently. FeLV RNA and p27 antigen loads were measured at two timepoints (T1-2 months and T3-5 months) during therapy and compared to baseline (pretreatment) levels, to assess the response to therapy using linear modelling. The median survival time (MST) of the cats from commencement of FeLV treatment to death was also determined and compared between treatments. RESULTS The MST for the 16 FeLV-positive cats which received antiviral therapy was 634 days, while the MST from FeLV diagnosis to death for the two untreated control cats was 780 days. In cats treated with RetroMAD1™, FeLV viral load decreased from T0 to T1-2 months (median viral load reduced from 1339 × 106 to 705 × 106 copies/mL plasma; P = 0.012), but MST was reduced compared to cats not given RetroMAD1™ (426 days vs 1006 days; P = 0.049). Cats treated with raltegravir and AZT had no significant changes in FeLV viral load over time, but p27 antigen load was decreased from T0 to T3-5 months in cats treated with raltegravir (median p27 antigen level reduced from 50.2% to 42.7%; P = 0.005). All other results were not significantly affected by the treatment provided. Importantly, statistically significant and substantial associations were found between age at FeLV diagnosis and survival time (P = 0.046, R2 = 18.6) and between FeLV viral load at T0 and survival time (P = 0.004, R2 = 44.4). Younger cats, and cats with higher levels of pretreatment FeLV RNA, had reduced survival times. Cats treated with RetroMAD1™ were typically younger (median age 2.0 vs 8.0 years), likely explaining the observed reduction in MST. A significant association was found between FeLV viral load and p27 antigen load at T0 (P = 0.015, R2 = 32.9). CONCLUSIONS Results from this small case series do not provide convincing support for the use of RetroMAD1™, raltegravir or AZT, alone or in combination, for the treatment of cats progressively infected with FeLV. The changes observed were biologically insignificant. Age and FeLV viral load at diagnosis are useful prognostic markers, and p27 antigen concentration can be used to predict viral load. Larger field trials should be performed examining antiretroviral therapy in FeLV-positive cats with progressive infections, preferably using three or more drugs from at least two classes, as is standard with human antiretroviral therapy. Future studies would be easier in countries with a higher prevalence of FeLV infections than Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - E Hall
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J M Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - T Meili
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, The University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, The University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
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Balboni A, Facile V, Gallina L, Sabetti MC, Dondi F, Battilani M. Molecular Detection and Genetic Characterization of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in Seropositive Cats in Northern Italy. Pathogens 2024; 13:463. [PMID: 38921761 PMCID: PMC11206283 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is responsible for immunodeficiency syndrome in cats. Several viral subtypes have been identified, each with a variable geographical distribution. To date, the subtype B is known to be the genotype spread in Italy. In this study, the genetic diversity of FIV in northern Italy was assessed by detecting proviral DNA in the blood samples of 50 cats determined to be positive through an anti-FIV antibodies test. These cats were tested using six different PCR assays, and the identified viruses were sequenced and analyzed. Forty-eight cats were confirmed positive, and several FIV subtypes were characterized. As expected, the subtype B was the most commonly observed, and the subtype A was reported for the first time in Italy. Moreover, a new taxon possibly representing an additional FIV subtype was detected, and one virus belonging to subtype B potentially had a recombinant origin. The genetic variability between the FIV viruses that emerged in this study may lead to the potential diagnostic failure of single molecular tests. Therefore, a new diagnostic strategy, which adopts different molecular tests and sequencing, is recommended to monitor the evolution and spread of FIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Balboni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Veronica Facile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Laura Gallina
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.)
| | | | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.)
| | - Mara Battilani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (A.B.); (V.F.); (F.D.); (M.B.)
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3
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Schroers
- Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Veterinary Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Squires RA, Crawford C, Marcondes M, Whitley N. 2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats - compiled by the Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:277-316. [PMID: 38568777 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- R A Squires
- Formerly, Discipline of Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4814, Australia
| | - C Crawford
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 SW 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
| | - M Marcondes
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Surgery and Animal Reproduction, São Paulo State University, Rua Sergipe 575, ap. 32, São Paulo, 01243-001, SP, Brazil
| | - N Whitley
- Internal Medicine, Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion, Hertfordshire, SG5 3HR, UK
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Gallina L, Facile V, Roda N, Sabetti MC, Terrusi A, Urbani L, Magliocca M, Vasylyeva K, Dondi F, Balboni A, Battilani M. Molecular investigation and genetic characterization of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in cats referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Northern Italy. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10380-6. [PMID: 38644457 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is responsible for feline leukemia syndrome in domestic cats. The prevention and control of disease caused by FeLV are primarily based on vaccination and identification and isolation of infected subjects. Antigen diagnostic methods, which are the most widely used in clinical practices, can be associated to molecular tests to characterize the FeLV detected. In this study, a quantitative SYBR Green Real-Time PCR (qPCR) assay was used to detect FeLV proviral DNA in blood samples from antigen positive cats referred to a veterinary teaching hospital in Northern Italy in 2018-2021. To genetically characterize the identified viruses, a portion of the viral envelope (env) gene was amplified using six different end-point PCRs and sequenced. Twenty-two of 26 (84.6%) cats included in the study tested positive by qPCR assay. This suggests a high performance of the qPCR adopted but further studies are required to investigate the cause of discordant results between the antigen test and qPCR in four cats. From env gene analysis, 15/22 qPCR-positive cats were infected by FeLV subtype A and 5/15 shown coinfection with subtype B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gallina
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Veronica Facile
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Nicola Roda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Sabetti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Strada del Taglio 10, Parma, 43126, Italy
| | - Alessia Terrusi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Lorenza Urbani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Martina Magliocca
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Kateryna Vasylyeva
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
| | - Andrea Balboni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy.
| | - Mara Battilani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, 40064, Italy
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Diesel LP, de Mello LS, de Oliveira Santana W, Ikuta N, Fonseca ASK, Kipper D, Redaelli R, Pereira VRZB, Streck AF, Lunge VR. Epidemiological Insights into Feline Leukemia Virus Infections in an Urban Cat ( Felis catus) Population from Brazil. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1051. [PMID: 38612290 PMCID: PMC11010845 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071051] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus distributed worldwide in domestic cats and with different outcomes (progressive, regressive, abortive, focal). The present study reports an epidemiological survey of FeLV frequency and the evaluation of some risk factors and the two main disease outcomes (progressive and regressive) in an urban cat population from Brazil. A total of 366 cats with sociodemographic information and p27 FeLV antigen test performed were included in the study. FeLV DNA (provirus) in the blood samples of all cats was detected via real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Plasma samples from 109 FeLV-positive and FeLV-negative cats were also submitted to reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) to determine the FeLV viral load. The results demonstrated that 112 (30.6%) cats were positive through the p27 antigen and/or qPCR. A risk factor analysis demonstrated that cats without vaccination against FeLV (OR 9.9, p < 0.001), clinically ill (OR 2.9, p < 0.001), with outdoors access (OR 2.7, p < 0.001), and exhibiting apathetic behavior (OR 3.1, p < 0.001) were more likely to be infected with FeLV. FeLV-infected cats were also more likely to present with anemia (OR 13, p < 0.001) and lymphoma (OR 13.7, p = 0.001). A comparative analysis of the different detection methods in a subset of 109 animals confirmed FeLV infection in 58 cats, including 38 (65.5%) with progressive, 16 (27.6%) with regressive, and 4 (6.9%) with probably focal outcome diseases. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a high prevalence of FeLV in this urban cat population from Brazil and highlights the need to establish more effective prevention strategies (such as viral testing, vaccination programs, specific care for FeLV-positive cats) to reduce diseases associated with this virus in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pancich Diesel
- Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Laboratory (LDMV), Institute of Biotechnology (IB), Postgraduate Programs in Animal Health (PPGSA) and Biotechnology (PPGBIO), University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul 95070-560, RS, Brazil; (L.P.D.); (W.d.O.S.); (V.R.Z.B.P.); (A.F.S.)
| | - Lauren Santos de Mello
- Simbios Biotechnologia, Cachoeirinha 94950-000, RS, Brazil; (L.S.d.M.); (N.I.); (A.S.K.F.); (D.K.)
| | - Weslei de Oliveira Santana
- Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Laboratory (LDMV), Institute of Biotechnology (IB), Postgraduate Programs in Animal Health (PPGSA) and Biotechnology (PPGBIO), University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul 95070-560, RS, Brazil; (L.P.D.); (W.d.O.S.); (V.R.Z.B.P.); (A.F.S.)
| | - Nilo Ikuta
- Simbios Biotechnologia, Cachoeirinha 94950-000, RS, Brazil; (L.S.d.M.); (N.I.); (A.S.K.F.); (D.K.)
| | | | - Diéssy Kipper
- Simbios Biotechnologia, Cachoeirinha 94950-000, RS, Brazil; (L.S.d.M.); (N.I.); (A.S.K.F.); (D.K.)
| | - Raquel Redaelli
- Gatices Veterinary Hospital, Caxias do Sul 95000-000, RS, Brazil;
| | - Vagner Reinaldo Zingali Bueno Pereira
- Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Laboratory (LDMV), Institute of Biotechnology (IB), Postgraduate Programs in Animal Health (PPGSA) and Biotechnology (PPGBIO), University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul 95070-560, RS, Brazil; (L.P.D.); (W.d.O.S.); (V.R.Z.B.P.); (A.F.S.)
| | - André Felipe Streck
- Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Laboratory (LDMV), Institute of Biotechnology (IB), Postgraduate Programs in Animal Health (PPGSA) and Biotechnology (PPGBIO), University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul 95070-560, RS, Brazil; (L.P.D.); (W.d.O.S.); (V.R.Z.B.P.); (A.F.S.)
| | - Vagner Ricardo Lunge
- Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Laboratory (LDMV), Institute of Biotechnology (IB), Postgraduate Programs in Animal Health (PPGSA) and Biotechnology (PPGBIO), University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), Caxias do Sul 95070-560, RS, Brazil; (L.P.D.); (W.d.O.S.); (V.R.Z.B.P.); (A.F.S.)
- Simbios Biotechnologia, Cachoeirinha 94950-000, RS, Brazil; (L.S.d.M.); (N.I.); (A.S.K.F.); (D.K.)
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Nájera F, López G, Del Rey-Wamba T, Malik RA, Garrote G, López-Parra M, Fernández-Pena L, García-Tardío M, Arenas-Rojas R, Simón MA, Zorrilla I, Fernández I, Alcaide EM, Ruiz C, Revuelta L, Salcedo J, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML. Long-term surveillance of the feline leukemia virus in the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Andalusia, Spain (2008-2021). Sci Rep 2024; 14:5462. [PMID: 38443503 PMCID: PMC10914683 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection is considered one of the most serious disease threats for the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) Over 14 years (2008-2021), we investigated FeLV infection using point-of-care antigen test and quantitative real-time TaqMan qPCR for provirus detection in blood and tissues in lynxes from Andalusia (Southern Spain). A total of 776 samples from 586 individuals were included in this study. The overall prevalence for FeLV antigen in blood/serum samples was 1.4% (5/360) (95% CI: 0.2-2.6), FeLV proviral DNA prevalence in blood samples was 6.2% (31/503) (95% CI: 4.1-8.6), and FeLV proviral DNA in tissues samples was 10.2% (34/333) (95% CI: 7-13.5). From a subset of 129 longitudinally sampled individuals, 9.3% (12/129) PCR-converted during the study period. Our results suggest that FeLV infection in the Andalusian population is enzootic, with circulation of the virus at low levels in almost all the sampling years. Moreover, since only one viremic individual succumbed to the infection, this study suggests that lynxes may therefore control the infection decreasing the possibility of developing a more aggressive outcome. Although our results indicate that the FeLV infection in the Iberian lynx from Andalusia tends to stay within the regressive stage, continuous FeLV surveillance is paramount to predict potential outbreaks and ensure the survival of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Nájera
- Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Asistencia Técnica de la Dirección General del Medio Natural y Desarrollo Sostenible de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Plaza del Cardenal Siliceo s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain.
| | - Guillermo López
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Tere Del Rey-Wamba
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Rimsha A Malik
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Germán Garrote
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Marcos López-Parra
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Leonardo Fernández-Pena
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Maribel García-Tardío
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Arenas-Rojas
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel A Simón
- Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, avda. Manuel Siurot, nº 50, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Irene Zorrilla
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Isabel Fernández
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Eva M Alcaide
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Carmen Ruiz
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, C/ Johan G. Gutenberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Luis Revuelta
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Salcedo
- Consejería de Sostenibilidad, Medio Ambiente y Economía Azul, avda. Manuel Siurot, nº 50, 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- 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
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8
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Meli ML, Pineroli B, Geisser E, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Prospective Investigation of Feline Leukemia Virus Infection in Stray Cats Subjected to a Trap-Neuter-Return Program in Switzerland. Viruses 2024; 16:394. [PMID: 38543760 PMCID: PMC10975613 DOI: 10.3390/v16030394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) remains a serious concern in some countries despite advances in diagnostics and vaccines. FeLV-infected cats often have reduced lifespans due to FeLV-associated diseases. The infection is transmitted through social interactions. While Northern European countries have reported a decrease in FeLV among pet cats, Switzerland's rates remain stagnant at 2.7% (2016/17: 95% CI 1.4-5.2%). Research on FeLV in Swiss stray cats has been lacking, even though these animals could serve as a virus reservoir. Sampling stray cats that do not receive regular veterinary care can be challenging. Collaboration with the Swiss Network for Animal Protection (NetAP) allowed for the prospective collection of saliva samples from 1711 stray cats during a trap-neuter-return program from 2019 to 2023. These samples were tested for FeLV RNA using RT-qPCR as a measure for antigenemia. Viral RNA was detected in 4.0% (95% CI 3.1-5.0%) of the samples, with 7.7% (95% CI 4.9-11.3%) in sick cats and 3.3% (95% CI 2.4-4.4%) in healthy ones. We identified three geographically independent hotspots with alarmingly high FeLV infection rates in stray cats (up to 70%). Overall, including the previous data of privately owned cats, FeLV-positive cats were scattered throughout Switzerland in 24/26 cantons. Our findings underscore welfare concerns for FeLV infections among stray cats lacking veterinary attention, highlighting the potential risk of infection to other free-roaming cats, including those privately owned. This emphasizes the critical significance of vaccinating all cats with outdoor access against FeLV and developing programs to protect cats from FeLV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.)
| | - Benita Pineroli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.)
| | - Esther Geisser
- Network for Animal Protection (NetAP), 8133 Esslingen, Switzerland;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.)
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Korkulu E, Şenlik Eİ, Adıgüzel E, Artut FG, Çetinaslan HD, Erdem-Şahinkesen E, Oğuzoğlu TÇ. Status Quo of Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection in Turkish Cats and Their Antigenic Prevalence. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:385. [PMID: 38338028 PMCID: PMC10854556 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030385] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a member of the Gammaretrovirus genus, which has two genotypes in cats: endogenous (replication-defective provirus) and exogenous (replication-competent). In this study, 550 cats were examined, and 112 of them (20.36%) were found to have the endogenous FeLV (enFeLV) genotype. EnFeLV-positive animals were also tested for additional viral infections, and 48 cats (42.85%) were discovered to be co-infected with other viruses. According to co-infection data, these cats were infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV) (27/112, 24.1%), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) (14/112, 12.5%), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) (0/112, 0%), and domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) (13/112, 11.6%). Their age, sex, breed, clinical state, lifestyle (in/outdoor), and immunization data against FeLV were also evaluated. In line with our results, the prevalence of enFeLV and co-infection with other pathogens in cats admitted to the clinic for various reasons were discussed. The majority of positive animals in terms of FeLV (94/112, 83.93%) had clinical findings. We emphasized that the FeLV-positive situation of cats should be taken into consideration by veterinarians when planning treatment and vaccination programs. Additionally, in this study, we questioned the group in which our enFeLVs were phylogenetically located. Therefore, we performed a phylogenetic analysis based on a comparison with global FeLV sequences obtained from the GenBank database. The sequenced positive samples were in the AGTT subgroup within Group-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emrah Korkulu
- Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara 06110, Türkiye; (E.K.); (E.İ.Ş.); (H.D.Ç.)
| | - Elif İrem Şenlik
- Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara 06110, Türkiye; (E.K.); (E.İ.Ş.); (H.D.Ç.)
| | - Ece Adıgüzel
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Atkaracalar District Directorate, Çankırı 18310, Türkiye;
| | | | | | - Eda Erdem-Şahinkesen
- Institute of Health Sciences, Ankara University, Ankara 06110, Türkiye; (E.K.); (E.İ.Ş.); (H.D.Ç.)
| | - Tuba Çiğdem Oğuzoğlu
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara 06110, Türkiye
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Piewbang C, Wardhani SW, Siripoonsub J, Sirivisoot S, Rungsipipat A, Techangamsuwan S. Domestic cat hepadnavirus detection in blood and tissue samples of cats with lymphoma. Vet Q 2023; 43:1-10. [PMID: 37768269 PMCID: PMC10563604 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2265172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), a relative hepatitis B virus (HBV) in human, has been recently identified in cats; however, association of DCH infection with lymphoma in cats is not investigated. To determine the association between DCH infection and feline lymphoma, seven hundred and seventeen cats included 131 cats with lymphoma (68 blood and 63 tumor samples) and 586 (526 blood and 60 lymph node samples) cats without lymphoma. DCH DNA was investigated in blood and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The FFPE lymphoma tissues were immunohistochemically subtyped, and the localization of DCH in lymphoma sections was investigated using in situ hybridization (ISH). Feline retroviral infection was investigated in the DCH-positive cases. DCH DNA was detected in 16.18% (11/68) (p = 0.002; odds ratio [OR], 5.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.33-11.36) of blood and 9.52% (6/63) (p = 0.028; OR, 13.68; 95% CI, 0.75-248.36) of neoplastic samples obtained from lymphoma cats, whereas only 3.61% (19/526) of blood obtained from non-lymphoma cats was positive for DCH detection. Within the DCH-positive lymphoma, in 3/6 cats, feline leukemia virus was co-detected, and in 6/6 were B-cell lymphoma (p > 0.9; OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 0.09-37.89) and were multicentric form (p = 0.008; OR, 1.327; 95% CI, 0.06-31.18). DCH was found in the CD79-positive pleomorphic cells. Cats with lymphoma were more likely to be positive for DCH than cats without lymphoma, and infection associated with lymphoma development needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutchai Piewbang
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Animal Virome and Diagnostic Development Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sabrina Wahyu Wardhani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Animal Virome and Diagnostic Development Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jedsada Siripoonsub
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Companion Animal Cancer, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirintra Sirivisoot
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Companion Animal Cancer, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anudep Rungsipipat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence for Companion Animal Cancer, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somporn Techangamsuwan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Animal Virome and Diagnostic Development Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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11
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Fusco G, Marati L, Pugliese A, Levante M, Ferrara G, de Carlo E, Amoroso MG, Montagnaro S. Prevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats from southern Italy: a 10-year cross-sectional study. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1260081. [PMID: 38026675 PMCID: PMC10657833 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1260081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are well-known retroviruses causing important infections in domestic cats worldwide. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of FeLV and FIV infections in cat living indoor and outdoor in southern Italy. Methods The survey was conducted on 1322 stray and owned cats from the regions of Campania, Basilicata, and Calabria. It was carried out over a 10-year period to obtain a more realistic picture of the prevalence of these retroviral diseases in the country. FIV and FeLV status was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercial kit (SNAP Combo Plus FeLV/FIV, IDEXX). Risk factors were analysed by logistic regression. Results and Discussion The results showed that 101/1322 (7.64%) cats were positive for FeLV antigen and 110/1322 (8.32%) cats were positive for FIV antibody. Twenty-six of the 1322 cats (1.97%) were positive for both FIV and FeLV infection. Our results are similar to those published in recent studies in Europe. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between year, province, region, lifestyle and risk of FeLV infection. FIV positivity was instead statistically associated only with year and lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Fusco
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Luisa Marati
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Annamaria Pugliese
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Martina Levante
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Ferrara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Esterina de Carlo
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Amoroso
- Unit of Virology, Department of Animal Health, Zooprofilactic Institute of Southern Italy, Portici, Italy
| | - Serena Montagnaro
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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Singh S, Davenport KA, Schooley E, Ruggiero A, Nassar S, Buch J, Chandrashekar R. Diagnostic Accuracy of a Point-of-Care Immunoassay for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Antibodies, Feline Leukemia Virus Antigen, and Dirofilaria immitis Antigen. Viruses 2023; 15:2117. [PMID: 37896893 PMCID: PMC10612086 DOI: 10.3390/v15102117] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are retroviral infections of cats worldwide whose clinical manifestations range from mild to severe disease. In both cases, infected cats can live a long life with proper care and should be managed to prevent infection of other cats. Dirofilaria immitis, the nematode that causes heartworm disease, can infect cats in any region where dogs are infected. Though cats are more resistant to infection, clinical diseases in the form of heartworm-associated respiratory disease can cause death. Screening for these infectious diseases enables veterinarians to manage their cases and prevent the spread to other cats. We describe the diagnostic accuracy of a point-of-care immunoassay for FIV, FeLV, and heartworm, compared to reference methods commonly available through reference laboratories to the practicing veterinarian. For FIV, we report 100% sensitivity (95% confidence limits (CL): 96.2-100%) and 97.8% specificity (95% CL: 95.4-99.4%). For FeLV, we report 100% sensitivity (95% CL: 97.7-100%) and 99.2% specificity (95% CL: 97.1-99.9%). And for heartworm, we report 90.2% sensitivity (95% CL: 76.9-97.3%) and 100% specificity (95% CL: 98.3-100%). Veterinarians may expect this performance relative to the reference methods they use for confirmatory serological testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Singh
- IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME 04092, USA; (K.A.D.); (E.S.); (A.R.); (S.N.); (J.B.)
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13
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Bik CA, Ruijter BR, Van den Bossche L, Teske E, Niessen SJM, Forcada Y. Pegylated-l-asparaginase therapy for feline large cell lymphoma: 82 cases (2017-2020). J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X231193536. [PMID: 37713175 PMCID: PMC10812027 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x231193536] [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] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to investigate pegylated-l-asparaginase monotherapy for feline large cell lymphoma as a potential alternative to palliative corticosteroids treatment in animals whose owners declined cytotoxic chemotherapy. METHODS A retrospective, descriptive case series of cats treated initially with pegylated-l-asparaginase as a sole therapy for feline large cell lymphoma is reported. The treatment protocol consisted of 12 intramuscular injections of pegylated-l-asparaginase with increasing intervals. If cats were unresponsive to pegylated-l-asparaginase monotherapy, a second-line treatment was initiated. Signalment, origin of lymphoma, staging, treatment, possible adverse events and follow-up data were extracted from the medical records. Responses and survival data were analysed. RESULTS Eighty-two cats with lymphoma of five different anatomic types were included: alimentary, abdominal extra-alimentary, peripheral nodal, nasal/nasopharyngeal and other (mediastinal, renal [solitary] and miscellaneous combined in one group for analytical purposes). The response rate was 74.1% (95% confidence interval = 63.4-83.5) with 38.3% (95% confidence interval = 27.8-48.8) in complete remission. The median disease-free period and calculated overall survival time were 70 days (12-1702+) and 79 days (1-1715+), respectively. The response rate was significantly correlated with the origin of the lymphoma and the combined group had a significantly lower response rate (P = 0.035). Twenty-four cats were also treated with corticosteroids. There was no significant difference in outcomes between the group treated with or without corticosteroids. Adverse events were present in a small number of cats (14/82). The majority of these adverse events were mild to moderate in 5/14 cats; however, the adverse events were severe enough to cause discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Based on the response rate and median disease-free period, treatment with pegylated-l-asparaginase is inferior when compared with historical chemotherapy protocols. However, some cats demonstrated an exceptional long disease-free period. Therefore, pegylated-l-asparaginase could be offered as an alternative to corticosteroid therapy alone. Further studies are needed to evaluate the additional benefit over palliative corticosteroid monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline A Bik
- Medisch centrum voor dieren Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart R Ruijter
- Medisch centrum voor dieren Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Erik Teske
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yaiza Forcada
- Veterinary Specialist Consultations, Hilversum, The Netherlands
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Marques S, Gomes-Neves E, Baptista CS, Pereira FR, Alves-Pereira A, Osório P, Müller A. A Survey on Vaccination and Disease Occurrence in Municipal and Non-Profit Animal Shelters in Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2723. [PMID: 37684987 PMCID: PMC10486493 DOI: 10.3390/ani13172723] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies are available describing animal shelters in Portugal. The aim was to characterize prophylactic measures and disease occurrence in shelters with a questionnaire. The response rates of 67 shelters (42 municipal shelters, 25 associations) were compared by the Fisher's exact test. More veterinarians answered for municipal shelters (98%) than for associations (40%; p < 0.001). Over 80% of the respondents indicated using individual medical records and routine prophylaxis. Excessive length of stay for dogs was reported by 54% of associations and 33% of municipal shelters. Management tools should be promoted to improve the situation. Puppy vaccinations were similar and a final vaccination at 16 weeks was indicated by >33% of shelters. Annual revaccination of dogs was reported more frequently by associations (88%) than municipal shelters (55%; p = 0.02). The three most reported diseases were parvovirus and mange in dogs, upper respiratory disease and panleukopenia in cats, and dermatophytosis in both species. Similar response rates for diagnostic options were obtained by both shelter types, except for distemper. Testing for feline retroviruses was indicated by most shelters (>69%), but only a few (<24%) confirmed positive test results. Clinical diagnoses should be complemented by testing. Additional information on disease occurrence should be obtained by objective monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Marques
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-N.); (C.S.B.); (F.R.P.)
- Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos (CIBIO), Laboratório Associado em Biodiversidade e Biologia Evolutiva (InBIO), University of Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Rua Padre Armando Quintas No. 7, 4485-661 Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Gomes-Neves
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-N.); (C.S.B.); (F.R.P.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA), Laboratório Associado AL4AnimalS, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia S. Baptista
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-N.); (C.S.B.); (F.R.P.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA), Laboratório Associado AL4AnimalS, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisca R. Pereira
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-N.); (C.S.B.); (F.R.P.)
| | | | - Pedro Osório
- Shelter Veterinarian, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.A.-P.); (P.O.)
| | - Alexandra Müller
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-N.); (C.S.B.); (F.R.P.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA), Laboratório Associado AL4AnimalS, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Giselbrecht J, Jähne S, Bergmann M, Meli ML, Pineroli B, Boenzli E, Teichmann-Knorrn S, Zablotski Y, Pennisi MG, Layachi N, Serra R, Bo S, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hartmann K. Prevalence of Different Courses of Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection in Four European Countries. Viruses 2023; 15:1718. [PMID: 37632060 PMCID: PMC10459464 DOI: 10.3390/v15081718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of progressive feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection is known to still be high in cats in Europe, especially in Southern Europe, but the prevalence of other outcomes of FeLV infection has not been determined in most countries. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of progressive, regressive, abortive, and focal infection in four European countries, two with a high (Italy, Portugal) and two with a low expected prevalence (Germany, France). Blood samples of 934 cats (Italy: 269; Portugal: 240; France: 107; Germany: 318) were evaluated for the p27 antigen, as well as anti-whole virus, anti-SU, and anti-p15E antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in serum and for proviral DNA by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in whole blood. Positive p27 antigen ELISA results were confirmed by reverse transcriptase-qPCR (RT-qPCR) detecting viral RNA in saliva swabs and/or blood. The outcome of FeLV infection was categorised as progressive (antigen-positive, provirus-positive), regressive (antigen-negative, provirus-positive), abortive (antigen- and provirus-negative, antibody-positive), and focal (antigen-positive, provirus-negative) infection. Overall FeLV prevalence was 21.2% in Italy, 20.4% in Portugal, 9.5% in Germany, and 9.3% in France. Prevalence of progressive, regressive, abortive, and focal infection in Italy was 7.8%, 4.5%, 6.3%, and 2.6%; in Portugal 3.8%, 8.3%, 6.7%, and 1.7%; in Germany 1.9%, 1.3%, 3.5%, and 2.8%; in France 1.9%, 3.7%, 2.8%, and 0.9%, respectively. In conclusion, overall FeLV prevalence is still very high, especially in Southern European countries. Therefore, testing, separation of infected cats, and vaccination are still important measures to reduce the risk of FeLV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Giselbrecht
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany; (S.J.); (M.B.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Stéphanie Jähne
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany; (S.J.); (M.B.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany; (S.J.); (M.B.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Centre for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.); (B.P.); (E.B.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Benita Pineroli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Centre for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.); (B.P.); (E.B.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Eva Boenzli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Centre for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.); (B.P.); (E.B.); (R.H.-L.)
| | | | - Yury Zablotski
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany; (S.J.); (M.B.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | | | | | - 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 Centre for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.); (B.P.); (E.B.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany; (S.J.); (M.B.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
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16
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Duijvestijn MBHM, Schuurman NNMP, Vernooij JCM, van Leeuwen MAJM, Bosch BJ, van den Brand JMA, Wagenaar JA, van Kuppeveld FJM, Egberink HF, Verhagen JH. Serological Survey of Retrovirus and Coronavirus Infections, including SARS-CoV-2, in Rural Stray Cats in The Netherlands, 2020-2022. Viruses 2023; 15:1531. [PMID: 37515217 PMCID: PMC10385588 DOI: 10.3390/v15071531] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Stray cats can host (zoonotic) viral pathogens and act as a source of infection for domestic cats or humans. In this cross-sectional (sero)prevalence study, sera from 580 stray cats living in 56 different cat groups in rural areas in The Netherlands were collected from October 2020 to July 2022. These were used to investigate the prevalence of the cat-specific feline leukemia virus (FeLV, n = 580), the seroprevalence of the cat-specific feline viruses feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV, n = 580) and feline coronavirus (FCoV, n = 407), and the zoonotic virus severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2, n = 407) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). ELISA-positive results were confirmed using Western blot (FIV) or pseudovirus neutralization test (SARS-CoV-2). The FIV seroprevalence was 5.0% (95% CI (Confidence Interval) 3.4-7.1) and ranged from 0-19.0% among groups. FIV-specific antibodies were more often detected in male cats, cats ≥ 3 years and cats with reported health problems. No FeLV-positive cats were found (95% CI 0.0-0.6). The FCoV seroprevalence was 33.7% (95% CI 29.1-38.5) and ranged from 4.7-85.7% among groups. FCoV-specific antibodies were more often detected in cats ≥ 3 years, cats with reported health problems and cats living in industrial areas or countryside residences compared to cats living at holiday parks or campsites. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against the subunit 1 (S1) and receptor binding domain (RBD) protein were detected in 2.7% (95% CI 1.4-4.8) of stray cats, but sera were negative in the pseudovirus neutralization test and therefore were considered SARS-CoV-2 suspected. Our findings suggest that rural stray cats in The Netherlands can be a source of FIV and FCoV, indicating a potential risk for transmission to other cats, while the risk for FeLV is low. However, suspected SARS-CoV-2 infections in these cats were uncommon. We found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 cat-to-cat spread in the studied stray cat groups and consider the likelihood of spillover to humans as low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam B H M Duijvestijn
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nancy N M P Schuurman
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes C M Vernooij
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Berend-Jan Bosch
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M A van den Brand
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J M van Kuppeveld
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Herman F Egberink
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Josanne H Verhagen
- Clinical Infectiology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Section of Virology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Kornya M, Bienzle D, Beeler-Marfisi J. Discordant FeLV p27 immunoassay and PCR test results in 21 cats with hematologic disorders. J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X231183297. [PMID: 37439634 PMCID: PMC10812061 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x231183297] [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] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
CASE SERIES SUMMARY A total of 1692 medical records from a primary care feline practice and a veterinary referral hospital were evaluated retrospectively to assess discordant feline leukemia virus (FeLV) test results. In total, 73 cats were positive for FeLV using serum in a lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) or laboratory-based ELISA. Of these cats, 21 subsequently tested negative for FeLV proviral DNA by non-quantitative PCR on EDTA whole blood (16/21, 76.2%), bone marrow (4/21, 19%) or both (1/21, 4.7%). The proportional morbidity (an estimate of prevalence in a sample of the total population) for FeLV by LFI/ELISA and PCR assays was 3.1%, consistent with that reported in previous studies for cats in North America. Cats with discordant LFI/ELISA and PCR results had either primary bone marrow disease (18 autoimmune, one neoplastic), a bone marrow insult (hemotrophic mycoplasmosis) or systemic inflammation (pyothorax with a marked neutrophilic leukocytosis). The percentage of cats with a positive LFA/ELISA result and negative PCR assay surviving to discharge was 85.7% (18/21). Of these, 88.9% (16/18) survived 4 months to 6 years. Seven cats (33.3%) were re-tested with LFI or ELISA once primary disease was controlled, and all tested negative. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION These findings indicate that in cats with bone marrow disease that shares features of progressive FeLV infection, positive LFI and ELISA FeLV test results should be followed up with FeLV proviral DNA PCR testing, particularly in populations where disease prevalence is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kornya
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Dorothee Bienzle
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Janet Beeler-Marfisi
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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18
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Ortiz R, Barajas A, Pons-Grífols A, Trinité B, Tarrés-Freixas F, Rovirosa C, Urrea V, Barreiro A, Gonzalez-Tendero A, Cardona M, Ferrer L, Clotet B, Carrillo J, Aguilar-Gurrieri C, Blanco J. Exploring FeLV-Gag-Based VLPs as a New Vaccine Platform-Analysis of Production and Immunogenicity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109025. [PMID: 37240371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in domestic cats. Although different commercial vaccines are available, none of them provides full protection. Thus, efforts to design a more efficient vaccine are needed. Our group has successfully engineered HIV-1 Gag-based VLPs that induce a potent and functional immune response against the HIV-1 transmembrane protein gp41. Here, we propose to use this concept to generate FeLV-Gag-based VLPs as a novel vaccine strategy against this retrovirus. By analogy to our HIV-1 platform, a fragment of the FeLV transmembrane p15E protein was exposed on FeLV-Gag-based VLPs. After optimization of Gag sequences, the immunogenicity of the selected candidates was evaluated in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, showing strong cellular and humoral responses to Gag but failing to generate anti-p15E antibodies. Altogether, this study not only tests the versatility of the enveloped VLP-based vaccine platform but also sheds light on FeLV vaccine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ortiz
- AIDS Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Doctorate School, Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ana Barajas
- AIDS Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Doctorate School, Medicine Department, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Anna Pons-Grífols
- AIDS Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Doctorate School, Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Benjamin Trinité
- AIDS Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Carla Rovirosa
- AIDS Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Victor Urrea
- AIDS Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Bonaventura Clotet
- AIDS Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Doctorate School, Medicine Department, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), 08500 Vic, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Department, Germans Trias I Pujol Hospital, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Jorge Carrillo
- AIDS Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Julià Blanco
- AIDS Research Institute, IrsiCaixa, Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Doctorate School, Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Doctorate School, Medicine Department, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), 08500 Vic, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
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19
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Kuhlmeier E, Chan T, Meli ML, Willi B, Wolfensberger A, Reitt K, Hüttl J, Jones S, Tyson G, Hosie MJ, Zablotski Y, Hofmann-Lehmann R. A Risk Factor Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Animals in COVID-19-Affected Households. Viruses 2023; 15:731. [PMID: 36992440 PMCID: PMC10051903 DOI: 10.3390/v15030731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A higher prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals that have close contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive humans ("COVID-19 households") has been demonstrated in several countries. This prospective study aimed to determine the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in animals from Swiss COVID-19 households and to assess the potential risk factors for infection. The study included 226 companion animals (172 cats, 76.1%; 49 dogs, 21.7%; and 5 other animals, 2.2%) from 122 COVID-19 households with 336 human household members (including 230 SARS-CoV-2-positive people). The animals were tested for viral RNA using an RT-qPCR and/or serologically for antibodies and neutralizing activity. Additionally, surface samples from animal fur and beds underwent an RT-qPCR. A questionnaire about hygiene, animal hygiene, and contact intensity was completed by the household members. A total of 49 of the 226 animals (21.7%) from 31 of the 122 households (25.4%) tested positive/questionably positive for SARS-CoV-2, including 37 of the 172 cats (21.5%) and 12 of the 49 dogs (24.5%). The surface samples tested positive significantly more often in households with SARS-CoV-2-positive animals than in households with SARS-CoV-2-negative animals (p = 0.011). Significantly more animals tested positive in the multivariable analysis for households with minors. For cats, a shorter length of outdoor access and a higher frequency of removing droppings from litterboxes were factors that were significantly associated with higher infection rates. The study emphasizes that the behavior of owners and the living conditions of animals can influence the likelihood of a SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the infection transmission and dynamics in animals, as well as to identify the possible risk factors for animals in infected households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Kuhlmeier
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Tatjana Chan
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Aline Wolfensberger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Katja Reitt
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (K.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Julia Hüttl
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland; (K.R.); (J.H.)
| | - Sarah Jones
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (S.J.); (G.T.)
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Grace Tyson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK; (S.J.); (G.T.)
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (M.L.M.); (R.H.-L.)
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20
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Halstead SK, Jackson M, Bianchi E, Rupp S, Granger N, Menchetti M, Galli G, Freeman P, Kaczmarska A, Bhatti SFM, Brocal J, José‐López R, Tipold A, Gutierrez Quintana R, Ives EJ, Liatis T, Nessler J, Rusbridge C, Willison HJ, Rupp A. Serum anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a ganglioside IgG antibodies are biomarkers for immune-mediated polyneuropathies in cats. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2023; 28:32-40. [PMID: 36573790 PMCID: PMC10946849 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent work identified anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a IgG ganglioside antibodies as biomarkers in dogs clinically diagnosed with acute canine polyradiculoneuritis, in turn considered a canine equivalent of Guillain-Barré syndrome. This study aims to investigate the serum prevalence of similar antibodies in cats clinically diagnosed with immune-mediated polyneuropathies. The sera from 41 cats clinically diagnosed with immune-mediated polyneuropathies (IPN), 9 cats with other neurological or neuromuscular disorders (ONM) and 46 neurologically normal cats (CTRL) were examined for the presence of IgG antibodies against glycolipids GM1, GM2, GD1a, GD1b, GalNAc-GD1a, GA1, SGPG, LM1, galactocerebroside and sulphatide. A total of 29/41 IPN-cats had either anti-GM2 or anti-GalNAc-GD1a IgG antibodies, with 24/29 cats having both. Direct comparison of anti-GM2 (sensitivity: 70.7%; specificity: 78.2%) and anti-GalNAc-GD1a (sensitivity: 70.7%; specificity: 70.9%) antibodies narrowly showed anti-GM2 IgG antibodies to be the better marker for identifying IPN-cats when compared to the combined ONM and CTRL groups (P = .049). Anti-GA1 and/or anti-sulphatide IgG antibodies were ubiquitously present across all sample groups, whereas antibodies against GM1, GD1a, GD1b, SGPG, LM1 and galactocerebroside were overall only rarely observed. Anti-GM2 and anti-GalNAc-GD1a IgG antibodies may serve as serum biomarkers for immune-mediated polyneuropathies in cats, as previously observed in dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K. Halstead
- Neuroimmunology Laboratories, School of Infection and ImmunityUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Mark Jackson
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowBearsdenUK
| | - Ezio Bianchi
- Department of Veterinary ScienceUniversity of ParmaParmaItaly
| | | | - Nicolas Granger
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary CollegeUniversity of LondonHatfieldUK
- CVS ReferralsBristol Veterinary SpecialistsBristolUK
| | - Marika Menchetti
- Neurology and Neurosurgery DivisionSan Marco Veterinary Clinic and LaboratoryVeggianoItaly
| | - Greta Galli
- Neurology and Neurosurgery DivisionSan Marco Veterinary Clinic and LaboratoryVeggianoItaly
| | - Paul Freeman
- Queens Veterinary School Hospital, Dept of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Adriana Kaczmarska
- Small Animal Hospital, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Sofie F. M. Bhatti
- Small Animal Department, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineGhent UniversityMerelbekeBelgium
| | | | | | - Andrea Tipold
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Veterinary Medicine FoundationHannoverGermany
| | - Rodrigo Gutierrez Quintana
- Small Animal Hospital, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | - Theofanis Liatis
- Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary CollegeUniversity of LondonHatfieldUK
- Small Animal Hospital, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Jasmin Nessler
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Veterinary Medicine FoundationHannoverGermany
| | - Clare Rusbridge
- School of Veterinary MedicineThe University of SurreyGuildfordUK
| | - Hugh J. Willison
- Neuroimmunology Laboratories, School of Infection and ImmunityUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Angie Rupp
- Division of Pathology, Public Health and Disease Investigation, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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21
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de Mello LS, Ribeiro PR, de Almeida BA, Bandinelli MB, Sonne L, Driemeier D, Pavarini SP. Diseases associated with feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection: A retrospective study of 1470 necropsied cats (2010-2020). Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 95:101963. [PMID: 36858000 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.101963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses affecting cats worldwide, and the prevalence of infection varies considerably according to the geographic area. We retrospectively described FIV- and FeLV-associated diseases in a population of 1470 necropsied cats, of which 396 (26.9%) were infected with FeLV, 199 (13.5%) with FIV, and 134 (9.1%) with FeLV and FIV concomitantly. Cats infected with FeLV (OR 3.4) and co-infected with FeLV and FIV (OR 1.9) were more likely to have neoplasms. The diagnosis of lymphoma and leukemia was higher in cats infected with FeLV (OR 3.9 and 19.4, respectively) and coinfected with FeLV and FIV (OR 1.9 and 19.3, respectively). The odds of diagnosing bacterial diseases were higher in cats coinfected with FeLV and FIV (OR: 2.8), whereas the odds of viral diseases were higher in those infected with FeLV (OR: 2.8), with 2.2 times more diagnoses of feline infectious peritonitis. Neoplastic and infectious diseases in FIV-infected cats did not differ significantly from those in uninfected cats. According to our results, a high prevalence of retroviral infections was observed in southern Brazil, mainly in relation to FeLV. Infected cats were significantly younger than uninfected cats. The main causes of death associated with FeLV infection and FeLV and FIV coinfection were neoplastic and infectious diseases. In contrast, FIV infection was not associated with any specific condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Santos de Mello
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Paula Reis Ribeiro
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Albuquerque de Almeida
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Marcele Bettim Bandinelli
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Sonne
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - David Driemeier
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
| | - Saulo Petinatti Pavarini
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 9090 Av. Bento Gonçalves, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil.
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22
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Westman ME, Giselbrecht J, Norris JM, Malik R, Green J, Burton-Bradley E, Cheang A, Meili T, Meli ML, Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Field Performance of a Rapid Test to Detect Progressive, Regressive, and Abortive Feline Leukemia Virus Infections in Domestic Cats in Australia and Germany. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020491. [PMID: 36851705 PMCID: PMC9967048 DOI: 10.3390/v15020491] [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: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Different feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection outcomes are possible in cats following natural exposure, such as progressive infections (persistent viremia), regressive infections (transient or no viremia followed by proviral persistence) and abortive infections (presence of only antibodies). Laboratory-based testing is currently required for categorization of infection outcomes in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the field performance of a novel, rapid, combination point-of-care (PoC) test kit commercially available in Europe (v-RetroFel®Ag/Ab; 2020-2021 version) to determine different FeLV infection outcomes by concurrent detection of FeLV antigen (p27) and antibodies against FeLV transmembrane envelope protein (p15E). A secondary aim was to evaluate the performance of the same test kit (v-RetroFel®FIV) to determine positive/negative feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection status by the detection of antibodies to FIV capsid protein (p24) and transmembrane glycoprotein (gp40). Two cohorts of domestic cats were recruited and tested with v-RetroFel® using plasma or serum, including cats in Australia (n = 200) and cats in Germany (n = 170). Results from p27 antigen PoC testing, proviral DNA PCR, and neutralizing antibody testing or testing for antibodies against non-glycosylated surface unit envelope protein (p45) were used to assign cats to groups according to different FeLV infection outcomes. Testing with a laboratory-based FeLV p15E antibody ELISA was also performed for comparison. In the first cohort, v-RetroFel®Ag/Ab correctly identified 89% (109/122) FeLV-unexposed cats and 91% (21/23) progressive infections, but no regressive (0/23) or abortive (0/32) infections. In the second cohort, v-RetroFel®Ag/Ab correctly identified 94% (148/158) FeLV-unexposed cats and 100% (4/4) progressive infections, but no regressive (0/2) and only 17% (1/6) abortive infections. There was test agreement between v-RetroFel®Ab and the p15E laboratory ELISA in 58.9% of samples. As a secondary outcome of this study, the sensitivity and specificity of v-RetroFel®FIV testing in cohort 1 were 94.7% (18/19) and 98.3% (178/181), and in cohort 2, 30.0% (3/10) and 100.0% (160/160), respectively. Prior history of FIV vaccination did not produce any false-positive FIV results. In conclusion, v-RetroFel®Ag/Ab (2020-2021 version) was unable to accurately determine different FeLV infection outcomes in the field. Improvements of the test prior to application to field samples are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E. Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Juliana Giselbrecht
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, The University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline M. Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- The Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - Jennifer Green
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Elle Burton-Bradley
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ashley Cheang
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Theres Meili
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, The University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, The University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, The University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Khalife S, Kassaa IA. Occurrence and risk factors of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) in cats of Lebanon. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 93:101931. [PMID: 36565524 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2020 and August 2021. Blood samples were collected from 260 household cats recruited in different clinics in North and Mount Lebanon, with the aim of determining the seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). The seroprevalence reported reached 18.84% (95% CI 0.14-0.24) and 13.84% (95% CI 0.09-0.18) for FIV and FeLV, respectively. FIV seropositivity was associated with a younger age, health and neuter status, lymphoma, lethargy, and vomiting. Furthermore, male sex, neuter status, lymphoma, anaemia, lethargy, and vomiting were significantly associated with FeLV seropositivity. This first data from Lebanon emphasizes the need for implementing preventive programmes to cope with FIV- and FeLV-associated morbidity and mortality among cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Khalife
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Tripoli, Lebanon.
| | - Imad Al Kassaa
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli, Lebanon
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24
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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.
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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
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Kuhlmeier E, Chan T, Agüí CV, Willi B, Wolfensberger A, Beisel C, Topolsky I, Beerenwinkel N, Stadler T, Jones S, Tyson G, Hosie MJ, Reitt K, Hüttl J, Meli ML, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Detection and Molecular Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant and the Specific Immune Response in Companion Animals in Switzerland. Viruses 2023; 15:245. [PMID: 36680285 PMCID: PMC9864232 DOI: 10.3390/v15010245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In human beings, there are five reported variants of concern of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, in contrast to human beings, descriptions of infections of animals with specific variants are still rare. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals in close contact with SARS-CoV-2-positive owners ("COVID-19 households") with a focus on the Delta variant. Samples, obtained from companion animals and their owners were analyzed using a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Animals were also tested for antibodies and neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2. Eleven cats and three dogs in nine COVID-19-positive households were RT-qPCR and/or serologically positive for the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. For seven animals, the genetic sequence could be determined. The animals were infected by one of the pangolin lineages B.1.617.2, AY.4, AY.43 and AY.129 and between zero and three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected between the viral genomes of animals and their owners, indicating within-household transmission between animal and owner and in multi-pet households also between the animals. NGS data identified SNPs that occur at a higher frequency in the viral sequences of companion animals than in viral sequences of humans, as well as SNPs, which were exclusively found in the animals investigated in the current study and not in their owners. In conclusion, our study is the first to describe the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant transmission to animals in Switzerland and provides the first-ever description of Delta-variant pangolin lineages AY.129 and AY.4 in animals. Our results reinforce the need of a One Health approach in the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Kuhlmeier
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tatjana Chan
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia Valenzuela Agüí
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aline Wolfensberger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beisel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Topolsky
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niko Beerenwinkel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Stadler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Sarah Jones
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Grace Tyson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Katja Reitt
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Julia Hüttl
- Center for Laboratory Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Frohbergstrasse 3, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Edinboro CH. Feral Cat Populations and Feline Retrovirus Prevalence in San Mateo County, California in Three Time Periods between 2001 and 2016. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243477. [PMID: 36552398 PMCID: PMC9774651 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was initiated in 2004 because the prevalence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections in feral cats in San Mateo County (SMC) was not known. The cities attributed to the feral cat population presented to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Spay/Neuter Clinic and to the Shelter itself were analyzed to examine potential geographic concentrations of feral cats with positive retroviral status. Trends in FIV and FeLV status were examined in three 3-year periods (2001−2003, 2005−2007, and 2014−2016). Population trends over the 15 years of this study for feral cats admitted to the Shelter were also examined. In each study period, more female feral cats were presented to the S/N Clinic (54.06%, 57.37%, 54.89%). FIV prevalence increased from 5.52% to 6.41% (p = 0.29) from the first to third period; FeLV prevalence decreased significantly from 1.73% to 0.29% (p = 0.01). Significantly more FIV-positive males than females were identified each year and for each period (p < 0.01). The four largest SMC cities were the major source of feral cats to the Shelter, S/N Clinic, and of FIV- and FeLV-positive cats in the first two periods; in the third period, 50% of feral cats to the Shelter and of FeLV-positive cats were from these cities. Despite a 61.63% reduction in feral cat admissions to the S/N Clinic, the FIV prevalence for males remained similar and increased for females. The retrovirus prevalence suggests the need for continued testing and surveillance of FIV among SMC free-living cats.
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Clinicopathological Findings in Cats Tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV). ACTA VET-BEOGRAD 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/acve-2022-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological changes in a population of cats tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), in an Italian Veterinary University Hospital, in the period between January 2002 and May 2016. During the period of 14 years, 1834 cats were tested, and of these 241/1834 (13.1%) were positive for FIV antibodies and 92/1834 (5%) cats were positive for FeLV antigen. These data confirm the presence of a high prevalence of these viruses on Italian territory. To the authors’ knowledge, this study describes findings that have never been evaluated before, such as iron status in retrovirus-infected cats and urinalysis in FeLV-positive cats. In this study, FIV-positive cats were more likely to have higher serum protein concentration and lower albumin-globulin ratio than other groups of cats. Lower urine specific gravity and higher urine protein to creatinine ratio were also detected for FIV-positive cats when compared with negative and healthy cats. FeLV-positive cats were more likely to have cytopenia, decreased haemoglobin, haematocrit and RBC compared with other groups of cats. The data obtained underline the importance of considering retroviral infections in the presence of a broad spectrum of risk factors and laboratory anomalies.
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28
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A Retrospective Study of Viral Molecular Prevalences in Cats in Southern Italy (Campania Region). Viruses 2022; 14:v14112583. [PMID: 36423192 PMCID: PMC9699332 DOI: 10.3390/v14112583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
From 2019 to 2021, a retrospective molecular study was conducted in the Campania region (southern Italy) to determine the prevalence of viral diseases in domestic cats. A total of 328 dead animals were analyzed by Real-Time PCR for the presence of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline enteric coronavirus (FCoV), rotavirus (RVA), feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), and feline calicivirus (FCV). The possible presence of SARS-CoV-2 was also investigated by Real-Time PCR. The cats included in this study were specifically sourced and referred by local veterinarians and local authorities to the Zooprofilactic Experimental Institute of Southern Italy (IZSM) for pathological evaluation. The samples consisted of owners, catteries, and stray cats. Results revealed: 73.5% positive cats for FPV (189/257), 23.6% for FeLV (21/89), 21.5% for FCoV (56/266), 11.4% for RVA (16/140), 9.05% for FeHV-1 (21/232), and 7.04 for FCV (15/213). In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 was never detected. FPV was more prevalent in winter (p = 0.0027). FCoV FHV-1, FCV, and RVA predominated in autumn, whereas FeLV predominated in summer. As expected, viral infections were found more frequently in outdoor and shelter cats than in indoor ones, although no statistical association was found between animal lifestyle and viral presence. The study showed a high prevalence of FPV, FeLV, and FCoV and a moderate prevalence of RVA, FHV-1, and FCV. Moreover, the prevalence of these pathogens varied among the cat populations investigated.
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29
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Moreno–García NP, Camargo–Poveda AM, Caro LG, Andrade–Becerra RJ. Virus de la leucemia e inmunodeficiencia felina: un estudio retrospectivo en clínicas veterinarias particulares en Bogotá y Chía (Colombia), 2015-2019. REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA VETERINARIA Y DE ZOOTECNIA 2022. [DOI: 10.15446/rfmvz.v69n2.103264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Los virus de inmunodeficiencia y leucemia felina representan un problema de gran envergadura para los felinos domésticos debido a la multiplicidad de sintomatologías que manifiestan. El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer, retrospectivamente, la prevalencia en la presentación de ViLeF y VIF en pacientes de seis clínicas de pequeños animales en Bogotá y Chía, en relación con factores como su edad, raza y género. Se realizó un estudio transversal y retrospectivo, mediante la recopilación de datos de 1.014 historias clínicas de pacientes felinos que ingresaron a seis clínicas de la ciudad de Bogotá y Chía, para determinar la prevalencia de VIF y ViLeF y la asociación de estas con factores como edad, género y raza, entre 2015 y 2019, a través de la prueba OR. La detección de los virus se realizó mediante una prueba rápida basada en inmunocromatografía. La mayor prevalencia para cada enfermedad por año fue: 12,3% para VIF en 2012 y 18% para ViLeF en 2019. Los machos presentaron mayores seroprevalencias para ambas enfermedades durante la mayoría los años evaluados. Factores como raza (criolla: VIF: 1,85; ViLeF: 2,01), género (macho: VIF: 1,53 OR; ViLeF: 1,64) y edad (> 7 años: VIF: 3,82; ViLeF: 3,21) se relacionaron positivamente con la presentación de ambas enfermedades en la población felina evaluada.
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | | | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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31
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Scavone D, Lauzi S, Stranieri A, Tramontano G, Ratti G, Paltrinieri S. Evaluating the presence of domestic cat hepadnavirus viraemia in cats with biochemical alterations suggestive of liver disease. Vet Rec 2022; 191:e1626. [PMID: 35393638 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.1626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) infection and feline chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma has been suggested. However, studies focused on the association between DCH infection and clinicopathological changes consistent with liver disease in cats are not available. METHODS This retrospective investigation included sera obtained from 96 cats that had the serum activity of at least alanine aminotransferase or alkaline phosphatase measured during initial diagnostic work-up. Based on these haematobiochemical results, cats were categorised according to their likelihood of having liver disease (absent, low, intermediate or high). DCH DNA was detected using real-time PCR, nested PCR and sequencing. RESULTS Overall, potential liver damage was observed in 44 cats, including cats with low (n = 14), intermediate (n = 10) and high (n = 20) likelihood of liver disease. Four cats (4.2%) were DCH-positive, with three positive cats belonging to the liver disease group (two with low and one with intermediate likelihood of liver disease). CONCLUSIONS Although the pathogenic potential of DCH in cats still has to be clarified, these results suggest that DCH testing should not be based only on the presence of biochemical changes potentially consistent with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Scavone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Stefania Lauzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Angelica Stranieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Giada Tramontano
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ratti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Lodi, Italy
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Kuhlmeier E, Chan T, Klaus J, Pineroli B, Geisser E, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML. A Pre- and Within-Pandemic Survey of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Saliva Swabs from Stray Cats in Switzerland. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040681. [PMID: 35458411 PMCID: PMC9024816 DOI: 10.3390/v14040681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cats have been shown to be highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and transmission within the species has been demonstrated experimentally. In cats undergoing natural SARS-CoV-2 infections, human-to-animal transmission was mostly suspected. It can be postulated that, in stray cats with no or only minimal contact with humans, SARS-CoV-2 may pose a minor risk. The current study investigated the prevalence of active SARS-CoV-2 infections in Swiss stray cats using quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Saliva swabs from 1405 stray cats were collected in 14 Swiss cantons. The animals were sampled between February 2019 and February 2020 (pre-COVID-19 cohort: 523 cats) and between February 2020 and August 2021 (COVID-19 cohort: 882 cats). All the samples were tested by RT-qPCR, amplifying the envelope (E) gene and, in case of positive or inconclusive results, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene of SARS-CoV-2. No SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA could be detected in any of the tested saliva swab samples. Our findings support the assumption that SARS-CoV-2 infections in stray cats are not highly prevalent in Switzerland. Nevertheless, the monitoring of stray cats and other susceptible animal species is necessary, since the “One Health” approach has been recognized as being essential to successfully fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Kuhlmeier
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.K.); (B.P.); (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-79-869-4162
| | - Tatjana Chan
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.K.); (B.P.); (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Julia Klaus
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.K.); (B.P.); (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Benita Pineroli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.K.); (B.P.); (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Esther Geisser
- NetAP—Network for Animal Protection, Vogelsangstrasse 32, 8133 Esslingen, Switzerland;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.K.); (B.P.); (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.C.); (J.K.); (B.P.); (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
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Paulo C, Machado I, Carvalho H, Gomes J, Deodato Mota A, Tavares L, Almeida V, Gil S. A 5-year retrospective study of canine and feline patients referred to an isolation unit for infectious diseases. Vet Rec Open 2021; 8:e5. [PMID: 33981439 PMCID: PMC8110126 DOI: 10.1002/vro2.5] [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: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Referral of cases is becoming more and more frequent in companion animal practice. The Infectious Diseases Isolation Unit (IDIU) admits first opinion, second opinion and referred patients with a confirmed infectious disease (ID) or a clinically suspected ID that is awaiting laboratory diagnosis. The primary aims of this study were to describe the annual number and characteristics of patients referred to the IDIU and identify the most frequent IDs in referred dogs and cats. A secondary aim was to investigate possible differences in the length of the hospitalisation and the clinical outcome among referred cases and those admitted to the IDIU after first and second opinion appointments. METHODS A retrospective study was carried out on patients hospitalised at the unit over 5 years from 9th October 2013 to 31st December 2018. RESULTS The study population consisted of 365 dogs and 515 cats to give a total of 880 patients hospitalised at the IDIU from October 2013 to December 2018. Among the 96 referred dogs, parvovirosis (37.7%) and leptospirosis (31.1%) were the most frequent IDs. Feline upper respiratory tract infection (38.2%) and feline leukaemia virus infections (36.4%) were the main causes in the 80 referred cats. Worrying noncompliance rates of dog (51.0%) and cat (52.5%) vaccination schedules were identified. The analysis of the length of hospitalisation in the three groups of patients was not statistically different. In both animal species there were statistically significant higher clinical discharge rates on the first opinion patients' group in comparison to referred patients and the second opinion group. CONCLUSIONS Parvovirosis and leptospirosis in dogs and upper respiratory disease and feline leukaemia virus infection in cats were the most common diagnoses for patients admitted to the IDIU, reinforcing the need for accurate vaccination. Discharge rates results pinpoint the need for timely accurate reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Paulo
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Lisbon, Av. Universidade TécnicaLisbonPortugal
| | - Inês Machado
- CIISA‐ Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAv. Universidade TécnicaUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- Veterinary Teaching HospitalFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - Helena Carvalho
- Centro de Investigação e Estudos de Sociologia, University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE ‐ IUL)LisboaPortugal
| | - Joana Gomes
- Veterinary Teaching HospitalFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - Ana Deodato Mota
- Laranjeiras’ Veterinary HospitalRua São Tomás de Aquino, 8CLisbon1600‐203Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Lisbon, Av. Universidade TécnicaLisbonPortugal
- CIISA‐ Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAv. Universidade TécnicaUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - Virgílio Almeida
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Lisbon, Av. Universidade TécnicaLisbonPortugal
- CIISA‐ Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAv. Universidade TécnicaUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
| | - Solange Gil
- Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of Lisbon, Av. Universidade TécnicaLisbonPortugal
- CIISA‐ Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal HealthFaculty of Veterinary MedicineAv. Universidade TécnicaUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
- Veterinary Teaching HospitalFaculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of LisbonLisbonPortugal
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Adeno-Associated Vector-Delivered CRISPR/ SaCas9 System Reduces Feline Leukemia Virus Production In Vitro. Viruses 2021; 13:v13081636. [PMID: 34452500 PMCID: PMC8402633 DOI: 10.3390/v13081636] [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: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus of cats worldwide. High viral loads are associated with progressive infection and the death of the host, due to FeLV-associated disease. In contrast, low viral loads, an effective immune response, and a better clinical outcome can be observed in cats with regressive infection. We hypothesize that by lowering viral loads in progressively infected cats, using CRISPR/SaCas9-assisted gene therapy, the cat’s immune system may be permitted to direct the infection towards a regressive outcome. In a step towards this goal, the present study evaluates different adeno-associated vectors (AAVs) for their competence in delivering a gene editing system into feline cells, followed by investigations of the CRISPR/SaCas9 targeting efficiency for different sites within the FeLV provirus. Nine natural AAV serotypes, two AAV hybrid strains, and Anc80L65, an in silico predicted AAV ancestor, were tested for their potential to infect different feline cell lines and feline primary cells. AAV-DJ revealed superior infection efficiency and was thus employed in subsequent transduction experiments. The introduction of double-strand breaks, using the CRISPR/SaCas9 system targeting 12 selected FeLV provirus sites, was confirmed by T7 endonuclease 1 (T7E1), as well as Tracking of Indels by Decomposition (TIDE) analysis. The highest percentage (up to 80%) of nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) was found in the highly conserved gag and pol regions. Subsequent transduction experiments, using AAV-DJ, confirmed indel formation and showed a significant reduction in FeLV p27 antigen for some targets. The targeting of the FeLV provirus was efficient when using the CRISPR/SaCas9 approach in vitro. Whether the observed extent of provirus targeting will be sufficient to provide progressively FeLV-infected cats with the means to overcome the infection needs to be further investigated in vivo.
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Klaus J, Zini E, Hartmann K, Egberink H, Kipar A, Bergmann M, Palizzotto C, Zhao S, Rossi F, Franco V, Porporato F, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Dogs and Cats from Southern Germany and Northern Italy during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Viruses 2021; 13:1453. [PMID: 34452319 PMCID: PMC8402904 DOI: 10.3390/v13081453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected millions of people globally since its first detection in late 2019. Besides humans, cats and, to some extent, dogs were shown to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for surveillance in a One Health context. Seven veterinary clinics from regions with high incidences of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were recruited during the early pandemic (March to July 2020) for the screening of patients. A total of 2257 oropharyngeal and nasal swab specimen from 877 dogs and 260 cats (including 18 animals from COVID-19-affected households and 92 animals with signs of respiratory disease) were analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) targeting the viral envelope (E) and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes. One oropharyngeal swab from an Italian cat, living in a COVID-19-affected household in Piedmont, tested positive in RT-qPCR (1/260; 0.38%, 95% CI: 0.01-2.1%), and SARS-CoV-2 infection of the animal was serologically confirmed six months later. One oropharyngeal swab from a dog was potentially positive (1/877; 0.1%, 95% CI: 0.002-0.63%), but the result was not confirmed in a reference laboratory. Analyses of convenience sera from 118 animals identified one dog (1/94; 1.1%; 95% CI: 0.02-5.7%) from Lombardy, but no cats (0/24), as positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) antibodies and neutralizing activity. These findings support the hypothesis that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pet cat and dog populations, and hence, the risk of zoonotic transmission to veterinary staff, was low during the first wave of the pandemic, even in hotspot areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Klaus
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Eric Zini
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell′Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Herman Egberink
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.E.); (S.Z.)
| | - Anja Kipar
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 268, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Carlo Palizzotto
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Shan Zhao
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.E.); (S.Z.)
- Research Center of Swine Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Francesco Rossi
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Vittoria Franco
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Federico Porporato
- AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara, Strada Provinciale 9, 28060 Granozzo con Monticello, Novara, Italy; (E.Z.); (C.P.); (F.R.); (V.F.); (F.P.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.)
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Kokkinaki KG, Saridomichelakis MN, Leontides L, Mylonakis ME, Konstantinidis AO, Steiner JM, Suchodolski JS, Xenoulis PG. A prospective epidemiological, clinical, and clinicopathologic study of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection in 435 cats from Greece. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 78:101687. [PMID: 34225228 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses causing significant morbidity and mortality in cats. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and clinicopathologic aspects of FeLV and FIV infections in different populations of cats in Greece, including client-owned cats, stray cats and cats who live in catteries. A total of 435 cats were prospectively enrolled. Serological detection of FeLV antigen and FIV antibody was performed using a commercial in-house ELISA test kit. The results showed that 17 (3.9 %) and 40 (9.2 %) of the 435 cats were positive for FeLV antigen and FIV antibody, respectively, whereas 5 (1.1 %) had concurrent infection with FeLV and FIV. Factors that were associated with FeLV antigenemia, based on multivariate analysis, included vomiting, rhinitis, infection with FIV, neutropenia, decreased blood urea nitrogen and increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Factors associated with FIV seropositivity included male gender, older age, outdoor access, weight loss, fever, gingivostomatitis, skin lesions and/or pruritus and hyperglobulinemia. Various clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities were found to be significantly associated with retroviral infections, suggesting that current guidelines to test all sick cats should be followed, taking into particular consideration the high-risk groups of cats found in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Kokkinaki
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132, Karditsa, Greece.
| | - M N Saridomichelakis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132, Karditsa, Greece
| | - L Leontides
- Laboratory of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Animal Health Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132, Karditsa, Greece
| | - M E Mylonakis
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., GR-54627, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A O Konstantinidis
- Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 11 Stavrou Voutyra Str., GR-54627, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - J M Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, 4474-77843 TAMU, College Station, TX, USA
| | - J S Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, 4474-77843 TAMU, College Station, TX, USA
| | - P G Xenoulis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon Str., GR-43132, Karditsa, Greece; Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A & M University, 4474-77843 TAMU, College Station, TX, USA
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Abayli H, Can-Sahna K, Ozbek R, Aslan O, Tonbak S, Bulut H. Detection and molecular characterisation of feline viruses from swab samples. Acta Vet Hung 2021; 69:194-203. [PMID: 34138750 DOI: 10.1556/004.2021.00020] [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: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Feline calicivirus (FCV), feline alphaherpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) as well as retroviral agents such as feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are important viral pathogens of cats. The aim of this study was to detect and characterise FHV-1, FPLV, FeLV, FIV and feline foamy virus (FFV) in oropharyngeal, nasal and conjunctival swabs from 93 cats that had been screened for FCV previously. We wanted to determine the possible risk factors for infection with these viruses. The prevalence was found to be 12.9% for FHV-1 and 9.7% for FPLV. FIV was detected only in two samples and FeLV in one sample, whereas the presence of FFV was not demonstrated in any of the clinical samples. The statistical analysis of the results showed that breed, age, health status, and lifestyle are important predisposing factors to FHV-1 (P < 0.05). For FPLV, only clinically unhealthy animals were found to be at risk (P < 0.001). Sequence analysis revealed that the two FIV-positive samples in this study contained different (A and B) subtypes of the virus. This is the first report on the occurrence of subtype A FIV in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Abayli
- 1Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23110 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Kezban Can-Sahna
- 1Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23110 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Remziye Ozbek
- 1Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23110 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Oznur Aslan
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sukru Tonbak
- 1Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23110 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Hakan Bulut
- 3Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
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Beatty JA, Hartmann K. Advances in Feline Viruses and Viral Diseases. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050923. [PMID: 34067533 PMCID: PMC8156448 DOI: 10.3390/v13050923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Beatty
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences and Centre for Companion Animal Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
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Crozet G, Lacoste ML, Rivière J, Robardet E, Cliquet F, Dufour B. Management practices of dog and cat owners in France (pet traveling, animal contact rates and medical monitoring): Impacts on the introduction and the spread of directly transmitted infectious pet diseases. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1256-1273. [PMID: 33787076 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14088] [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: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A number of owner practices among the pet dog and cat population can influence the dynamics of directly transmitted infectious dog and cat diseases, including zoonotic ones. To better depict these management practices, which include pet traveling, contact rates with other companion animals and their medical monitoring (which herein includes prevention aspects), we surveyed 2,122 dog- and/or cat-owning French households through an anonymous online questionnaire. Trips with dogs within the European Union (EU) were frequent, while cats travelled less frequently within the EU and both cats and dogs travelled less frequently outside the EU. Recurrent illegal trips with dogs and cats (non-compliant with regulatory measures) were observed in a context of non-systematic pet border controls. We found that a large proportion of dogs are taken for walks in metropolitan France, with frequent intraspecific contacts (1.4 contacts/day on average), but only a minority (1.4%) of dogs were allowed to roam freely. On the other hand, 59.7% of cat owners allowed their cats to roam freely. We classified pet owners according to different profiles, some of which may be considered 'at risk' for directly transmitted infectious pet diseases. Indeed, one dog owner profile and one cat owner profile depict 'spreaders' of pet diseases (high connectivity with other individuals, little medical monitoring but no traveling) and another dog owner profile describes a potential 'introducer' and 'spreader' of pet diseases (foreign travel, high connectivity with other individuals, and intermediate medical monitoring). While these 'at risk' profiles represent only a minority of French pet owners, they should be better characterized to reinforce targeted prevention designed to minimize the risk of (re)introduction and (re)emergence of directly transmitted infectious dog and cat diseases in France, especially when considering zoonoses with a significant potential impact, such as rabies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Crozet
- Anses, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marie-Laure Lacoste
- Anses, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Julie Rivière
- Anses, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Emmanuelle Robardet
- Nancy OIE/WHO/EU Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, Anses, Malzéville, France
| | - Florence Cliquet
- Nancy OIE/WHO/EU Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, Anses, Malzéville, France
| | - Barbara Dufour
- Anses, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Seroprevalence of Infection with Feline Morbilliviruses Is Associated with FLUTD and Increased Blood Creatinine Concentrations in Domestic Cats. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040578. [PMID: 33808115 PMCID: PMC8065871 DOI: 10.3390/v13040578] [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: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline morbilliviruses (FeMV) are fairly newly discovered paramyxoviruses found in cats. The first description indicated an association with widely distributed chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the host species. In various studies, a global prevalence and a further genotype, designated FeMV-2, and the involvement of other organ systems in infected individuals were shown. Using an immunofluorescence assay, we detected an overall seroprevalence of FeMV in almost half of the cats investigated (n = 380), with a significantly increased proportion in younger animals. In comparison to European Shorthair cats, the rate of seropositivity is higher in pedigree cats. Regardless of the breed, FeMV infection was associated with increased blood creatinine concentrations, suggesting an association with CKD. Further analysis indicated that this association was the strongest in animals having high IFA titers against FeMV-2. In addition, a significant association between FeMV-positive status and the prevalence of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD, or idiopathic cystitis) was detected. This association was dominated by cats having antibodies against FeMV-1 only. To further evaluate the positive correlation between FeMV seroprevalence and CKD as well as FLUTD, consideration of additional clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters is warranted, and controlled infection studies with both FeMV genotypes are necessary. Clinicians should, however, be aware of a possible link between renal and lower urinary tract disease and FeMV infections.
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Klaus J, Meli ML, Willi B, Nadeau S, Beisel C, Stadler T, Egberink H, Zhao S, Lutz H, Riond B, Rösinger N, Stalder H, Renzullo S, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Detection and Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in a Domestic Cat with Respiratory Signs in Switzerland. Viruses 2021; 13:496. [PMID: 33802899 PMCID: PMC8002591 DOI: 10.3390/v13030496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in late 2019, domestic cats have been demonstrated to be susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) under natural and experimental conditions. As pet cats often live in very close contact with their owners, it is essential to investigate SARS-CoV-2 infections in cats in a One-Health context. This study reports the first SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cat in a COVID-19-affected household in Switzerland. The cat (Cat 1) demonstrated signs of an upper respiratory tract infection, including sneezing, inappetence, and apathy, while the cohabiting cat (Cat 2) remained asymptomatic. Nasal, oral, fecal, fur, and environmental swab samples were collected twice from both cats and analyzed by RT-qPCR for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA. Both nasal swabs from Cat 1 tested positive. In addition, the first oral swab from Cat 2 and fur and bedding swabs from both cats were RT-qPCR positive. The fecal swabs tested negative. The infection of Cat 1 was confirmed by positive SARS-CoV-2 S1 receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody testing and neutralizing activity in a surrogate assay. The viral genome sequence from Cat 1, obtained by next generation sequencing, showed the closest relation to a human sequence from the B.1.1.39 lineage, with one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) difference. This study demonstrates not only SARS-CoV-2 infection of a cat from a COVID-19-affected household but also contamination of the cats' fur and bed with viral RNA. Our results are important to create awareness that SARS-CoV-2 infected people should observe hygienic measures to avoid infection and contamination of animal cohabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Klaus
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.); (H.L.); (B.R.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.); (H.L.); (B.R.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Barbara Willi
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (B.W.); (N.R.)
| | - Sarah Nadeau
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.N.); (C.B.); (T.S.)
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Beisel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.N.); (C.B.); (T.S.)
| | - Tanja Stadler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (S.N.); (C.B.); (T.S.)
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Herman Egberink
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.E.); (S.Z.)
| | - Shan Zhao
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (H.E.); (S.Z.)
| | - Hans Lutz
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.); (H.L.); (B.R.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Barbara Riond
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.); (H.L.); (B.R.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Nina Rösinger
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (B.W.); (N.R.)
| | - Hanspeter Stalder
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; (H.S.); (S.R.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Renzullo
- Institute for Virology and Immunology IVI, Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; (H.S.); (S.R.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.L.M.); (H.L.); (B.R.); (R.H.-L.)
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Nájera F, Grande-Gómez R, Peña J, Vázquez A, Palacios MJ, Rueda C, Corona-Bravo AI, Zorrilla I, Revuelta L, Gil-Molino M, Jiménez J. Disease Surveillance during the Reintroduction of the Iberian Lynx ( Lynx pardinus) in Southwestern Spain. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020547. [PMID: 33669869 PMCID: PMC7923217 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The restoration of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) populations in Extremadura (Southwestern Spain) have been carried out since 2014. One of the measures to ensure the success of this program is to examine the effects that diseases may have on reintroduction. Since diseases may be greatly located at certain sites because of the specific ecological requirements of the pathogens and/or vectors, reintroduced individuals may present a risk of infection once released. To determine which pathogens the reintroduced individuals may encounter, we performed a molecular and sero-epidemiological survey in reintroduced and wild-born lynxes. From 2015 to 2019, 69 Iberian lynxes (40 reintroduced and 29 wild-born) were sampled and screened against 10 viral, bacterial and piroplasmid agents. In parallel, 195 sympatric carnivores from the families Canidae, Felidae, Viverridae, Herpestidae and Mustelidae were tested against current or past infections to six common canine/feline viruses. In the Iberian lynx, low contact rates of active infection were obtained for the feline leukemia provirus (FeLV: 1.5%; 1/67), feline parvovirus (FPV: 1.5%; 1/67) and Cytauxzoon sp. (6.7%; 1/15). We also confirmed the emergence of Aujeszky's disease (suid herpesvirus-1) in this population (SuHV-1: 11.8%; 2/17). Evidence of previous exposure was detected for canine distemper virus (CDV: 5.8%; 3/52), feline coronavirus (1.9%; 1/52), FPV (7.7%; 1/13) and feline calicivirus (FCV: 5.3%; 1/19). From 25 recovered lynx carcasses, we could confirm infectious etiology involvement in the death of four individuals (SuHV-1 in two individuals, coinfection of Cytauxzoon spp. and Aeromonas veronii in one lynx and a Streptococcus canis myositis in another lynx). We confirmed the circulation of CDV, FPV, FeLV, FCV and the feline immunodeficiency virus within the sympatric carnivore community. Due to the low contact rate of infectious agents in such a small, endangered population, we recommend continuing a disease surveillance program to determine the prognostic factors of survival, understand the role that disease may play during the reintroduction and anticipate disease outbreaks that may pose a risk for the entire reintroduced population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Nájera
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
- Asistencia Técnica de la Dirección General del Medio Natural y Desarrollo Sostenible de la Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, Plaza del Cardenal Siliceo s/n, 45071 Toledo, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Rebeca Grande-Gómez
- GPEX-Dirección General de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Extremadura, Avda. Luis Ramallo s/n, 06800 Mérida, Spain; (R.G.-G.); (J.P.); (A.V.)
- Organismo Autónomo Parques Nacionales, Zarza de Granadilla, 10710 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Jorge Peña
- GPEX-Dirección General de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Extremadura, Avda. Luis Ramallo s/n, 06800 Mérida, Spain; (R.G.-G.); (J.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Anastasio Vázquez
- GPEX-Dirección General de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Extremadura, Avda. Luis Ramallo s/n, 06800 Mérida, Spain; (R.G.-G.); (J.P.); (A.V.)
| | - María Jesús Palacios
- Dirección General de Medio Ambiente de la Junta de Extremadura, Avda. Luis Ramallo s/n, 06800 Mérida, Spain;
| | - Carmen Rueda
- Fundación CBD-Hábitat, C/Gustavo Fernández Balbuena 2, Entreplanta, Oficina A, 28002 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ana Isabel Corona-Bravo
- Centro de Análisis y Diagnóstico de la Fauna Silvestre, Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Avenida Lope de Vega 9, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (A.I.C.-B.); (I.Z.)
| | - Irene Zorrilla
- Centro de Análisis y Diagnóstico de la Fauna Silvestre, Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua de Andalucía, Consejería de Agricultura, Ganadería, Pesca y Desarrollo Sostenible, Junta de Andalucía, Avenida Lope de Vega 9, 29010 Málaga, Spain; (A.I.C.-B.); (I.Z.)
| | - Luis Revuelta
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María Gil-Molino
- Servicio de Recepción y Diagnostico de Muestras Biológicas, Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain;
| | - José Jiménez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos-(CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain;
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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.
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Szilasi A, Dénes L, Krikó E, Murray C, Mándoki M, Balka G. Prevalence of feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in domestic cats in Ireland. Acta Vet Hung 2021; 68:413-420. [PMID: 33459612 DOI: 10.1556/004.2020.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses affecting felid species worldwide. A study was performed over a period of 5 months in Ireland with the aim to get an updated and more realistic prevalence of these retroviruses. A total of 183 EDTA-anticoagulated whole-blood samples were collected from cats distributed between 10 clinics. The samples were tested using both point-of-care enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Basic clinical data and vaccination history were also recorded for the sampled cats. The results of ELISA tests showed a prevalence of 10.4 and 3.3% for FIV and FeLV, respectively, and an apparent prevalence of 9.3% for FIV and 11.6% for FeLV with PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial polymerase (pol) gene sequences obtained from 8 FIV-positive strains showed that all but one of the Irish strains belonged to FIV subtype A, and one to subtype B. The overall mean genetic similarity between the analysed strains was 91.15%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szilasi
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lilla Dénes
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Krikó
- 2Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Caoimhe Murray
- 3Suirside Veterinary Clinic, Townparks, Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
| | - Míra Mándoki
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gyula Balka
- 1Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary
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Saegerman C, Bianchini J, Renault V, Haddad N, Humblet MF. First expert elicitation of knowledge on drivers of emergence of the COVID-19 in pets. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:626-636. [PMID: 32654387 PMCID: PMC7405184 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13724] [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: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Infection with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) induces the coronavirus infectious disease 19 (COVID‐19). Its pandemic form in human population and its probable animal origin, along with recent case reports in pets, make drivers of emergence crucial in domestic carnivore pets, especially cats, dogs and ferrets. Few data are available in these species; we first listed forty‐six possible drivers of emergence of COVID‐19 in pets, regrouped in eight domains (i.e. pathogen/disease characteristics, spatial‐temporal distance of outbreaks, ability to monitor, disease treatment and control, characteristics of pets, changes in climate conditions, wildlife interface, human activity, and economic and trade activities). Secondly, we developed a scoring system per driver, then elicited scientific experts (N = 33) to: (a) allocate a score to each driver, (b) weight the drivers scores within each domain and (c) weight the different domains between them. Thirdly, an overall weighted score per driver was calculated; drivers were ranked in decreasing order. Fourthly, a regression tree analysis was used to group drivers with comparable likelihood to play a role in the emergence of COVID‐19 in pets. Finally, the robustness of the expert elicitation was verified. Five drivers were ranked with the highest probability to play a key role in the emergence of COVID‐19 in pets: availability and quality of diagnostic tools, human density close to pets, ability of preventive/control measures to avoid the disease introduction or spread in a country (except treatment, vaccination and reservoir(s) control), current species specificity of the disease‐causing agent and current knowledge on the pathogen. As scientific knowledge on the topic is scarce and still uncertain, expert elicitation of knowledge, in addition with clustering and sensitivity analyses, is of prime importance to prioritize future studies, starting from the top five drivers. The present methodology is applicable to other emerging pet diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Saegerman
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Member of the Risk Assessment Group Covid-19 Animals, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Juana Bianchini
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Véronique Renault
- Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nadia Haddad
- UMR BIPAR, Ecole nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, INRAE, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Marie-France Humblet
- Department for Occupational Protection and Hygiene, Unit Biosafety, Biosecurity and Environmental Licences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R. What's New in Feline Leukemia Virus Infection. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2020; 50:1013-1036. [PMID: 32680664 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus with global impact on the health of domestic cats that causes tumors (mainly lymphoma), bone marrow disorders, and immunosuppression. The importance of FeLV is underestimated due to complacency associated with previous decline in prevalence. However, with this comes lowered vigilance, which, along with potential for regressively infected cats to reactivate viremia and shed the virus or develop clinical signs, can pose a risk to feline health. This article summarizes knowledge on FeLV pathogenesis, courses of infection, and factors affecting prevalance, infection outcome, and development of FeLV-associated diseases, with special focus on regressive FeLV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine LMU Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich 80539, Germany.
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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Prevalence and Genomic Diversity of Feline Leukemia Virus in Privately Owned and Shelter Cats in Aburrá Valley, Colombia. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040464. [PMID: 32325926 PMCID: PMC7232207 DOI: 10.3390/v12040464] [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: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) belongs to the family Retroviridae; it is the first feline retrovirus discovered and one of the agents that has a great impact on cats' health and the ecology of the feline population worldwide. It is associated with the occurrence of several syndromes of fatal diseases, including the development of lymphomas. Studies on FeLV have been reported in Colombia, and most of them have been approached from a clinical point of view. However, only a few studies have focused on the prevalence of the infection, while none have clarified which variant or FeLV viral subgroup is presently circulating in our country. Therefore, the present study investigated the prevalence of the infection associated with the molecular characterization of FeLV present in cats in Aburrá Valley, Colombia. The sampling of privately owned and shelter cats was performed in female (n = 54) and male (n = 46) felines; most of them were seemingly healthy according to the owner's report, with nonspecific clinical history. Immunoassay confirmed that 59.44% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 49.81-69.06%) of felines were FeLV seropositive. The molecular testing of felines using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing showed that 30% (30/100) of felines were positive, and the most prevalent subgroup in the Aburrá Valley was FeLV-A. In conclusion, the frequency of leukemia virus, as revealed by molecular and serological tests, is one of the highest reported frequencies to date, and a high molecular variation is shown in the Colombian population. More studies on the behaviour of the virus in feline populations in Columbia are warranted to determine its prevalence throughout the country.
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Day MJ, Crawford C, Marcondes M, Squires RA. Recommendations on vaccination for Latin American small animal practitioners: a report of the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group. J Small Anim Pract 2020; 61:E1-E35. [PMID: 32227347 PMCID: PMC7228315 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Vaccination Guidelines Group has produced global guidelines for small companion animal practitioners on best practice in canine and feline vaccination. Recognising that there are unique aspects of veterinary practice in certain geographical regions of the world, the Vaccination Guidelines Group undertook a regional project in Latin America between 2016 and 2019, culminating in the present document. The Vaccination Guidelines Group gathered scientific and demographic data during visits to Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, by discussion with national key opinion leaders, visiting veterinary practices and review of the scientific literature. A questionnaire survey was completed by 1390 veterinarians in five Latin American countries and the Vaccination Guidelines Group delivered continuing education at seven events attended by over 3500 veterinarians. The Vaccination Guidelines Group recognised numerous challenges in Latin America, for example: (1) lack of national oversight of the veterinary profession, (2) extraordinary growth in private veterinary schools of undetermined quality, (3) socioeconomic constraints on client engagement with preventive health care, (4) high regional prevalence of some key infectious diseases (e.g. feline leukaemia virus infection, canine visceral leishmaniosis), (5) almost complete lack of minimal antigen vaccine products as available in other markets, (6) relative lack of vaccine products with extended duration of immunity as available in other markets, (7) availability of vaccine products withdrawn from other markets (e.g. Giardia vaccine) or unique to Latin America (e.g. some Leishmania vaccines), (8) accessibility of vaccines directly by pet owners or breeders such that vaccination is not delivered under veterinary supervision, (9) limited availability of continuing education in veterinary vaccinology and lack of compulsion for continuing professional development and (10) limited peer‐reviewed published scientific data on small companion animal infectious diseases (with the exception of leishmaniosis) and lack of support for such academic research. In this document, the Vaccination Guidelines Group summarises the findings of this project and assesses in evidence‐based fashion the scientific literature pertaining to companion animal vaccine‐preventable diseases in Latin America. The Vaccination Guidelines Group makes some recommendations on undergraduate and postgraduate education and academic research. Recognising that current product availability in Latin America does not permit veterinarians in these countries to vaccinate according to the global World Small Animal Veterinary Association guidelines, the Vaccination Guidelines Group makes a series of “pragmatic” recommendations as to what might be currently achievable, and a series of “aspirational” recommendations as to what might be desirable for the future. The concept of “vaccine husbandry” is addressed via some simple guidelines for the management of vaccine products in the practice. Finally, the Vaccination Guidelines Group emphasises the global trend towards delivery of vaccination as one part of an “annual health check” or “health care plan” that reviews holistically the preventive health care needs of the individual pet animal. Latin American practitioners should transition towards these important new practices that are now well embedded in more developed veterinary markets. The document also includes 70 frequently asked questions and their answers; these were posed to the Vaccination Guidelines Group during our continuing education events and small group discussions and should address many of the issues surrounding delivery of vaccination in the Latin American countries. Spanish and Portuguese translations of this document will be made freely available from the on‐line resource pages of the Vaccination Guidelines Group.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Day
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - C Crawford
- University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - M Marcondes
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - R A Squires
- Discipline of Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Levy
- Charing Cross Cat Clinic, Brantford, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Glenn Olah
- Charing Cross Cat Clinic, Brantford, ON, Canada
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