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Katayama M, Uemura Y, Katori D. Effect of Nucleic Acid Analog Administration on Fluctuations in the Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio in Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1322. [PMID: 38731326 PMCID: PMC11083710 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease in cats classified as either effusive ('wet'), non-effusive ('dry'), or a mixture of both forms ('mixed'). The anti-FIP therapeutic effects of Mutian and molnupiravir, two drugs with a nucleic acid analog as an active ingredient, have been confirmed recently. METHODS Of the cats with FIP, we observed a total of 122 and 56 cases that achieved remission after the administration of Mutian and molnupiravir as routine treatments, respectively. Changes in clinical indicators suggested to be correlated with FIP remission (weight, hematocrit, and albumin-to-globulin ratio) before and after the administration of each drug and during follow-up observation were statistically compared for each FIP type. RESULTS In all three FIP types, the administration of either Mutian or molnupiravir resulted in statistically significant increases in these indicators. Furthermore, the effect of Mutian on improving the albumin-to-globulin ratio was not observed at all in wet FIP, as compared with that of molnupiravir, but statistically significant in mixed and dry (p < 0.02 and p < 0.003, respectively). The differences in albumin-to-globulin ratio were all due to those of circulating globulin levels. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that slight inflammatory responses might be elicited continuously by a residual virus that persisted through molnupiravir treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Katayama
- Bloom Animal Hospital, Kajiyama 1-10-32, Tsurumi, Yokohama City 230-0072, Japan;
| | - Yukina Uemura
- Bloom Animal Hospital, Kajiyama 1-10-32, Tsurumi, Yokohama City 230-0072, Japan;
| | - Daichi Katori
- Katori Animal Hospital, Migawa-cho 2563-16, Mito City 310-0913, Japan;
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Schmied K, Ehmann R, Kristen-Burmann C, Ebert N, Barut GT, Almeida L, Kelly JN, Thomann L, Stalder H, Lang R, Tekes G, Thiel V. An RNA replicon system to investigate promising inhibitors of feline coronavirus. J Virol 2024; 98:e0121623. [PMID: 38236006 PMCID: PMC10878086 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01216-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal feline disease, caused by a feline coronavirus (FCoV), namely feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). We produced a baby hamster kidney 21 (BHK) cell line expressing a serotype I FCoV replicon RNA with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene (BHK-F-Rep) and used it as an in vitro screening system to test different antiviral compounds. Two inhibitors of the FCoV main protease (Mpro), namely GC376 and Nirmatrelvir, as well as the nucleoside analog Remdesivir proved to be effective in inhibiting the replicon system. Different combinations of these compounds also proved to be potent inhibitors, having an additive effect when combined. Remdesivir, GC376, and Nirmatrelvir all have a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) more than 200 times higher than their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50), making them important candidates for future in vivo studies as well as clinically implemented drug candidates. In addition, results were acquired with a virus infection system, where Felis catus whole fetus 4 (Fcwf-4) cells were infected with a previously described recombinant GFP-expressing FIPV (based on the laboratory-adapted serotype I FIPV strain Black) and treated with the most promising compounds. Results acquired with the replicon system were comparable to the results acquired with the virus infection system, demonstrating that we successfully implemented the FCoV replicon system for antiviral screening. We expect that this system will greatly facilitate future screens for anti-FIPV compounds and provide a non-infectious system to study and evaluate drug-resistant mutations that may emerge in the FIPV genome.IMPORTANCEFIPV is of great significance in the cat population around the world, causing 0.3%-1.4% of feline deaths in veterinary practices (2). As there are neither effective preventive measures nor approved treatment options available, there is an urgent need to identify antiviral drugs against FIPV. Our FCoV replicon system provides a valuable tool for drug discovery in vitro. Due to the lack of cell culture systems for serotype I FCoVs (the serotype most prevalent in the feline population) (2), a different system is needed to study these viruses. A viral replicon system is a valuable tool for studying FCoVs. Overall, our results demonstrate the utility of the serotype I feline coronavirus replicon system for antiviral screening as well as to study this virus in general. We propose several compounds representing promising candidates for future clinical trials and ultimately with the potential to save cats suffering from FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Schmied
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rosina Ehmann
- Institute of Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Nadine Ebert
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Güliz Tuba Barut
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lea Almeida
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jenna N. Kelly
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - Lisa Thomann
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hanspeter Stalder
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Lang
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gergely Tekes
- Institute of Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Bern and Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
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3
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Krentz D, Bergmann M, Felten S, Hartmann K. [Options for treatment of feline infectious peritonitis - previously and today]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2023; 51:351-360.. [PMID: 37956666 DOI: 10.1055/a-2147-3999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most common infectious diseases in cats that is fatal when untreated. So far, there is no legally available effective treatment in Germany. Treatment options include only symptomatic treatment (e. g. glucocorticoids, propentofylline), immunomodulatory approaches (e. g. interferons, polyprenyl immunostimulant), and antiviral chemotherapy with protease inhibitors (e. g. GC376) or nucleoside analogues (e. g. GS-441524, remdesivir). Symptomatic treatment does not cure FIP but may lead to a short-term improvement of clinical signs in a subset of cats. Immunomodulatory treatment has also not shown to be very promising. In contrary, the antiviral compounds GS-441524 and GC376 exhibited significant efficacy in several studies and their use saved the lives of many cats suffering from FIP. However, both agents are currently not licensed and thus cannot be legally administered by veterinarians in Germany. Legally, cats may only be legally treated with GS-441524 in a few countries (e.g. Great Britain and Australia). In other countries, GS-441524 is imported by cat owners via the black market and administered on their own. This article provides an overview of the available treatment options and an outlook on the legal use of effective antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Krentz
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Sandra Felten
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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Taylor SS, Coggins S, Barker EN, Gunn-Moore D, Jeevaratnam K, Norris JM, Hughes D, Stacey E, MacFarlane L, O'Brien C, Korman R, McLauchlan G, Salord Torres X, Taylor A, Bongers J, Espada Castro L, Foreman M, McMurrough J, Thomas B, Royaux E, Calvo Saiz I, Bertoldi G, Harlos C, Work M, Prior C, Sorrell S, Malik R, Tasker S. Retrospective study and outcome of 307 cats with feline infectious peritonitis treated with legally sourced veterinary compounded preparations of remdesivir and GS-441524 (2020-2022). J Feline Med Surg 2023; 25:1098612X231194460. [PMID: 37732386 PMCID: PMC10812036 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x231194460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease that arises due to feline coronavirus infection. The nucleoside analogues remdesivir and GS-441524 can be effective in its treatment, but most studies have used unregulated products of unknown composition. The aim of the present study was to describe the treatment of FIP using legally sourced veterinary-prescribed regulated veterinary compounded products containing known amounts of remdesivir (injectable) or GS-441524 (oral tablets). METHODS Cats were recruited via email advice services, product sales contacts and study publicity. Cats were excluded if they were deemed unlikely to have FIP, were not treated exclusively with the veterinary compounded products, or if there was a lack of cat and/or treatment (including response) data. Extensive cat and treatment data were collected. RESULTS Among the 307 cats recruited, the predominant type of FIP was most commonly abdominal effusive (49.5%) and then neurological (14.3%). Three treatment protocols were used; remdesivir alone (33.9%), remdesivir followed by GS-441524 (55.7%) and GS-441524 alone (10.4%). The median (range) initial treatment period duration and longest follow-up time point after starting treatment were 84 (1-330) days and 248 (1-814) days, respectively. The most common side effect was injection pain (in 47.8% of those given subcutaneous remdesivir). Of the 307 cats, 33 (10.8%) relapsed, 15 (45.5%) during and 18 (54.5%) after the initial treatment period. At the longest follow-up time point after completion of the initial treatment period, 84.4% of cats were alive. The cats achieving a complete response within 30 days of starting treatment were significantly more likely to be alive at the end of the initial treatment period than those cats that did not. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Legally sourced remdesivir and GS-441524 products, either alone or used sequentially, were very effective in the treatment of FIP in this group of cats. Variable protocols precluded statistical comparison of treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha S Taylor
- International Society of Feline Medicine, Tisbury, UK
- Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Shirley, UK
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Emi N Barker
- Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | | | | | | | - David Hughes
- Concord Veterinary Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aimee Taylor
- Langford Vets, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Megan Work
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Shirley, UK
| | - Cameron Prior
- Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service, Shirley, UK
| | | | | | - Séverine Tasker
- Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Shirley, UK
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
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Tasker S, Addie DD, Egberink H, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hosie MJ, Truyen U, Belák S, Boucraut-Baralon C, Frymus T, Lloret A, Marsilio F, Pennisi MG, Thiry E, Möstl K, Hartmann K. Feline Infectious Peritonitis: European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases Guidelines. Viruses 2023; 15:1847. [PMID: 37766254 PMCID: PMC10535984 DOI: 10.3390/v15091847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a ubiquitous RNA virus of cats, which is transmitted faeco-orally. In these guidelines, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) presents a comprehensive review of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FCoV is primarily an enteric virus and most infections do not cause clinical signs, or result in only enteritis, but a small proportion of FCoV-infected cats develop FIP. The pathology in FIP comprises a perivascular phlebitis that can affect any organ. Cats under two years old are most frequently affected by FIP. Most cats present with fever, anorexia, and weight loss; many have effusions, and some have ocular and/or neurological signs. Making a diagnosis is complex and ABCD FIP Diagnostic Approach Tools are available to aid veterinarians. Sampling an effusion, when present, for cytology, biochemistry, and FCoV RNA or FCoV antigen detection is very useful diagnostically. In the absence of an effusion, fine-needle aspirates from affected organs for cytology and FCoV RNA or FCoV antigen detection are helpful. Definitive diagnosis usually requires histopathology with FCoV antigen detection. Antiviral treatments now enable recovery in many cases from this previously fatal disease; nucleoside analogues (e.g., oral GS-441524) are very effective, although they are not available in all countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Tasker
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
- Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Shirley, Solihull B90 4BN, UK
| | - Diane D. Addie
- Independent Researcher, 64000 Pyrénées Aquitaine, France;
| | - Herman Egberink
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Margaret J. Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Sándor Belák
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health (BVF), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7036, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | | | - Tadeusz Frymus
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Albert Lloret
- Fundació Hospital Clínic Veterinari, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università Degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Grazia Pennisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy;
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Veterinary Virology and Animal Viral Diseases, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liège University, B-4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Karin Möstl
- Institute of Virology, Department for Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
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Gao YY, Wang Q, Liang XY, Zhang S, Bao D, Zhao H, Li SB, Wang K, Hu GX, Gao FS. An updated review of feline coronavirus: mind the two biotypes. Virus Res 2023; 326:199059. [PMID: 36731629 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) includes two biotypes: feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). Although both biotypes can infect cats, their pathogenicities differ. The FIPV biotype is more virulent than the FECV biotype and can cause peritonitis or even death in cats, while most FECV biotypes do not cause lesions. Even pathogenic strains of the FECV biotype can cause only mild enteritis because of their very low virulence. This article reviews recent progress in FCoV research with regard to FCoV etiological characteristics; epidemiology; clinical symptoms and pathological changes; pathogenesis; and current diagnosis, prevention and treatment methods. It is hoped that this review will provide a reference for further research on FCoV and other coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Yu Gao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Affiliated Hospital, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin 130117, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Liang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Di Bao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Shao-Bai Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China.
| | - Gui-Xue Hu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, Jilin 130118, China.
| | - Feng-Shan Gao
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Life and Health, Dalian University, Xuefu Street 10, Dalian, Liaoning 116622, China; The Dalian Gene and Protein Engineering for Drug Screening Key Laboratory, Dalian 116622, China.
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Prognostic Prediction for Therapeutic Effects of Mutian on 324 Client-Owned Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis Based on Clinical Laboratory Indicators and Physical Signs. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10020136. [PMID: 36851440 PMCID: PMC9964428 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10020136] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease classified as either effusive, non-effusive ('dry'), or a mixture ('mixed') of the forms of FIP, with mixed showing signs of both effusive and dry. To determine whether the therapeutic effect of Mutian on dry and mixed FIP can be predicted using clinical indicators before starting treatment, we entered 161 cats with mixed FIP and 163 cats with dry FIP into this study. Physical assessments, the reverse transcriptase-PCR detection of viral genes, and clinical laboratory tests (hematocrit, albumin/globulin ratio, serum amyloid A, α1-acid glycoprotein, and total bilirubin) were performed before Mutian was administered. These indicators were compared between the FIP groups that survived after receiving Mutian for 84 days and those that died before the completion of treatment. Significant differences in body temperature, appetite, and activity scores were confirmed between the surviving and non-surviving groups. The therapeutic effect was insufficient when total bilirubin levels increased in cats with the mixed form. In both of the FIP types, therapeutic effects were difficult to obtain when neurological clinical signs were observed. The therapeutic effects of Mutian on the cats with dry and mixed FIP can be predicted based on pre-treatment body temperature, appetite scores, and activity scores, as well as the presence of neurological signs.
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Rossi G. Acute phase proteins in cats: Diagnostic and prognostic role, future directions, and analytical challenges. Vet Clin Pathol 2023; 52 Suppl 1:37-49. [PMID: 36740231 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.13238] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While clinical studies on acute phase proteins (APPs) have significantly increased in the last decade, and most commercial labs are now offering major APPs in their biochemical profiles, APP testing has not been widely adopted by veterinary clinical pathologists and veterinarians. Measurement of APP concentration is a useful marker for detecting the presence or absence of inflammation in cats with various diseases. APPs can also be reliably measured in different biological fluids (eg, effusions and urine) to improve their diagnostic utility. Measurement of APPs can be extremely beneficial in cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) to discriminate between FIP and non-FIP cats with similar clinical presentations. Additional benefits come from multiple and sequential measurements of APPs, particularly in the assessment of therapeutic efficacy. APPs are more sensitive than WBC counts for early detection of inflammation and to demonstrate an early remission or recurrence of the diseases. Given the potential utility of APPs, more studies are warranted, with a particular focus on the applications of APPs to guide the length of antimicrobial therapies, as suggested by the antimicrobial stewardship policy. New inflammatory markers have been discovered in human medicine, with a higher specificity for distinguishing between septic versus nonseptic inflammatory diseases. It is desirable that these new markers be investigated in veterinary medicine, to further test the power of APPs in diagnostic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Rossi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre for Animal Production and Health, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
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9
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Meli ML, Spiri AM, Zwicklbauer K, Krentz D, Felten S, Bergmann M, Dorsch R, Matiasek K, Alberer M, Kolberg L, von Both U, Hartmann K, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Fecal Feline Coronavirus RNA Shedding and Spike Gene Mutations in Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis Treated with GS-441524. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051069. [PMID: 35632813 PMCID: PMC9147249 DOI: 10.3390/v14051069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As previously demonstrated by our research group, the oral multicomponent drug Xraphconn® containing GS-441524 was effective at curing otherwise fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in 18 feline coronavirus (FCoV)-infected cats. The aims of the current study were to investigate, using samples from the same animals as in the previous study, (1) the effect of treatment on fecal viral RNA shedding; (2) the presence of spike gene mutations in different body compartments of these cats; and (3) viral RNA shedding, presence of spike gene mutations, and anti-FCoV antibody titers in samples of 12 companion cats cohabitating with the treated cats. Eleven of the eighteen treated FIP cats (61%) were shedding FCoV RNA in feces within the first three days after treatment initiation, but all of them tested negative by day 6. In one of these cats, fecal shedding reoccurred on day 83. Two cats initially negative in feces were transiently positive 1–4 weeks into the study. The remaining five cats never shed FCoV. Viral RNA loads in feces decreased with time comparable with those in blood and effusion. Specific spike gene mutations linked to systemic FCoV spread were consistently found in blood and effusion from treated FIP cats, but not in feces from treated or companion cats. A new mutation that led to a not yet described amino acid change was identified, indicating that further mutations may be involved in the development of FIP. Eight of the twelve companion cats shed FCoV in feces. All but one of the twelve companion cats had anti-FCoV antibodies. Oral treatment with GS-441524 effectively decreased viral RNA loads in feces, blood, and effusion in cats with FIP. Nonetheless, re-shedding can most likely occur if cats are re-exposed to FCoV by their companion cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.H.-L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea M. Spiri
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.H.-L.)
| | - Katharina Zwicklbauer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Daniela Krentz
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Roswitha Dorsch
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical & Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Martin Alberer
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU-Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Laura Kolberg
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU-Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU-Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, D-80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (D.K.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (K.H.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.H.-L.)
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10
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Therapeutic Effects of Mutian ® Xraphconn on 141 Client-Owned Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis Predicted by Total Bilirubin Levels. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8120328. [PMID: 34941855 PMCID: PMC8705141 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8120328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease caused by feline coronavirus or its variant, referred to as the FIP virus. Recently, favorable treatment outcomes of the anti-viral drug Mutian® Xraphconn (Mutian X) were noted in cats with FIP. Thus, the therapeutic efficacy of Mutian X in cats with FIP must be explored, although the predictors of therapeutic success remain unknown. In the present study, we administered Mutian X to 141 pet cats with effusive FIP following initial veterinarian examinations. Of these, 116 cats survived but the remaining 25 died during treatment. Pre-treatment signalment, viral gene expression, and representative laboratory parameters for routine FIP diagnosis (i.e., hematocrit, albumin-to-globulin ratio, total bilirubin, serum amyloid-A, and α1-acid glycoprotein) were statistically compared between the survivor and non-survivor groups. The majority of these parameters, including hematocrit, albumin-to-globulin ratio, serum amyloid-A, α1-acid glycoprotein, and viral gene expression, were comparable between the two groups. Interestingly, however, total bilirubin levels in the survivor group were significantly lower than those in the non-survivor group (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, in almost all surviving cats with effusive FIP (96.6%, 28/29), the pre-treatment total bilirubin levels were below 0.5 mg/dL; however, the survival rate decreased drastically (14.3%, 1/7) when the pre-treatment total bilirubin levels exceeded 4.0 mg/dL. Thus, circulating total bilirubin levels may act as a prognostic risk factor for severe FIP and may serve as the predictor of the therapeutic efficacy of Mutian X against this fatal disease.
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11
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Krentz D, Zenger K, Alberer M, Felten S, Bergmann M, Dorsch R, Matiasek K, Kolberg L, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Meli ML, Spiri AM, Horak J, Weber S, Holicki CM, Groschup MH, Zablotski Y, Lescrinier E, Koletzko B, von Both U, Hartmann K. Curing Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis with an Oral Multi-Component Drug Containing GS-441524. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112228. [PMID: 34835034 PMCID: PMC8621566 DOI: 10.3390/v13112228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a common dis-ease in cats, fatal if untreated, and no effective treatment is currently legally available. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of the multi-component drug Xraphconn® in vitro and as oral treatment in cats with spontaneous FIP by examining survival rate, development of clinical and laboratory parameters, viral loads, anti-FCoV antibodies, and adverse effects. Mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance identified GS-441524 as an active component of Xraphconn®. Eighteen cats with FIP were prospectively followed up while being treated orally for 84 days. Values of key parameters on each examination day were compared to values before treatment initiation using linear mixed-effect models. Xraphconn® displayed high virucidal activity in cell culture. All cats recovered with dramatic improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters and massive reduction in viral loads within the first few days of treatment without serious adverse effects. Oral treatment with Xraphconn® containing GS-441524 was highly effective for FIP without causing serious adverse effects. This drug is an excellent option for the oral treatment of FIP and should be trialed as potential effective treatment option for other severe coronavirus-associated diseases across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Krentz
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Katharina Zenger
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Martin Alberer
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Sandra Felten
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Roswitha Dorsch
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Laura Kolberg
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Andrea M. Spiri
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (R.H.-L.); (M.L.M.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Jeannie Horak
- Department Paediatrics, Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (J.H.); (B.K.)
| | - Saskia Weber
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (S.W.); (C.M.H.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Cora M. Holicki
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (S.W.); (C.M.H.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (S.W.); (C.M.H.); (M.H.G.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Greifswald-Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Yury Zablotski
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
| | - Eveline Lescrinier
- Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Berthold Koletzko
- Department Paediatrics, Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (J.H.); (B.K.)
| | - Ulrich von Both
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany; (M.A.); (L.K.); (U.v.B.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany; (K.Z.); (S.F.); (M.B.); (R.D.); (Y.Z.); (K.H.)
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12
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Kobialka RM, Ceruti A, Bergmann M, Hartmann K, Truyen U, Abd El Wahed A. Molecular Detection of Feline Coronavirus Based on Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10101237. [PMID: 34684186 PMCID: PMC8538120 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is endemic in cat populations worldwide. Persistently, subclinically infected cats play a significant role in spreading the infection. Testing fecal samples of cats may facilitate efforts to decrease the viral burden within a population. Real-time RT-PCR is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of FCoV but must be performed in a fully equipped laboratory. A simple and accurate assay is needed to identify FCoV at the point-of-need. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid FCoV detection assay based on isothermal amplification technology, i.e., reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA). Primers were designed to target the highly conserved 3′ untranslated region of the 7b gene. Running on a constant temperature of 42 °C, reverse transcription as well as DNA amplification and detection was achieved in a maximum of 15 min. A probit analysis revealed a detection limit of 58.5 RNA copies/reaction. For cross-detection, nucleic acids from 19 viruses were tested. Both RT-RPA and real-time RT-PCR showed cross-detection with canine coronavirus and transmissible gastroenteritis virus, but not with other pathogens. To evaluate clinical performance, RNA was extracted from 39 fecal samples from cats. All samples were tested simultaneously with real-time RT-PCR resulting in a RT-RPA sensitivity and specificity of 90.9% and 100%, respectively. RT-RPA can be considered a promising simple method for rapid detection of FCoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rea Maja Kobialka
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (R.M.K.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Arianna Ceruti
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (R.M.K.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Michelle Bergmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany; (M.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU, 80539 Munich, Germany; (M.B.); (K.H.)
| | - Uwe Truyen
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (R.M.K.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
| | - Ahmed Abd El Wahed
- Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (R.M.K.); (A.C.); (U.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-341-97-38-153
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13
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Feline Coronavirus Antivirals: A Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091150. [PMID: 34578182 PMCID: PMC8469112 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline coronaviruses (FCoV) are common viral pathogens of cats. They usually induce asymptomatic infections but some FCoV strains, named Feline Infectious Peritonitis Viruses (FIPV) lead to a systematic fatal disease, the feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). While no treatments are approved as of yet, numerous studies have been explored with the hope to develop therapeutic compounds. In recent years, two novel molecules (GS-441524 and GC376) have raised hopes given the encouraging results, but some concerns about the use of these molecules persist, such as the fear of the emergence of viral escape mutants or the difficult tissue distribution of these antivirals in certain affected organs. This review will summarize current findings and leads in the development of antiviral therapy against FCoV both in vitro and in vivo, with the description of their mechanisms of action when known. It highlights the molecules, which could have a broader effect on different coronaviruses. In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the development of antivirals is an urgent need and FIP could be a valuable model to help this research area.
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14
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Lin CN, Chan KR, Ooi EE, Chiou MT, Hoang M, Hsueh PR, Ooi PT. Animal Coronavirus Diseases: Parallels with COVID-19 in Humans. Viruses 2021; 13:1507. [PMID: 34452372 PMCID: PMC8402828 DOI: 10.3390/v13081507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus in humans, has expanded globally over the past year. COVID-19 remains an important subject of intensive research owing to its huge impact on economic and public health globally. Based on historical archives, the first coronavirus-related disease recorded was possibly animal-related, a case of feline infectious peritonitis described as early as 1912. Despite over a century of documented coronaviruses in animals, the global animal industry still suffers from outbreaks. Knowledge and experience handling animal coronaviruses provide a valuable tool to complement our understanding of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this review, we present an overview of coronaviruses, clinical signs, COVID-19 in animals, genome organization and recombination, immunopathogenesis, transmission, viral shedding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. By drawing parallels between COVID-19 in animals and humans, we provide perspectives on the pathophysiological mechanisms by which coronaviruses cause diseases in both animals and humans, providing a critical basis for the development of effective vaccines and therapeutics against these deadly viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Nan Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan;
- Animal Disease Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Kuan Rong Chan
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (K.R.C.); (E.E.O.)
| | - Eng Eong Ooi
- Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (K.R.C.); (E.E.O.)
- Viral Research and Experimental Medicine Centre (ViREMiCS), SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Ming-Tang Chiou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan;
- Animal Disease Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Minh Hoang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404332, Taiwan
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
| | - Peck Toung Ooi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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15
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Jones S, Novicoff W, Nadeau J, Evans S. Unlicensed GS-441524-Like Antiviral Therapy Can Be Effective for at-Home Treatment of Feline Infectious Peritonitis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082257. [PMID: 34438720 PMCID: PMC8388366 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats caused by feline coronavirus. The goal of this study was to formally evaluate the administration of unlicensed, crowd-sourced antiviral GS-441524-like therapy for cats suspected to have feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Members of a large social media support and GS-441524-like drug distribution group were surveyed via the Internet. Of the 393 analyzed surveys which met inclusion criteria, 73.7% of owners utilizing this therapy were from the United States. Only 8.7% of owners reported receiving significant help from their veterinarian in treating their cat. The mean cost of treatment was USD 4920. A majority of owners (88.2%) reported noticeable improvement in clinical signs within one week of initiating therapy. At the time of the survey, 96.7% (380 cats) were alive, with 54.0% of them considered cured and another 43.3% being monitored in the 12-week observation period. A total of 12.7% of the cats suffered a relapse of clinical signs of FIP, and 3.3% of the cats died despite GS-441524-like therapy. Reported complications were mostly related to owner administration of subcutaneous injections of the acidic GS-441524-like therapy, such as vocalization, pain, struggling, and injection-site wounds. Limitations of this study include a retrospective design, bias in case selection, reliance on owner-reported data, and inability to confirm the contents of unlicensed pharmaceuticals; however, important lessons can be learned from the experiences of these owners. While unconventional, and certainly not free from medical and legal risks, unlicensed, at-home GS-441524-like therapy, according to owner reports, can apparently offer benefits in the treatment of cats suspected of FIP. Abstract The goal of this study was to formally evaluate the administration of unlicensed, crowd-sourced antiviral GS-441524-like therapy for cats suspected to have feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a previously fatal disease. Members of a large social media support and GS-441524-like drug distribution group were surveyed via the Internet. The survey was targeted toward owners who had treated their cats for at least 12 weeks with unlicensed GS-441524-like drugs. Of the 393 analyzed surveys which met inclusion criteria, 73.7% of owners utilizing this therapy were from the United States. Only 8.7% of owners reported receiving help from their veterinarian in administering the treatment to their cat. The mean cost of treatment was USD 4920. A majority of owners (88.2%) reported noticeable improvement in clinical signs within one week of initiating therapy. At the time of the survey, 96.7% (380 cats) were alive, with 54.0% of them considered cured and another 43.3% being monitored in the 12-week observation period. A total of 12.7% of the cats suffered a relapse of clinical signs of FIP, and 3.3% of the cats died despite GS-441524-like therapy. Reported complications were mostly related to owner administration of subcutaneous injections of the acidic GS-441525-like therapy, such as vocalization, pain, struggling, and injection-site wounds. Limitations of this study include a retrospective design, bias in case selection, reliance on owner-reported data, and inability to confirm the contents of unlicensed pharmaceuticals; however, important lessons can be learned from the experiences of these owners. While unconventional, and certainly not free from medical and legal risks, unlicensed, at-home GS-441524-like therapy, according to owner reports, can apparently offer benefits in the treatment of cats suspected of FIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jones
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Wendy Novicoff
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Julie Nadeau
- Hamilton Region Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Hamilton, ON L8P 4W3, Canada;
| | - Samantha Evans
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-614-292-9706
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