Clinicopathological and Epidemiological Findings in Pet Cats Naturally Infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in Australia

Embedding research and enquiry in Australian DVM curriculum

Research and enquiry (R&E) is an integral part of veterinary training. It is a foundation of evidence-based practice. In the University of Sydney Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree R&E culminates in a cap-stone experience in Year 3: a 'professionally focused project', a student-driven and academic supported individual research project. The project provides an authentic experience within a veterinary discipline. Students work with an academic advisor who provides guidance for developing and achieving meaningful educational and professional goals. Successful advising depends upon a shared understanding of, and commitment to, the advising process by students, advisors and the university. The R&E mission can be broadly defined as - veterinarians recognise that evidence-based approach to practice, which is based on the scientific method, leads to the generation of new knowledge that underpins the veterinary medical profession.

Characterization of platelet rich plasma in feline immunodeficiency virus-infected cats: Cell, and PDGF-BB and TGF-ß1 growth factor analysis

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors (GFs) that modulate the expression of inflammatory cells; thus, these products could be considered a good strategy to favor tissue regeneration in feline immunodeficiency (FIV) positive cats. However, there is no scientific documentation on obtaining PRP in FIV-positive cats. Authors hypothesized that PRP can be obtained in FIV cats following the PRGF®-Endoret® methodology. The objectives of this study were to compare the platelet, erythrocyte, and leukocyte concentration between whole blood (WB) and the PRP; and determine the concentration of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in FIV-positive cats. Sixteen adults FIV-positive asymptomatic cats were included in the study. WB samples were drawn and the PRP was obtained by centrifugation at 265g for 10 min. Erythrocyte and leukocyte, platelets, and mean platelet volume (MPV) were determined both in WB and in PRP. PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 concentrations were additionally determined in PRP. Platelet concentration increased 1.1 times in PRP fraction compared to WB, but no significant differences were reported. MPV was statistically higher in WB than in PRP (p = 0.001). Erythrocytes and leukocytes counts were decreased by 99% and 92%, respectively in the PRP fraction (p < 0.001). Regarding TGF-ß1, a higher concentration was shown in the PRP (p < 0.02). Although the product obtained could not be classified as PRP according to the PRGF®-Endoret® methodology, based on the drastic reduction of RBC and WBC, the PLT concentrate is of high purity.

The Late Asymptomatic and Terminal Immunodeficiency Phases in Experimentally FIV-Infected Cats-A Long-Term Study

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus in the family Retroviridae that infects domestic cats resulting in an immunodeficiency disease featuring a progressive and profound decline in multiple sets of peripheral lymphocytes. Despite compelling evidence of FIV-associated immunopathology, there are conflicting data concerning the clinical effects of FIV infection on host morbidity and mortality. To explore FIV-associated immunopathogenesis and clinical disease, we experimentally inoculated a cohort of four specific pathogen-free kittens with a biological isolate of FIV clade C and continuously monitored these animals along with two uninfected control animals for more than thirteen years from the time of inoculation to the humane euthanasia endpoint. Here, we report the results obtained during the late asymptomatic and terminal phases of FIV infection in this group of experimentally FIV-infected cats.

A Retrospective Comparative Evaluation of Selected Blood Cell Ratios, Acute Phase Proteins, and Leukocyte Changes Suggestive of Inflammation in Cats

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios have been proposed as diagnostic and prognostic markers for neoplastic and inflammatory diseases in dogs and cats. The aim of this retrospective preliminary study was to evaluate the relationship between these ratios and markers of inflammation routinely measured in cats. A total of 275 cats were enrolled. Complete blood count, serum amyloid A (SAA), albumin, globulin, and albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) data were analyzed, as well as the presence of leukocyte alterations considered suggestive of inflammation (LAI: neutrophils left shift, toxic neutrophils, and reactive lymphocytes) evaluated in blood smears. The NLR and MLR correlated positively with SAA and globulins and negatively with albumin and AGR. Higher NLR and MLR were found in cats with increased SAA and globulins and decreased albumin and AGR. The PLR correlated negatively with albumin and AGR. A higher PLR was found in cats with hypoalbuminemia. Cats with LAI had higher NLR, MLR, and PLR. In cats with no changes in parameters indicative of inflammation, 11.25, 0.42, and 528.3 were identified as upper limits for NLR, MLR, and PLR, respectively. In conclusion, the NLR, MLR, and PLR act as good inflammatory markers easily evaluated by routine hematology.