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Biezus G, Grima de Cristo T, da Silva Casa M, Lovatel M, Vavassori M, Brüggemann de Souza Teixeira M, Miletti LC, Maciel da Costa U, Assis Casagrande R. Progressive and regressive infection with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in cats in southern Brazil: Prevalence, risk factors associated, clinical and hematologic alterations. Prev Vet Med 2023; 216:105945. [PMID: 37209619 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for viral antigen is commonly used for the diagnosis of progressive feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection but is not able to determine the true prevalence of infection when used as the sole test. Additional testing to detect proviral DNA will identify regressive (antigen negative) FeLV infections as well as progressive infections. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of progressive and regressive FeLV infection, outcome-associated factors, and hematologic changes. A cross-sectional study was performed on 384 cats selected from routine hospital care. Blood samples were subjected to complete blood count, ELISA for FeLV antigen and FIV antibody, and nested PCR amplifying the U3- LTR region and gag gene, which are conserved in most exogenous FeLV. The prevalence of FeLV infection was 45.6% (CI95% 40.6-50.6%). The prevalence of progressive infection (FeLV+P) was 34.4% (CI95% 29.6-39.1%), that of regressive infection (FeLV+R) was 10.4% (CI95% 7.4-13.4%), for discordant but positive results 0.8% (CI95% 0.75-0.84%), for FeLV+P coinfected with FIV 2.6% (CI95% 1.2-4.0%), and FeLV+R coinfected with FIV 1.5% (CI95% 0.3-2.7%). Male cats were three times more likely to be in the FeLV+P group. Cats coinfected with FIV were 4.8 times more likely to belong to the FeLV+R group. In the FeLV+P group, the main clinical changes were lymphoma (38.5%), anemia (24.4%), leukemia (17.9%), concomitant infections (15.4%), and feline chronic gingivostomatitis - FCGS (3.8%). In the FeLV+R group, the main clinical signs were anemia (45.4%), leukemia (18.2%), concomitant infections (18.2%), lymphoma (9.1%), and FCGS (9.1%). Cats in the FeLV+P and FeLV+R groups showed mainly thrombocytopenia (56.6% and 38.2%), non-regenerative anemia (32.8% and 23.5%), and lymphopenia (33.6% and 20.6%). Hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), platelet count, lymphocytes, and eosinophils in the FeLV+P and FeLV+R groups had lower medians than the control group (FeLV/FIV-uninfected, healthy). Erythrocyte and eosinophil counts were statistically different among the three groups, with the medians of the FeLV+P and FeLV+R groups being lower than those of the control group. In addition, the median PCV and band neutrophil counts were higher in FeLV+P than in FeLV+R. Our results show a high prevalence of FeLV, different factors associated with the course of infection, and more frequent and severe hematologic changes in progressive infections compared with regressive infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Biezus
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Thierry Grima de Cristo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Mariana da Silva Casa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Mariângela Lovatel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Mayara Vavassori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Claudio Miletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ubirajara Maciel da Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Renata Assis Casagrande
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Santos CRGR, Ferreira IT, Beranger R, Santi JP, Jardim MPDB, de Souza HJM. Undetectable proviral DNA and viral RNA levels after raltegravir administration in two cats with natural feline leukemia virus infection. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2022; 44:e003522. [PMID: 36324639 PMCID: PMC9622269 DOI: 10.29374/2527-2179.bjvm003522] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection was discovered over 50 years ago; however, the serious clinical changes associated with FeLV infection still have great importance in the diagnosis, prevention, and clinical management of symptomatic patients. Progressive infection with FeLV leads to a reduction in the patient's life expectancy and quality of life. This report describes the use of an antiretroviral integrase inhibitor, raltegravir, in two cats with natural FeLV infection. Raltegravir was administered orally at a dose of 40 mg/cat every 12 h in both cases. In case one, 13 weeks after starting raltegravir, RNA loads were undetectable, while proviral DNA loads were still detectable. In case two, proviral DNA loads were undetectable after 32 weeks of medication, while RNA loads were undetectable throughout the treatment. No adverse effects or laboratory test abnormalities were detected with the use of raltegravir in either patient. The patients are currently clinically healthy, still receiving the drug, and are under close observation. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the use of raltegravir in naturally infected FeLV-positive cats and its effects on circulating viral load. Moreover, the patients described here were followed-up for a longer period than those in previously reported cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Regina Gomes Rodrigues Santos
- Veterinarian, MSc. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária (PPGMV), Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária (DMCV), Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). Seropédica, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.,Correspondence Carla Regina Gomes Rodrigues Santos Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária (DMCV), Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro – UFRRJ Rodovia BR 465, Km 7, Campus Universitário, Bairro Zona Rural CEP 23897-000 - Seropédica (RJ), Brasil E-mail: Tel: +55 (21) 96469-2559
| | | | | | - Julia Possebon Santi
- Veterinarian, Resident. Programa de Residência em Medicina Veterinária – Clínica Médica dos Gatos Domésticos, DMCV, IV, UFRRJ. Seropédica, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Palha de Brito Jardim
- Veterinarian, MSc. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária (PPGMV), Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária (DMCV), Instituto de Veterinária (IV), Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). Seropédica, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
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Loock DJE, Rendón-Franco E, Williams ST, van Niekerk J, Swanepoel LH. Viral Prevalence in Wild Serval Population is Driven by Season and Sex. ECOHEALTH 2021; 18:113-122. [PMID: 34059963 PMCID: PMC8166362 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-021-01533-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the key factors influencing the population dynamics of threatened species such as felids is disease, but long-term studies of the factors influencing seroprevalence of wild felids are extremely rare, hindering conservation efforts. We set out to determine seroprevalence of six viral diseases (feline panleukopenia virus, feline leukemia virus, feline coronavirus, feline calicivirus, feline herpes virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus) among a population of serval (Leptailurus serval) with an extremely high density in South Africa. We captured 55 individuals over four years and screened blood samples for antibodies to each virus. We found that seroprevalence were high (ranging from 30.0% positive for a single virus to 1.8% positive for up to five viruses) and that seroprevalence was influenced by season and sex, but not body condition. We suggest further monitoring of this population and recommend that long-term studies are conducted for serval and other felids to determine whether these trends are representative on a broader scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan J E Loock
- Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, Bloemfontein, 930, South Africa.
| | - Emilio Rendón-Franco
- Departamento de Producción Agrícola y Animal, UAM-Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, 04960, México
| | - Samual T Williams
- Department of Zoology, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
- Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education (IGDORE), Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Johan van Niekerk
- Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, Bloemfontein, 930, South Africa
| | - Lourens H Swanepoel
- Department of Zoology, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
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Tchamo CCLM, De Rugeriis M, Noormahomed EV. Occurrence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus in Maputo city and province, Mozambique: a pilot study. JFMS Open Rep 2019; 5:2055116919870877. [PMID: 31534776 PMCID: PMC6737869 DOI: 10.1177/2055116919870877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are immunosuppressive viruses in cats that increase their susceptibility to zoonotic pathogens. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of one or both viruses, the risk factors associated with infection, and to develop further recommendations. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Veterinary Faculty of Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique, between March and December 2017, in 145 cats. From each of 145 cats, we took 1.5 ml of blood by jugular puncture for detection of antibodies to FIV and FeLV antigens in whole blood using a commercial test kit, DFV Test FeLV/FIV. RESULTS We found an overall prevalence of 11.0% and 14.5% for FIV antibodies and FeLV antigens, respectively, with four (2.8%) cats coinfected by both pathogens. Male cats were more likely to be infected with FIV (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-4.0) compared with female cats. Clinically ill cats were more likely to have a positive result for FeLV antigen infection (OR 18.8, 95% CI 5.2-68.3). Moreover, cats living in suburban areas have a greater chance of a positive result for FeLV infection (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4-9.6) compared with cats living in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE FIV and FeLV occur in cats from Maputo and possibly all over the country. Further studies should be conducted in Mozambique and other African countries to define the burden of both pathogens in cats, coinfection with other zoonotic pathogens and the possible role played by the cats on the transmission of zoonotic and opportunistic diseases to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesaltina CLM Tchamo
- Department of Clinics, Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mónica De Rugeriis
- Department of Clinics, Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Emília V Noormahomed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique,Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA,Mozambique Institute for Health Education and Research (MIHER), Maputo, Mozambique,Emília Virginia Noormahomed MD, PhD, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Av Salvador Allende, nº 702, Maputo, 257, Mozambique
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Ludwick K, Clymer JW. Comparative meta-analysis of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus seroprevalence correlated with GDP per capita around the globe. Res Vet Sci 2019; 125:89-93. [PMID: 31176263 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are two prevalent transmittable diseases for domestic cats. This paper reports the frequency of these two diseases compared globally across Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at purchasing power parity per capita (PPP). Information around FeLV and FIV rates of infection in specific locations around the world was analyzed from 47 published articles. Results show that based on the data available, the statistical model indicates that the highest percentage of FeLV or FIV infected cats live in areas of lower PPP (p ≤.001) with a decreasing rate of infection of FeLV and FIV with increasing income. Two theories for this could be that the lower PPP locations in this study were also in areas of greater feral cat and cat colony populations, as well as were areas with less emphasis on animal welfare and animal control programs. Additional research should be conducted to strengthen the study size in South America and Africa before further conclusions can be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Ludwick
- Miami University, 501 E High St, Oxford, OH 45056, 6249 Aspen Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224, United States of America.
| | - Jeffrey W Clymer
- Ethicon, Inc. 4545 Creek Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242, United States of America.
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Biezus G, Machado G, Ferian PE, da Costa UM, Pereira LHHDS, Withoeft JA, Nunes IAC, Muller TR, de Cristo TG, Casagrande RA. Prevalence of and factors associated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in cats of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 63:17-21. [PMID: 30961813 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 274 cats for determination of FeLV antigenemia and FIV seropositivity and factors associated with those infections in cats presented at the Veterinary Hospital of the Santa Catarina State University - UDESC (Brazil). Apparent prevalence for sick cats at the hospital population was 28.41% (95%CI 21.88-34.94%) for FeLV, 7.65% (95%CI 3.71-11.50%) for FIV and 2.18% (95%CI 0.56-5.47%) for both viruses. For healthy cats, the apparent prevalence was 9.89% (95%CI 3.75-16.02%) for FeLV, 2.20% (95%CI 0.34-7.75%) for FIV by immunoassay (ELISA). Average age for FeLV- and FIV-positive individuals was 38.32 and 64.25 months, respectively. Behavior such as aggressiveness and sex (male) were both associated with increased odds of result positivity test for FeLV and FIV; older animals were also associated with FIV test results. A very small proportion of the animals were vaccinated against FeLV and none against FIV. Most of the animals were adopted from shelters or rescued from streets, living with multiple cats that had access to outdoors. The high prevalence of FeLV suggests a need for better control strategies against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Biezus
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Machado
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Paulo Eduardo Ferian
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Ubirajara Maciel da Costa
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | | | - Jéssica Aline Withoeft
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Igor Augusto Coelho Nunes
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Thiago Rinaldi Muller
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Thierry Grima de Cristo
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Renata Assis Casagrande
- Veterinary Medicine Department, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões, 2090, Bairro Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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