Brain perfusion changes in beta-thalassemia.

BACKGROUND: Brain injury in hereditary hemoglobinopathies is commonly attributed to anemia-related relative hypoperfusion in terms of impaired oxygen blood supply. Supratentorial and infratentorial vascular watershed regions seem to be especially vulnerable, but data are very scarce. AIMS: We investigated a large beta-thalassemia sample with arterial spin labeling in order to characterize regional perfusion changes and their correlation with phenotype and anemia severity. METHODS: We performed a multicenter single-scanner cross-sectional 3T-MRI study analyzing non-invasively the brain perfusion in 54 transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT), 23 non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) patients and 56 Healthy Controls (HC). Age, hemoglobin levels, and cognitive functioning were recorded. RESULTS: Both TDT and NTDT patients showed globally increased brain perfusion values compared to healthy controls, while no difference was found between patient subgroups. Using age and sex as covariates and scaling the perfusion maps for the global cerebral blood flow, beta-thalassemia patients showed relative hyperperfusion in supratentorial/infratentorial watershed regions. Perfusion changes correlated with hemoglobin levels (p = 0.013) and were not observed in the less severely anemic patients (hemoglobin level > 9.5 g/dL). In the hyperperfused regions, white matter density was significantly decreased (p = 0.0003) in both patient subgroups vs. HC. In NTDT, white matter density changes correlated inversely with full-scale Intelligence Quotient (p = 0.007) while in TDT no correlation was found. CONCLUSION: Relative hyperperfusion of watershed territories represents a hemodynamic hallmark of beta-thalassemia anemia challenging previous hypotheses of brain injury in hereditary anemias. A careful management of anemia severity might be crucial for preventing structural white matter changes and subsequent long-term cognitive impairment.

Evaluation of a Revised Point-of-Care Test for the Detection of Feline Leukaemia p27 Antigen and Anti-p15E Antibodies in Cats.

The first point-of-care (PoC) test (v-RetroFel®; modified version 2021) determining the presence of FeLV p27 antigen and FeLV anti-p15E antibodies has become recently commercially available to identify different feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection outcomes. This study aimed to assess this PoC test's performance concerning FeLV p27 antigen and FeLV anti-p15E antibody detection. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were assessed after ten minutes (recommended) and 20 min (prolonged) incubation times. The test results were evaluated as either positive or negative. Serum samples from 934 cats were included, originating from Italy (n = 269), Portugal (n = 240), Germany (n = 318), and France (n = 107). FeLV p27 antigen and anti-p15E antibodies were measured by reference standard ELISAs and compared to the PoC test results. The PoC test was easy to perform and the results easy to interpret. Sensitivity and specificity for FeLV p27 antigen were 82.8% (PPV: 57.8%) and 96.0% (NPV: 98.8%) after both, ten and 20 minues of incubation time. Sensitivity and specificity for anti-p15E antibodies were 31.4% (PPV: 71.6%) and 96.9% (NPV: 85.1%) after ten minutes incubation time; sensitivity was improved by a prolonged incubation time (20 min) to 40.0% (PPV: 76.3%), while specificity remained the same (96.9%, NPV: 86.7%). Despite the improved sensitivity using the prolonged incubation time, lower than ideal sensitivities for both p27 antigen and especially anti-p15E antibodies were found, indicating that the PoC test in its current version needs further improvement prior to application in the field.

Pilot Study on QTc Interval in Dogs Treated with Domperidone.

Domperidone is used as an immunomodulatory drug for Leishmania infantum infection and disease in dogs. However, a pro-arrhythmic side effect, caused by prolonged QT intervals, is reported in humans. This pilot study evaluated the corrected QT (QTc) interval in dogs treated with domperidone for preventive or therapeutic management of leishmaniosis. The electrocardiogram and blood concentration of creatinine, urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium, and chloride were evaluated seven days before the start and on the last day of therapy in 17 dogs receiving domperidone for four weeks. In two dogs, the QTc interval was measured before and 2 h, 3 h, and 12 h after administration of the drug on the first day of treatment. After treatment, QTc measures and chloride concentrations increased significantly, although the QTc value slightly exceeded the upper reference limit only in one dog, and chloride concentrations were always normal. Creatinine concentrations significantly decreased after therapy. In the two dogs monitored at different times on the first day of treatment, QTc values were always normal. Domperidone caused a slight prolongation of QTc interval, and further studies should be made for a risk assessment in dogs with cardiac diseases, electrolytic imbalance, and in those receiving drugs increasing QT interval or competing with domperidone metabolism.

A blinded, randomized and controlled multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of Leisguard® as an immunotherapeutic treatment for healthy Leishmania infantum-seropositive dogs.

BACKGROUND: Domperidone (Leisguard®) is an immunomodulatory drug used as a preventive measure in healthy dogs. However, no studies have been published in healthy Leishmania infantum-seropositive dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of domperidone as immunotherapy in Leishmania-seropositive healthy dogs. METHODS: Sixty-seven dogs were treated with domperidone at 0.5 mg/kg and 44 dogs received placebo, once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. Monthly treatments were repeated every 4 months until the end of the 1-year follow-up period. Veterinary examinations were performed on days 0, 30, 120, 150, 240, 270 and 360. Samples of blood and urine were collected on days 0, 120, 240 and 360 for routine laboratory tests and quantitative in-house ELISA for the detection of L. infantum-specific antibodies. Furthermore, Leishmania real-time PCR and IFN-γ ELISA were performed at day 0 and the end of the study. Dogs that developed disease were withdrawn from the study and classified as sick dogs. Adverse drug reactions were reported. RESULTS: Thirty dogs developed disease during the follow-up period: 13/67 (19.4%) in the group treated with domperidone and 17/44 (38.6%) in the placebo-treated group (P = 0.03). Low-seropositive dogs treated with domperidone (4/40, 9.1%) were significantly less likely to develop disease compared to low-seropositive dogs treated with placebo (7/24, 29.2%; P = 0.04), while no differences were found between domperidone (9/23, 39.1%) and placebo (10/20, 50%) in medium- to high-seropositive dogs. At the end of the study, a higher proportion of Leishmania PCR-positive dogs was observed in the placebo-treated group (16/33, 48.5%) compared to the domperidone group (13/51, 25.5%; P = 0.04). Furthermore, low-seropositive dogs treated with domperidone with an increase of IFN-γ concentration presented a higher increase than those treated with placebo at the end of the study. Four dogs treated with domperidone presented self-limiting diarrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy dogs with low L. infantum antibody levels treated with domperidone were less likely to develop disease compared to placebo-treated dogs. Furthermore, domperidone presented a good safety profile.

Feline Morbillivirus: Clinical Relevance of a Widespread Endemic Viral Infection of Cats.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was first isolated in 2012 from stray cats in Hong Kong. It has been found in association with tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), the most common cause of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, viral host spectrum and virus tropism go beyond the domestic cat and kidney tissues. The viral genetic diversity of FeMV is extensive, but it is not known if this is clinically relevant. Urine and kidney tissues have been widely tested in attempts to confirm associations between FeMV infection and renal disease, but samples from both healthy and sick cats can test positive and some cross-sectional studies have not found associations between FeMV infection and CKD. There is also evidence for acute kidney injury following infection with FeMV. The results of prevalence studies differ greatly depending on the population tested and methodologies used for detection, but worldwide distribution of FeMV has been shown. Experimental studies have confirmed previous field observations that higher viral loads are present in the urine compared to other tissues, and renal TIN lesions associated with FeMV antigen have been demonstrated, alongside virus lymphotropism and viraemia-associated lymphopenia. Longitudinal field studies have revealed persistent viral shedding in urine, although infection can be cleared spontaneously.

High BCR::ABL1 Expression Defines CD34+ Cells with Significant Alterations in Signal Transduction, Short-Proliferative Potential and Self-Renewal Ability.

Purpose: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a clonal disorder of the hematopoietic stem cell caused by expression of the BCR::ABL1 oncoprotein. High BCR::ABL1 levels have been associated to proliferative advantage of leukemic cells, blast crisis progression and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) inefficacy. We have previously shown that high BCR::ABL1/GUSIS transcripts measured at diagnosis are associated with inferior responses to standard dose Imatinib (IM). However, the mechanisms underlying the higher rates of disease progression and development of TKIs resistance dependent on elevated BCR::ABL1 levels remain unclear. Methods: Leukemic cells were collected from CML patients showing, at diagnosis, high or low BCR::ABL1/GUSIS. BCR::ABL1 expression levels were measured using real-time PCR. Short-term culture and long-term culture-initiating cells assays were employed to investigate the role of BCR::ABL1 gene-expression levels on proliferation, clonogenicity, signal transduction, TKIs responsiveness and self-renewal ability. Cell division was performed by carboxyfluorescein-succinimidyl ester (CFSE) assay. Results: We found that BCR::ABL1 oncogene expression levels correlate in both PMNs and CD34+ cells. Furthermore, high oncogene levels increased both proliferation and anti-apoptotic signaling via ERK and AKT phosphorylation. Moreover, high BCR::ABL1 expression reduced the clonogenicity of leukemic CD34+ cells and increased their sensitivity to high doses IM but not to those of dasatinib. Furthermore, we observed that high BCR::ABL1 levels are associated with a reduced self-renewal of primitive leukemic cells and, also, that these cells showed comparable TKIs responsiveness with cells expressing lower BCR::ABL1 levels. Interestingly, we found a direct correlation between high BCR::ABL1 levels and reduced number of quiescent leukemic cells caused by increasing their cycling. Conclusion: Higher BCR::ABL1 levels improving the proliferation, anti-apoptotic signaling and reducing self-renewal properties cause an increased expansion of leukemic clone.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis: European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases Guidelines.

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.

Feline Injection-Site Sarcoma and Other Adverse Reactions to Vaccination in Cats.

Vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs), including feline injection-site sarcomas (FISSs), occur only rarely but can be severe. Understanding potential VAAEs is an important part of informed owner consent for vaccination. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of feline medicine experts, presents the current knowledge on VAAEs in cats, summarizing the literature and filling the gaps where scientific studies are missing with expert opinion to assist veterinarians in adopting the best vaccination practice. VAAEs are caused by an aberrant innate or adaptive immune reaction, excessive local reactions at the inoculation site, an error in administration, or failure in the manufacturing process. FISS, the most severe VAAE, can develop after vaccinations or injection of other substances. Although the most widely accepted hypothesis is that chronic inflammation triggers malignant transformation, the pathogenesis of FISS is not yet fully understood. No injectable vaccine is risk-free, and therefore, vaccination should be performed as often as necessary, but as infrequently as possible. Vaccines should be brought to room temperature prior to administration and injected at sites in which FISS surgery would likely be curative; the interscapular region should be avoided. Post-vaccinal monitoring is essential.

Prevalence of Different Courses of Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection in Four European Countries.

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.

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.

Additional Genetic Alterations and Clonal Evolution of MPNs with Double Mutations on the MPL Gene: Two Case Reports.

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) are two of the main BCR-ABL1-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) characterized by abnormal megakaryocytic proliferation. Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mutations are detected in 50-60% of ET and PMF, while myeloproliferative leukemia (MPL) virus oncogene mutations are present in 3-5% of cases. While Sanger sequencing is a valuable diagnostic tool to discriminate the most common MPN mutations, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a more sensitive technology that also identifies concurrent genetic alterations. In this report, we describe two MPN patients with simultaneous double MPL mutations: a woman with ET presenting both MPLV501A-W515R and JAK2V617F mutations and a man with PMF displaying an uncommon double MPLV501A-W515L. Using colony-forming assays and NGS analyses, we define the origin and mutational landscape of these two unusual malignancies and uncover further gene alterations that may contribute to the pathogenesis of ET and PMF.

Signalment, Immunological and Parasitological Status and Clinicopathological Findings of Leishmania-Seropositive Apparently Healthy Dogs.

Canine leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is a disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Epidemiological serosurveys performed in Europe often lack a thorough assessment of clinical health status of studied dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate signalment, immunological and parasitological status and clinicopathological findings of L. infantum-seropositive apparently healthy dogs (n = 212) living in endemic areas. Routine laboratory tests, endpoint in-house ELISA to quantify the anti-Leishmania antibodies, blood Leishmania qPCR and IFN-γ ELISA were performed. All dogs enrolled were L. infantum-seropositive and were classified as healthy (n = 105) or sick (n = 107) according to LeishVet guidelines. The sick group presented a higher proportion of medium to high antibody levels and positive qPCR and lower IFN-γ concentration compared to the healthy group. Sick dogs were mostly classified in LeishVet stage IIa. Biochemical alterations (98%) were the most common clinicopathological findings, with fewer urinary tract (46%) and hematological (40%) alterations. Apparently healthy L. infantum-seropositive dogs can be classified between truly healthy dogs and sick dogs with clinicopathological findings. Sick dogs presented medium to high seropositivity and parasitemia and low IFN-γ concentrations, and their most common clinicopathological abnormalities were serum protein alterations followed by proteinuria and lymphopenia.

Evaluating the association between blood genotype or phenotype and haemoplasma infection in UK and Italian cats.

BACKGROUND: In humans, blood groups are associated with varying prevalence of infections. The aim of this study was to determine if associations exist between the feline AB blood group system and haemoplasma infection. METHODS: Data from two studies were combined. In the first study, DNA samples from 131 haemoplasma-infected and 132 haemoplasma-uninfected UK cats underwent pyrosequencing to determine their blood genotype as AA, Ab or bb. In the second study, blood samples from 160 Italian cats of known blood phenotype A, B or AB underwent PCR testing for feline haemoplasma species DNA. RESULTS: Haemoplasma infection was demonstrated in cats of all phenotypes and genotypes. A significantly higher number of Ab genotype cats tested positive for overall haemoplasma infection status (p = 0.04) and for Mycoplasma haemofelis infection (p = 0.03). LIMITATIONS: Haemoplasma-infected Italian cats were few, possibly increasing the chance of type II error, and the presence of purebred cats in the sample population may have had a confounding effect. CONCLUSIONS: Feline haemoplasmas do not appear to preferentially use either blood type A or B antigens as attachment sites for erythrocyte colonisation. Further investigations in a larger number of haemoplasma-infected cats of known blood phenotype are warranted to explain the association between genotype Ab and haemoplasma infection.

Vector-borne and other pathogens of potential relevance disseminated by relocated cats.

Large populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue worldwide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relieving suffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat's lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those working with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unowned cats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list of practical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consensus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in 2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping to prevent and manage vector-borne and other pathogens in relocated cats.

Leptospira spp. Prevalence in Cats from Southern Italy with Evaluation of Risk Factors for Exposure and Clinical Findings in Infected Cats.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease, but feline leptospirosis is rarely reported. This study aimed at investigating Leptospira spp. prevalence in cats from southern Italy, evaluating risk factors, clinical findings and laboratory data associated with infection. The serum of 112 cats was investigated by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), detecting anti-Leptospira antibodies against 14 pathogenic serovars. Blood and urine samples were tested by a real-time polymerase chain reaction targeting the lipL32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira. Antibodies against serovars Poi, Bratislava, Arborea, Ballum, Pomona and Lora were detected in 15.3% (17/111) of cats (titers range: 20-320). Leptospira spp. DNA was found in 3% (4/109) of blood and 9% (10/111) of urine samples. The spring season was the only risk factor for urinary Leptospira DNA shedding. Laboratory abnormalities significantly associated and/or correlated with Leptospira spp. positivity were anemia, monocytosis, neutrophilia, eosinopenia, increased alanine aminotransferase activity, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia. In the investigated areas, cats are frequently infected by Leptospira spp. and can represent an additional reservoir or sentinel for a risk of infection. Moreover, some laboratory changes could be compatible with a pathogenic effect of Leptospira spp. in the feline host.

Effects of a Novel Gel Formulation of Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) on Behavioral and Physiological Stress Responses in Dogs Undergoing Clinical Examination.

The veterinary visit is necessary for safeguarding the health of dogs, but it can be stressful and threaten both the welfare of the patient and the accuracy of the examination. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study aims at evaluating how dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) in a novel gel formulation influences the behavioral and physiological stress responses of 28 dogs undergoing a standardized clinical examination, while staying in the waiting room (WR) and visited in the examination room (ER). Behavioral responses were studied through behavioral categories and subjective scales (WR and ER). Autonomic response considered heart rate (WR and ER), blood pressure (WR and ER), respiratory rate (ER), and rectal temperature (ER). Neuroendocrine response considered salivary cortisol (WR and ER). In the waiting room, the use of DAP was associated with a significant reduction of lip licking (p = 0.0189), an increase in panting (p = 0.0276), and a reduction close to significance (p = 0.0584) of low body postures. No significant differences were observed within the physiological responses. In the examination room, neither behavioral nor physiological differences were found.

Leishmania infantum Specific Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Cats and Dogs: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Dogs are the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum and display different immunological patterns correlating with the progression of infection to disease. Data about feline L. infantum adaptive immune response are scant. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and immune response in cats and dogs from the same endemic area of canine leishmaniosis. Stray cats (109) and rescued dogs (59) from Córdoba (Spain) were enrolled. Data about their exposure to L. infantum were analyzed by detection of parasite DNA, measurements of Leishmania-specific interferon-γ (whole blood assay in 57 cats and 29 dogs), and antibodies (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence antibody test). An overall L. infantum prevalence of 30.5% in dogs and 30% in cats were found according to serology and PCR tests. Prevalence was 44.8% in dogs and 35.1% in cats tested also for interferon-γ production. Dogs showed higher anti-L. infantum antibody levels compared to cats. More than one-third of cats had contact with or were infected by L. infantum and they may contribute to the endemicity of leishmaniosis in the investigated region. The immunopathogenesis of feline L. infantum infection has similarities with dogs but cats show a lower level of adaptive immune response compared to dogs.

Hemogram Findings in Cats from an Area Endemic for Leishmania infantum and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infections.

In feline Leishmania infantum (Li) infection and in clinical cases of feline leishmaniosis, co-infection with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) has been reported. However, the role of the retroviral co-infection in the impairment of feline clinical health is still controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate hemogram changes in cats from regions endemic for both Li and FIV infection. Four hundred and ninety-six cats tested for Li (EDTA blood polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence antibody test) and for FIV infection (enzyme-linked immune assay) were retrospectively evaluated. Hemogram results including blood smear morphological evaluation were statistically compared considering four infection patterns: Li+FIV+, Li+FIV-, Li-FIV+, and Li-FIV-. Significantly lower values of erythrocytes (Li+FIV-: p = 0.0248; Li-FIV+: p = 0.0392) and hemoglobin (Li+FIV: p = 0.0086; Li-FIV+: p = 0.0249) were found in both infections when compared to Li-FIV- cats, and severity of anemia was more frequently moderate in Li-positive cats (p = 0.0206) and severe in FIV infection (p = 0.024). Li infection was associated with monocytosis (p = 0.0013) and morphologically activated monocytes (p = 0.0209). Moreover, FIV infection was associated with the presence of inflammatory leukogram (p = 0.023), and an association between thrombocytosis and the co-infection was found (p = 0.0347). Li infection in cats induces hematological changes compatible with chronic inflammation, some of which are due to co-infection with FIV.

Vaccination and Antibody Testing in Cats.

Vaccines protect cats from serious diseases by inducing antibodies and cellular immune responses. Primary vaccinations and boosters are given according to vaccination guidelines provided by industry and veterinary organizations, based on minimal duration of immunity (DOI). For certain diseases, particularly feline panleukopenia, antibody titres correlate with protection. For feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus, a similar correlation is absent, or less clear. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) presents current knowledge and expert opinion on the use of antibody testing in different situations. Antibody testing can be performed either in diagnostic laboratories, or in veterinary practice using point of care (POC) tests, and can be applied for several purposes, such as to provide evidence that a successful immune response was induced following vaccination. In adult cats, antibody test results can inform the appropriate re-vaccination interval. In shelters, antibody testing can support the control of FPV outbreaks by identifying potentially unprotected cats. Antibody testing has also been proposed to support decisions on optimal vaccination schedules for the individual kitten. However, such testing is still expensive and it is considered impractical to monitor the decline of maternally derived antibodies.