RESUMEN
The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus of the Lentivirus genus, distributed worldwide, that causes persistent infection with a significant impact on the cats' health. Due to the importance of this infection in feline medicine, this pioneering study aimed to obtain an integrated estimate of the global seroprevalence of FIV in cats and to characterize the factors associated with this infection. Four electronic databases were screened for observational studies with FIV seroprevalence in cats published globally for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The initial search method returned 873 studies, of which 113 met all predefined criteria and were therefore included in this review. Meta-analysis with general data was performed, and a combined global seropositivity of 9.43â¯% (95â¯% CI: 8.24â¯% - 10.78â¯%) was found. Seropositivity was 14.34â¯% (95â¯% CI = 10.92â¯% - 18.61â¯%) in Asia, 11.90â¯% (95â¯% CI = 9.82â¯% - 14.34â¯%) in Oceania, 10.90â¯% (95â¯% CI = 5.71â¯% - 19.82â¯%) in Central America, 9.43â¯% (95â¯% CI = 6.95â¯% - 12.66â¯%) in South America, 9â¯% (95â¯% CI = 0 - 80â¯%) in Africa, 8.98â¯% (95â¯% CI = 7.31â¯% - 10.98â¯%) in Europe, and 5.93â¯% (95â¯% CI = 4.33â¯% - 8.07â¯%) in North America. Meta-analysis of factors associated with seropositivity demonstrated that FIV seroprevalence was higher in male (Prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.53, 95â¯% CI = 2.16 - 2.95), adult (PR = 2.83, 95â¯% CI = 2.24 - 3.56), unowned status (PR = 1.47, 95â¯% CI = 1.07 - 2.03), sick status (PR = 2.46, 95â¯% CI = 1.97 - 3.06), and cats with outdoor access (PR = 4.38, 95â¯% CI = 2.26 - 8.47). The results demonstrated that FIV is globally distributed and has a high seroprevalence in some geographical areas. Information compiled from this research is relevant to understanding the worldwide epidemiology of FIV. It presents the potential to contribute to the planning of strategies focused on controlling and reducing cases in cat populations.
Asunto(s)
Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Animales , Gatos , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina/aislamiento & purificación , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/epidemiología , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/virología , Factores de Riesgo , Salud Global/estadística & datos numéricos , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/virologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In endemic areas, Leishmania infantum and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) co-infection occurs in cats, and may favour a progressive course of feline leishmaniosis. Abnormalities in serum protein fractions have been reported, but inflammation markers have scarcely been studied. Erythrocyte sediment rate (ESR) is a marker of inflammation that is poorly used in veterinary medicine, but it has been evaluated in EDTA blood using a recently introduced automatic device. We studied ESR and a pool of feline markers of inflammation (MoI) in cats L. infantum (Li+) and/or FIV antibody-positive (Li+FIV+/FIV+) with the aims (a) to evaluate ESR as MoI in cats with the infectious and clinical conditions considered and (b) to provide data about a pool of MoI never investigated in the feline infections studied and in other cat diseases before. METHODS: This prospective controlled study included 35 study group cats (Li+, n = 20; FIV +, n = 8; Li+FIV+, n = 7) and ten healthy antibody-negative control cats. Clinical findings at physical examination and selected clinical pathological abnormalities related to inflammation were statistically analysed in relation to the infectious status and ESR values. RESULTS: ESR values were higher in Li+, FIV+, and Li+FIV+ cats compared with control cats, and 40% of the study group cats had ESR values above the reference interval (RI). ESR positively correlated with some positive MoI and negatively with some negative MoI studied. Additionally, a higher prevalence of ESR values above the RI has been detected in cats with hypoalbuminemia or hypergammaglobulinemia and higher ESR values were measured in cats with serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) fraction abnormalities. Correlations were also found with erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit and some erythrocyte indices. FIV+ and Li+FIV+ cats had a higher prevalence of increased ESR values, and almost all had SPE abnormalities and more severe clinical presentations compared with Li+ cats. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal levels of MoI were found in almost all parameters studied, particularly in FIV+ and Li+FIV+ cats. Also, ESR can be used as a marker of inflammation in cats with L. infantum and/or FIV infection.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores , Sedimentación Sanguínea , Enfermedades de los Gatos , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Inflamación , Leishmania infantum , Leishmaniasis Visceral , Gatos , Animales , Leishmania infantum/inmunología , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina/inmunología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/sangre , Enfermedades de los Gatos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/inmunología , Inflamación/veterinaria , Inflamación/sangre , Biomarcadores/sangre , Leishmaniasis Visceral/veterinaria , Leishmaniasis Visceral/sangre , Leishmaniasis Visceral/inmunología , Leishmaniasis Visceral/parasitología , Masculino , Estudios Prospectivos , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Femenino , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/sangre , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/inmunología , Coinfección/veterinaria , Coinfección/parasitología , Coinfección/virología , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangreRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge gaps in the global prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and to obtain professional opinions and experiences regarding FIV in selected countries. We conducted a literature review of abstracts that reported the prevalence of FIV and interviewed experts in feline medicine and retroviruses from different countries to determine regional perspectives. METHODS: A total of 90 articles reporting FIV prevalence as a primary unbiased population-level analysis between 1980 and 2017 were indexed. FIV prevalence, demographics, year and location were analyzed. Statistics were evaluated and compared. In total, 10 experts were interviewed. Results were analyzed for congruence with the findings of the literature review. RESULTS: FIV prevalence was typically in the range of 5-8%, with a global prevalence of 4.7%, and remained largely constant over the reporting period (1980-2017). Over 90% of articles reported greater prevalence in older male cats. More studies were conducted in North America and Europe and reported the lowest prevalence. Expert-estimated prevalence approximated literature review prevalence. Attitudes and recommendations for management were consistent among experts. The limitations of the present review include varying inclusion criteria of cats tested in different studies, variation in testing modalities and the inability to conduct summary statistics across dissimilar cohorts. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The global prevalence of FIV has not changed since its discovery 40 years ago. Prevalence is higher in older male cats and is lower in North America and Europe than other continents. Experts agree that FIV is not typically a disease of high concern and is often associated with infections of the oral cavity. Vaccination is not typically recommended and has been discontinued in North America. The evaluation of risk factors for FIV progression is useful in managing infections. Recommendations for future research include analyses to determine copathogen and environmental factors that impact progression, assessment of life span impacts and investigations of treatment efficacy and side effects.
Asunto(s)
Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Gatos , Animales , Prevalencia , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/epidemiología , Nivel de Atención , Masculino , Femenino , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/virología , Testimonio de Experto , Infecciones por Lentivirus/veterinaria , Infecciones por Lentivirus/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
The utility of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as prognostic markers in Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infections has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate these leukocyte ratios in retrovirus-positive cats and to evaluate their prognostic value for survival. This retrospective case-control study included 142 cats, 75 FIV-Antibodies (Ab)-positive, 52 FeLV-Antigen (Ag)-positive, and 15 FIV-Ab+FeLV-Ag-positive, and a control population of 142 retrovirus-negative age-, sex-, and lifestyle-matched cats. Signalment, complete blood count at the time of serological testing, and outcome were recorded. Leukocyte ratios were compared within the same case-control population, among the three retrovirus-seropositive populations, and were related to survival time. No significant difference was found in NLR, MLR, or PLR between FIV-Ab-positive and FIV-Ab+FeLV-Ag-positive cats and their cross-matched controls. In the FeLV-Ag-positive population, MLR was significantly lower than in the control population (0.05 and 0.14, respectively, P=0.0008). No ratio discriminated among the three infectious states. No ratio was significantly different between survivors and non-survivors in the population of FIV-Ab-positive cats. MLR at diagnosis was significantly higher in FeLV-Ag-positive cats that died 1-3 years after diagnosis than in FeLV-Ag-positive cats still alive at 3 years (P=0.0284). None of the three ratios could predict retroviruses-positive cats that would survive to the end of the study. Overall the results indicate that NLR, MLR, and PLR are not significantly different among retrovirus statuses evaluated and had a very limited prognostic value for the survival time in retrovirus-positive cats.
Asunto(s)
Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Virus de la Leucemia Felina , Gatos , Animales , Estudios Retrospectivos , Femenino , Masculino , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Pronóstico , Infecciones por Retroviridae/veterinaria , Infecciones por Retroviridae/mortalidad , Infecciones por Retroviridae/virología , Infecciones por Retroviridae/sangre , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/mortalidad , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/virología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/mortalidad , Enfermedades de los Gatos/virología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/sangre , Enfermedades de los Gatos/diagnóstico , Recuento de Leucocitos/veterinaria , Biomarcadores/sangreRESUMEN
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses of great importance for domestic cats with a worldwide distribution. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects of the infection by FIV and FeLV in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region. Cats treated between 2011 and 2021 at the teaching veterinary hospital of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region that were submitted to a point-of-care (POC) test to detect anti-FIV IgG antibodies and FeLV antigen were enrolled in the study. Overall, 454 cats were selected, of which 30.2% [95% CI = 26.0% - 34.3%] were FIV-positive, 1.1% [95% CI = 0.9% - 1.2%] were FeLV-positive, and 0.7% [95% CI = 0.1% - 1.3%] were coinfected by both retroviruses. No statistical association was found between the studied retroviruses (P = 0.144). Multivariable analysis detected significant associations between FIV infection and male sex [OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 3.0-10.7, P < 0.0001), age between 19 and 78 months [OR = 5.2, 95% CI = 2.2-12.1, P < 0.0001], age greater than 78 months [OR = 12.8, 95% CI = 5.1-31.9, P < 0.0001], crossbreed [OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.2-13.4, P = 0.021], the presence of oral disease [OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.3-3.4, P = 0.004], reduced red blood cell (RBC) count [OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.9-7.2, P < 0.0001], and an albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio lower than 0.6 [OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.6-7.1, P = 0.001]. No statistical analyses were performed for FeLV infection due to the low number of positive animals. In the quantitative analyses of hematological parameters, FIV-positive cats presented lower values for RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, and platelets compared to the negative animals. In the biochemical profile, cats infected with FIV showed higher creatinine, urea, total protein, and globulin values, while lower values for albumin and A:G ratio were observed (P < 0.05). The findings of this study characterized the prevalence, clinicopathological findings, and risk factors associated with FIV and FeLV in cats from the Brazilian semiarid region. They may help support veterinary practitioners in diagnosing feline retroviruses. The FIV prevalence observed is among the highest reported in Brazil, demonstrating the need for prevention and control strategies for this retrovirus.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Globulinas , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Leucemia Felina , Gatos , Animales , Masculino , Virus de la Leucemia Felina , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Leucemia Felina/epidemiología , Albúminas , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is one of the most important infectious diseases of cats, with potential implications in wildlife conservation. Unfortunately, FIV screening and surveillance in domestic cats remains limited in several African countries, including Namibia. In this study, 279 blood samples from domestic cats in Namibia were analyzed for FIV diagnosis by PCR. The cats represented various regions and were cared for by people largely from rural areas with limited financial means. Only 1.43 % of the samples tested positive, unexpectedly low given their outdoor lifestyles. The infected cats, primarily adult and unsterilized, showed no typical FIV symptoms, suggesting subclinical infections. Genetic analysis of the detected strains indicated a unique FIV strain cluster in Namibia, although with a certain within-country variability, in the absence of consistent geographical clustering. The present study represents the first detection and genetic characterization of FIV in the Namibian domestic cat population. Although the infection frequency was low, also in the rural free-roaming population, the features of the enrolled population could have biased the estimation, suggesting the need for more extensive surveys involving diseased and older cats as well. Additionally, because of the long-lasting subclinical nature of the infection, frequent monitoring activities should be performed that allow prompt isolation of infected animals and the implementation of appropriate control measures if necessary.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Humanos , Animales , Gatos , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina/genética , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/epidemiología , Animales Salvajes , Análisis por Conglomerados , África , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Understanding the local epidemiology of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in Hong Kong will inform retrovirus prevention strategies. Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), a novel hepatitis-B-like virus, is commonly detected among client-owned cats in Hong Kong, but community cats have not been studied. The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency and potential risk factors for (i) FeLV and FIV among community and client-owned cats and (ii) perform molecular detection of DCH among community cats in Hong Kong. Blood samples from 713 cats were obtained from client-owned (n = 415, residual diagnostic) and community cats (n = 298, at trap-neuter-return). Point-of-care (POC) testing for FeLV antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) anti-p15 and p24 antibodies was performed. FeLV-positive samples were progressed to p27 sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Whole blood DNA was tested with qPCRs for FeLV U3 and gag, and nested PCRs where additional information was required. DCH qPCR was performed on a subset of community cats (n = 193). A single, regressive, FeLV infection was detected in a client-owned cat (1/415 FeLV U3 qPCR positive, 0.2%, 95% CI 0.0-1.3%). Five/415 client-owned cats tested presumably false FeLV-antigen positive (qPCR negative). No markers of FeLV infection were detected in community cats (0/298; 0%). FIV seroprevalence was much higher in community cats (46/298, 15.4%) than in client-owned cats (13/415, 3.1%) (p < 0.001). Mixed breed was a risk factor for FIV infection in client-owned cats. Neither sex nor age were associated with FIV infection. DCH DNA was detected in 34/193 (17.6%) community cats (median viral load 6.32 × 103 copies/reaction). FeLV infection is rare in Hong Kong, negatively impacting the positive predictive value of diagnostic tests. FeLV-antigen testing remains the screening test of choice, but confirmation of a positive result using FeLV qPCR is essential. FIV infection is common in community cats and the absence of a sex predisposition, seen previously in cats managed similarly, raises questions about virus-transmission dynamics in these groups. DCH infection is very common in Hong Kong, both in client-owned and community cats, highlighting the importance of understanding the pathogenic potential of this virus for cats.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Hepadnaviridae , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Leucemia Felina , Humanos , Animales , Gatos , Retroviridae/genética , Hepadnaviridae/genética , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Hong Kong/epidemiología , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina/genética , Virus de la Leucemia Felina/genética , Anticuerpos Antivirales , ADN , Enfermedades de los Gatos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are retroviral infections of cats worldwide whose clinical manifestations range from mild to severe disease. In both cases, infected cats can live a long life with proper care and should be managed to prevent infection of other cats. Dirofilaria immitis, the nematode that causes heartworm disease, can infect cats in any region where dogs are infected. Though cats are more resistant to infection, clinical diseases in the form of heartworm-associated respiratory disease can cause death. Screening for these infectious diseases enables veterinarians to manage their cases and prevent the spread to other cats. We describe the diagnostic accuracy of a point-of-care immunoassay for FIV, FeLV, and heartworm, compared to reference methods commonly available through reference laboratories to the practicing veterinarian. For FIV, we report 100% sensitivity (95% confidence limits (CL): 96.2-100%) and 97.8% specificity (95% CL: 95.4-99.4%). For FeLV, we report 100% sensitivity (95% CL: 97.7-100%) and 99.2% specificity (95% CL: 97.1-99.9%). And for heartworm, we report 90.2% sensitivity (95% CL: 76.9-97.3%) and 100% specificity (95% CL: 98.3-100%). Veterinarians may expect this performance relative to the reference methods they use for confirmatory serological testing.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Dirofilaria immitis , Dirofilariasis , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Leucemia Felina , Animales , Gatos , Enfermedades de los Gatos/diagnóstico , Dirofilariasis/diagnóstico , Dirofilariasis/complicaciones , Inmunoensayo , Virus de la Leucemia Felina , Sistemas de Atención de PuntoAsunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Gatos , Animales , Animales Salvajes , Anticuerpos Antivirales , Reino Unido/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Leucemia Felina , Leucemia , Linfoma , Gatos , Animales , Masculino , Virus de la Leucemia Felina , Prevalencia , Brasil/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Leucemia Felina/diagnóstico , Leucemia/veterinaria , Linfoma/veterinaria , Factores de Riesgo , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) causes progressive immune dysfunction in cats similar to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in humans. Although combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is effective against HIV, there is no definitive therapy to improve clinical outcomes in cats with FIV. This study therefore evaluated pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes of cART (2.5 mg/kg Dolutegravir; 20 mg/kg Tenofovir; 40 mg/kg Emtricitabine) in FIV-infected domestic cats. Specific pathogen free cats were experimentally infected with FIV and administered either cART or placebo treatments (n = 6 each) for 18 weeks, while n = 6 naïve uninfected cats served as controls. Blood, saliva, and fine needle aspirates from mandibular lymph nodes were collected to quantify viral and proviral loads via digital droplet PCR and to assess lymphocyte immunophenotypes by flow cytometry. cART improved blood dyscrasias in FIV-infected cats, which normalized by week 16, while placebo cats remained neutropenic, although no significant difference in viremia was observed in the blood or saliva. cART-treated cats exhibited a Th2 immunophenotype with increasing proportions of CD4+CCR4+ cells compared to placebo cats, and cART restored Th17 cells compared to placebo-treated cats. Of the cART drugs, dolutegravir was the most stable and long-lasting. These findings provide a critical insight into novel cART formulations in FIV-infected cats and highlight their role as a potential animal model to evaluate the impact of cART on lentiviral infection and immune dysregulation.
Asunto(s)
Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Infecciones por VIH , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Humanos , Animales , Gatos , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina/genética , Terapia Antirretroviral Altamente Activa , Provirus/genética , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológicoRESUMEN
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses affecting cats worldwide, and the prevalence of infection varies considerably according to the geographic area. We retrospectively described FIV- and FeLV-associated diseases in a population of 1470 necropsied cats, of which 396 (26.9%) were infected with FeLV, 199 (13.5%) with FIV, and 134 (9.1%) with FeLV and FIV concomitantly. Cats infected with FeLV (OR 3.4) and co-infected with FeLV and FIV (OR 1.9) were more likely to have neoplasms. The diagnosis of lymphoma and leukemia was higher in cats infected with FeLV (OR 3.9 and 19.4, respectively) and coinfected with FeLV and FIV (OR 1.9 and 19.3, respectively). The odds of diagnosing bacterial diseases were higher in cats coinfected with FeLV and FIV (OR: 2.8), whereas the odds of viral diseases were higher in those infected with FeLV (OR: 2.8), with 2.2 times more diagnoses of feline infectious peritonitis. Neoplastic and infectious diseases in FIV-infected cats did not differ significantly from those in uninfected cats. According to our results, a high prevalence of retroviral infections was observed in southern Brazil, mainly in relation to FeLV. Infected cats were significantly younger than uninfected cats. The main causes of death associated with FeLV infection and FeLV and FIV coinfection were neoplastic and infectious diseases. In contrast, FIV infection was not associated with any specific condition.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Enfermedades Transmisibles , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Infecciones por Lentivirus , Gatos , Animales , Virus de la Leucemia Felina , Estudios Retrospectivos , Infecciones por Lentivirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Lentivirus/veterinaria , Enfermedades Transmisibles/veterinaria , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 274 cats in Southern Brazil to estimate the prevalence of Mycoplasma haemofelis PCR, associated factors, and its correlation with ELISA for FeLV and FIV. The apparent prevalence of M. haemofelis was 6.6% (18/274) (95% CI: 3.6-9.5%), of which 33.3% (6/18) had co-infection with FeLV, 5.6% (1/18) with FIV, and 5.6% (1/18) with both. Male cats were more likely to be positive for M. haemofelis [OR: 7.07 (1.97-25.34)]. Only three M. haemofelis-positive cats showed related clinical changes, such as mucosal pallor. A statistically significant difference was observed between M. haemofelis-positive cats and the negative control group for age, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and rod neutrophil counts. Mycoplasma haemofelis is prevalent in southern Brazil, with a higher risk in male cats. Most cats could be classified as asymptomatic carriers since they were healthy.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Infecciones por Mycoplasma , Gatos , Masculino , Animales , Virus de la Leucemia Felina , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Brasil/epidemiología , Infecciones por Mycoplasma/epidemiología , Infecciones por Mycoplasma/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
A cross-sectional study was carried out between April 2020 and August 2021. Blood samples were collected from 260 household cats recruited in different clinics in North and Mount Lebanon, with the aim of determining the seroprevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). The seroprevalence reported reached 18.84% (95% CI 0.14-0.24) and 13.84% (95% CI 0.09-0.18) for FIV and FeLV, respectively. FIV seropositivity was associated with a younger age, health and neuter status, lymphoma, lethargy, and vomiting. Furthermore, male sex, neuter status, lymphoma, anaemia, lethargy, and vomiting were significantly associated with FeLV seropositivity. This first data from Lebanon emphasizes the need for implementing preventive programmes to cope with FIV- and FeLV-associated morbidity and mortality among cats.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Linfoma , Gatos , Masculino , Animales , Virus de la Leucemia Felina , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Estudios Transversales , Líbano , Letargia/veterinaria , Factores de Riesgo , Linfoma/veterinaria , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Testing platforms that leverage automation, require minimal sample volume, and enable various tests to be performed simultaneously on a single sample have the potential to improve workflow and efficiency in veterinary diagnostic laboratories. We evaluated a barcoded magnetic bead (BMB) technology using established immunoassays for detection of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) p27 antigen and antibody against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Analytical sensitivity, limit of blank, and limit of detection were used to establish a functional sensitivity of 1.00 ng/mL of inactivated FeLV antigen and 35.7 ng/mL of anti-FIV monoclonal antibody. Common interferents, such as hemoglobin, lipid, and bilirubin, were not found to interfere with the performance of the assay. Intra- and inter-assay CVs were <13% for both assays using manufactured samples. Using a set of 116 feline samples, the diagnostic accuracy of our multiplex assay was 100% compared to reference assays. Performance in a convenience set of 1,000 feline samples submitted to a commercial diagnostic laboratory revealed a proportion of positive results of 1.3% for FeLV and 3.7% for FIV. BMB technology should enable rapid screening of samples for various markers in a single immunoassay well.
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Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Gatos , Animales , Virus de la Leucemia Felina , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/veterinaria , Inmunoensayo/veterinaria , Inmunoglobulinas , Fenómenos Magnéticos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Gatos/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in experimentally infected domestic cats produces characteristic clinical manifestations including hematological changes, neurological disease, neoplasia (most notably lymphoma) and lymphopenia-mediated immunodeficiency predisposing cats to a range of secondary infections. Conflicting reports exist, however, with regard to disease associations and survival time in naturally FIV-infected cats. The purpose of this retrospective case−control study was to investigate the effect of natural FIV infection on hematological, blood biochemical and urinalysis parameters and survival time in three cohorts of pet cats in Australia. Cohorts 1 and 2 were recruited from a large veterinary hospital in Melbourne, Victoria (n = 525 and 282), while a third cohort consisted of cats recruited from around Australia as part of a FIV field vaccine efficacy trial (n = 425). FIV-infected cats in cohorts 1, 2 and 3 were found to have 15/37 (41%), 13/39 (33%) and 2/13 (15%) clinicopathological parameters significantly different to FIV-uninfected cats, respectively. Two changes in FIV-infected cats in cohort 1, hypochromia (low hemoglobin) and hyperglobulinemia, were outside the supplied reference intervals and should serve as diagnostic triggers for FIV testing. Kaplan−Meier survival analysis of cats in cohorts 1 and 2 combined did not find any difference between FIV-infected and FIV-uninfected cats, however a confounding factor was a large euthanasia rate within the first 12 months in both groups. Three significant (p < 0.05) spatial clusters of FIV infection were identified in Melbourne. A possible relationship between FIV infection status and socioeconomic disadvantage was discovered, based on three government indices of socioeconomic status (p < 0.001). Until longitudinal field studies are performed in Australia to further investigate the long-term effects of natural FIV infection, Australian veterinarians should consider FIV to be an important infection of pet cats, and recommend measures to prevent FIV infection.
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Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Infecciones por Lentivirus , Animales , Gatos , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Hemoglobinas , Infecciones por Lentivirus/veterinaria , Estudios Retrospectivos , VictoriaAsunto(s)
Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Leucemia Felina , Animales , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Gatos , Cognición , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/epidemiología , Virus de la Leucemia FelinaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The relationship between blood group antigens and disease has been studied in humans. Blood types have been associated with both decreased and increased rates of various infections. In addition, blood group expression has been shown to vary with some cancers and gastrointestinal diseases. The objective of this study was to explore whether there is a relationship between blood type and retroviral infections in cats. METHODS: Case records from a veterinary research laboratory, veterinary teaching hospitals and veterinary blood banks were retrospectively searched for cats where both blood type and retroviral status (feline leukemia [FeLV], feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV] or both) were listed (part 1). In addition, a sample of 33 cats with confirmed FIV infection was genotyped to determine blood groups (part 2). RESULTS: In part 1, 709 cats were identified, 119 of which were positive for retroviral infection. Among all cases, 621 were type A (87.6%), 68 were type B (9.6%) and 20 were type AB (2.8%). There was no relationship between overall retroviral status (positive/negative) and blood type (P = 0.43), between FeLV status and blood type (P = 0.86) or between FIV status and blood type (P = 0.94). There was no difference in the distribution of blood types between cats that were healthy and typed as possible blood donors vs sick cats that were typed prior to a possible transfusion (P = 0.13). In part 2, of the 33 FIV-infected cats, all blood group genotypes were identified, although this test did not discriminate type A from type AB. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: No relationship was identified between feline retroviral status and blood type in this study. The relationship between blood type and other disease states requires further study in veterinary patients.
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Antígenos de Grupos Sanguíneos , Enfermedades de los Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Leucemia Felina , Infecciones por Retroviridae , Animales , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Gatos , Humanos , Virus de la Leucemia Felina , Estudios Retrospectivos , Infecciones por Retroviridae/epidemiología , Infecciones por Retroviridae/veterinariaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Age-related dementia has been documented in domestic cats; however, its interaction with naturally occurring feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection has been investigated minimally. METHODS: Visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and problem-solving (PS) ability were evaluated in FIV-infected (n = 37) and control cats (n = 39) using two cognitive tasks tested serially, which assessed the ability of cats to remember the location of a baited container after a set delay, then evaluated the capability of the cats to manipulate the container to obtain the food within a time limit. Cats were categorized using 7 years of age as a cut-off to determine age-related differences. The relationship between cognitive performance and FIV viral load was investigated using real-time PCR cycle threshold (Ct ) values. RESULTS: Age significantly affected VSWM and PS ability. Younger cats had better VSWM performance and PS ability compared to older cats with the same FIV status. There was no difference between younger FIV-positive and negative cats in either part of the task. While older FIV-positive cats had significantly worse VSWM than older FIV-negative cats, no differences were found in PS ability. Additionally, Ct values predicted VSWM but not PS ability. CONCLUSION: Age-related cognitive impairments and FIV infection appear synergetic, causing greater cognitive deficits in older FIV-infected cats.
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Enfermedades de los Gatos , Disfunción Cognitiva , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino , Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Felina , Infecciones por Lentivirus , Animales , Gatos , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida del Felino/complicaciones , Infecciones por Lentivirus/complicaciones , Infecciones por Lentivirus/veterinaria , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa/veterinariaRESUMEN
Despite the passage of over 30 years since its discovery, the importance of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) on the health and longevity of infected domestic cats is hotly debated amongst feline experts. Notwithstanding the absence of good quality information, Australian and New Zealand (NZ) veterinarians should aim to minimise the exposure of cats to FIV. The most reliable way to achieve this goal is to recommend that all pet cats are kept exclusively indoors, or with secure outdoor access (e.g., cat enclosures, secure gardens), with FIV testing of any in-contact cats. All animal holding facilities should aim to individually house adult cats to limit the spread of FIV infection in groups of animals that are stressed and do not have established social hierarchies. Point-of-care (PoC) FIV antibody tests are available in Australia and NZ that can distinguish FIV-infected and uninfected FIV-vaccinated cats (Witness™ and Anigen Rapid™). Although testing of whole blood, serum or plasma remains the gold standard for FIV diagnosis, PoC testing using saliva may offer a welfare-friendly alternative in the future. PCR testing to detect FIV infection is not recommended as a screening procedure since a negative PCR result does not rule out FIV infection and is only recommended in specific scenarios. Australia and NZ are two of three countries where a dual subtype FIV vaccine (Fel-O-Vax® FIV) is available and offers a further avenue for disease prevention. Since FIV vaccination only has a reported field effectiveness of 56% in Australia, and possibly lower in NZ, FIV-vaccinated cats should undergo annual FIV testing prior to annual FIV re-vaccination using a suitable PoC kit to check infection has not occurred in the preceding year. With FIV-infected cats, clinicians should strive to be even more thorough than usual at detecting early signs of disease. The most effective way to enhance the quality of life and life expectancy of FIV-infected cats is to optimise basic husbandry and to treat any concurrent conditions early in the disease course. Currently, no available drugs are registered for the treatment of FIV infection. Critically, the euthanasia of healthy FIV-infected cats, and sick FIV-infected cats without appropriate clinical investigations, should not occur.