Detection of Antibodies against Feline Morbillivirus by Recombinant Matrix Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) has been associated with feline health, although its exact role in pathogenesis is still debated. In this study, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) targeting a recombinant matrix protein of FeMV (rFeMV-M) was developed and assessed in comparison to a Western blotting (WB) assay. The i-ELISA was evaluated using blood samples from 136 cats that were additionally tested with real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). The i-ELISA exhibited a sensitivity of 90.1%, specificity of 75.6%, positive predictive value of 88.2%, and negative predictive value of 79.1%. The agreement between i-ELISA and WB analyses was substantial (a κ coefficient of 0.664 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.529 to 0.799). Within the study group, 68.4% (93/136) of the cats were serologically positive in the i-ELISA and 66.9% (91/136) in the WB assay, with 11.8% (11/93) of false positivity with the i-ELISA. However, only 8.1% (11/136) of the cats tested positive for FeMV using RT-qPCR (p < 0.001). The developed i-ELISA proved effective in identifying FeMV-infected cats and indicated the prevalence of FeMV exposure. Combining FeMV antibody detection through i-ELISA with FeMV RT-qPCR could offer a comprehensive method to determine and monitor FeMV infection status. Nevertheless, this assay still requires refinement due to a significant number of false positive results, which can lead to the misdiagnosis of cats without antibodies as having antibodies. This study also provided the first evidence of seroprevalence against FeMV among cat populations in Thailand, contributing valuable insights into the geographic distribution and prevalence of this virus.

In Vitro Modeling of Feline Morbillivirus Infections Using Primary Feline Kidney Cells.

Domestic cats are the natural host of feline morbilliviruses (FeMV). Although other species can also be infected (such as dogs and opossums), no laboratory animal infection model is established so far. In vitro models for studying the molecular pathogenesis are therefore needed. For this purpose, propagation and titration of FeMV are key techniques. Unlike other morbilliviruses, such as canine distemper virus (CDV) or measles virus (MV), FeMV is a slow growing virus in cell culture and is difficult to titrate using classical plaque techniques. Here we describe methods for the efficient isolation of FeMV from natural sources (e.g., urine), the propagation of viral stocks, and their titration. In addition, we establish the generation of a three-dimensional infection model mimicking the feline tubular epithelium.

Detection of feline morbillivirus in cats with symptoms of acute febrile infection.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was identified for the first time in cats in 2012 in Hong Kong. Although its association with chronic kidney disease in cats has attracted the attention of researchers, its clinical significance as an acute infection has not been reported. Previously, we reported FeMV detection using next-generation sequence-based comprehensive genomic analysis of plasma samples from cats with suspected acute febrile infections. Here, we conducted an epidemiological survey to detect FeMV by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using blood samples from cats in Japan. FeMV was detected in 32/102 blood samples (31.4%) from cats with suspected acute viral infections. Most of the FeMV-positive cats had clinical findings consistent with acute viral infections, including fever, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and jaundice. No FeMV was detected in healthy cats or clinically ill cats that visited veterinary hospitals. Phylogenetic analysis classified FeMV L genes into various FeMV subtypes. We also necropsied a FeMV-positive cat that died of a suspected acute infection. On necropsy, FeMV was detected in systemic organs, including the kidneys, lymph nodes and spleen by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. These results suggest that FeMV infections may cause acute symptomatic febrile infections in cats. A limitation of this study was that the involvement of other pathogens that cause febrile illnesses could not be ruled out and this prevented a definitive conclusion that FeMV causes febrile disease in infected cats. Further studies that include experimental infections are warranted to determine the pathogenicity of FeMV in cats.

Feline morbillivirus infection associated with fatal encephalitis in a Bengal cat.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is a recently discovered morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae, which include several highly contagious viruses with zoonotic potential. In this case report we describe the detection of FeMV in archived brain tissue of a 2-month-old Bengal cat with nonsuppurative encephalitis from the year 2011 in Switzerland by high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Our metagenomics approach was able to obtain a full-length sequence covering the entire FeMV genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that our FeMV strain clustered within FeMV genotype 1. We were able to detect FeMV RNA by in situ hybridization (ISH) in brain sections with inflammatory lesions and demonstrated its potential neurotropism and association with encephalitis. Our results provide further insight into this recently discovered morbillivirus and encourage further investigations into the pathogenesis and epidemiology of associated diseases in cats and potentially other species.

In Vitro Growth, Receptor Usage and Pathogenesis of Feline Morbillivirus in the Natural Host.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is a recently discovered virus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus of the virus family Paramyxoviridae. Often, the virus has been detected in urine of cats with a history of urinary disease and has a worldwide distribution. Currently, it is unclear which receptor the virus uses to enter the target cells. Furthermore, many aspects of FeMV biology in vivo, including tissue tropism, pathogenesis, and virus excretion in the natural host remain unclear. In this study we analyzed the replication of FeMV in various cell lines. Secondly, we tested if the presence of feline SLAMF1 (Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule family 1/CD150, principal entry receptor for other members of the Morbillivirus genus) improved FeMV replication efficiency in vitro. Finally, to elucidate in vivo biology in cats, as a natural host for FeMV, we experimentally infected a group of cats and monitored clinical symptoms, viremia, and excretion of the virus during the course of 56 days. Our study showed that FeMV shares some features with other morbilliviruses like the use of the SLAMF1 receptor. For the first time, experimental infection of SPF cats showed that FeMV does not induce an acute clinical disease like other morbilliviruses but can induce lesions in the kidneys, including tubulointerstitial nephritis. Further investigations are needed to confirm the site and dynamics of replication of FeMV in the urinary tract and the longer-term impact of FeMV-induced lesions on the renal function. Whether FeMV infection can result in chronic kidney disease will require the monitoring of cats over a longer period.

Renal epitheliotropism of feline morbillivirus in two cats.

The association of feline morbillivirus (FeMV) with kidney disease in cats is controversial. Two cats with a history of severe hematuria had eosinophilic inclusion-like bodies in the renal tubular epithelial cells, without any inflammatory cellular reaction. Ultrastructurally, aggregations of electron-dense viral-like particles were found where the inclusion-like bodies were located. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) using antibodies against FeMV matrix protein labeled these inclusion-like bodies, and also labeled the cytoplasm of tracheal and bronchiolar epithelial cells, and lymphocytes and macrophages in spleen and mesenteric lymph node. Using double IHC, FeMV antigen was detected in astroglia and oligodendroglia but not in microglia. Phylogenetic characterization of the fusion and hemagglutinin gene sequences revealed FeMV-1A genotypes in both cats. These findings indicated an active viral infection with FeMV. We propose that FeMV is a renal epitheliotropic virus and also localizes in various other tissues.

Feline morbillivirus-1 in dogs with respiratory diseases.

Feline morbillivirus-1 (FeMV-1) is a viral pathogen associated with kidney disease in domestic cats and wild felids. We initially identified the FeMV-1 from the lung of a necropsied dog with severe pulmonary disease by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Thereafter, we investigated FeMV-1 in nasal and oral swab samples from 73 healthy and 113 dogs with respiratory illnesses. We found polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive FeMV-1 from only 14/113 (12.39%) dogs with respiratory disease (p = .001). Of these 14 dogs, six were co-infected with other canine respiratory viruses (6/14; 42.86%). Two independent immunohistochemistry procedures, using antibodies against matrix and phosphoprotein of FeMV-1, confirmed the presence of FeMV-1 in lung tissues of two necropsied dogs (out of a total of 22 dogs, 9.09%) that died from respiratory disease. This finding corresponded to transmission electron microscopy findings that paramyxoviral particles exist in lung epithelia. FeMV-1 antigen localization was also evident in the kidney, lymphoid and brain tissues of two deceased dogs. FeMV-1 was successfully isolated from a necropsied dog and from two living dogs, all with respiratory illnesses, which supports FeMV infection in dogs. The detection of FeMV-1 in dog tissues expands the known tropism of this virus to a non-felid host. Our findings indicate that FeMV-1, alone or in co-infection with other viral pathogens, might contribute to respiratory illness and death in dogs.

Feline Morbillivirus in Southern Italy: Epidemiology, Clinico-Pathological Features and Phylogenetic Analysis in Cats.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was isolated for the first time in 2012 with an association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggested. This study aimed at investigating in cats from southern Italy FeMV prevalence and risk factors for exposure to FeMV, including the relationship with CKD; sequencing amplicons and analyzing phylogeny of PCR positive samples. Blood serum, K3EDTA blood and urine samples from 223 cats were investigated. Ten carcasses were also evaluated. FeMV RNA was detected in 2.4% (5/211) blood and 16.1% (36/223) urine samples. One carcass tested positive by qPCRFeMV from kidney, urinary bladder, and submandibular lymph nodes. Antibodies against FeMV were detected in 14.5% (28/193) cats. We followed up 27 cats (13 FeMV positive cats) and documented in some cases urine shedding after up to 360 days. Older and foundling cats and cats living in rescue catteries, were more frequently infected with FeMV. A significant correlation between FeMV and higher serum creatinine values or low urine specific gravity was found. FeMV positivity was significantly associated with retroviral infection, and the presence of some clinical signs apart from CKD clinicopathological markers. Our study highlights the possibility of a link between FeMV exposure and CKD and a general impairment of feline health.

Feline Morbillivirus Infection in Domestic Cats: What Have We Learned So Far?

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was identified for the first time in stray cats in 2012 in Hong Kong and, since its discovery, it was reported in domestic cats worldwide. Although a potential association between FeMV infection and tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) has been suggested, this has not been proven, and the subject remains controversial. TIN is the most frequent histopathological finding in the context of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is one of the major clinical pathologies in feline medicine. FeMV research has mainly focused on defining the epidemiology, the role of FeMV in the development of CKD, and its in vitro tropism, but the pathogenicity of FeMV is still not clear, partly due to its distinctive biological characteristics, as well as to a lack of a cell culture system for its rapid isolation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of FeMV infection, including genetic diversity of FeMV strains, epidemiology, pathogenicity, and clinicopathological findings observed in naturally infected cats.

Seroprevalence of Infection with Feline Morbilliviruses Is Associated with FLUTD and Increased Blood Creatinine Concentrations in Domestic Cats.

Feline morbilliviruses (FeMV) are fairly newly discovered paramyxoviruses found in cats. The first description indicated an association with widely distributed chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the host species. In various studies, a global prevalence and a further genotype, designated FeMV-2, and the involvement of other organ systems in infected individuals were shown. Using an immunofluorescence assay, we detected an overall seroprevalence of FeMV in almost half of the cats investigated (n = 380), with a significantly increased proportion in younger animals. In comparison to European Shorthair cats, the rate of seropositivity is higher in pedigree cats. Regardless of the breed, FeMV infection was associated with increased blood creatinine concentrations, suggesting an association with CKD. Further analysis indicated that this association was the strongest in animals having high IFA titers against FeMV-2. In addition, a significant association between FeMV-positive status and the prevalence of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD, or idiopathic cystitis) was detected. This association was dominated by cats having antibodies against FeMV-1 only. To further evaluate the positive correlation between FeMV seroprevalence and CKD as well as FLUTD, consideration of additional clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters is warranted, and controlled infection studies with both FeMV genotypes are necessary. Clinicians should, however, be aware of a possible link between renal and lower urinary tract disease and FeMV infections.

Development of TaqMan-based real-time RT-PCR assay based on N gene for the quantitative detection of feline morbillivirus.

BACKGROUND: Morbilliviruses are categorized under the family of Paramyxoviridae and have been associated with severe diseases, such as Peste des petits ruminants, canine distemper and measles with evidence of high morbidity and/or could cause major economic loss in production of livestock animals, such as goats and sheep. Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is one of the members of Morbilliviruses that has been speculated to cause chronic kidney disease in cats even though a definite relationship is still unclear. To date, FeMV has been detected in several continents, such as Asia (Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia), Europe (Italy, German, Turkey), Africa (South Africa), and South and North America (Brazil, Unites States). This study aims to develop a TaqMan real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay targeting the N gene of FeMV in clinical samples to detect early phase of FeMV infection. RESULTS: A specific assay was developed, since no amplification was observed in viral strains from the same family of Paramyxoviridae, such as canine distemper virus (CDV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and measles virus (MeV), and other feline viruses, such as feline coronavirus (FCoV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The lower detection limit of the assay was 1.74 × 104 copies/µL with Cq value of 34.32 ± 0.5 based on the cRNA copy number. The coefficient of variations (CV) values calculated for both intra- and inter-assay were low, ranging from 0.34-0.53% and 1.38-2.03%, respectively. In addition, the clinical sample evaluation using this assay showed a higher detection rate, with 25 (35.2%) clinical samples being FeMV-positive compared to 11 (15.5%) using conventional RT-PCR, proving a more sensitive assay compared to the conventional RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: The TaqMan-based real-time RT-PCR assay targeting the N gene described in this study is more sensitive, specific, rapid, and reproducible compared to the conventional RT-PCR assay targeting the N gene, which could be used to detect early infection in cats.

Feline Morbillivirus Infection Associated With Tubulointerstitial Nephritis in Black Leopards (Panthera pardus).

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is an emerging RNA virus in the Paramyxoviridae family that was recently discovered in domestic cats (Felis catus). To date, 2 genotypes (FeMV-1 and FeMV-2) have been detected in cats from various countries, and FeMV-1 is recognized as a pathogen associated with nephritis. However, information regarding the pathological roles and potential transmission to other felids is limited. In this article, we describe the identification of FeMV in 2 black leopards (Panthera pardus) in Thailand that showed severe azotemia and tubulointerstitial nephritis. Molecular analysis of the partial coding sequence of the L gene revealed that these leopard FeMV strains were genetically close to the FeMV-1 isolate from domestic Thai cats. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses using polyclonal IgG antibodies against the FeMV matrix (M) protein showed FeMV-M antigen in renal tubular epithelial cells. These analyses also showed infiltrating lymphocytes in the renal parenchymal lesions and in the cytoplasm of lymphoid cells residing in the spleen, suggesting viral tropism and a possible pathological role. These findings are the first evidence that indicates that the black leopard could be a possible host for FeMV infection. As for other cats, the role of FeMV as a potential cause of renal disease remains to be established. The pathogenesis of FeMV infection in black leopards, or in other wild felids, through a viral transmission mechanism warrants further investigation.

Molecular epidemiology and genome analysis of feline morbillivirus in household and shelter cats in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) has been discovered in domestic cats associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis, but FeMV is also detected in healthy cats. This research aimed to identify and characterize the FeMV strains detected in a Thai cat population. RESULTS: Two-hundred and ninety-two samples (131 urine and 161 blood) derived from 261 cats (61 sheltered and 200 household cats) were included for investigating the FeMV prevalence using real-time reverse transcription PCR. The overall prevalence of FeMV detection was 11.9% (31/261) among both samples, which accounted for 14.5% (19/131) and 7.5% (12/161) of the urine and blood samples, respectively. Among the FeMV-PCR positive cats, the FeMV-detected prevalence was insignificantly associated with healthy cats (58.1%; 18/31) or urologic cats (41.9%; 13/31). Full-length genome analysis of these FeMV-Thai strains revealed that their genomes clustered together in the FeMV-1A clade with up to 98.5% nucleotide identity. Selective pressure analysis showed that overall FeMV-1 has undergone negative selection, while positive selection sites were more frequently observed in the phosphoprotein gene. CONCLUSIONS: The detected FeMV infections in the Thai cat population were not correlated with urologic disorders, although the virus was more detectable in urine samples. The genetic patterns among the FeMV-1 Thai strains were more consistent. A large-scale study of FeMV in Thai cat samples is needed for further elucidation.

Early Renal Involvement in Cats with Natural Feline Morbillivirus Infection.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is a newly discovered paramyxovirus infecting domestic cats and its role in the pathogenesis of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been suggested, however not confirmed. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the renal damage associated with FeMV infection in cats. In this retrospective study, clinical and clinicopathological data were compared among 14 FeMV naturally infected, 21 CKD and 22 healthy cats. FeMV positive cats had serum chemistry analytes and main urine chemistry results similar to the healthy subjects. FeMV positive cats had significantly decreased urine specific gravity (median 1054, range 1022-1065) and urine creatinine (median 227.23 mg/dL, range 83.02-489.75) when compared with healthy cats (median 1067, range 1040-1080, P < 0.001; median 406.50 mg/dL, range 195.32-575.58; P < 0.001, respectively). Urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) results of FeMV and CKD were not different (median 0.20, range 0.08-1.03; median 0.23, range 0.10-0.80, respectively), however UPC results were significantly increased in both groups, if compared with healthy cats (median 0.1, range 0.04-0.250, P < 0.01). Based on clinical data, serum creatinine concentration, urine specific gravity and UPC results, CKD was suspected by clinicians in 3/14 FeMV cats. Urine protein sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in 10/13 (77%) FeMV cats indicated a tubular pattern, with a decrease of uromodulin and an increase in the number and intensity of low molecular weight proteins. FeMV infection can be associated with different grades of renal dysfunction ranging from mild tubular proteinuria with less concentrated urine to azotemia in cats younger than those typically affected by CKD.

Feline Morbillivirus, a New Paramyxovirus Possibly Associated with Feline Kidney Disease.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was first isolated in stray cats in Hong Kong in 2012. Since its discovery, the virus has been reported in domestic cats worldwide, including in Hong Kong, Japan, Italy, US, Brazil, Turkey, UK, Germany, and Malaysia. FeMV is classified in the Morbillivirus genus within the Paramyxoviridae family. FeMV research has focused primarily on determining the host range, symptoms, and characteristics of persistent infections in vitro. Importantly, there is a potential association between FeMV infection and feline kidney diseases, such as tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD), which are known to significantly affect feline health and survival. However, the tropism and viral entry mechanism(s) of FeMV remain unknown. In this review, we summarize the FeMV studies up to date, including the discoveries of various FeMV strains, basic virology, pathogenicity, and disease signs.

Epidemiology, pathological aspects and genome heterogeneity of feline morbillivirus in Italy.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is an emerging morbillivirus first described in cats less than a decade ago. FeMV has been associated with chronic kidney disease of cats characterized by tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), although this aspect is still controversial and not demonstrated with certainty. To investigate FeMV prevalence and genomic characteristics, an epidemiological survey was conducted in a total number of 127 household cats originating from two Italian regions, Abruzzi and Emilia-Romagna. A total number of 69 cats originating from three feline colonies were also enrolled for the study. Correlation with TIN was investigated by employing a total number of 35 carcasses. Prevalence of FeMV RNA was higher in urine samples collected from cats of colonies (P = 31.8%, CI 95% 22.1-43.6) compared to household cats (P = 8.66%, CI 95% 4.9-14.9) and in young and middle-aged cats while prevalence of FeMV Abs was higher in old cats. Sequences obtained straight from infected biological samples, either partial or complete, cluster into two clades within FeMV genotype 1, distantly related to FeMV genotype 2. Immunohistochemistry analysis of kidney sections of FeMV RNA positive cats revealed immunoreactivity within epithelial cells of renal tubuli and inflammatory cells. However, statistically significant association between FeMV and renal damages, including TIN, was not demonstrated (p= 0.0695, Fisher exact test). By virus histochemistry performed with FeMV-negative feline tissues and a FeMV isolate, tropism for different cellular types such as inflammatory cells residing in blood vessels of kidney and brain, airway epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages and to a lesser extent, the central nervous system, was demonstrated. Additional studies are warranted in order to establish viral tropism and immune response during the early phases of infection and to disentangle the role of FeMV in co-infection processes.

Molecular detection and characterisation of feline morbillivirus in domestic cats in Malaysia.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV), a novel virus from the family of Paramyxoviridae, was first identified in stray cat populations. The objectives of the current study were to (i) determine the molecular prevalence of FeMV in Malaysia; (ii) identify risk factors associated with FeMV infection; and (iii) characterise any FeMV isolates by phylogenetic analyses. Molecular analysis utilising nested RT-PCR assay targeting the L gene of FeMV performed on either urine, blood and/or kidney samples collected from 208 cats in this study revealed 82 (39.4%) positive cats. FeMV-positive samples were obtained from 63/124 (50.8%) urine and 20/25 (80.0%) kidneys while all blood samples were negative for FeMV. In addition, from the 35 cats that had more than one type of samples collected (blood and urine; blood and kidney; blood, urine and kidney), only one cat had FeMV RNA in the urine and kidney samples. Risk factors such as gender, presence of kidney-associated symptoms and cat source were also investigated. Male cats had a higher risk (p = 0.031) of FeMV infection than females. In addition, no significant association (p = 0.083) was observed between the presence of kidney-associated symptoms with FeMV status. From the 82 positive samples, FeMV RNA was detected from 48/82 (58.5%) pet cats and 34/126 (27.0%) shelter cats (p < 0.0001). Partial L and N gene sequencing of the RT-PCR-positive samples showed 85-99% identity to the published FeMV sequences and it was significantly different from all other morbilliviruses. A phylogenetic analysis of the identified Malaysian FeMVs was performed with isolates from Japan, Thailand and China. Molecular characterisation revealed high relatedness of the Malaysian isolates with other Asian FeMVs, indicating that the virus had been circulating only within the region. Therefore, this study confirmed the existence of FeMV among domestic cats in Malaysia. The findings suggest further characterisation of the local isolates, including the whole genome sequencing and that studies at determining the direct consequences of FeMV infection in domestic cats are needed.

Isolation and genome sequences of two Feline Morbillivirus genotype 1 strains from Italy.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is a novel viral paramyxovirus detected in cats. FeMV is suspected to be associated to tubulointerstitial nephritis, but its pathogenic role is far to be clearly understood.  In this short communication, we report the whole genome coding sequences of the first two FeMV strains isolated in Italy.

Feline morbillivirus in Northern Italy: prevalence in urine and kidneys with and without renal disease.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is an emerging virus that was first described in Hong Kong in 2012. Several reports suggested the epidemiological association of FeMV infection with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and the genetic diversity of FeMV as well as the relationship between FeMV infection and CKD in cats from Northern Italy. Urine (n = 81) and kidney samples (n = 27) from 92 cats admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Milan between 2014 and 2017 were investigated for FeMV infection. FeMV RNA was detected in one urine sample (1.23%; 95% CI: 0.03-6.68%) and in two kidneys (7.40%; 95% CI: 0.91-24.28%). FeMV RNA was revealed only in urine or kidneys of cats without evidence of CKD. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the three strains clustered with FeMV strains retrieved from public database, forming a distinct sub-cluster of FeMV. The presence of distinct genotypes of FeMV found in this study is in accordance with previous studies demonstrating that FeMV strains are genetically diverse. A clear relationship between the presence of FeMV infection and CKD in the cats from Northern Italy was not observed, confirming recent reports that do not support the hypothesis that FeMV infection is associated with the development of CKD.

Association of feline morbillivirus infection with defined pathological changes in cat kidney tissues.

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is an emerging member of morbillivirus discovered in 2012. Although association of FeMV infection with kidney diseases in cats has been suggested, the pathogenicity of the virus has not been clear to date. To study the association between FeMV infection and pathological changes in kidney tissues of infected cats, we performed immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescent assays to detect FeMV antigens and analyzed the effect of FeMV infection on the pathological changes in the kidney tissues. In 38 kidney tissue samples from cats, some tissue injury scores were significantly higher when the FeMV antigens were detected, especially those for the tubular tissues in which the FeMV antigens were mostly localized. Pathological changes associated with the FeMV antigens included the ones typically found in chronic kidney diseases, such as interstitial cell infiltration, glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy and fibrosis. We also detected some feline IgG localizations in glomerular tissues, though co-localization or significant association with the FeMV antigens were not found. Our study confirms the association of FeMV infection with some kidney tissue injuries and provides additional information about roles of FeMV infection in chronic kidney diseases.