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Le SJ, Xin GY, Wu WC, Shi M. Genetic Diversity and Evolution of Viruses Infecting Felis catus: A Global Perspective. Viruses 2023; 15:1338. [PMID: 37376637 DOI: 10.3390/v15061338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cats harbor many important viral pathogens, and the knowledge of their diversity has been greatly expanded thanks to increasingly popular molecular sequencing techniques. While the diversity is mostly described in numerous regionally defined studies, there lacks a global overview of the diversity for the majority of cat viruses, and therefore our understanding of the evolution and epidemiology of these viruses was generally inadequate. In this study, we analyzed 12,377 genetic sequences from 25 cat virus species and conducted comprehensive phylodynamic analyses. It revealed, for the first time, the global diversity for all cat viruses known to date, taking into account highly virulent strains and vaccine strains. From there, we further characterized and compared the geographic expansion patterns, temporal dynamics and recombination frequencies of these viruses. While respiratory pathogens such as feline calicivirus showed some degree of geographical panmixes, the other viral species are more geographically defined. Furthermore, recombination rates were much higher in feline parvovirus, feline coronavirus, feline calicivirus and feline foamy virus than the other feline virus species. Collectively, our findings deepen the understanding of the evolutionary and epidemiological features of cat viruses, which in turn provide important insight into the prevention and control of cat pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Jia Le
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Gen-Yang Xin
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Wei-Chen Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Mang Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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Martins NDS, Rodrigues APS, Bicalho JM, Albuquerque JJ, Reis LL, Alves LL, de Oliveira RM, Santos LSD, de Carvalho Neta AV, de Oliveira RA, Carvalho RC, Melo FA, Dos Reis JKP, Abreu-Silva AL. Molecular characterization of Brazilian FeLV strains in São Luis, Maranhão Brazil. Virus Genes 2023:10.1007/s11262-023-01997-x. [PMID: 37195404 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-023-01997-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) belongs to the Retroviridae family and Gammaretrovirus genus, and causes a variety of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases in domestic cats (Felis catus), such as thymic and multicentric lymphomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia, aplastic anemia, and immunodeficiency. The aim of the present study was to carry out the molecular characterization of FeLV-positive samples and determine the circulating viral subtype in the city of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, as well as identify its phylogenetic relationship and genetic diversity. The FIV Ac/FeLV Ag Test Kit (Alere™) and the commercial immunoenzymatic assay kit (Alere™) were used to detect the positive samples, which were subsequently confirmed by ELISA (ELISA - SNAP® Combo FeLV/FIV). To confirm the presence of proviral DNA, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to amplify the target fragments of 450, 235, and 166 bp of the FeLV gag gene. For the detection of FeLV subtypes, nested PCR was performed for FeLV-A, B, and C, with amplification of 2350-, 1072-, 866-, and 1755-bp fragments for the FeLV env gene. The results obtained by nested PCR showed that the four positive samples amplified the A and B subtypes. The C subtype was not amplified. There was an AB combination but no ABC combination. Phylogenetic analysis revealed similarities (78% bootstrap) between the subtype circulating in Brazil and FeLV-AB and with the subtypes of Eastern Asia (Japan) and Southeast Asia (Malaysia), demonstrating that this subtype possesses high genetic variability and a differentiated genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathálya Dos Santos Martins
- Departament of Pathology, State University of Maranhão, University City Paulo VI, Cx. Postal 9, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65055-970, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Sousa Rodrigues
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG 30 123-970, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Juliana Marques Bicalho
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG 30 123-970, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Joanna Jéssica Albuquerque
- Departament of Pathology, State University of Maranhão, University City Paulo VI, Cx. Postal 9, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65055-970, Brazil
| | - Luana Luz Reis
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biology, State University of Maranhão (UEMA), Praça Duque de Caxias, s/n, Morro do Alecrim, Caxias, MA, 65604-380, Brazil
| | - Luciana Luz Alves
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Department of Chemistry and Biology, State University of Maranhão (UEMA), Praça Duque de Caxias, s/n, Morro do Alecrim, Caxias, MA, 65604-380, Brazil
| | - Renata Mondego de Oliveira
- Departament of Pathology, State University of Maranhão, University City Paulo VI, Cx. Postal 9, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65055-970, Brazil
| | - Larissa Sarmento Dos Santos
- Departament of Pathology, State University of Maranhão, University City Paulo VI, Cx. Postal 9, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65055-970, Brazil
| | - Alcina Vieira de Carvalho Neta
- Departament of Pathology, State University of Maranhão, University City Paulo VI, Cx. Postal 9, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65055-970, Brazil
| | - Rudson Almeida de Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Maranhão, University City Paulo VI, Cx. Postal 9, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65055-970, Brazil
| | - Rafael Cardoso Carvalho
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, UFMA, Rodovia BR 222, Km 04, s/n, Boa Vista, Chapadinha, MA, 65500-000, Brazil
| | - Ferdinan Almeida Melo
- Departament of Pathology, State University of Maranhão, University City Paulo VI, Cx. Postal 9, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65055-970, Brazil
| | - Jenner Karlisson Pimenta Dos Reis
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, UFMG 30 123-970, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia Abreu-Silva
- Departament of Pathology, State University of Maranhão, University City Paulo VI, Cx. Postal 9, Tirirical, São Luís, MA, 65055-970, Brazil.
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Biezus G, Grima de Cristo T, da Silva Casa M, Lovatel M, Vavassori M, Brüggemann de Souza Teixeira M, Miletti LC, Maciel da Costa U, Assis Casagrande R. Progressive and regressive infection with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in cats in southern Brazil: Prevalence, risk factors associated, clinical and hematologic alterations. Prev Vet Med 2023; 216:105945. [PMID: 37209619 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for viral antigen is commonly used for the diagnosis of progressive feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection but is not able to determine the true prevalence of infection when used as the sole test. Additional testing to detect proviral DNA will identify regressive (antigen negative) FeLV infections as well as progressive infections. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of progressive and regressive FeLV infection, outcome-associated factors, and hematologic changes. A cross-sectional study was performed on 384 cats selected from routine hospital care. Blood samples were subjected to complete blood count, ELISA for FeLV antigen and FIV antibody, and nested PCR amplifying the U3- LTR region and gag gene, which are conserved in most exogenous FeLV. The prevalence of FeLV infection was 45.6% (CI95% 40.6-50.6%). The prevalence of progressive infection (FeLV+P) was 34.4% (CI95% 29.6-39.1%), that of regressive infection (FeLV+R) was 10.4% (CI95% 7.4-13.4%), for discordant but positive results 0.8% (CI95% 0.75-0.84%), for FeLV+P coinfected with FIV 2.6% (CI95% 1.2-4.0%), and FeLV+R coinfected with FIV 1.5% (CI95% 0.3-2.7%). Male cats were three times more likely to be in the FeLV+P group. Cats coinfected with FIV were 4.8 times more likely to belong to the FeLV+R group. In the FeLV+P group, the main clinical changes were lymphoma (38.5%), anemia (24.4%), leukemia (17.9%), concomitant infections (15.4%), and feline chronic gingivostomatitis - FCGS (3.8%). In the FeLV+R group, the main clinical signs were anemia (45.4%), leukemia (18.2%), concomitant infections (18.2%), lymphoma (9.1%), and FCGS (9.1%). Cats in the FeLV+P and FeLV+R groups showed mainly thrombocytopenia (56.6% and 38.2%), non-regenerative anemia (32.8% and 23.5%), and lymphopenia (33.6% and 20.6%). Hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), platelet count, lymphocytes, and eosinophils in the FeLV+P and FeLV+R groups had lower medians than the control group (FeLV/FIV-uninfected, healthy). Erythrocyte and eosinophil counts were statistically different among the three groups, with the medians of the FeLV+P and FeLV+R groups being lower than those of the control group. In addition, the median PCV and band neutrophil counts were higher in FeLV+P than in FeLV+R. Our results show a high prevalence of FeLV, different factors associated with the course of infection, and more frequent and severe hematologic changes in progressive infections compared with regressive infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Biezus
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Thierry Grima de Cristo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Mariana da Silva Casa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Mariângela Lovatel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Mayara Vavassori
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Claudio Miletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Ubirajara Maciel da Costa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Renata Assis Casagrande
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Biezus G, Grima de Cristo T, Bassi das Neves G, da Silva Casa M, Barros Brizola P, Silvestre Sombrio M, Miletti LC, Assis Casagrande R. Phylogenetic identification of feline leukemia virus A and B in cats with progressive infection developing into lymphoma and leukemia. Virus Res 2023; 329:199093. [PMID: 36924831 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
To date, only a few studies have examined the impacts of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) subgroups on disease development in spontaneously infected cats. The present study identified FeLV-A and FeLV-B subgroups in cats with lymphoma and leukemia and explored the phylogenetic relationships of env sequences. Twenty-six cats with lymphoma (n=16) or leukemia (n=10) were selected. FeLV p27 antigen positivity was determined using ELISA, and proviral DNA in blood samples was detected using nested PCR. Positive animals in both tests were classified as cases of FeLV progressive infection and subjected to a second nested PCR for env amplification and subgroup determination. Six samples of FeLV-A and five samples of FeLV-B were sequenced using the Sanger method, and the results were used to build a phylogenetic tree and estimate evolutionary divergence. Among cats with lymphoma, 68.8% carried FeLV-AB and 31.2% FeLV-A. Among cats with leukemia, 70% carried FeLV-AB and 30% FeLV-A. Regarding cat characteristics, 50% were young, 30.8% young adults, and 19.2% adults; 88.5% were mixed-breed and 11.5% pure breed; and 42.3% were males and 57.7% were females. Among lymphomas, 62.5% were mediastinal, 31.3% multicentric, and 6.3% extranodal. Regarding histological classification, lymphoblastic and small non-cleaved-cell lymphomas were the most frequently detected. Among leukemia cases, 30% were acute lymphoid, 30% chronic myeloid, and 40% acute myeloid. Phylogenetic analysis showed that FeLV-A SC sequences were closely related to the Arena, Glasgow-1, and FeLV-FAIDS variants. Meanwhile, FeLV-B SC sequences were divergent from one another but similar to the endogenous FELV env gene (enFeLV). In conclusion, FeLV-AB is prevalent in cats with lymphoma and leukemia, highlighting the genetic diversity involved in the pathogenesis of these neoplasms in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana Biezus
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Thierry Grima de Cristo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Bassi das Neves
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Mariana da Silva Casa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Paula Barros Brizola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Marina Silvestre Sombrio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Luiz Claudio Miletti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Renata Assis Casagrande
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Rapid characterization of feline leukemia virus infective stages by a novel nested recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and reverse transcriptase-RPA. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22023. [PMID: 34764397 PMCID: PMC8586258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01585-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a major viral disease in cats, causing leukemia and lymphoma. The molecular detection of FeLV RNA and the DNA provirus are important for staging of the disease. However, the rapid immunochromatographic assay commonly used for antigen detection can only detect viremia at the progressive stage. In this study, nested recombinase polymerase amplification (nRPA) was developed for exogenous FeLV DNA provirus detection, and reverse transcriptase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) was developed for the detection of FeLV RNA. The approaches were validated using 108 cats with clinicopathologic abnormalities due to FeLV infection, and from 14 healthy cats in a vaccination plan. The nRPA and RT-RPA assays could rapidly amplify the FeLV template, and produced high sensitivity and specificity. The FeLV detection rate in regression cats by nRPA was increased up to 45.8% compared to the rapid immunochromatographic assay. Hence, FeLV diagnosis using nRPA and RT-RPA are rapid and easily established in low resource settings, benefiting FeLV prognosis, prevention, and control of both horizontal and vertical transmission.
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Muz D, Can H, Karakavuk M, Döşkaya M, Özdemir HG, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Atalay Şahar E, Pektaş B, Karakuş M, Töz S, Özbel Y, Gürüz AY, Muz MN. The molecular and serological investigation of Feline immunodeficiency virus and Feline leukemia virus in stray cats of Western Turkey. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 78:101688. [PMID: 34229197 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) / Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection prevalence among looking healthy stray cats in Western Turkey by serologic and molecular-based tests. A total of 1008 blood samples from the stray cats were used in this study. All samples were tested for FIV antibodies / proviral DNA and FeLV antibodies / antigens / proviral DNA. The genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of FeLV and FIV were carried out in this study. These cats also tested for Leishmaniasis and Toxoplasmosis previously. FIV Ab and proviral DNA detected in 25.2 % and 25.5 % of samples, respectively. FeLV Ab, Ag, proviral DNA positivity was in 45.2 %, in 3.3 %, in 69.7 %, respectively. The molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of the current FeLV pol gene and FIV gag gene performed. The molecular characterization for the pol gene of FeLV (enFeLV and exFeLV) among Turkey's cat population was reported for the first time. The exFeLV pol sequences closer to the FeLV-A genotype, and the enFeLV pol sequences overlapped with other enFeLV. The current FIV gag sequences were clustered within the subtypes A, B, and C. The findings revealed FeLV subtype A and FIV subtype-A, subtype-B, subtype-C circulate among Turkish stray cats. Single and multiple co-infection positivity was found higher compared to previous reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Muz
- Department of Virology, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tekirdag 59030, Turkey.
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ege University Faculty of Sciences, Bornova, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova, Izmir, 35100, Turkey; Odemiş Training Collage, Ege University, Odemiş, İzmir, 35400, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | | | | | - Esra Atalay Şahar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ege University Faculty of Sciences, Bornova, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Bayram Pektaş
- Izmir Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Department of Microbiology, Yeşilyurt, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Karakuş
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Hamidiye Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Seray Töz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Özbel
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Ege University Medical School, Bornova, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Necati Muz
- Department of Parasitology, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tekirdag 59030, Turkey
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Abayli H, Can-Sahna K, Ozbek R, Aslan O, Tonbak S, Bulut H. Detection and molecular characterisation of feline viruses from swab samples. Acta Vet Hung 2021; 69:194-203. [PMID: 34138750 DOI: 10.1556/004.2021.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Feline calicivirus (FCV), feline alphaherpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV) as well as retroviral agents such as feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are important viral pathogens of cats. The aim of this study was to detect and characterise FHV-1, FPLV, FeLV, FIV and feline foamy virus (FFV) in oropharyngeal, nasal and conjunctival swabs from 93 cats that had been screened for FCV previously. We wanted to determine the possible risk factors for infection with these viruses. The prevalence was found to be 12.9% for FHV-1 and 9.7% for FPLV. FIV was detected only in two samples and FeLV in one sample, whereas the presence of FFV was not demonstrated in any of the clinical samples. The statistical analysis of the results showed that breed, age, health status, and lifestyle are important predisposing factors to FHV-1 (P < 0.05). For FPLV, only clinically unhealthy animals were found to be at risk (P < 0.001). Sequence analysis revealed that the two FIV-positive samples in this study contained different (A and B) subtypes of the virus. This is the first report on the occurrence of subtype A FIV in Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Abayli
- 1Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23110 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Kezban Can-Sahna
- 1Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23110 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Remziye Ozbek
- 1Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23110 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Oznur Aslan
- 2Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sukru Tonbak
- 1Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, 23110 Elazig, Turkey
| | - Hakan Bulut
- 3Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
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Mummoorthy K, Yasmin AR, Arshad SS, Omar AR, Nur-Fazila SH, Anand P, Hoong LW, Kumar K. Molecular detection of feline leukemia virus in clinically ill cats in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Vet World 2021; 14:405-409. [PMID: 33776305 PMCID: PMC7994122 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.405-409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is classified as Retroviridae gammaretrovirus. FeLV occurs worldwide, including Malaysia. Thus far, only one decade-old study on molecular characterization of Malaysian FeLV isolates exists, which resulted in a scarcity of updated information of current FeLV isolates circulating in Malaysia. This study was conducted to determine the status of FeLV in clinically ill cats and to study the molecular characterization and phylogenetic relatedness of the current isolates. Materials and Methods Convenience sampling was performed in 20 cats from the Gasing Veterinary Hospital in Selangor. Plasma and saliva samples were collected from 15 clinically ill cats and 5 healthy cats subjected to one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with primers targeting a highly conserved gene of U3-LTR-gag. Results Two clinically ill cats' plasma and saliva samples tested positive for FeLV RNA. Partial nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the current isolates were 94-99% homologous to the previous Malaysian and Japanese FeLV isolates. Conclusion Current FeLV isolates from this study displayed higher similarity with the previous Malaysian isolates, signifying that a similar FeLV strain circulated among the cat population in Selangor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunambiga Mummoorthy
- Gasing Veterinary Hospital, 53 and 55, Jalan 5/58, Gasing Indah, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abd Rahaman Yasmin
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Laboratory of Vaccine and Biomolecules, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Suri Arshad
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Rahman Omar
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Biomolecules, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Saulol Hamid Nur-Fazila
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Prem Anand
- Gasing Veterinary Hospital, 53 and 55, Jalan 5/58, Gasing Indah, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Liew Wuan Hoong
- Gasing Veterinary Hospital, 53 and 55, Jalan 5/58, Gasing Indah, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kiven Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Prevalence and Genomic Diversity of Feline Leukemia Virus in Privately Owned and Shelter Cats in Aburrá Valley, Colombia. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040464. [PMID: 32325926 PMCID: PMC7232207 DOI: 10.3390/v12040464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) belongs to the family Retroviridae; it is the first feline retrovirus discovered and one of the agents that has a great impact on cats' health and the ecology of the feline population worldwide. It is associated with the occurrence of several syndromes of fatal diseases, including the development of lymphomas. Studies on FeLV have been reported in Colombia, and most of them have been approached from a clinical point of view. However, only a few studies have focused on the prevalence of the infection, while none have clarified which variant or FeLV viral subgroup is presently circulating in our country. Therefore, the present study investigated the prevalence of the infection associated with the molecular characterization of FeLV present in cats in Aburrá Valley, Colombia. The sampling of privately owned and shelter cats was performed in female (n = 54) and male (n = 46) felines; most of them were seemingly healthy according to the owner's report, with nonspecific clinical history. Immunoassay confirmed that 59.44% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 49.81-69.06%) of felines were FeLV seropositive. The molecular testing of felines using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequencing showed that 30% (30/100) of felines were positive, and the most prevalent subgroup in the Aburrá Valley was FeLV-A. In conclusion, the frequency of leukemia virus, as revealed by molecular and serological tests, is one of the highest reported frequencies to date, and a high molecular variation is shown in the Colombian population. More studies on the behaviour of the virus in feline populations in Columbia are warranted to determine its prevalence throughout the country.
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Szilasi A, Dénes L, Krikó E, Heenemann K, Ertl R, Mándoki M, Vahlenkamp TW, Balka G. Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus in domestic cats in Hungary. JFMS Open Rep 2019; 5:2055116919892094. [PMID: 31839979 PMCID: PMC6904780 DOI: 10.1177/2055116919892094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are retroviruses affecting cats worldwide. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of these retroviruses in domestic cats in Hungary and to characterise the phylogenetic relationships of FIV strains. METHODS A total of 335 anticoagulated whole-blood samples obtained from both a healthy and ill cat population were examined for the presence of FIV and FeLV with two methods: ELISA and PCR. Statistical analysis was carried out to analyse the data obtained. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of partial polymerase (pol) gene sequences was performed to describe circulating FIV subtypes. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed 11.8% and 9.9% true prevalence of FeLV and FIV, respectively, with ELISA. The apparent prevalence calculated from the PCR results were 17.3% for FeLV and 13.1% for FIV. Phylogenetic analysis of partial pol gene sequences obtained from 22 FIV strains showed that all observed Hungarian strains belonged to FIV subtype B. The strains were grouped into several monophyletic subgroups reflecting the geographic locations of the origin of the samples. The overall mean genetic similarity between the analysed strains was 98.2%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE We report the first thorough overview of the prevalence of FeLV and FIV in Hungary, which is relatively high, and give insight into the genetic diversity of Hungarian strains of FIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szilasi
- Department of Pathology, University of
Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Pest, Hungary
| | - Lilla Dénes
- Department of Pathology, University of
Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Pest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Krikó
- Centre for Bioinformatics, University of
Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Pest, Hungary
| | - Kristin Heenemann
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Ertl
- VetCore Facility for Research,
University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Míra Mándoki
- Department of Pathology, University of
Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Pest, Hungary
| | - Thomas W Vahlenkamp
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of
Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Sachsen, Germany
| | - Gyula Balka
- Department of Pathology, University of
Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Pest, Hungary
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11
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Filoni C, Helfer-Hungerbuehler AK, Catão-Dias JL, Marques MC, Torres LN, Reinacher M, Hofmann-Lehmann R. Putative progressive and abortive feline leukemia virus infection outcomes in captive jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi). Virol J 2017; 14:226. [PMID: 29149857 PMCID: PMC5693524 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0889-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an exogenous gammaretrovirus of domestic cats (Felis catus) and some wild felids. The outcomes of FeLV infection in domestic cats vary according to host susceptibility, virus strain, and infectious challenge dose. Jaguarundis (Puma yagouaroundi) are small wild felids from South and Central America. We previously reported on FeLV infections in jaguarundis. We hypothesized here that the outcomes of FeLV infection in P. yagouaroundi mimic those observed in domestic cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the population of jaguarundis at Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo for natural FeLV infection and resulting outcomes. METHODS We investigated the jaguarundis using serological and molecular methods and monitored them for FeLV-related diseases for 5 years. We retrieved relevant biological and clinical information for the entire population of 23 jaguarundis held at zoo. Post-mortem findings from necropsies were recorded and histopathological and immunohistopathological analyses were performed. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed for FeLV-positive samples. For sample prevalence, 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Fisher's exact test was used to compare frequencies between infected and uninfected animals. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS In total, we detected evidence of FeLV exposure in four out of 23 animals (17%; 95% CI 5-39%). No endogenous FeLV (enFeLV) sequences were detected. An intestinal B-cell lymphoma in one jaguarundi was not associated with FeLV. Two jaguarundis presented FeLV test results consistent with an abortive FeLV infection with seroconversion, and two other jaguarundis had results consistent with a progressive infection and potentially FeLV-associated clinical disorders and post-mortem changes. Phylogenetic analysis of env revealed the presence of FeLV-A, a common origin of the virus in both animals (100% identity) and the closest similarity to FeLV-FAIDS and FeLV-3281 (98.4% identity), originally isolated from cats in the USA. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence of progressive and abortive FeLV infection outcomes in jaguarundis, and domestic cats were probably the source of infection in these jaguarundis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Filoni
- Institute of Biosciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Botucatu, Rua Professor Doutor Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin SN, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil.
| | - A Katrin Helfer-Hungerbuehler
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mara Cristina Marques
- Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (FPZSP), Av. Miguel Stéfano 4241, São Paulo, São Paulo, 04301-905, Brazil
| | - Luciana Neves Torres
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Veterinary Hospital (HOVET), University of São Paulo (USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manfred Reinacher
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 96, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Clinical Laboratory and Center for Clinical Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Ramírez H, Autran M, García MM, Carmona MÁ, Rodríguez C, Martínez HA. Genotyping of feline leukemia virus in Mexican housecats. Arch Virol 2016; 161:1039-45. [PMID: 26747244 PMCID: PMC4819734 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-015-2740-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus with variable rates of infection globally. DNA was obtained from cats' peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and proviral DNA of pol and env genes was detected using PCR. Seventy-six percent of cats scored positive for FeLV using env-PCR; and 54 %, by pol-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of both regions identified sequences that correspond to a group that includes endogenous retroviruses. They form an independent branch and, therefore, a new group of endogenous viruses. Cat gender, age, outdoor access, and cohabitation with other cats were found to be significant risk factors associated with the disease. This strongly suggests that these FeLV genotypes are widely distributed in the studied feline population in Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Ramírez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Veterinary Medicine, Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Campus 4, Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan, San Sebastián Xhala, CP. 54714, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México, México.
| | - Marcela Autran
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Veterinary Medicine, Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Campus 4, Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan, San Sebastián Xhala, CP. 54714, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México, México
| | - M Martha García
- Immuno-Virology Laboratory, Department of Immunological Research, UMAE Pediatrics Hospital, XXI Century National Medical Center, IMSS, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Col. Doctores, CP. 06725, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M Ángel Carmona
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Veterinary Medicine, Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Campus 4, Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan, San Sebastián Xhala, CP. 54714, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México, México
| | - Cecilia Rodríguez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Veterinary Medicine, Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Campus 4, Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan, San Sebastián Xhala, CP. 54714, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México, México
| | - H Alejandro Martínez
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Veterinary Medicine, Virology, Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Campus 4, Cuautitlán Izcalli Estado de México, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 2.5 Carretera Cuautitlán-Teoloyucan, San Sebastián Xhala, CP. 54714, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México, México
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13
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Molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis, and identification of transcription motifs in feline leukemia virus from naturally infected cats in malaysia. Vet Med Int 2014; 2014:760961. [PMID: 25506469 PMCID: PMC4251355 DOI: 10.1155/2014/760961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A nested PCR assay was used to determine the viral RNA and proviral DNA status of naturally infected cats. Selected samples that were FeLV-positive by PCR were subjected to sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and motifs search. Of the 39 samples that were positive for FeLV p27 antigen, 87.2% (34/39) were confirmed positive with nested PCR. FeLV proviral DNA was detected in 38 (97.3%) of p27-antigen negative samples. Malaysian FeLV isolates are found to be highly similar with a homology of 91% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Malaysian FeLV isolates divided into two clusters, with a majority (86.2%) sharing similarity with FeLV-K01803 and fewer isolates (13.8%) with FeLV-GM1 strain. Different enhancer motifs including NF-GMa, Krox-20/WT1I-del2, BAF1, AP-2, TBP, TFIIF-beta, TRF, and TFIID are found to occur either in single, duplicate, triplicate, or sets of 5 in different positions within the U3-LTR-gag region. The present result confirms the occurrence of FeLV viral RNA and provirus DNA in naturally infected cats. Malaysian FeLV isolates are highly similar, and a majority of them are closely related to a UK isolate. This study provides the first molecular based information on FeLV in Malaysia. Additionally, different enhancer motifs likely associated with FeLV related pathogenesis have been identified.
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14
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Ho CF, Chan KW, Yang WC, Chiang YC, Chung YT, Kuo J, Wang CY. Development of a multiplex amplification refractory mutation system reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay for the differential diagnosis of Feline leukemia virus vaccine and wild strains. J Vet Diagn Invest 2014; 26:496-506. [DOI: 10.1177/1040638714534850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A multiplex amplification refractory mutation system reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (ARMS RT-PCR) was developed for the differential diagnosis of Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine and wild-type strains based on a point mutation between the vaccine strain (S) and the wild-type strain (T) located in the p27 gene. This system was further upgraded to obtain a real-time ARMS RT-PCR (ARMS qRT-PCR) with a high-resolution melt analysis (HRMA) platform. The genotyping of various strains of FeLV was determined by comparing the HRMA curves with the defined wild-type FeLV (strain TW1), and the results were expressed as a percentage confidence. The detection limits of ARMS RT-PCR and ARMS qRT-PCR combined with HRMA were 100 and 1 copies of transcribed FeLV RNA per 0.5 ml of sample, respectively. No false-positive results were obtained with 6 unrelated pathogens and 1 feline cell line. Twelve FeLV Taiwan strains were correctly identified using ARMS qRT-PCR combined with HRMA. The genotypes of the strains matched the defined FeLV wild-type strain genotype with at least 91.17% confidence. A higher degree of sequence polymorphism was found throughout the p27 gene compared with the long terminal repeat region. In conclusion, the current study describes the phylogenetic relationship of the FeLV Taiwan strains and demonstrates that the developed ARMS RT-PCR assay is able to be used to detect the replication of a vaccine strain that has not been properly inactivated, thus acting as a safety check for the quality of FeLV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Fang Ho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Kun-Wei Chan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Wei-Cheng Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Yu-Chung Chiang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Yang-Tsung Chung
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - James Kuo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
| | - Chi-Young Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan (Ho, Chung, Kuo, Wang)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan (Chan, Yang)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan (Chiang)
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15
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Watanabe S, Kawamura M, Odahara Y, Anai Y, Ochi H, Nakagawa S, Endo Y, Tsujimoto H, Nishigaki K. Phylogenetic and structural diversity in the feline leukemia virus env gene. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61009. [PMID: 23593376 PMCID: PMC3623909 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) belongs to the genus Gammaretrovirus, and causes a variety of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases in cats. Alteration of viral env sequences is thought to be associated with disease specificity, but the way in which genetic diversity of FeLV contributes to the generation of such variants in nature is poorly understood. We isolated FeLV env genes from naturally infected cats in Japan and analyzed the evolutionary dynamics of these genes. Phylogenetic reconstructions separated our FeLV samples into three distinct genetic clusters, termed Genotypes I, II, and III. Genotype I is a major genetic cluster and can be further classified into Clades 1-7 in Japan. Genotypes were correlated with geographical distribution; Genotypes I and II were distributed within Japan, whilst FeLV samples from outside Japan belonged to Genotype III. These results may be due to geographical isolation of FeLVs in Japan. The observed structural diversity of the FeLV env gene appears to be caused primarily by mutation, deletion, insertion and recombination, and these variants may be generated de novo in individual cats. FeLV interference assay revealed that FeLV genotypes did not correlate with known FeLV receptor subgroups. We have identified the genotypes which we consider to be reliable for evaluating phylogenetic relationships of FeLV, which embrace the high structural diversity observed in our sample. Overall, these findings extend our understanding of Gammaretrovirus evolutionary patterns in the field, and may provide a useful basis for assessing the emergence of novel strains and understanding the molecular mechanisms of FeLV transmission in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Watanabe
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Infectious Disease, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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16
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Bolin LL, Ahmad S, Levy LS. The surface glycoprotein of a natural feline leukemia virus subgroup A variant, FeLV-945, as a determinant of disease outcome. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2011; 143:221-6. [PMID: 21764142 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a natural retrovirus of domestic cats associated with degenerative, proliferative and malignant diseases. Studies of FeLV infection in a cohort of naturally infected cats were undertaken to examine FeLV variation, the selective pressures operative in FeLV infection that lead to predominance of natural variants, and the consequences for infection and disease progression. A unique variant, designated FeLV-945, was identified as the predominant isolate in the cohort and was associated with non-T-cell diseases including multicentric lymphoma. FeLV-945 was assigned to the FeLV-A subgroup based on sequence analysis and receptor utilization, but was shown to differ in sequence from a prototype member of FeLV-A, designated FeLV-A/61E, in the long terminal repeat (LTR) and the surface glycoprotein gene (SU). A unique sequence motif in the FeLV-945 LTR was shown to function as a transcriptional enhancer and to confer a replicative advantage. The FeLV-945 SU protein was observed to differ in sequence as compared to FeLV-A/61E within functional domains known to determine receptor selection and binding. Experimental infection of newborn cats was performed using wild type FeLV-A/61E or recombinant FeLV-A/61E in which the LTR (61E/945L) or LTR and SU (61E/945SL) were exchanged for that of FeLV-945. Infection with either FeLV-A/61E or 61E/945L resulted in T-cell lymphoma of the thymus, although 61E/945L caused disease significantly more rapidly. In contrast, infection with 61E/945SL resulted in the rapid induction of a multicentric lymphoma of B-cell origin, thus recapitulating the outcome of natural infection and implicating FeLV-945 SU as a determinant of disease outcome. Recombinant FeLV-B was detected infrequently and at low levels in multicentric lymphomas, and was thereby not implicated in disease induction. Preliminary studies of receptor interaction indicated that virus particles bearing FeLV-945 SU bind to the FeLV-A receptor more efficiently than do particles bearing FeLV-A/61E SU, and that soluble SU proteins expressed from the viruses demonstrate the same differential binding phenotype. Preliminary mutational analysis of FeLV-945 was performed by exchanging regions containing either the primary receptor binding determinant, VRA, the secondary determinant, VRB, or a proline-rich region, PRR, with that of FeLV-A/61E. Results implicated a region containing VRA as a minor contributor, while a region containing VRB largely conferred increased binding efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L Bolin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue SL-38, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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17
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Weiss ATA, Klopfleisch R, Gruber AD. Prevalence of feline leukaemia provirus DNA in feline lymphomas. J Feline Med Surg 2010; 12:929-35. [PMID: 21036089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfms.2010.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2010] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A significant drop in the prevalence of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigenaemic cats and antigen-associated lymphomas has been observed after the introduction of FeLV vaccination and antigen-testing with removal of persistently antigenaemic cats. However, recent reports have indicated that regressively infected cats may contain FeLV provirus DNA and that lymphoma development may be associated with the presence of provirus alone. In the present study, we investigated the presence of FeLV antigen and provirus DNA in 50 lymphomas by immunohistochemistry and semi-nested polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Interestingly, almost 80% of T-cell lymphomas and 60% of B-cell lymphomas contained provirus DNA while only 21% of T-cell lymphomas and 11% of B-cell lymphomas expressed FeLV antigen. In conclusion, our results support previous hypotheses that vaccination and removal of persistently antigenaemic cats have led to a drop in FeLV antigen-expressing lymphomas. However, FeLV provirus DNA is still present in a high percentage of feline lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Th A Weiss
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str 15, 14163 Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Ahmad S, Levy LS. The frequency of occurrence and nature of recombinant feline leukemia viruses in the induction of multicentric lymphoma by infection of the domestic cat with FeLV-945. Virology 2010; 403:103-10. [PMID: 20451235 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2010.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2010] [Revised: 02/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
During feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection in the domestic cat, viruses with a novel envelope gene arise by recombination between endogenous FeLV-related elements and the exogenous infecting species. These recombinant viruses (FeLV-B) are of uncertain disease association, but have been linked to the induction of thymic lymphoma. To assess the role of FeLV-B in the induction of multicentric lymphoma and other non-T-cell disease, the frequency of occurrence and nature of FeLV-B were examined in diseased tissues from a large collection of FeLV-infected animals. Diseased tissues were examined by Southern blot and PCR amplification to detect the presence of FeLV-B. Further analysis was performed to establish the recombination junctions and infectivity of FeLV-B in diseased tissues. The results confirmed the frequent association of FeLV-B with thymic lymphoma but showed infrequent generation, low levels and lack of infectivity of FeLV-B in non-T-cell diseases including multicentric lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamim Ahmad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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19
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Meli ML, Cattori V, Martínez F, López G, Vargas A, Palomares F, López-Bao JV, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Lutz H. Feline leukemia virus infection: a threat for the survival of the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2009; 134:61-7. [PMID: 19896221 PMCID: PMC7127500 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2009.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is considered the most endangered felid species in the world. To date, less than 200 animals remain in the wild. Low numbers and genetic uniformity may contribute to render this species particularly susceptible to infectious diseases. Different pathogens have been identified in Iberian lynxes; including several feline bacterial and viral agents. Within a 6-month period starting in December 2006, 12 lynxes living in the northern part of the Doñana area were found to be infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Eleven of these animals were antigenemic, and four of them died in the wild in less than 6 months since the first infected animal had been discovered. The remaining viremic lynxes were captured and allocated to a quarantine center to stop the spread of the infection. An additional three animals died shortly in the quarantine center due to acute anemic disease. Sequencing of the envelope surface unit gene revealed a common origin for the FeLV found in all lynxes. The sequences were closely related to FeLV-A/61E, originally isolated from cats in the USA. Our data demonstrate that, similarly to FeLV, the introduction of a new or particularly pathogenic infection brought into the small population of Iberian lynxes by other wild carnivores or feral cats and dogs roaming in the same habitats have severe consequences. It could result in epidemics that have the potential to eradicate the entire lynx population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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20
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Meli ML, Cattori V, Martínez F, López G, Vargas A, Simón MA, Zorrilla I, Muñoz A, Palomares F, López-Bao JV, Pastor J, Tandon R, Willi B, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Lutz H. Feline leukemia virus and other pathogens as important threats to the survival of the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). PLoS One 2009; 4:e4744. [PMID: 19270739 PMCID: PMC2649436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is considered the most endangered felid species in the world. In order to save this species, the Spanish authorities implemented a captive breeding program recruiting lynxes from the wild. In this context, a retrospective survey on prevalence of selected feline pathogens in free-ranging lynxes was initiated. METHODOLOGY/ PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We systematically analyzed the prevalence and importance of seven viral, one protozoan (Cytauxzoon felis), and several bacterial (e.g., hemotropic mycoplasma) infections in 77 of approximately 200 remaining free-ranging Iberian lynxes of the Doñana and Sierra Morena areas, in Southern Spain, between 2003 and 2007. With the exception of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), evidence of infection by all tested feline pathogens was found in Iberian lynxes. Fourteen lynxes were feline leukemia virus (FeLV) provirus-positive; eleven of these were antigenemic (FeLV p27 positive). All 14 animals tested negative for other viral infections. During a six-month period in 2007, six of the provirus-positive antigenemic lynxes died. Infection with FeLV but not with other infectious agents was associated with mortality (p<0.001). Sequencing of the FeLV surface glycoprotein gene revealed a common origin for ten of the eleven samples. The ten sequences were closely related to FeLV-A/61E, originally isolated from cats in the USA. Endogenous FeLV sequences were not detected. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE It was concluded that the FeLV infection most likely originated from domestic cats invading the lynx's habitats. Data available regarding the time frame, co-infections, and outcome of FeLV-infections suggest that, in contrast to the domestic cat, the FeLV strain affecting the lynxes in 2007 is highly virulent to this species. Our data argue strongly for vaccination of lynxes and domestic cats in and around lynx's habitats in order to prevent further spread of the virus as well as reduction the domestic cat population if the lynx population is to be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina L Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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