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Giselbrecht J, Jähne S, Bergmann M, Meli ML, Teichmann-Knorrn S, Zablotski Y, Pennisi MG, Layachi N, Serra R, Bo S, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Hartmann K. Evaluation of a Revised Point-of-Care Test for the Detection of Feline Leukaemia p27 Antigen and Anti-p15E Antibodies in Cats. Viruses 2024; 16:614. [PMID: 38675954 PMCID: PMC11054206 DOI: 10.3390/v16040614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The first point-of-care (PoC) test (v-RetroFel®; modified version 2021) determining the presence of FeLV p27 antigen and FeLV anti-p15E antibodies has become recently commercially available to identify different feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection outcomes. This study aimed to assess this PoC test's performance concerning FeLV p27 antigen and FeLV anti-p15E antibody detection. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were assessed after ten minutes (recommended) and 20 min (prolonged) incubation times. The test results were evaluated as either positive or negative. Serum samples from 934 cats were included, originating from Italy (n = 269), Portugal (n = 240), Germany (n = 318), and France (n = 107). FeLV p27 antigen and anti-p15E antibodies were measured by reference standard ELISAs and compared to the PoC test results. The PoC test was easy to perform and the results easy to interpret. Sensitivity and specificity for FeLV p27 antigen were 82.8% (PPV: 57.8%) and 96.0% (NPV: 98.8%) after both, ten and 20 minues of incubation time. Sensitivity and specificity for anti-p15E antibodies were 31.4% (PPV: 71.6%) and 96.9% (NPV: 85.1%) after ten minutes incubation time; sensitivity was improved by a prolonged incubation time (20 min) to 40.0% (PPV: 76.3%), while specificity remained the same (96.9%, NPV: 86.7%). Despite the improved sensitivity using the prolonged incubation time, lower than ideal sensitivities for both p27 antigen and especially anti-p15E antibodies were found, indicating that the PoC test in its current version needs further improvement prior to application in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Giselbrecht
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Stéphanie Jähne
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Marina L. Meli
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Yury Zablotski
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Rodrigo Serra
- Investigacao Veterinaria Independente, 1700-119 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stefano Bo
- Ambulatorio Veterinario Bo-Ferro, 10123 Turin, Italy
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Choi YR, Iturriaga MP, Nekouei O, Tu T, Van Brussel K, Barrs VR, Beatty JA. Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus and Pathogenic Retroviruses; A Sero-Molecular Survey of Cats in Santiago, Chile. Viruses 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 38257747 PMCID: PMC10820300 DOI: 10.3390/v16010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cat ownership is common in Chile, but data on the regional prevalence of infectious agents are limited. A sero-molecular survey of 120 client- or shelter-owned domestic cats in greater Santiago was performed. Whole blood DNA was tested for the novel hepatitis-B-like virus, domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) by conventional PCR (cPCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR), and for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) by qPCR. Point-of-care serology for FeLV p27 antigen and antibodies recognising feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) p15 and p24 was performed. DCH DNA was detected in the serum of 2/120 cats (1.67%). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that the DCH detected in Chile occupies a position outside the main clustering of DCH in the near-complete genome tree. Progressive (antigen-positive, provirus-positive) and regressive (antigen-negative, provirus-positive) FeLV infections were identified in 6/120 (5%) and 9/120 (7.5%) of cats. A total of 2/120 (1.7%) cats had dual FeLV/FIV infection, and another 2 cats had FIV infection alone. This study shows that the global footprint of DCH includes South America with a low molecular frequency in Chile, similar to that reported in the USA. Progressive FeLV infection is relatively common in urban Chile, and male cats are at greater risk than females. Testing and control measures for pathogenic retroviruses are indicated. The potential impact of FeLV, FIV and DCH on Chile's wildcat species is worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ru Choi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong;
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - María Paz Iturriaga
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 7550196, Chile;
| | - Omid Nekouei
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life, Hong Kong;
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Clinical School and Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia;
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Kate Van Brussel
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, USA;
| | - Vanessa R. Barrs
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong;
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Julia A. Beatty
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong;
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Gómez Á, Rodríguez-Largo A, Pérez E, Calvo-Sánchez N, Loomans S, Chiers K, Monteagudo L, Luján L, Pérez M. Feline osteochondromatosis in a 12-year-old feline leukaemia virus-negative cat. J Comp Pathol 2023; 205:24-26. [PMID: 37597496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Feline osteochondromatosis is a spontaneous osteocartilaginous exostosis associated with feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection or due to a frameshift variant in the exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 (EXT1) gene. Osteochondromatosis was diagnosed in an indoor-only, 12-year-old, neutered female, Russian Blue cat. Radiographs revealed bilateral calcified proliferations in the elbow, costochondral and sternochondral joints, which distorted the normal skeletal structure. Grossly, the proliferated joints presented with consistent, rounded masses, causing complete ankylosis. The main histopathological finding was an osteocartilaginous proliferation composed of multiple irregular islands of well-differentiated hyaline cartilage surrounded and delimited by osteoid tissue. Immunohistochemistry of the osteochondromas, bone marrow and mediastinal lymph nodes, using a primary anti-FeLV gp70 antibody, and FeLV proviral DNA real-time polymerase chain reaction on bone marrow were negative. Sequencing of exon 6 of the EXT1 gene was performed and nucleotide BLAST analysis demonstrated the absence of a frameshift variant. This study reports the only case of spontaneous feline osteochondromatosis in an animal more than 10 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álex Gómez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 117 Miguel Servet Street, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Rodríguez-Largo
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 117 Miguel Servet Street, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Estela Pérez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 117 Miguel Servet Street, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Natalia Calvo-Sánchez
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 117 Miguel Servet Street, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sarah Loomans
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ghent, Campus Merelbeke, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Koen Chiers
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ghent, Campus Merelbeke, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luis Monteagudo
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 177 Miguel Servet Street, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Lluís Luján
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 117 Miguel Servet Street, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Animal Genetics, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, 177 Miguel Servet Street, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
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Silva M, Fernandes M, Fialho M, Mestrinho L. A Case Series Analysis of Dental Extractions' Outcome in Cats with Chronic Gingivostomatitis Carrying Retroviral Disease. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:3306. [PMID: 34828037 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a chronic, painful, oral inflammatory disease, which can be associated with retroviral disease comorbidity’s, namely feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). A total 111 case series of cats affected by this oral disease, treated with dental extractions, were analyzed retrospectively, considering if they carried or not one of these retroviral diseases. Cats with lingual ulcers, independently from their retroviral status, were 2.7 times more prone to have a worse response to dental extractions than cats without lingual ulcers. When compared with cats without retroviral disease, FeLV-positive cats presented less proliferative lesions and tended to have more lingual ulcers. Furthermore, these cats had a significantly worse outcome, with 7.5 times more chances of having no improvement. Abstract This study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical outcome after dental extractions of cats with FCGS infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). A retrospective case series included cats with diagnosis of FCGS, availability of detailed clinical records, full-mouth dental radiographs, and retroviral disease test results. Effectiveness of surgical treatment (EOT) was registered. Three groups were defined: control, FIV and FeLV. In this study, 111 cats were included: 60 controls, 29 FIV- and 22 FeLV-positive cats. When compared with control cases, FeLV-positive cats had significantly less proliferative stomatitis lesions, and they tended to have more lingual ulcers. Concurrently, FeLV-positive cats had significantly less tooth resorptive lesions. No other significant differences in FCGS clinical signs were found between groups. FeLV-positive cats had a significantly worse outcome after dental extractions compared to the other groups. In fact, FeLV-positive cats had 7.5 times more chances of having no improvement after dental extractions. This study concludes that the response to dental extractions in FeLV-positive cats is significantly worse, when comparing to cats that do not carry retroviral disease. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge the effect of FeLV status on the prognosis of these cats.
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Park DS, Lee J, Song KH, Seo KW. Treatment of acute erythroleukaemia with high-dose cytarabine in a cat with feline leukaemia virus infection. Vet Med Sci 2021; 8:9-13. [PMID: 34599794 PMCID: PMC8788972 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythroleukaemia is a malignant neoplasm of the erythroid lineage that rarely occurs in cats. It is associated with the feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), and owing to the poor prognosis, treatment is rarely reported. A 4-year-old female Korean domestic shorthair cat was presented with hyporexia, fever, lethargy, severe anaemia and rubricytosis. An FeLV antigen test was positive, but a subsequent polymerase chain reaction test was negative. Serum biochemistry analysis results were normal, except for slightly elevated alanine aminotransferase. The patient was tentatively diagnosed with acute erythroleukaemia, and single high-dose (600 mg/m2 ) cytarabine chemotherapy was administered via constant rate infusion for 12 h a day for 5 days. After the first cytarabine administration, the clinical signs and anaemia improved, though no change was noted to other haematological parameters. The patient died of shock 16 days after the second cytarabine administration; the total survival time after diagnosis was 67 days. Post-mortem cytological evaluation of bone marrow aspiration revealed that the myeloid/erythroid ratio was 0.49, the erythroid progenitor cells were 64% of all nucleated cells and the blast cells were 84% of the non-erythroid cells. Histopathology images indicated that the spleen was diffusely expanded by atypical round cells, possibly erythroid precursors. This is the first case report on the prognosis and effects of high-dose cytarabine chemotherapy for acute feline erythroleukaemia with FeLV infection. Although the clinical signs improved, the treatment was not effective. Further studies on erythroleukaemia chemotherapy protocols are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Sol Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jongbok Lee
- Divison of Animal Care, Yonam College, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Kun-Ho Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kyoung Won Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Tchamo CCLM, De Rugeriis M, Noormahomed EV. Occurrence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus in Maputo city and province, Mozambique: a pilot study. JFMS Open Rep 2019; 5:2055116919870877. [PMID: 31534776 PMCID: PMC6737869 DOI: 10.1177/2055116919870877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are immunosuppressive viruses in cats that increase their susceptibility to zoonotic pathogens. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of one or both viruses, the risk factors associated with infection, and to develop further recommendations. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Veterinary Faculty of Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique, between March and December 2017, in 145 cats. From each of 145 cats, we took 1.5 ml of blood by jugular puncture for detection of antibodies to FIV and FeLV antigens in whole blood using a commercial test kit, DFV Test FeLV/FIV. RESULTS We found an overall prevalence of 11.0% and 14.5% for FIV antibodies and FeLV antigens, respectively, with four (2.8%) cats coinfected by both pathogens. Male cats were more likely to be infected with FIV (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-4.0) compared with female cats. Clinically ill cats were more likely to have a positive result for FeLV antigen infection (OR 18.8, 95% CI 5.2-68.3). Moreover, cats living in suburban areas have a greater chance of a positive result for FeLV infection (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.4-9.6) compared with cats living in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE FIV and FeLV occur in cats from Maputo and possibly all over the country. Further studies should be conducted in Mozambique and other African countries to define the burden of both pathogens in cats, coinfection with other zoonotic pathogens and the possible role played by the cats on the transmission of zoonotic and opportunistic diseases to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesaltina CLM Tchamo
- Department of Clinics, Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mónica De Rugeriis
- Department of Clinics, Veterinary Faculty, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Emília V Noormahomed
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique,Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA,Mozambique Institute for Health Education and Research (MIHER), Maputo, Mozambique,Emília Virginia Noormahomed MD, PhD, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Av Salvador Allende, nº 702, Maputo, 257, Mozambique
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Cristo TG, Biezus G, Noronha LF, Gaspar T, Dal Pont TP, Withoeft JA, Furlan LV, Costa LS, Traverso SD, Casagrande RA. Feline Leukaemia Virus Associated with Leukaemia in Cats in Santa Catarina, Brazil. J Comp Pathol 2019; 170:10-21. [PMID: 31375152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Leukaemia is a haemopoietic neoplasm originating from myeloid or lymphoid precursors in the bone marrow and may be either acute or chronic. These tumours are rare, but occur more frequently in cats because of an association with the feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). To the best of our knowledge, no studies conducted in Brazil to date have analysed the association between leukaemia and FeLV and FIV infection in cats. The aim of this study was to perform a histopathological analysis of feline leukaemia and evaluate the association between leukaemia and FeLV and FIV infection in cats. The study evaluated 37 cats with leukaemia diagnosed between 2009 and 2017. The animals underwent necropsy examination, histopathology and immunohistochemistry with anti-FeLV gp70 and anti-FIV p24 gag antibodies. Of the evaluated animals, 54% (20/37) were males and 43.2% (16/37) were females. With respect to the life stage of the animals, 24.3% (9/37) were junior, 32.4% (12/37) were prime, 18.9% (7/37) were mature and 10.8% (4/37) were senior, and five animals were of unknown age. Myeloid leukaemia occurred in 56.8% (21/37) of the cases and lymphocytic leukaemia occurred in 43.2% (16/37) of the cases. Acute leukaemia (73%, 27/37) was more common than chronic leukaemia (27%, 10/37). The positivity for FeLV (78.4%, 29/37) and FIV (16.2%, 6/37) indicated a high association between FeLV infection and tumour development in the study region.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G Cristo
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Postgraduate Programme in Animal Science, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - G Biezus
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Postgraduate Programme in Animal Science, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - L F Noronha
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - T Gaspar
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - T P Dal Pont
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - J A Withoeft
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - L V Furlan
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - L S Costa
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - S D Traverso
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - R A Casagrande
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Postgraduate Programme in Animal Science, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Westman M, Norris J, Malik R, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Harvey A, McLuckie A, Perkins M, Schofield D, Marcus A, McDonald M, Ward M, Hall E, Sheehy P, Hosie M. The Diagnosis of Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) Infection in Owned and Group-Housed Rescue Cats in Australia. Viruses 2019; 11:v11060503. [PMID: 31159230 PMCID: PMC6630418 DOI: 10.3390/v11060503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A field study was undertaken to (i) measure the prevalence of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) exposure and FeLV infection in a cross-section of healthy Australian pet cats; and (ii) investigate the outcomes following natural FeLV exposure in two Australian rescue facilities. Group 1 (n = 440) consisted of healthy client-owned cats with outdoor access, predominantly from eastern Australia. Groups 2 (n = 38) and 3 (n = 51) consisted of a mixture of healthy and sick cats, group-housed in two separate rescue facilities in Sydney, Australia, tested following identification of index cases of FeLV infection in cats sourced from these facilities. Diagnostic testing for FeLV exposure/infection included p27 antigen testing using three different point-of-care FeLV kits and a laboratory-based ELISA, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing to detect FeLV proviral DNA in leukocytes, real-time reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) testing to detect FeLV RNA in plasma, and neutralising antibody (NAb) testing. Cats were classified as FeLV-uninfected (FeLV-unexposed and presumptively FeLV-abortive infections) or FeLV-infected (presumptively regressive and presumptively progressive infections). In Group 1, 370 FeLV-unexposed cats (370/440, 84%), 47 abortive infections (47/440, 11%), nine regressive infections (9/440, 2%), and two progressive infections (2/440, 0.5%) were identified, and 12 FeLV-uninfected cats (12/440, 3%) were unclassifiable as FeLV-unexposed or abortive infections due to insufficient samples available for NAb testing. In Groups 2 and 3, 31 FeLV-unexposed cats (31/89, 35%), eight abortive infections (8/89, 9%), 22 regressive infections (22/89; 25%), and 19 progressive infections (19/89; 21%) were discovered, and nine FeLV-uninfected cats (9/89; 10%) were unclassifiable due to insufficient samples available for NAb testing. One of the presumptively progressively-infected cats in Group 3 was likely a focal FeLV infection. Two other presumptively progressively-infected cats in Group 3 may have been classified as regressive infections with repeated testing, highlighting the difficulties associated with FeLV diagnosis when sampling cats at a single time point, even with results from a panel of FeLV tests. These results serve as a reminder to Australian veterinarians that the threat of FeLV to the general pet cat population remains high, thus vigilant FeLV testing, separate housing for FeLV-infected cats, and FeLV vaccination of at-risk cats is important, particularly in group-housed cats in shelters and rescue facilities, where outbreaks of FeLV infection can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Richard Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Clinical Laboratory and Centre for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, The University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Andrea Harvey
- Small Animal Specialist Hospital, 1 Richardson Place, North Ryde, Sydney, 2113 NSW, Australia.
| | - Alicia McLuckie
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | - Alan Marcus
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006 NSW, Australia.
| | - Mike McDonald
- Veterinary Diagnostic Services, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Michael Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, 2570 NSW, Australia.
| | - Evelyn Hall
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, 2570 NSW, Australia.
| | - Paul Sheehy
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, 2570 NSW, Australia.
| | - Margaret Hosie
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, Scotland G61 1QH, UK.
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Cristo TG, Biezus G, Noronha LF, Pereira LHHS, Withoeft JA, Furlan LV, Costa LS, Traverso SD, Casagrande RA. Feline Lymphoma and a High Correlation with Feline Leukaemia Virus Infection in Brazil. J Comp Pathol 2018; 166:20-28. [PMID: 30691602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2018.10.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Lymphoma is the most important haemopoietic tumour in cats and has been associated with feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection. In Brazil, no studies have established a correlation between FeLV infection and lymphoma. The aim of this study was to characterize lymphomas arising in cats in Brazil anatomically and microscopically, and to correlate these data with FeLV infection as determined by immunohistochemistry for the FeLV gp70 antigen. Fifty-three cats with lymphoma were evaluated. The mean age of junior, prime, mature, senior and geriatric cats was 1.65 years, 4.34 years, 8 years, 12.14 years and 15.5 years, respectively. The anatomical types of lymphoma were multicentric (43.4%, 23/53), mediastinal (33.96%, 18/53), renal (11.32%, 6/53), hepatic (5.66%, 3/53), nodal (3.77%, 2/53) and alimentary (1.89 %, 1/53). The histological types were small noncleaved-cell (33.96%, 18/53), mixed diffuse (22.64%, 12/53), immunoblastic (15.11%, 8/53), lymphoblastic (11, 32%, 6/53), small lymphocytic (9.43%, 5/53), small cleaved-cell (3.77%, 2/53) and large cell lymphomas (3.77%, 2/3). Immunopositivity for FeLV was observed in 56.6% (30/53) of the samples. FeLV positivity was equally distributed between the genders, but predominated in junior and prime cats. The degree of association between lymphoma and FeLV infection in Brazil was higher than that found in other countries, demonstrating the need to prevent and control the factors associated with infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G Cristo
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Brazil
| | - G Biezus
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Brazil
| | - L F Noronha
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Brazil; Student of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - L H H S Pereira
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Brazil; Student of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - J A Withoeft
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Brazil; Student of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - L V Furlan
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Brazil; Student of Veterinary Medicine, University of Santa Catarina State, Av. Luís de Camões 2090, Conta Dinheiro, Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - L S Costa
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Brazil
| | - S D Traverso
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Brazil
| | - R A Casagrande
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Agroveterinary Sciences Center, Brazil.
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10
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Stavisky J, Dean RS, Molloy MH. Prevalence of and risk factors for FIV and FeLV infection in two shelters in the United Kingdom (2011-2012). Vet Rec 2017; 181:451. [PMID: 28918382 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infections in cats presented to two RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) animal rehoming centres and to identify risk factors for infection. All cats presented at each centre between August 2011 and August 2012 were subjected to a patient-side test for FeLV/FIV on entry. Kittens under three months and cats euthanased within a short time of presentation were excluded from the study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to separately determine risk factors for FeLV and FIV infections. At shelter A, the prevalence of FIV infection was 11.4 per cent (54/474) and FeLV infection was 3 per cent (14/473), with two FIV/FeLV coinfections identified. At shelter B, the prevalence of FIV infection was 3 per cent (4/135) and FeLV infection was 0 per cent (0/135). Cats at shelter A were significantly more likely than those at shelter B to test positive for FIV (p=0.0024) and FeLV (p=0.048). Male cats were more likely to be infected with FIV (odds ratio 27.1, p=0.001), and thin body condition and musculoskeletal disease were associated with risk of FeLV. Overall, FIV-positive and FeLV-positive cats were significantly older (median ages 5.1 and 4.75 years, respectively) than the uninfected populations (median ages 3.4 and 3.5 years, respectively). This study shows that the prevalence of these diseases varies between shelter populations. Local knowledge combined with the risk factors identified may be useful in focusing resources for population testing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Stavisky
- Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - Rachel Sarah Dean
- Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
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11
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Gates MC, Vigeant S, Dale A. Prevalence and risk factors for cats testing positive for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus infection in cats entering an animal shelter in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2017; 65:285-291. [PMID: 28659065 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2017.1348266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate the prevalence of cats testing positive for antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigens in domestic cats entering a New Zealand animal shelter, based on a commercial point-of-care ELISA, to identify risk factors associated with cats testing positive, and to compare the results obtained from the ELISA with those obtained using PCR-based testing. METHOD A cross-sectional study was performed on 388 cats entering the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals animal shelter in Auckland, New Zealand between 7 February 2014 and 30 May 2014. Whole blood samples were collected from each cat and tested for FIV antibody and FeLV antigen using a commercial point-of-care ELISA. Information on the signalment and health status of the cat at the time of entry was also recorded. Blood and saliva samples from a subset of cats were tested for FIV and FeLV proviral DNA using a real-time PCR assay. RESULTS Of the 388 cats in the study sample, 146 (37.6%) had been relinquished by owners, 237 (62.4%) were strays, and 5 (1.3%) were of unknown origin. Overall, 53/388 (13.7%) cats tested positive for FIV antibodies and 4/388 (1.0%) were positive for FeLV antigen. Stray cats had a higher FIV seroprevalence than relinquished cats (42/237 (17.8%) vs. 11/146 (7.5%); p=0.008). Of 53 cats that were FIV-seropositive, 51 (96%) tested positive for FIV proviral DNA using PCR testing of blood. Of these 51 cats, 28 (55%) were positive by PCR testing of saliva. Of the four cats that were FeLV antigen-positive by ELISA, two (50%) were positive for FeLV proviral DNA by PCR testing of blood. The odds of a cat being seropositive for FIV were greater for intact compared to desexed cats (OR=3.3; 95% CI=1.6-7.4) and for male compared to female cats (OR=6.5; 95% CI=3.2-14.0). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The seroprevalence for FIV was 14% among cats entering an animal shelter in Auckland, whereas the prevalence of FeLV antigen-positive cats was only 1%. These findings suggest differences in the transmission dynamics of each virus in free-roaming cat populations in New Zealand. Our study also highlights the potential role of desexing cats in reducing transmission of FIV. However, further data from first-opinion veterinary practices are required to confirm that these findings may be generalised to the wider domestic cat population in New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Gates
- a Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences , Massey University , Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North , 4442 , New Zealand
| | - S Vigeant
- b RNZSPCA , PO Box 15-309, New Lynn, Auckland , 0640 , New Zealand
| | - A Dale
- b RNZSPCA , PO Box 15-309, New Lynn, Auckland , 0640 , New Zealand
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12
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Southard TL, Rodriguez-Ramos Fernandez J, Priest H, Stokol T. Holoprosencephaly and Pure Red Cell Aplasia in a Feline Leukaemia Virus-Positive Kitten. J Comp Pathol 2016; 154:239-42. [PMID: 26897097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A 9-month-old, female, domestic longhair cat with severe anaemia tested positive for feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and was humanely destroyed and submitted for necropsy examination. Gross findings included a non-divided rostral telencephalon, consistent with semilobar holoprosencephaly. Histological examination of the bone marrow revealed an almost complete absence of erythroid precursor cells, consistent with pure red cell aplasia, and mild to moderate myelofibrosis. This case demonstrates a very unusual central nervous system defect, as well as an atypical presentation of pure red cell aplasia, in a FeLV-positive kitten.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - H Priest
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - T Stokol
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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13
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Becker DJ, Hall RJ. Too much of a good thing: resource provisioning alters infectious disease dynamics in wildlife. Biol Lett 2014; 10:20140309. [PMID: 25055815 PMCID: PMC4126624 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Provisioning of abundant food resources in human-altered landscapes can have profound effects on wildlife ecology, with important implications for pathogen transmission. While empirical studies have quantified the effects of provisioning on host behaviour and immunology, the net interactive effect of these components on host-pathogen dynamics is unknown. We use simple compartmental models to investigate how provisioning-induced changes to host demography, contact behaviour and immune defence influence pathogen invasion and persistence. We show that pathogen invasion success and equilibrium prevalence depend critically on how provisioning affects host immune defence and that moderate levels of provisioning can lead to drastically different outcomes of pathogen extinction or maximizing prevalence. These results highlight the need for further empirical studies to fully understand how provisioning affects pathogen transmission in urbanized environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Becker
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Richard J Hall
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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14
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Stewart H, Adema KW, McMonagle EL, Hosie MJ, Willett BJ. Identification of novel subgroup A variants with enhanced receptor binding and replicative capacity in primary isolates of anaemogenic strains of feline leukaemia virus. Retrovirology 2012; 9:48. [PMID: 22650160 PMCID: PMC3403869 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-9-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of anaemia in feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)-infected cats is associated with the emergence of a novel viral subgroup, FeLV-C. FeLV-C arises from the subgroup that is transmitted, FeLV-A, through alterations in the amino acid sequence of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the envelope glycoprotein that result in a shift in the receptor usage and the cell tropism of the virus. The factors that influence the transition from subgroup A to subgroup C remain unclear, one possibility is that a selective pressure in the host drives the acquisition of mutations in the RBD, creating A/C intermediates with enhanced abilities to interact with the FeLV-C receptor, FLVCR. In order to understand further the emergence of FeLV-C in the infected cat, we examined primary isolates of FeLV-C for evidence of FeLV-A variants that bore mutations consistent with a gradual evolution from FeLV-A to FeLV-C. RESULTS Within each isolate of FeLV-C, we identified variants that were ostensibly subgroup A by nucleic acid sequence comparisons, but which bore mutations in the RBD. One such mutation, N91D, was present in multiple isolates and when engineered into a molecular clone of the prototypic FeLV-A (Glasgow-1), enhanced replication was noted in feline cells. Expression of the N91D Env on murine leukaemia virus (MLV) pseudotypes enhanced viral entry mediated by the FeLV-A receptor THTR1 while soluble FeLV-A Env bearing the N91D mutation bound more efficiently to mouse or guinea pig cells bearing the FeLV-A and -C receptors. Long-term in vitro culture of variants bearing the N91D substitution in the presence of anti-FeLV gp70 antibodies did not result in the emergence of FeLV-C variants, suggesting that additional selective pressures in the infected cat may drive the subsequent evolution from subgroup A to subgroup C. CONCLUSIONS Our data support a model in which variants of FeLV-A, bearing subtle differences in the RBD of Env, may be predisposed towards enhanced replication in vivo and subsequent conversion to FeLV-C. The selection pressures in vivo that drive the emergence of FeLV-C in a proportion of infected cats remain to be established.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Cats
- Cell Line
- Cloning, Molecular
- Fibroblasts/virology
- Glycoproteins/genetics
- Guinea Pigs
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Leukemia Virus, Feline/classification
- Leukemia Virus, Feline/pathogenicity
- Leukemia Virus, Feline/physiology
- Leukemia Virus, Murine/genetics
- Membrane Transport Proteins/genetics
- Membrane Transport Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Neutralization Tests
- Protein Binding
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- Receptors, Virus/metabolism
- Selection, Genetic
- Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics
- Virus Attachment
- Virus Internalization
- Virus Replication
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Stewart
- Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karen W Adema
- Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elizabeth L McMonagle
- Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Margaret J Hosie
- Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
| | - Brian J Willett
- Medical Research Council-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, UK
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15
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Bande F, Arshad SS, Hassan L, Zakaria Z, Sapian NA, Rahman NA, Alazawy A. Prevalence and risk factors of feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in peninsular Malaysia. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:33. [PMID: 22439903 PMCID: PMC3349470 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are major causes of morbidity and mortality in domestic and wild felids. Despite the clinical importance of feline retroviruses and the growing interest in cats as pets, information about FeLV and FIV in Malaysia is presently insufficient to properly advise veterinarians and pet owners. A cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2010 to December 2010 to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with FeLV and FIV among domestic cats in peninsular Malaysia. Plasma samples were harvested from the blood of 368 domestic cats and screened for evidence of FeLV p27 antigen and FIV antibodies, using an immunochromatographic kit. Additionally, data on cat demographics and health were collected using a structured questionnaire, and were evaluated as potential risk factors for FeLV or FIV status. RESULTS Of the 368 cats that were evaluated in this study, 12.2% (45/368; 95% CI = 8.88 - 15.58) were positive for FeLV p27 antigen, 31.3%, (115/368; 95% CI = 26.51 - 35.99) were seropositive to FIV antibodies, and 4.3% (16/368; 95% CI = 2.27 - 6.43) had evidence of both viruses. Factors found to significantly increase the risk for FeLV seropositivity include sex, age, behaviour, sickness, and living in a multi-cat household. Seropositive response to FIV was significantly associated with sex, neuter status, age, behaviour, and health status. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that FeLV and FIV are common among domestic cats in peninsular Malaysia, and that factors related to cat demographics and health such as age, sex, behaviour, health status and type of household are important predictors for seropositive status to FeLV or FIV in peninsular Malaysia. High prevalence of FeLV or FIV observed in our study is of concern, in view of the immunosuppressive potentials of the two pathogens. Specific measures for control and prevention such as screening and routine vaccination are needed to ensure that FeLV and FIV are controlled in the cat population of peninsular Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruku Bande
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Animal Health and Fisheries Development, PMB 2109 Usman Faruk Secretariat Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria
| | - Siti Suri Arshad
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Latiffah Hassan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zunita Zakaria
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Asyikin Sapian
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Noor Alimah Rahman
- University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Amer Alazawy
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor, Malaysia
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Abstract
An understanding of the nature of immune protection and the role of immune effector products such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the control of infectious disease is fundamental to the rational design of effective vaccines and immunotherapeutic reagents. Murine monoclonal and sheep polyclonal antibodies (mAbs and pAbs) to feline IFN-gamma (fIFN-gamma) were generated firstly to facilitate further research into the role of cellular immune responses in the control of feline infectious disease, and secondly to enable evaluation of the efficacy of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. A hybridoma clone, D9, secreting IgG1 antibodies was selected for expansion and the mAbs affinity purified in vitro. Polyclonal antibodies were raised in a sheep against recombinant fIFN-gamma and affinity purified. The sensitivity of the D9 mAb and the sheep anti-fIFN-gamma pAb was determined using an indirect fIFN-gamma enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblots. These antibodies were assessed for their ability to detect the production of fIFN-gamma by specific feline T cell populations ex vivo following coculture with mitogen or feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigens for 4 h in the presence of the protein secretion inhibitor brefeldin A (BFA). Production of fIFN-gamma was evaluated using flow cytometry to simultaneously detect PE-labelled surface molecules and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labelled intracellular fIFN-gamma. Using this approach, our initial studies revealed an upregulation in virus-specific fIFN-gamma-secreting CD4(+)T cells in the lymph nodes of FeLV latently infected cats.
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Key Words
- ifn-γ
- antifeline antibodies
- feline cytokines
- feline leukaemia virus
- ap, alkaline phosphatase
- bfa, brefeldin a
- con a, concanavalin a
- elisa, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- fcov, feline coronavirus
- felv, feline leukaemia virus
- fitc, fluorescein isothiocyanate
- fiv, feline immunodeficiency virus
- hiv, human immunodeficiency virus
- ifn-γ, interferon-γ
- pe, phycoerythrin
- rt, room temperature
- spf, specific pathogen free
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Graham
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, G61 1QH Glasgow, UK
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