FeLV and lymphoma in Germany

Meichner K, Kruse BD, Hirschberger J and Hartmann K. Changes in prevalence of progressive feline leukaemia virus infection in cats with lymphoma in Germany. Vet Rec. 2012; 171: 348. 

Lymphoma is the most common feline cancer, comprising more than half of all hemolymphatic (blood and lymph system) tumors. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a type of virus known to cause cancer (oncogenic retrovirus) and FeLV infection is a known risk factor for lymphoma development. In the past, FeLV infection accounted for the majority of cats that developed lymphoma. However, in the past 20 years, various reports suggest that a shift away from FeLV-associated tumor development has occurred once FeLV screening and vaccination became more commonplace.
 
FeLV infection outcome has also been recently reclassified into four categories (progressive, regressive, abortive, focal). Progressively infected cats have persistent antigenemia (viral antigen in the blood), high proviral load, and a median survival time of 2.4 years. The purpose of this large retrospective study, which included 390 client-owned cats, was to compare the incidence of cats with lymphoma and progressive FeLV infection in southern Germany between two time periods; namely, an early period between 1980 and 1994, and a later period between 1995 and 2009.  Age distribution and other differences in FeLV antigen-positive and FeLV antigen-negative cats with lymphoma were also assessed. 

Incidence of progressive FeLV infection in cats with lymphoma significantly decreased from 59% to 13% between the two time periods, consistent with other recent studies worldwide. During the earlier period, young to middle-aged cats (median 7 years) were likely to have lymphoma while during the later period mostly older cats (median 11 years) were diagnosed with lymphoma. Decreased prevalence of progressive FeLV infection likely contributed to this change in age distribution. Mediastinal lymphoma was uncommon (10% of cases), but half of these cats tested positive for FeLV antigen. 

FeLV-antigen negative cats with lymphoma that responded to chemotherapy showed significantly longer remission duration (472 days) than FeLV antigen–positive cats (25 days); however, survival time was not significantly affected (25 days versus 27 days). This incongruity was likely due to the high percentage of non-responders (74%) to chemotherapy among FeLV antigen-negative cats in the present study. The retrospective nature of this study over a 30-year period and the lack of chemotherapy standardization could account for high percentage of non-responders. In conclusions, this is the first study over such a long period of time that evaluated cats with lymphoma and assessed their association with progressive FeLV infection. [GO]

See also: Englert T, Lutz H, Sauter-Louis C and Hartmann K. Survey of the feline leukemia virus infection status of cats in Southern Germany. J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 392-8. 

Related blog posts:
FeLV and FIV in Germany (Feb 2010)
Treatment of cats with FeLV or FIV (July 2012)

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Meichner K, Kruse BD, Hirschberger J and Hartmann K. Changes in prevalence of progressive feline leukaemia virus infection in cats with lymphoma in Germany. Vet Rec. 2012; 171: 348. 

Lymphoma is the most common feline cancer, comprising more than half of all hemolymphatic (blood and lymph system) tumors. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a type of virus known to cause cancer (oncogenic retrovirus) and FeLV infection is a known risk factor for lymphoma development. In the past, FeLV infection accounted for the majority of cats that developed lymphoma. However, in the past 20 years, various reports suggest that a shift away from FeLV-associated tumor development has occurred once FeLV screening and vaccination became more commonplace.
 
FeLV infection outcome has also been recently reclassified into four categories (progressive, regressive, abortive, focal). Progressively infected cats have persistent antigenemia (viral antigen in the blood), high proviral load, and a median survival time of 2.4 years. The purpose of this large retrospective study, which included 390 client-owned cats, was to compare the incidence of cats with lymphoma and progressive FeLV infection in southern Germany between two time periods; namely, an early period between 1980 and 1994, and a later period between 1995 and 2009.  Age distribution and other differences in FeLV antigen-positive and FeLV antigen-negative cats with lymphoma were also assessed. 

Incidence of progressive FeLV infection in cats with lymphoma significantly decreased from 59% to 13% between the two time periods, consistent with other recent studies worldwide. During the earlier period, young to middle-aged cats (median 7 years) were likely to have lymphoma while during the later period mostly older cats (median 11 years) were diagnosed with lymphoma. Decreased prevalence of progressive FeLV infection likely contributed to this change in age distribution. Mediastinal lymphoma was uncommon (10% of cases), but half of these cats tested positive for FeLV antigen. 

FeLV-antigen negative cats with lymphoma that responded to chemotherapy showed significantly longer remission duration (472 days) than FeLV antigen–positive cats (25 days); however, survival time was not significantly affected (25 days versus 27 days). This incongruity was likely due to the high percentage of non-responders (74%) to chemotherapy among FeLV antigen-negative cats in the present study. The retrospective nature of this study over a 30-year period and the lack of chemotherapy standardization could account for high percentage of non-responders. In conclusions, this is the first study over such a long period of time that evaluated cats with lymphoma and assessed their association with progressive FeLV infection. [GO]

See also: Englert T, Lutz H, Sauter-Louis C and Hartmann K. Survey of the feline leukemia virus infection status of cats in Southern Germany. J Feline Med Surg. 2012; 14: 392-8. 

Related blog posts:
FeLV and FIV in Germany (Feb 2010)
Treatment of cats with FeLV or FIV (July 2012)

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Geographic variation in FeLV and FIV in the U.S.

Chhetri B, Berke O, Pearl D and Bienzle D. Comparison of the geographical distribution of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus infections in the United States of America (2000--2011). BMC Veterinary Research. 2013; 9: 2. [free, full text article] 
 
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) share many risk factors for infection in cats. However, infection rates are thought to vary depending on location. Geographical distribution of each may vary. These investigators looked at the geographical distribution of both viruses in the U.S. Testing results for over 17,000 (FIV) and 30,000 (FeLV) cats were analyzed for the 48 contiguous states. The results indicate that risk factors may vary in different geographic locales. There is a higher prevalence of FIV in the southeastern U.S. compared with FeLV. In contrast, FeLV occurred at a higher rate in the western U.S. compared with FIV. This may be due to geographic variations in virus strains, vaccination rates, or as yet unknown geographic risk factors for each virus. While more research is needed to understand the specific risk factors responsible, this knowledge could influence recommendations for testing, management, and prevention. [MK]

See also:
Levy J, Crawford C, Hartmann K, et al. 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines. J Feline Med Surg. 2008; 10: 300-16. [free, full text]

Little S, Bienzle D, Carioto L, Chisholm H, O'Brien E and Scherk M. Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in Canada: recommendations for testing and management. Can Vet J. 2011; 52: 849-55. [free, full text] 

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Chhetri B, Berke O, Pearl D and Bienzle D. Comparison of the geographical distribution of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus infections in the United States of America (2000--2011). BMC Veterinary Research. 2013; 9: 2. [free, full text article] 
 
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) share many risk factors for infection in cats. However, infection rates are thought to vary depending on location. Geographical distribution of each may vary. These investigators looked at the geographical distribution of both viruses in the U.S. Testing results for over 17,000 (FIV) and 30,000 (FeLV) cats were analyzed for the 48 contiguous states. The results indicate that risk factors may vary in different geographic locales. There is a higher prevalence of FIV in the southeastern U.S. compared with FeLV. In contrast, FeLV occurred at a higher rate in the western U.S. compared with FIV. This may be due to geographic variations in virus strains, vaccination rates, or as yet unknown geographic risk factors for each virus. While more research is needed to understand the specific risk factors responsible, this knowledge could influence recommendations for testing, management, and prevention. [MK]

See also:
Levy J, Crawford C, Hartmann K, et al. 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines. J Feline Med Surg. 2008; 10: 300-16. [free, full text]

Little S, Bienzle D, Carioto L, Chisholm H, O'Brien E and Scherk M. Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in Canada: recommendations for testing and management. Can Vet J. 2011; 52: 849-55. [free, full text] 

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Prevalence of FeLV and FIV in Canada

Little S, Sears W, Lachtara J et al: Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in Canada, Can Vet J 50:644, 2009.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are two of the most important infectious diseases of cats worldwide. Many studies have evaluated the prevalence of FeLV and FIV in North American cats, but very little data has been available for Canada. Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, cat rescue programs, and feral cat programs in Canada were invited to participate in the study. Enrolled participants were requested to submit the results of FeLV and FIV testing performed between Aug. 1 and Nov. 15, 2007. Information collected on each cat tested included location of testing, age, gender, access to outdoors, and whether the cat was ill at the time of testing. A total of 343 vet clinics and 13 shelters/rescue groups representing all Canadian provinces participated. Complete results were received for 11,144 cats of which 4.3% were positive for FIV and 3.4% were positive for FeLV. The seroprevalence of FeLV and FIV in this study was higher than in a recent similar study of predominantly US cats (FIV 2.5%, FeLV 2.3%). [SL]
>> Free, full text article

Related articles:
Little SE: Feline immunodeficiency virus testing in stray, feral, and client-owned cats of Ottawa, Can Vet J 46:898, 2005.
>> Free, full text article

Levy JK, Scott HM, Lachtara JL et al: Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity, J Am Vet Med Assoc 228:371, 2006.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Little S, Sears W, Lachtara J et al: Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in Canada, Can Vet J 50:644, 2009.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are two of the most important infectious diseases of cats worldwide. Many studies have evaluated the prevalence of FeLV and FIV in North American cats, but very little data has been available for Canada. Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, cat rescue programs, and feral cat programs in Canada were invited to participate in the study. Enrolled participants were requested to submit the results of FeLV and FIV testing performed between Aug. 1 and Nov. 15, 2007. Information collected on each cat tested included location of testing, age, gender, access to outdoors, and whether the cat was ill at the time of testing. A total of 343 vet clinics and 13 shelters/rescue groups representing all Canadian provinces participated. Complete results were received for 11,144 cats of which 4.3% were positive for FIV and 3.4% were positive for FeLV. The seroprevalence of FeLV and FIV in this study was higher than in a recent similar study of predominantly US cats (FIV 2.5%, FeLV 2.3%). [SL]
>> Free, full text article

Related articles:
Little SE: Feline immunodeficiency virus testing in stray, feral, and client-owned cats of Ottawa, Can Vet J 46:898, 2005.
>> Free, full text article

Levy JK, Scott HM, Lachtara JL et al: Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity, J Am Vet Med Assoc 228:371, 2006.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Leukemia Virus

Lutz, H., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline leukaemia ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 565-74.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus found in cats everywhere in the world. While FeLV prevalence has decreased over the last few decades, primarily due to improvements in testing and vaccination, there are still millions of infected cats. Transmission of the virus occurs mainly via friendly contact, such as mutual grooming. Fortunately, the virus does not contaminate the environment as it is does not survive more than minutes outside the host. Young kittens are most at risk of infection. The most common clinical problems associated with FeLV infection are immunosuppression (with secondary infections), anemia, and lymphoma. Fortunately, effective vaccines exist against FeLV for cats at risk of infection. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract
>> European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases

Related articles:
Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.
>> Full text article

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Lutz, H., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline leukaemia ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 565-74.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus found in cats everywhere in the world. While FeLV prevalence has decreased over the last few decades, primarily due to improvements in testing and vaccination, there are still millions of infected cats. Transmission of the virus occurs mainly via friendly contact, such as mutual grooming. Fortunately, the virus does not contaminate the environment as it is does not survive more than minutes outside the host. Young kittens are most at risk of infection. The most common clinical problems associated with FeLV infection are immunosuppression (with secondary infections), anemia, and lymphoma. Fortunately, effective vaccines exist against FeLV for cats at risk of infection. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract
>> European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases

Related articles:
Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.
>> Full text article

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FeLV Shedding in Feces

Gomes-Keller, M. A., E. Gonczi, et al. (2009). "Fecal shedding of infectious feline leukemia virus and its nucleic acids: a transmission potential." Vet Microbiol 134(3-4): 208-17.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an important pathogen of cats that is associated with cancer and immunodeficiency. Transmission of the virus occurs primarily via saliva. These investigators examined fecal shedding of the virus by testing for viral RNA and DNA, as well as by virus cultivation from rectal swabs of infected cats. They found that cats testing positive using common in-clinic test kits for FeLV antigen also shed virus in feces, and the majority of them were infectious to other cats. None of these FeLV-shedding cats showed any gastrointestinal signs of disease. However, it appears that the viral load in feces is small, and while it did lead to exposure and antibody production against the virus in uninfected cats in contact with virus-positive feces, these cats did not become antigen-positive on in-clinic test kits. Viral genetic material was found in tissues from a minority of these exposed cats, indicating transmission via feces is possible. While secondary to saliva as a means of virus spread, these results indicate that sharing of litter pans between infected and susceptible cats does bear some risk for transmission of FeLV. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gomes-Keller, M. A., R. Tandon, et al. (2006). "Shedding of feline leukemia virus RNA in saliva is a consistent feature in viremic cats." Vet Microbiol 112(1): 11-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.
>> Full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

Gomes-Keller, M. A., E. Gonczi, et al. (2009). "Fecal shedding of infectious feline leukemia virus and its nucleic acids: a transmission potential." Vet Microbiol 134(3-4): 208-17.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is an important pathogen of cats that is associated with cancer and immunodeficiency. Transmission of the virus occurs primarily via saliva. These investigators examined fecal shedding of the virus by testing for viral RNA and DNA, as well as by virus cultivation from rectal swabs of infected cats. They found that cats testing positive using common in-clinic test kits for FeLV antigen also shed virus in feces, and the majority of them were infectious to other cats. None of these FeLV-shedding cats showed any gastrointestinal signs of disease. However, it appears that the viral load in feces is small, and while it did lead to exposure and antibody production against the virus in uninfected cats in contact with virus-positive feces, these cats did not become antigen-positive on in-clinic test kits. Viral genetic material was found in tissues from a minority of these exposed cats, indicating transmission via feces is possible. While secondary to saliva as a means of virus spread, these results indicate that sharing of litter pans between infected and susceptible cats does bear some risk for transmission of FeLV. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Gomes-Keller, M. A., R. Tandon, et al. (2006). "Shedding of feline leukemia virus RNA in saliva is a consistent feature in viremic cats." Vet Microbiol 112(1): 11-21.
>> PubMed Abstract

Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.
>> Full text article

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New FeLV/FIV Management Guidelines

Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Although vaccines are available for both viruses, identification and segregation of infected cats form the cornerstone for preventing new infections. Guidelines in this report have been developed for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of FeLV and FIV infections. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. No test is 100% accurate at all times under all conditions; results should be interpreted along with the patient's health and risk factors. Retroviral tests can diagnose only infection, not clinical disease, and cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years. A decision for euthanasia should never be based solely on whether or not the cat is infected. Vaccination against FeLV is highly recommended in kittens. In adult cats, antiretroviral vaccines are considered non-core and should be administered only if a risk assessment indicates they are appropriate.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J., H. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-376.
>> PubMed abstract

Goldkamp, C. E., J. K. Levy, et al. (2008). "Seroprevalences of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats with abscesses or bite wounds and rate of veterinarian compliance with current guidelines for retrovirus testing." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1152-8.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Levy, J., C. Crawford, et al. (2008). "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines." Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 10(3): 300-316.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Although vaccines are available for both viruses, identification and segregation of infected cats form the cornerstone for preventing new infections. Guidelines in this report have been developed for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of FeLV and FIV infections. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. No test is 100% accurate at all times under all conditions; results should be interpreted along with the patient's health and risk factors. Retroviral tests can diagnose only infection, not clinical disease, and cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years. A decision for euthanasia should never be based solely on whether or not the cat is infected. Vaccination against FeLV is highly recommended in kittens. In adult cats, antiretroviral vaccines are considered non-core and should be administered only if a risk assessment indicates they are appropriate.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J., H. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Amer Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-376.
>> PubMed abstract

Goldkamp, C. E., J. K. Levy, et al. (2008). "Seroprevalences of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats with abscesses or bite wounds and rate of veterinarian compliance with current guidelines for retrovirus testing." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1152-8.
>> PubMed abstract

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Causes of Gingivitis in Cats

Quimby, J. M., T. Elston, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 66-72.

Gingivostomatitis is a common medical condition in cats. Clinical signs include red and swollen gums that may bleed easily, halitosis, and oral pain. The discomfort can lead to dysphagia, decreased appetite, and weight loss. The syndrome is likely to be multifactorial and it is suspected to involve an exaggerated immune response to either infectious or non-infectious antigens. Other factors that may be involved include genetic predispostion, diet, stressors, and the effects of domestication. Several infectious agents have been found in cats with gingivostomatitis such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), calicivirus (FCV), herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Bartonella. However, all these agents can also be found in healthy cats so proving cause and effect has been difficult. The 45 cats in this study were housed together, had a history of flea exposure, and were vaccinated with a modified live FVRCP vaccine. At the time of sample collection, 36 of the cats had active gingivostomatitis. Samples were collected and analyzed for infectious agents. All of the agents were found in the population with the exception of FeLV. However, evidence of infection with Bartonella species, FHV-1, FCV, FeLV or FIV was not overrepresented in the cats with gingivostomatitis and so the data fail to support the hypotheses that these organisms were a cause of gingivostomatitis in this population of cats. The researchers conclude that diagnostic test results for these infectious agents should be interpreted carefully as none appear to correlate to the presence or absence of disease.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Southerden, P. and C. Gorrel (2007). "Treatment of a case of refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis with feline recombinant interferon omega." J Small Anim Pract 48(2): 104-6.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Quimby, J. M., T. Elston, et al. (2008). "Evaluation of the association of Bartonella species, feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus with chronic feline gingivostomatitis." J Feline Med Surg 10(1): 66-72.

Gingivostomatitis is a common medical condition in cats. Clinical signs include red and swollen gums that may bleed easily, halitosis, and oral pain. The discomfort can lead to dysphagia, decreased appetite, and weight loss. The syndrome is likely to be multifactorial and it is suspected to involve an exaggerated immune response to either infectious or non-infectious antigens. Other factors that may be involved include genetic predispostion, diet, stressors, and the effects of domestication. Several infectious agents have been found in cats with gingivostomatitis such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), calicivirus (FCV), herpesvirus (FHV-1), and Bartonella. However, all these agents can also be found in healthy cats so proving cause and effect has been difficult. The 45 cats in this study were housed together, had a history of flea exposure, and were vaccinated with a modified live FVRCP vaccine. At the time of sample collection, 36 of the cats had active gingivostomatitis. Samples were collected and analyzed for infectious agents. All of the agents were found in the population with the exception of FeLV. However, evidence of infection with Bartonella species, FHV-1, FCV, FeLV or FIV was not overrepresented in the cats with gingivostomatitis and so the data fail to support the hypotheses that these organisms were a cause of gingivostomatitis in this population of cats. The researchers conclude that diagnostic test results for these infectious agents should be interpreted carefully as none appear to correlate to the presence or absence of disease.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Southerden, P. and C. Gorrel (2007). "Treatment of a case of refractory feline chronic gingivostomatitis with feline recombinant interferon omega." J Small Anim Pract 48(2): 104-6.
>> PubMed abstract

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Retroviruses and Cat Bite Wounds

Goldkamp, C. E., J. K. Levy, et al. (2008). "Seroprevalences of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats with abscesses or bite wounds and rate of veterinarian compliance with current guidelines for retrovirus testing." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1152-8.

In this prospective study, data was collected on 967 cats being treated for bite wounds and abscesses from 134 veterinary practices in 30 states. Cats were tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) at the time of presentation. Veterinarians were asked to retest cats 60 days later to determine if seronegative cats became positive after the high-risk event. The FeLV-FIV status of 96 cats was known prior to the bite wound event. At the time of treatment, 19.3% of cats were seropositive for FeLV and/or FIV. Risk factors associated with seropositive status included age (adult), gender (male), history of wounds, and outdoor access. Retesting of seronegative cats was recommended to owners of 478 cats at 54.5% of the practices. However, only 13.4% of cats were restested. Of these cats, 5.2% that were initially seronegative for FIV seroconverted. This study determined that a high proportion of cats with abscesses or bite wounds were seropositive for retrovirus infection. Unfortunately, compliance with recommendations to test cats at the time of the event or after treatment was low. Clearly, the FeLV-FIV status of cats with fight wounds should be determined at the time of treatment, and seronegative cats should be retested in 60 days.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J. K., H. M. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Am Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-6.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Goldkamp, C. E., J. K. Levy, et al. (2008). "Seroprevalences of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus in cats with abscesses or bite wounds and rate of veterinarian compliance with current guidelines for retrovirus testing." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(8): 1152-8.

In this prospective study, data was collected on 967 cats being treated for bite wounds and abscesses from 134 veterinary practices in 30 states. Cats were tested for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) at the time of presentation. Veterinarians were asked to retest cats 60 days later to determine if seronegative cats became positive after the high-risk event. The FeLV-FIV status of 96 cats was known prior to the bite wound event. At the time of treatment, 19.3% of cats were seropositive for FeLV and/or FIV. Risk factors associated with seropositive status included age (adult), gender (male), history of wounds, and outdoor access. Retesting of seronegative cats was recommended to owners of 478 cats at 54.5% of the practices. However, only 13.4% of cats were restested. Of these cats, 5.2% that were initially seronegative for FIV seroconverted. This study determined that a high proportion of cats with abscesses or bite wounds were seropositive for retrovirus infection. Unfortunately, compliance with recommendations to test cats at the time of the event or after treatment was low. Clearly, the FeLV-FIV status of cats with fight wounds should be determined at the time of treatment, and seronegative cats should be retested in 60 days.
>> PubMed abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J. K., H. M. Scott, et al. (2006). "Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in North America and risk factors for seropositivity." J Am Vet Med Assoc 228(3): 371-6.
>> PubMed abstract

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Hemoplasma in Cats (formerly Hemobartonella)

Sykes, J. E., J. C. Terry, et al. (2008). "Prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 372-9.

Three species of hemoplasmas are known to infect cats, the most well known of which is Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly Hemobartonella felis). M. haemofelis is associated with hemolytic anemia in some infected cats. Two other hemoplasmas, M. haemominutum and M. turicensis, are less commonly associated with clinical disease. In this study, 310 blood samples that had been submitted to a commercial laboratory because the cats had anemia and/or they were suspected of having hemoplasmosis were evaluated with species-specific PCR assays. The prevalences were 23.2% for M. haemominutum, 4.8% for M. haemofelis, and 6.5% for M. turicensis. Male cats were more likely to be infected with hemoplasmas, and FeLV and FIV were strongly associated with M. haemofelis infection. The results of this study show that these hemoplasmas occur commonly in cats in the United States.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Willi, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2007). "From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights." Vet Microbiol 125(3-4): 197-209.
>> PubMed abstract

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Sykes, J. E., J. C. Terry, et al. (2008). "Prevalences of various hemoplasma species among cats in the United States with possible hemoplasmosis." J Am Vet Med Assoc 232(3): 372-9.

Three species of hemoplasmas are known to infect cats, the most well known of which is Mycoplasma haemofelis (formerly Hemobartonella felis). M. haemofelis is associated with hemolytic anemia in some infected cats. Two other hemoplasmas, M. haemominutum and M. turicensis, are less commonly associated with clinical disease. In this study, 310 blood samples that had been submitted to a commercial laboratory because the cats had anemia and/or they were suspected of having hemoplasmosis were evaluated with species-specific PCR assays. The prevalences were 23.2% for M. haemominutum, 4.8% for M. haemofelis, and 6.5% for M. turicensis. Male cats were more likely to be infected with hemoplasmas, and FeLV and FIV were strongly associated with M. haemofelis infection. The results of this study show that these hemoplasmas occur commonly in cats in the United States.
>> PubMed abstract


Related articles:
Willi, B., F. S. Boretti, et al. (2007). "From Haemobartonella to hemoplasma: Molecular methods provide new insights." Vet Microbiol 125(3-4): 197-209.
>> PubMed abstract

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Quality of FeLV & FIV Tests

Hartmann, K., P. Griessmayr, et al. (2007). "Quality of different in-clinic test systems for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus infection." J Feline Med Surg 9(6): 439-45.


There are many commerical kits available for in-clinic diagnosis of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This study evaluated seven FIV and eight FeLV test kits. The researchers tested 536 serum samples from randomly selected cats. Positive FIV tests were confirmed with Western blot and positive FeLV tests were confirmed by virus isolation. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of eact test were determined. All test kits performed well, with the exception of one kit that produced unacceptable numbers of invalid test results and results that are difficult to interpret. Positive test results should always be confirmed, especially in a healthy cat from a low-risk environment.
>> PubMed abstract


Current retroviral testing guidelines from the American Assoc. of Feline Practitioners


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Hartmann, K., P. Griessmayr, et al. (2007). "Quality of different in-clinic test systems for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus infection." J Feline Med Surg 9(6): 439-45.


There are many commerical kits available for in-clinic diagnosis of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). This study evaluated seven FIV and eight FeLV test kits. The researchers tested 536 serum samples from randomly selected cats. Positive FIV tests were confirmed with Western blot and positive FeLV tests were confirmed by virus isolation. Specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values of eact test were determined. All test kits performed well, with the exception of one kit that produced unacceptable numbers of invalid test results and results that are difficult to interpret. Positive test results should always be confirmed, especially in a healthy cat from a low-risk environment.
>> PubMed abstract


Current retroviral testing guidelines from the American Assoc. of Feline Practitioners


More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library

Read More