Showing posts with label feline immunodeficiency virus. Show all posts

Monday, March 11, 2013

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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Kidney disease in cats and people

Poli A, Tozon N, Guidi G and Pistello M. Renal alterations in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats: a natural model of lentivirus-induced renal disease changes. Viruses. 2012; 4: 1372-89. [Free, full text article]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with severe kidney disease including acute and chronic renal failure, but the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. HIV and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are closely related viruses so that disease in cats may be a model for disease in humans. Both human and feline patients may live for many years after infection and suffer from chronic diseases. While kidney disease has been documented in cats with FIV, no detailed description of the kidney lesions has been published.

The investigators, working at the University of Pisa in Italy, examined kidneys from 72 cats infected with FIV. They found and described pathologic changes in the kidneys of cats with FIV that are similar to those in humans with HIV. A high proportion of the cats were affected. Thus they conclude that FIV may cause kidney changes, perhaps leading to kidney disease in infected cats. [MK]

See also: Baxter KJ, Levy JK, Edinboro CH, Vaden SL and Tompkins MB. Renal disease in cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus. J Vet Intern Med. 2012; 26: 238-43.

Related blog articles:
FIV and kidney disease in cats (February 2010)
FIV and kidney disease (October 2012)

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FIV in African lions

Maas M, Keet DF, Rutten VP, Heesterbeek JA and Nielen M. Assessing the impact of feline immunodeficiency virus and bovine tuberculosis co-infection in African lions. Proceedings Biological sciences / The Royal Society. 2012; 279: 4206-14.

South Africa has about 2,700 free-ranging lions, living mostly around Kruger National Park (KNP). Bovine tuberculosis (BTB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, is a disease that was introduced relatively recently into the KNP lion population, probably through domestic cattle brought by European settlers at the end of the 18th century. About 25 lions die of BTB every year in KNP.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infects domestic cats and at least 20 other species of non-domestic felids around the world. FIV subtype Ple is thought to have been endemic in lions for a much longer time than BTB and infection is common. There is concern that these infections, especially when they occur together, may increase disease and affect lion conservation programs. These researchers collected data from lions in KNP from 1993-2008. BTB was more common in lions in the south of KNP than the north, but infection rate increased over time in the north. A large percentage (31%) of lions were infected with both pathogens. Both infections caused changes in blood test results, with FIV having a greater impact than BTB. However, it did not appear that these co-infections were synergistic (i.e., making disease worse), unlike the situation in humans infected with HIV and M. tuberculosis. This may be due to a different pathogenesis of FIV in African lions than HIV in humans. [MK]

See also: Troyer JL, Roelke ME, Jespersen JM, et al. FIV diversity: FIV Ple subtype composition may influence disease outcome in African lions. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2011; 143: 338-46. [Free, full text article]

Related blog articles:
Feline immunodeficiency virus in African lions: October 2009
FeLV and FIV affect blood values in cats: October 2009
Risk factors for FIV infection: July 2009

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Treatment of cats with FeLV or FIV

Doménech A, Miró G, Collado VM et al: Use of recombinant interferon omega in feline retrovirosis: From theory to practice, Vet Immunol Immunopathol 143:301, 2011.

The feline retrovirus infections – feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) - cause lifelong infections often with chronic disease. To date, treatment has been primarily symptomatic and supportive. These investigators examined the usefulness of interferon as a more specific treatment. Interferon is a protein in the blood that can modify the immune response and that has antiviral capabilities. Interferon-omega is a type of interferon found in cats that has been cloned and synthesized and is commercially available in some countries. Clinical improvement was observed when interferon-omega was used to treat 11 cats with FeLV or FIV. Certain blood parameters, such as amount of red blood cells, also improved. While no antiviral effects were seen, the improved clinical condition of the infected cats support the use of interferon-omega in treating retrovirus-infected cats. [MK]

See also: de Mari K, Maynard L, Sanquer A et al: Therapeutic effects of recombinant feline interferon-omega on feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-infected and FeLV/feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-coinfected symptomatic cats, J Vet Intern Med 18:477, 2004.

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Doménech A, Miró G, Collado VM et al: Use of recombinant interferon omega in feline retrovirosis: From theory to practice, Vet Immunol Immunopathol 143:301, 2011.

Cats and Viruses

Hellard E, Fouchet D, Santin-Janin H et al: When cats' ways of life interact with their viruses: a study in 15 natural populations of owned and unowned cats (Felis silvestris catus), Preventive Veterinary Medicine 101:250, 2011.

Cats are susceptible to a number of important viruses that can cause significant disease. The living conditions and behavior of various cat populations will affect their susceptibility and risk of exposure to these viruses. The investigators examined 15 populations of non-sterilized unvaccinated cats living in the same area of France. These populations had one of two different lifestyles – owned (sheltered and fed, socialized) and unowned (no shelter or food provided, unsocialized). Blood samples were tested for exposure of the cats to feline herpesvirus (FHV), calicivirus (FCV), parvovirus (FPV), immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and leukemia virus (FeLV). Not surprisingly, the unowned cats were more likely to have been infected with FHV, FCV, and FIV – these viruses largely require direct contact between cats, including fighting. The owned cats were more likely to have been infected with FPV. For each virus, the likelihood of having been infected varied with the population. For example, FIV infection was more likely in older, male, unowned cats; FHV was more likely to infect kittens at an earlier age in unowned versus owned populations; FPV infection was more likely in owned populations perhaps because of shared environments in human settlements. The main crux of this paper was that the epidemiology of a particular virus within cat populations can be affected by their behavior and lifestyle. Failure to consider these aspects can skew results of epidemiologic analyses. For example, when the status of the owned and unowned cats were combined, a different epidemiologic picture was seen for the various viruses examined – the risk factors were different, and included such factors as body mass. Pooling different types of cats in a single sample without taking behavior and lifestyle into account could give a misleading picture of the epidemiology of their viruses. [MK]

Related articles: Pontier D, Fouchet D, Bahi-Jaber N et al: When domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) population structures interact with their viruses, C R Biol 332:321, 2009.

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Treatment for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Fogle JE, Tompkins WA, Campbell B et al: Fozivudine tidoxil as single-agent therapy decreases plasma and cell-associated viremia during acute feline immunodeficiency virus infection, J Vet Intern Med 25:413, 2011.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a natural lentivirus infection of domestic and wild cats. The course of the disease is similar to that of human immunodeficiency virus. One of two drugs, zidovudine (ZDV, also known as AZT), has demonstrated some benefit in controlled trials in naturally infected cats. ZDV has been shown to lower viral burden in both acute and chronic infection, to transiently improve CD4:CD8 ratios, and to improve clinical signs in chronically infected cats. Anemia is the most common and significant adverse side effect associated with ZDV that resolves on lowering the dosage or cessation of administration. Because there is a need for more effective drugs with fewer side effects for FIV treatment, the authors evaluated a compound related to ZDV, fozivudine (FZD), in a controlled experimental trial. Data from the study showed that FZD is effective at lowering viral load the first 2 weeks of FIV infection and may decrease early FIV- associated lympholysis. The adverse effects associated with ZDV administration, including anemia, were not evident in any of the cats treated with FZD at the dosage used during the study. Further investigation is needed to assess pharmacokinetics and optimal dosages for antiviral activity of the drug. [VT]

Related articles:
Hartmann K: Clinical aspects of feline immunodeficiency and feline leukemia virus infection, Vet Immunol Immunopathol 143:190, 2011.

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Efficacy of a Vaccine for FIV

Huang C, Conlee D, Gill M et al: Dual-subtype feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine provides 12 months of protective immunity against heterologous challenge, J Feline Med Surg 12:451, 2010.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes progressive impairment of the feline immune system, in time leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A hallmark of FIV infection is the depletion of CD4+ T cells and a reduction in the CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratio. This study’s purpose was to evaluate whether a 1-year duration of immunity against sub-type B FIV is attainable with the Fel-O-Vax FIV vaccine. Fourteen vaccinated cats were challenged with a subtype-B FIV strain 54 weeks after final vaccination. Ten of the fourteen vaccinated cats were fully protected for 48 weeks against infection with this FIV subtype. The levels of anti-FIV antibody noted for the vaccinated cats suggests that the three-dose vaccination regimen is capable of establishing and maintaining immunologic memory for at least 12 months. [VT]

Related articles:
Levy J, Crawford C, Hartmann K et al: 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines, J Feline Med Surg 10:300, 2008.

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New In-Clinic Test for FeLV and FIV

Sand C, Englert T, Egberink H et al: Evaluation of a new in-clinic test system to detect feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus infection, Vet Clin Pathol 39:210, 2009.

Feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are both important pathogens of cats that often result in lifelong infection. Routine testing as well as testing of clinically ill cats is recommended, and is usually done using in-clinic test kits. For FeLV, these assays detect a viral protein, while for FIV, virus-specific antibody is detected. A new test system, Anigen Rapid FIV Ab/FeLV Ag test kit is now available on the European market. These investigators examined the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of this new test kit on 300 samples using western blot as the gold standard for FIV infection, and polymerase chain reaction for FeLV infection; in addition, results were compared to those attained using the most commonly-used kit made by IDEXX (SNAP Combo). In comparison to the gold standard for FIV, the new Anigen test had a sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 97.7%, and for FeLV, a sensitivity of 40% and a specificity of 100%. In comparing to the IDEXX Combo SNAP test for FIV testing, the Anigen assay had one false positive result; the SNAP test had no false positive results. Both kits had one false negative result. For FeLV testing, neither kit had a false positive result, but the Anigen kit had 9 false negatives, while the SNAP kit had 7 false negative results. The investigators concluded that the new test performed very well, similar in performance to the SNAP Combo test. For both kits, any positive result should be confirmed with a second, more sensitive test, especially in healthy cats. [MK]

Related articles:
Levy J, Crawford C, Hartmann K et al: 2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines, J Feline Med Surg 10:300, 2008.

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FIV and Papillomavirus

Munday JS, Witham AI: Frequent detection of papillomavirus DNA in clinically normal skin of cats infected and noninfected with feline immunodeficiency virus, Vet Dermatol 21:307, 2010.

Feline squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), a type of skin cancer, often have evidence of infection with feline papillomavirus (FPV); it is not known if the virus contributes to cancer development in cats. Cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) have a higher incidence of SCC, perhaps due to increased FPV infection. This study examined the rate of FPV infection in healthy cats (without SCC), and compared this rate in FIV-free (n=22), and FIV-infected cats (n=22). The investigators found that 52% of cats tested positive for FPV; no difference was found in FIV-infected versus uninfected cats. In addition, both FPV-infected and uninfected cats were found within single households, indicating exposure does not necessarily lead to infection. The investigators concluded that while FPV infection in asymptomatic cats is common, a link with SCC could not be shown. [MK]

Related articles:
Munday JS, Dunowska M, De Grey S: Detection of two different papillomaviruses within a feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: case report and review of the literature, N Z Vet J 57:248, 2009.

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FIV in Western Canada

Ravi M, Wobeser G, Taylor S et al: Naturally acquired feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in cats from western Canada: prevalence, disease associations, and survival analysis, Can Vet J 51:271, 2010.

While feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection is well known as a cause of illness in cats worldwide, little data has been available about infection rates in Canada. In this retrospective study, 1205 client-owned cats in western Canada were tested for FIV antibodies. 5.5% of the cats were FIV-antibody positive. Infected cats were more likely to be males, to have bite wounds, and were older than antibody-negative cats. The survival time of FIV-positive cats was not significantly different from age and gender matched FIV-negative cats. This research adds to the knowledge that veterinarians in Canada need to develop testing and management plans for FIV. [SL]

Related articles:
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.

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FIV and Kidney Disease in Cats

White JD, Malik R, Norris JM, Malikides N. Association between naturally occurring chronic kidney disease and feline immunodeficiency virus infection status in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Feb 15 2010;236(4):424-429.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is well known in older cats. In most cases, the underlying cause is never identified. CKD appears more common in young male cats and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is also common in these cats, raising the question of whether the two are related. To investigate a potential association between chronic kidney disease and FIV in cats in Australia, a case-control study was designed. The study included 73 cats with CKD and 69 cats with no evidence of CKD. All cats were tested for FIV antibodies and information on age, breed and gender was gathered. The cats were divided into two age groups - under 11 years old and over 11 years old. Statistical analysis was performed to investigate any relationship between CKD and FIV, and with the other variables. Among cats under 11 years old, those with CKD were significantly more likely to be infected with FIV than cats without CKD. It was not possible to determine if infection with FIV occurred before the cats developed CKD. The role of FIV in the development of CKD disease requires further research. [SL]

Related articles:
White JD, Norris JM, Baral RM, Malik R. Naturally-occurring chronic renal disease in Australian cats: a prospective study of 184 cases. Aust Vet J. Jun 2006;84(6):188-194.

Norris JM, Bell ET, Hales L, et al. Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus infection in domesticated and feral cats in eastern Australia. J Feline Med Surg. Aug 2007;9(4):300-308.

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FeLV and FIV in Germany

Gleich SE, Krieger S, Hartmann K. Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus among client-owned cats and risk factors for infection in Germany. J Feline Med Surg. 2009;11(12):985-992.

This study determined prevalence and risk factors for retrovirus infection in a large population of cats in Germany over a 10-year period. Client-owned cats (17,462) were tested for the presence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) antibodies or feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) antigen. A subset of 100 cats was evaluated to determine their survival times. Of the 17,289 cats, 563 tested positive for anitibodies against FIV. The prevalence was 3.2% and did not change significantly between 1993 and 2002. FeLV antigen was found in 638 cats. The prevalence of FeLV decreased significantly during this time from 6% to 1%. Forty-two cats were positive for both viruses. Living in a multi-cat household did not influence the risk of retroviral infection. Risk factors for FIV infection were male gender, older age, mixed breed, access to outdoor, aggressive behavior, and FeLV co-infection. Risk factors for FeLV infection included contact with other cats, aggressive behavior, and FIV co-infection. Vaccination and testing programs appear to be effective in decreasing FeLV infection. The median survival time of FIV-infected cats was not significantly different from non-infected cats. FeLV-infected cats had significantly shorter median survival times than non-infected cats. [VT]

Related articles:
Little S, Sears W, Lachtara J, Bienzle D. Seroprevalence of feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus infection among cats in Canada. Can Vet J. 2009;50(6):644-648.

Levy JK, Scott HM, Lachtara JL, Crawford PC. 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. Feb 1 2006;228(3):371-376.

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Understanding Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Grant, C. K., E. A. Fink, et al. (2009). "Improved health and survival of FIV-infected cats is associated with the presence of autoantibodies to the primary receptor, CD134." Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 106(47): 19980-5.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important pathogen of cats, causing lifelong infection and ultimately death from immunosuppression. These researchers examined antibody levels to various viral and cellular proteins in stored serum samples collected from FIV-infected cats over 30 years. They found very strong antiviral responses to several virus proteins, including the major surface protein of the virus. Interestingly, they also found evidence of antibodies to the feline cellular protein used by the virus to attach to and infect the cell (CD134). Even more remarkable, they found that this antibody only bound the cellular protein when the viral attachment protein was bound to it. Thus, binding of the virus to this cellular protein reveals a site on the cellular protein that is not normally “visible” to the immune system of the cat, leading to antibody production to this cellular protein. In a laboratory experiment, they found that not only did antibodies to the virus protein inhibited virus infection, but antibodies to the cellular protein targeted by the virus did so as well. When they evaluated antibody levels from cats of known health status, the highest percentage of cats positive for this cell-specific antibody were healthy and asymptomatic. In contrast, samples negative for this antibody were largely acquired from cats that were ill. In assessing viral load in the blood of 20 infected cats and comparing that to antibody levels to the CD134, the researchers found that cats with high viral loads (poorer prognosis) did not have measurable levels of antibody to the CD134. The findings are consistent with a role for anti-cell receptor antibodies in protection from virus spread and disease progression. [MK]
>> Free full text article

Related articles:
Hosie, M. J., D. Addie, et al. (2009). "Feline immunodeficiency ABCD guidelines on prevention and management." J Feline Med Surg 11(7): 575-84.
>> Free full text article

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.
>> Free full text article

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FeLV and FIV Affect Blood Values in Cats

Gleich S, Hartmann K: Hematology and serum biochemistry of feline immunodeficiency virus-infected and feline leukemia virus-infected cats, J Vet Intern Med 23:552, 2009.

Complete documentation of the hematologic and biochemical values in cats naturally infected by feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) has been lacking. The authors performed a retrospective study of 3,780 client owned cats tested for FIV and FeLV. The objective was to report differences in laboratory values between FIV- or FeLV-infected and non-infected and between FIV- and FeLV-infected cats. Serum activity levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and serum concentration of glucose were significantly lower, while serum concentrations of total protein (TP) and gamma-globulins were significantly higher in FIV-positive cats compared with negative cats. Results indicated significantly lower PCV, hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC) and platelet counts (PLT) in FeLV-positive cats than FIV- infected and control cats. TP and creatinine concentrations were significantly lower in FeLV-infected cats than in non-infected. FeLV-infected cats were at high risk for the development of cytopenias and hematologic abnormalities are common. Clinicopathologic abnormalities are less frequent in FIV-infected cats. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related Articles:
Hofmann-Lehmann R, Holznagel E, Ossent P et al: Parameters of disease progression in long-term experimental feline retrovirus (feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus) infections: hematology, clinical chemistry, and lymphocyte subsets, Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 4:33, 1997.
>> 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 Immunodeficiency Virus in African Lions

Roelke ME, Brown MA, Troyer JL et al: Pathological manifestations of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in wild African lions, Virology 390:1, 2009.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), an important pathogen of domestic cats, also infects other members of the Felidae family, including African lions. Lions have FIV seroprevalence levels of 10% in some populations, and different strains of the virus are known to circulate in much of Africa. It has been unclear whether this virus causes any disease in infected lions, or if it is a host-adapted virus that causes no disease. This study investigated lions in Botswana and Tanzania to determine if there were any clinical correlates with FIV infection. Sixty-four lions in Botswana parks, and 8 lions from the Serengeti Park in Tanzania were sampled. Virtually all FIV-infected animals had gingivitis and poor oral health. Many had papillomatous lesions on the underside of the tongue. Infected lions also had evidence of chronic inflammation. Dehydration was also more common among infected lions, though the underlying cause was not known, as most lived in swamplands with ample water. Anemia was also found more often in infected lions, as was poor coat condition, and lymphoid depletion. The investigators concluded that over time, FIV infections in free-ranging lions can lead to adverse clinical, immunological, and pathological outcomes in some individuals, and could have a detrimental impact on their survival, particularly in times of stress. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Pecon-Slattery J, McCracken CL, Troyer JL, VandeWoude S, Roelke M, Sondgeroth K, Winterbach C, Winterbach H, O'Brien SJ. Genomic organization, sequence divergence, and recombination of feline immunodeficiency virus from lions in the wild. BMC Genomics. 2008 Feb 5;9:66.
>> Free, full text article

Brown EW, Yuhki N, Packer C et al: A lion lentivirus related to feline immunodeficiency virus: epidemiologic and phylogenetic aspects, J Virol 68:5953, 1994.
>> PubMed Abstract

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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]
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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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Risk Factors for FIV Infection

Murray, J.K., et al., Risk factors for feline immunodeficiency virus antibody test status in Cats Protection adoption centres (2004). Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 2009. 11(6): p. 467-473.

This study determined the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) within a group of cats entering 10 United Kingdom adoption centres run by Cat Protection. All cats entering the facilities were tested for FIV using a rapid enzyme immunoassay antibody test. The overall prevalence of positive test results was 3.1%, while the prevalence at different adoption centres varied from 0.8% to 6.7%. Male cats were found to be approximately three times more likely than female cats to be FIV positive. The previous history of the cat was also shown to be associated with FIV status, where cats admitted from stray or feral backgrounds were approximately three times more likely to be FIV positive than those cats surrendered by their owners. Cats in poor health were four times more likely to be positive than those with fair to good health. There was no evidence found for an association between neuter status and FIV test results. The study may help adoption centres identify those cats with an increased risk of FIV for routine FIV testing. [VT]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Levy, J.K., 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, 2006. 228(3): p. 371-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

Macieira, D.B., et al., Prevalence and risk factors for hemoplasmas in domestic cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus and/or feline leukemia virus in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. J Feline Med Surg, 2008. 10(2): p. 120-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Fujino, Y., et al., Prevalence of hematological abnormalities and detection of infected bone marrow cells in asymptomatic cats with feline immunodeficiency virus infection. Vet Microbiol, 2009. 136(3-4): p. 217-25.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important pathogen of cats that may lead to a lethal immunodeficient state. This may be preceded by a significant period of time, often years, without any evidence of disease. Decreases in the red and white blood cell lines as well as platelets are known to occur in infected cats. These researchers examined the prevalence of these changes in cats without obvious clinical signs of disease. They examined 50 cats whose only abnormality was the presence of FIV infection (as detected by the antibody assay for the virus). They found a significant portion of asymptomatic cats (48%) have detectable decline in the various blood cell lines, often affecting more than one cell line (e.g., anemia plus decreased white blood cells or platelets). The researchers also found that viral infection of bone marrow cells occurred, and likely led to the effects on blood cell production. Thus, FIV infection of bone marrow cells contributes to the production of the immunodeficient state as well as other blood abnormalities in infected cats. [MK]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Tanabe, T. and J.K. Yamamoto, Phenotypic and functional characteristics of FIV infection in the bone marrow stroma. Virology, 2001. 282(1): p. 113-22.
>> PubMed Abstract

Arjona, A., E. Escolar, et al. (2000). "Seroepidemiological survey of infection by feline leukemia virus and immunodeficiency virus in Madrid and correlation with some clinical aspects." J Clin Microbiol 38(9): 3448-9.
>> PubMed Abstract

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Lactoferrin for Cats with FIV

Kobayashi, S., R. Sato, et al. (2008). "Effect of bovine lactoferrin on functions of activated feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells during chronic feline immunodeficiency virus infection." J Vet Med Sci 70(5): 429-35.

Cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection have chronic overactivation of immune and inflammatory responses, resulting in immune dysfunction. Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein that plays an important role in immunological defense systems. A previous study by these researchers showed that oral administration of bovine LF improved clinical signs in FIV-infected cats with severe stomatitis. In this study, the in vitro effect of bovine LF on proliferation, cell cycle progression, and cytokine regulation was studied in blood samples from cats in the asymptomatic carrier and the AIDS-related complex phases of FIV. The results suggest that therapy with bovine LF may help modulate immune dysfunction in cats in the terminal stages of FIV infection, and further research is warranted.
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Related articles:
Sato, R., O. Inanami, et al. (1996). "Oral administration of bovine lactoferrin for treatment of intractable stomatitis in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive and FIV-negative cats." Am J Vet Res 57(10): 1443-6.
>> PubMed Abstract

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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

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