Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to detect the feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) p27 antigen and to determine risk factors and the haematological changes associated with infection in domestic cats in Zimbabwe. Sera were collected for detection of the p27 antigen, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, whilst whole blood was collected for haematology. FeLV p27 antigen was detected using a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit. Data on risk factors were analysed using a logistic regression model. Of the 100 cats tested, 41% (95% CI: 31.19% - 50.81%) (41/100) were positive for the FeLV p27 antigen. Sex and health status of cats were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with infection. Intact cats (OR = 9.73), those living in multicat housing (OR = 5.23) and cats that had access to outdoor life (OR = 35.5) were found to have higher odds of infection compared with neutered cats, those living in single-cat housing, and without access to outdoor life, respectively. Biochemistry and haematology revealed no specific changes. The results showed that FeLV infection was high in sampled cats, providing evidence of active infection. Thus, it would be prudent to introduce specific control measures for FeLV infection in Zimbabwe.
Highlights
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), a retrovirus belonging to the family Retroviridae, subfamily Orthoretrovirinae, genus Gammaretrovirus, is believed to cause widespread infections in cats throughout the world; prevalences of between 1% and 20% have been reported from all the major continents (Bande et al 2012; Bandecchi et al 2006; Gabor et al 2001; Hartmann 2012; Hosie, Robertson & Jarrett 1989; Levy et al 2006)
Intact cats that were older than 10 years, especially from multicat units, which had access to outdoor life were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with FeLV infection
This study investigated the presence of FeLV p27 antigen and the risk factors associated with FeLV infection in domestic cats mainly from selected veterinary clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe
Summary
Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), a retrovirus belonging to the family Retroviridae, subfamily Orthoretrovirinae, genus Gammaretrovirus, is believed to cause widespread infections in cats throughout the world; prevalences of between 1% and 20% have been reported from all the major continents (Bande et al 2012; Bandecchi et al 2006; Gabor et al 2001; Hartmann 2012; Hosie, Robertson & Jarrett 1989; Levy et al 2006). Abortive infection is likely when some immunocompetent cats are exposed to low doses of the virus, where viral replication may be terminated by an effective humoral and cell-mediated immune response such that neither FeLV antigen nor viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) or proviral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are detected in blood (Major et al 2010). Progressive FeLV infection is associated with a variety of malignancies that are characterised by development of cytoproliferative and cytosuppressive disorders (Filoni et al 2003). It clinically manifests as severe immunosuppression, profound anaemia, immune-mediated diseases, reproductive problems and enteritis (Aiello & Mays 2011). Mature cats tend to contract abortive or regressive infection or progressive infection with mild and protracted clinical signs (Ettinger & Feldman 2005)
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