Feline Calici Virus Isolation and Molecular Analysis in an Iraqi Cat in Baghdad

Abstract

The feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious and infectious virus that infects cats and causes moderate to stringent respiratory infections and oropharyngeal illness. It is prevalent in shelters and birthplace colonies and frequently infects kitten cats. 50 distinct cats were involved in the research, with samples acquired between October 2020 and January 2021. Swabs were taken from the oropharynx and conjunctiva, conditional on the signs of FCV disease septicity, to inspect viral nucleic acid from collecting samples, then extract the RNA from the swabs and turn it into a cDNA particle, and finally distinguishing the open reading frame nucleic acid gene 2 using a primer special for feline calicivirus, All specimens were taken in the province of Baghdad. Real-time PCR and the Ag test kit were used to validate detection, and results showed 28 positive results from the rapid Ag kit out of 50 samples. In contrast, RT-PCR results were 32 positive samples out of 50 samples. Isolation of the virus was done in CRFK feline kidney cell culture in the virology laboratory unit of the Veterinary Medicine University of Baghdad institution for more detection of FCV. Sequencing and genetic analysis confirmed that three isolates were related to highly virulent systemic disease and enteric feline calicivirus (E-FCV) form, isolated in Italy. Keywords: Cat; FCV; Real-time PCR; Genetic analysis