Feline Coronavirus Strains Research Articles

Genetic and Phylogenetic Analysis of Feline Coronavirus in Guangxi Province of China from 2021 to 2024

Feline coronavirus (FCoV), as one of the important pathogens of feline viral gastroenteritis, has been attracting great attention. A total of 1869 rectal and nasal swabs, feces, and ascites samples were collected from eight regions in Guangxi province during 2021–2024. The multiplex RT-qPCR established in our laboratory was used to test these samples for FCoV, and 17.66% (330/1869) of the samples were positive for FCoV. The S, M, and N genes of 63 FCoV-positive samples were amplified and sequenced, and the genetic and evolutionary characteristics were analyzed. Similarity analysis showed that the nucleotide and amino acid homologies of S, M, and N genes were 81.2–99.6% and 70.2–99.5%, 89.9–100% and 91.6–100%, and 90.1–100% and 91.5–100%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all 63 FCoV strains, based on S gene sequences, belonged to type I FCoV (FCoV-I), and were clustered with Chinese strains and the Netherlands UU strains. Recombinant signals were detected in the S gene of strains GXLZ03-2022, GXLZ08-2022, and CCoV GD/2020/X9. The results suggest that FCoV is still prevalent in the Guangxi province of southern China, and the prevalent FCoV strains show high genetic diversity and novel epidemic characteristics.

Concerning feline infectious peritonitis outbreak in Cyprus.

Veterinary RecordVolume 192, Issue 11 p. 449-450 Feline Disease Concerning feline infectious peritonitis outbreak in Cyprus Charalampos Attipa, Corresponding Author Charalampos Attipa senior lecturer in veterinary clinical pathology [email protected] Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RGSearch for more papers by this authorDanielle Gunn-Moore, Danielle Gunn-Moore professor of feline medicine Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RGSearch for more papers by this authorStella Mazeri, Stella Mazeri EBVS European Specialist in veterinary public health Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RGSearch for more papers by this authorDemetris Epaminondas, Demetris Epaminondas vice president of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, CyprusSearch for more papers by this authorMaria Lyraki, Maria Lyraki EBVS European Specialist in small animal internal medicine Vets4Life Referral Hospital, Athens, GreeceSearch for more papers by this authorAlexandros Hardas, Alexandros Hardas lecturer in veterinary anatomic pathology Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TASearch for more papers by this authorStavroula Loukaidou, Stavroula Loukaidou veterinary surgeon Vet Dia Gnosis Ltd, Limassol, CyprusSearch for more papers by this authorMichaela Gentil, Michaela Gentil veterinary surgeon Laboklin GmbH and Co KG, Bad Kissingen, GermanySearch for more papers by this author Charalampos Attipa, Corresponding Author Charalampos Attipa senior lecturer in veterinary clinical pathology [email protected] Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RGSearch for more papers by this authorDanielle Gunn-Moore, Danielle Gunn-Moore professor of feline medicine Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RGSearch for more papers by this authorStella Mazeri, Stella Mazeri EBVS European Specialist in veterinary public health Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RGSearch for more papers by this authorDemetris Epaminondas, Demetris Epaminondas vice president of the Pancyprian Veterinary Association Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, CyprusSearch for more papers by this authorMaria Lyraki, Maria Lyraki EBVS European Specialist in small animal internal medicine Vets4Life Referral Hospital, Athens, GreeceSearch for more papers by this authorAlexandros Hardas, Alexandros Hardas lecturer in veterinary anatomic pathology Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TASearch for more papers by this authorStavroula Loukaidou, Stavroula Loukaidou veterinary surgeon Vet Dia Gnosis Ltd, Limassol, CyprusSearch for more papers by this authorMichaela Gentil, Michaela Gentil veterinary surgeon Laboklin GmbH and Co KG, Bad Kissingen, GermanySearch for more papers by this author First published: 02 June 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3143Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. References 1Gut M, Leutenegger CM, Huder JB, et al. One-tube fluorogenic reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for the quantitation of feline coronaviruses. J Virol Methods 1999; 77: 37– 46 2Wang YT, Su BL, Hsieh LE, et al. An outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis in a Taiwanese shelter: epidemiologic and molecular evidence for horizontal transmission of a novel type II feline coronavirus. Vet Res 2013; 44: 57 3Barker EN, Tasker S, Gruffydd-Jones TJ, et al. Phylogenetic analysis of feline coronavirus strains in an epizootic outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis. J Vet Intern Med 2013; 27: 445– 50 4Healey EA, Andre NM, Miller AD, et al. Outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in shelter-housed cats: molecular analysis of the feline coronavirus S1/S2 cleavage site consistent with a ‘circulating virulent-avirulent theory’ of FIP pathogenesis. JFMS Open Rep 2022; 8:20551169221074226 5Stoddart ME, Gaskell RM, Harbour DA, et al. Virus shedding and immune responses in cats inoculated with cell culture-adapted feline infectious peritonitis virus. Vet Microbiol 1988; 16: 145– 58 6Attipa C, Maguire D, Solano-Gallego L, et al. Hepatozoon canis in three imported dogs: a new tickborne disease reaching the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 2018; 183: 716 Volume192, Issue113/10 June 2023Pages 449-450 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Prevalence and molecular characteristics of feline coronavirus in southwest China from 2017 to 2020.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is the causative agent of feline infectious peritonitis and diarrhoea in kittens worldwide. In this study, a total of 173 feline diarrhoeal faecal and ascetic samples were collected from 15 catteries and six veterinary hospitals in southwest China from 2017 to 2020. FCoV was detected in 80.35 % (139/173) of the samples using the RT-nPCR method; these included infections with 122 type I FCoV and 57 type II FCoV. Interestingly, 51 cases had co-infection with types I and II, the first such report in mainland China. To further analyse the genetic diversity of FCoV, we amplified 23 full-length spike (S) genes, including 18 type I and five type II FCoV. The type I FCoV and type II FCoV strains shared 85.5-98.7% and 97.4-98.9% nucleotide (nt) sequence identities between one another, respectively. The N-terminal domain (NTD) of 23 FCoV strains showed a high degree of variation (73.6-80.3 %). There was six type I FCoV strains with two amino acid insertions (159HL160) in the NTD. In addition, 18 strains of type I FCoV belonged to the Ie cluster, and five strains of type II FCoV were in the IIb cluster based on phylogenetic analysis. Notably, it was first time that two type I FCoV strains had recombination in the NTD, and the recombination regions was located 140-857 nt of the S gene. This study constitutes a systematic investigation of the current infection status and molecular characteristics of FCoV in southwest China.

Mutation analysis of the spike protein in Italian feline infectious peritonitis virus and feline enteric coronavirus sequences

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) exists as two different genotypes, FCoV type I and II, each including two biotypes, feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), the latter being a virulent variant originating from the former virus. Recently, two amino acid substitutions, M1058L and S1060A, within the spike protein have been associated to the FECV/FIPV virulence change. In this study, we have analysed the frequency of detection of such mutations in FIPV and FECV strains circulating in Italian cats and obtained information about their evolutionary relationships with reference isolates. A total of 40 FCoV strains, including 19 strains from effusions or tissue samples of FIP cats and 21 strains from faecal samples of non-FIP cats, were analysed. Mutation M1058L was detected in 16/18 FCoV-I and 1/1 FCoV-II strains associated with FIP, while change S1060A was presented by two FIPV strains. By phylogenetic analysis, FCoV sequences clustered according to the genotype but not according to the biotype, with FECV/FIPV strains recovered from the same animal being closely related. Further studies are needed to better define the genetic signatures associated with the FECV/FIPV virulence shift.

Establishment of a Virulent Full-Length cDNA Clone for Type I Feline Coronavirus Strain C3663.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most important infectious diseases in cats and is caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). Tissue culture-adapted type I FCoV shows reduced FIP induction in experimental infections, which complicates the understanding of FIP pathogenesis caused by type I FCoV. We previously found that the type I FCoV strain C3663 efficiently induces FIP in specific-pathogen-free cats through the naturally infectious route. In this study, we employed a bacterial artificial chromosome-based reverse genetics system to gain more insights into FIP caused by the C3633 strain. We successfully generated recombinant virus (rC3663) from Fcwf-4 cells transfected with infectious cDNA that showed growth kinetics similar to those shown by the parental virus. Next, we constructed a reporter C3663 virus carrying the nanoluciferase (Nluc) gene to measure viral replication with high sensitivity. The inhibitory effects of different compounds against rC3663-Nluc could be measured within 24 h postinfection. Furthermore, we found that A72 cells derived from canine fibroblasts permitted FCoV replication without apparent cytopathic effects. Thus, our reporter virus is useful for uncovering the infectivity of type I FCoV in different cell lines, including canine-derived cells. Surprisingly, we uncovered aberrant viral RNA transcription of rC3663 in A72 cells. Overall, we succeeded in obtaining infectious cDNA clones derived from type I FCoV that retained its virulence. Our recombinant FCoVs are powerful tools for increasing our understanding of the viral life cycle and pathogenesis of FIP-inducing type I FCoV.IMPORTANCE Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is one of the most significant coronaviruses, because this virus induces feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is a lethal disease in cats. Tissue culture-adapted type I FCoV often loses pathogenicity, which complicates research on type I FCoV-induced feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Since we previously found that type I FCoV strain C3663 efficiently induces FIP in specific-pathogen-free cats, we established a reverse genetics system for the C3663 strain to obtain recombinant viruses in the present study. By using a reporter C3663 virus, we were able to examine the inhibitory effect of 68 compounds on C3663 replication in Fcwf-4 cells and infectivity in a canine-derived cell line. Interestingly, one canine cell line, A72, permitted FCoV replication but with low efficiency and aberrant viral gene expression.

Feline Coronavirus infections and feline infectious peritonitis

Cats are susceptible to infection with several different strains of feline Coronavirus. Depending on the involved strain, clinical signs may range from asymptomatic infection to gastrointestinal disease or fibrinous serositis and disseminated vasculitis, commonly known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Excretion of virus by infected cats into the environment occurs by faeces, oronasal secretions and urine. The feline coronaviruses are rapidly inactivated by most disinfectants. Clinical diagnosis of Coronavirus infection is made by evaluating the case history, physical findings, laboratory results, Coronavirus antibody titers and tissue biopsy. A temperature-sensitive feline infectious peritonitis virus vaccine has become available for healthy 16 week of age or older cats.

Κοροναϊός του σκύλου: ένας όχι ‘αθώος’ ιός

Canine coronavirus (CCoV) is a significant aetiologic agent of acute diarrhoea in dogs, specially in puppies. An important characteristic of coronaviruses is their high genetic variability, due to increased mutation frequency and sporadic recombination events. Due to this genetic variability, CCoV is classified in two distinct types, type I and II. CCoV type I strains share increased genetic similarity with Feline coronavirus strains, while CCoV type II consists of the typical reference CCoVs. Moreover, type II strains are classified into one of two subtypes, which include the classical strains (CCoV-IIa) and the new strains (CCoV-IIb), which emerged as a result of recombination among CCoV and Porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus. Typical disease signs of CCoV infection are anorexia, depression, lethargy, as well as vomiting and diarrhoea. Mortality rate is low, especially in adult dogs with no infection signs. Most dogs recover within 7-10 days. Mixed infections with other viruses, bacteria or parasites may lead to more severe clinical disease. Currently, CCoV appears to have spread worldwide and has been related to mild, acute diarrhoea. However, during the last years, novel CCoV strains associated with outbreaks of lethal gastroenteritis have been detected in Australia and Europe. Genome analysis revealed that these strains shared low similarity with prototype reference strains of CCoV, suggesting that atypical, divergent strains may be related to more severe clinical signs. In addition, over the past decade, strains with an ability to trespass the intestinal tract, leading to lethal systemic infection, have also been isolated. These strains have attracted scientific interest, with research focusing on experimental infections, identification of genetic markers and prophylaxis. Pantropic CCoV strains have been detected across Europe, suggesting that the new, highly pathogenic biotype is circulating among canine population. The high genetic variability of CCoV, the severe mixed infections and the antigenic differences among CCoV types and subtypes raise questions regarding the protective efficacy of the currently commercially available vaccines.

Molecular epidemiological study of feline coronavirus strains in Japan using RT-PCR targeting nsp14 gene.

BackgroundFeline infectious peritonitis is a fatal disease of cats caused by infection with feline coronavirus (FCoV). For detecting or genotyping of FCoV, some RT-PCR plus nested PCR techniques have been reported previously. However, referring to the whole genome sequences (WGSs) registered at NCBI, there are no detection methods that can tolerate the genetic diversity among FCoV population. In addition, the quasispecies nature of FCoV, which consists of heterogeneous variants, has been also demonstrated; thus, a universal method for heteropopulations of FCoV variants in clinical specimens is desirable.ResultsTo develop an RT-PCR method for detection and genotyping of FCoV, we performed comparative genome analysis using WGSs of 32 FCoV, 7 CCoV and 5 TGEV strains obtained from NCBI. As the PCR target, we focused on the nsp14 coding region, which is highly conserved and phylogenetically informative, and developed a PCR method targeting nsp14 partial sequences. Among 103 ascites, 45 pleural effusion and 214 blood specimens from clinically ill cats, we could detect FCoV in 55 (53.4%), 14 (31.1%) and 19 (8.9%) specimens using the present method. Direct sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis allowed discrimination between type I- and II-FCoV serotypes. Our nsp14 amino acid sequence typing (nsp14 aa ST) showed that the FCoV clone with sequence type (ST) 42, which was the most predominant genotype of WGS strains, was prevalent in domestic cats in Japan.ConclusionsOur nsp14 PCR scheme will contribute to virus detection, epidemiology and ecology of FCoV strains.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0372-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of small interfering RNAs on in vitro replication and gene expression of feline coronavirus.

To evaluate the ability of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to inhibit in vitro viral replication and gene expression of feline coronavirus (FCoV). Cell cultures of Crandell-Rees feline kidney cells. 5 synthetic siRNAs that each targeted a different region of the FCoV genome were tested individually and in various combinations for their antiviral effects against 2 strains of FCoV (feline infectious peritonitis virus WSU 79-1146 and feline enteric coronavirus WSU 79-1683) in cell cultures. Tested combinations targeted the FCoV leader and 3' untranslated region, FCoV leader region and nucleocapsid gene, and FCoV leader region, 3' untranslated region, and nucleocapsid gene. For each test condition, assessments included relative quantification of the inhibition of intracellular viral genomic RNA synthesis by means of real-time, reverse-transcription PCR analysis; flow cytometric evaluation of the reduction of viral protein expression in infected cells; and assessment of virus replication inhibition via titration of extracellular virus with a TCID₅₀ infectivity assay. The 5 siRNAs had variable inhibitory effects on FCoV when used singly. Combinations of siRNAs that targeted different regions of the viral genome resulted in more effective viral inhibition than did individual siRNAs that targeted a single gene. The tested siRNA combinations resulted in approximately 95% reduction in viral replication (based on virus titration results), compared with findings in negative control, nontargeting siRNA-treated, FCoV-infected cells. In vitro replication of FCoV was specifically inhibited by siRNAs that targeted coding and noncoding regions of the viral genome, suggesting a potential therapeutic application of RNA interference in treatment of feline infectious peritonitis.

3C protein of feline coronavirus inhibits viral replication independently of the autophagy pathway

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) can cause either asymptomatic enteric infection or fatal peritonitis in cats. Although the mutation of FCoV accessory gene 3c has been suggested to be related to the occurrence of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), how the 3C protein is involved in this phenomenon remains unknown. To investigate the role of the 3C protein, a full-length 3c gene was transiently expressed and the cytoplasmic distribution of the protein was found to be primarily in the perinuclear region. Using 3c-stable expression cells, the replication of a 3c-defective FCoV strain was titrated and a significant decrease in replication (p<0.05) was observed. The mechanism underlying the decreased FIPV replication caused by the 3C protein was further investigated; neither the induction nor inhibition of autophagy rescued the viral replication. Taken together, our data suggest that the 3C protein might have a virulence-suppressing effect in FCoV-infected cats. Deletion of the 3c gene could therefore cause more efficient viral replication, which leads to a fatal infection.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Feline Coronavirus Strains in an Epizootic Outbreak of Feline Infectious Peritonitis

BackgroundFeline coronavirus (FCoV) infection is common. In a small percentage of cats, FCoV infection is associated with the fatal disease feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Genetically distinct virulent and avirulent strains of FCoV might coexist within a cat population.ObjectivesTo determine whether the strains of FCoV in FIP‐affected cats are closely related or genetically distinct from the fecally derived strains of FCoV in contemporary‐asymptomatic cats during an epizootic outbreak of FIP.AnimalsFour cats euthanized because of FIP and 16 asymptomatic cats.MethodsThis prospective outbreak investigation was initiated during an outbreak of FIP in cats within or rehomed from a rescue/rehoming center. Postmortem samples were collected from cats with FIP and contemporaneous fecal samples from asymptomatic cats. RNA was purified from tissue and fecal samples, FCoV gene fragments were reverse transcribed, PCR‐amplified using novel primers, and sequenced. Sequences were aligned with ClustalW and compared with published FCoV sequences.Results FCoV RNA was detected in all 4 FIP cat postmortem samples and in 9 of the 16 fecal samples from contemporary‐asymptomatic cats. Novel primers successfully amplified fragments from 4 regions of the genome for all FCoV‐positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the FIP‐associated strains of FCoV from the outbreak were very closely related to the fecally derived strains of FCoV from contemporary‐asymptomatic cats.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSequence analysis provided no evidence that genetically distinct virulent and avirulent strains of FCoV were present during this FIP outbreak.

Detection of subgenomic mRNA of feline coronavirus by real-time polymerase chain reaction based on primer-probe energy transfer (P-sg-QPCR)

Feline infectious peritonitis is one of the most severe devastating diseases of the Felidae. Upon the appearance of clinical signs, a cure for the infected animal is impossible. Therefore rapid and proper diagnosis for both the presence of the causative agent, feline coronavirus (FCoV) and the manifestation of feline infectious peritonitis is of paramount importance. In the present work, a novel real-time RT-PCR method is described which is able to detect FCoV and to determine simultaneously the quantity of the viral RNA. The new assay combines the M gene subgenomic messenger RNA (sg-mRNA) detection and the quantitation of the genome copies of FCoV. In order to detect the broadest spectrum of potential FCoV variants and to achieve the most accurate results in the detection ability the new assay is applying the primer-probe energy transfer (PriProET) principle. This technology was chosen since PriProET is very robust to tolerate the nucleotide substitutions in the target area. Therefore, this technology provides a very broad-range system, which is able to detect simultaneously many variants of the virus(es) even if the target genomic regions show large scale of variations. The detection specificity of the new assay was proven by positive amplification from a set of nine different FCoV strains and negative from the tested non-coronaviral targets. Examination of faecal samples of healthy young cats, organ samples of perished animals, which suffered from feline infectious peritonitis, and cat leukocytes from uncertain clinical cases were also subjected to the assay. The sensitivity of the P-sg-QPCR method was high, since as few as 10 genome copies of FCoV were detected. The quantitative sg-mRNA detection method revealed more than 10-50,000 times increase of the M gene sg-mRNA in organ materials of feline infectious peritonitis cases, compared to those of the enteric FCoV variants present in the faeces of normal, healthy cats. These results indicate the applicability of the new P-sg-QPCR test as a powerful novel tool for the better detection and quantitation of FCoV and for the improved diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis, this important disease of the Felidae, causing serious losses in the cat populations at a global scale.

Production of IFN-γ in feline whole blood after incubation with potential T-cell epitopes of the nucleocapsid protein of feline coronavirus

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) plays an important role in cell mediated responses against mutated feline coronavirus strains (FCoV) involved in the pathogenesis of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). The aim of this study was to establish a combined in silico and in vitro approach to assess feline leukocyte production of IFN-γ in response to selected peptides of the nucleocapside protein (N) of FCoVs.To this aim, we designed, through a bioinformatic approach, 8 potentially immunogenic peptides from the protein N corresponding to sequences of residues 14, 182, 198 detected only in FCoVs from FIP cats (virulent strains), only in FCoVs from healthy cats (avirulent strains) and both in FIP and in healthy cats (mixed strains).The peptides or a sham solution were incubated with whole blood from 16 cats (7 healthy and 9 with chronic diseases other than FIP) and IFN-γ concentration was measured on plasma using an ELISA system. RT-PCR expression of IFN-γ mRNA was also evaluated after incubation of the peptides or a sham solution with whole blood from 4 clinically healthy cats.The mean plasma concentration of IFN-γ in samples incubated with peptides decreased and the expression of IFN-γmRNA did not change compared with the sham solution, except for some cats with chronic diseases (which probably have a “pre-activated” immune response). These cats responded to “avirulent” or “mixed” peptides by increasing the concentration of IFN-γ and the expression of IFN-γ mRNA.The combined approach employed in this study allowed us to identify potentially immunogenic peptides of FCoV N protein that can modulate the production of IFN-γ especially in cats with a “pre-activated” cell mediated response.

In vitro inhibition of feline coronavirus replication by small interfering RNAs

Infection with virulent biotypes of feline coronavirus (FCoV) can result in the development of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a typically fatal immune mediated disease for which there is currently no effective antiviral treatment. In this study we demonstrate the ability of small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated RNA interference (RNAi) to inhibit the replication of virulent FCoV strain FIPV WSU 79-1146 in an immortalised feline cell line. A panel of eight synthetic siRNAs targeting four different regions of the FCoV genome were tested for antiviral effects. Efficacy was determined by qRT-PCR of intracellular viral genomic and messenger RNA, TCID50 infectivity assay of extracellular virus, and direct IFA for viral protein expression. All siRNAs demonstrated an inhibitory effect on viral replication in vitro. The two most effective siRNAs, targeting the untranslated 5′ leader sequence (L2) and the nucleocapsid gene (N1), resulted in a >95% reduction in extracellular viral titre. Further characterisation of these two siRNAs demonstrated their efficacy when used at low concentrations and in cells challenged with high viral loads. Taken together these findings provide important information for the potential therapeutic application of RNAi in treating FIP.

Synergistic antiviral effect of Galanthus nivalis agglutinin and nelfinavir against feline coronavirus

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease in domestic and nondomestic felids caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). Currently, no effective vaccine is available for the prevention of this disease. In searching for agents that may prove clinically effective against FCoV infection, 16 compounds were screened for their antiviral activity against a local FCoV strain in Felis catus whole fetus-4 cells. The results showed that Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) and nelfinavir effectively inhibited FCoV replication. When the amount of virus preinoculated into the test cells was increased to mimic the high viral load present in the target cells of FIP cats, GNA and nelfinavir by themselves lost their inhibitory effect. However, when the two agents were added together to FCoV-infected cells, a synergistic antiviral effect defined by complete blockage of viral replication was observed. These results suggest that the combined use of GNA and nelfinavir has therapeutic potential in the prophylaxis and treatment of cats with early-diagnosed FIP.

Isolation and identification of a novel feline coronavirus from a kitten with naturally occurring feline infectious peritonitis in Taiwan.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a chronically progressive and usually fatal disease caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV). Only few virus strains were documented around the world; the latest FCoV strain was an isolate obtained nearly twenty years ago. By co-cultivation of pleural effusion from a 4.5-month-old FIP kitten with feline fcwf-4 cells, a local FCoV was isolated. Multinucleated cells, a typical coronavirus induced cytopathic effect (CPE), were readily observed after three days of co-cultivation. Viral antigen was confirmed by immunostaining and the virus was identified as a type II FCoV through genotyping. A replication cycle less than 6 hours, shorter than any other FCoV reference strains, was noted. Among the two feline cell lines that were reported to propagate type II FCoV, only fcwf-4 cells appear to support the growth of our isolate efficiently. This novel FCoV isolate with distinct growth characteristics is denominated as FCoV/NTU156/P/07 (NTU156), the first FCcV strain in Taiwan.

Genetic diversity and correlation with feline infectious peritonitis of feline coronavirus type I and II: A 5-year study in Taiwan

The outcomes of feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection vary greatly from asymptomatic or mild enteric infection to fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). On the basis of in vitro neutralization tests, FCoVs can be divided into two serotypes. To explore the correlation between different types of FCoV and FIP, clinical specimens collected from 363 naturally infected cats during 2003–2007 were analyzed. Amplification of a portion of the S gene from the FCoV was performed and a total of 222 cases were differentiated. Among them, 197 (88.7%) cats were type I-positive, 13 (5.9%) were type II-positive, and 12 (5.4%) were positive for both types. Irrespective of the predominance of type I FCoV infection in Taiwan, type II FCoV demonstrated a significantly higher correlation with FIP ( p < 0.01). Analysis of partial S gene sequences of the local type I and II FCoVs strains revealed that type I viruses were more genetically divergent (6.2–11.7%) than type II viruses (0.6–3.2%) within the 5-year study period. The higher genetic diversity of type I FCoVs might be due to the larger infected cat population and to the long period of viral persistence in asymptomatic cats in comparison to type II viruses.

Utilization of DC-SIGN for Entry of Feline Coronaviruses into Host Cells

The entry and dissemination of viruses in several families can be mediated by C-type lectins such as DC-SIGN. We showed that entry of the serotype II feline coronavirus strains feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) WSU 79-1146 and DF2 into nonpermissive mouse 3T3 cells can be rescued by the expression of human DC-SIGN (hDC-SIGN) and that infection of a permissive feline cell line (Crandall-Reese feline kidney) was markedly enhanced by the overexpression of hDC-SIGN. Treatment with mannan considerably reduced infection of feline monocyte-derived cells expressing DC-SIGN, indicating a role for FIPV infection in vivo.

Genome organization and reverse genetic analysis of a type I feline coronavirus.

In this study we report the complete sequence and genome organization of the serotype I feline coronavirus (FCoV) strain Black. Furthermore, a reverse genetic system was established for this FCoV strain by cloning a full-length cDNA copy into vaccinia virus. This clone served as basis for the generation of recombinant FCoV (recFCoV) that was shown to bear the same features in vitro as the parental FCoV. Using this system, accessory 3abc genes in the FCoV genome were replaced by green fluorescent protein (recFCoV-GFP) and Renilla luciferase genes (recFCoV-RL). In addition, we showed that feline CD14(+) blood monocytes and dendritic cells can be easily detected after infection with recFCoV-GFP. Thus, our established reverse genetic system provides a suitable tool to study the molecular biology of serotype I FCoV.

Genomic RNA sequence of feline coronavirus strain FCoV C1Je.

This paper reports the first genomic RNA sequence of a field strain feline coronavirus (FCoV). Viral RNA was isolated at post mortem from the jejunum and liver of a cat with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). A consensus sequence of the jejunum-derived genomic RNA (FCoV C1Je) was determined from overlapping cDNA fragments produced by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification. RT-PCR products were sequenced by a reiterative sequencing strategy and the genomic RNA termini were determined using a rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR strategy. The FCoV C1Je genome was found to be 29,255 nucleotides in length, excluding the poly(A) tail. Comparison of the FCoV C1Je genomic RNA sequence with that of the laboratory strain FCoV FIP virus (FIPV) 79-1146 showed that both viruses have a similar genome organisation and predictions made for the open reading frames and cis-acting elements of the FIPV 79-1146 genome hold true for FCoV C1Je. In addition, the sequence of the 3′-proximal third of the liver derived genomic RNA (FCoV C1Li), which encompasses the structural and accessory protein genes of the virus, was also determined. Comparisons of the enteric (jejunum) and non-enteric (liver) derived viral RNA sequences revealed 100% nucleotide identity, a finding that questions the well accepted ‘internal mutation theory’ of FIPV pathogenicity.