Rhinotracheitis Research Articles

Viral Prevalence in Wild Serval Population is Driven by Season and Sex

One of the key factors influencing the population dynamics of threatened species such as felids is disease, but long-term studies of the factors influencing seroprevalence of wild felids are extremely rare, hindering conservation efforts. We set out to determine seroprevalence of six viral diseases (feline panleukopenia virus, feline leukemia virus, feline coronavirus, feline calicivirus, feline herpes virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus) among a population of serval (Leptailurus serval) with an extremely high density in South Africa. We captured 55 individuals over four years and screened blood samples for antibodies to each virus. We found that seroprevalence were high (ranging from 30.0% positive for a single virus to 1.8% positive for up to five viruses) and that seroprevalence was influenced by season and sex, but not body condition. We suggest further monitoring of this population and recommend that long-term studies are conducted for serval and other felids to determine whether these trends are representative on a broader scale.

Altered Corneal Innervation and Ocular Surface Homeostasis in FHV-1-Exposed Cats: A Preliminary Study Suggesting Metaherpetic Disease.

Metaherpetic disease is recognized in humans affected by herpes simplex virus-1 but is not reported in cats affected by feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) despite the high prevalence of herpetic disease in this species and strong similarities in viral biology between alphaherpesviruses of humans and cats. This preliminary work evaluated cats naïve to FHV-1 (n = 9 cats, 18 eyes; control population) and cats naturally exposed to FHV-1 (n = 4 cats, 7 eyes), as confirmed by serologic testing and review of medical records. Antemortem assessment included clinical scoring, blink rate, corneal aesthesiometry, tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and Schirmer tear test-1 (STT-1) with or without the nasolacrimal reflex. Post-mortem assessment involved confocal microscopy of the corneas and evaluation of corneal nerves with ImageJ. Groups were compared with Student's t-tests and results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Compared to control, herpetic cats had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.010) clinical scores (0.2 ± 0.4 vs. 4.6 ± 2.8) and response to nasolacrimal stimulation (7.8 ± 10.8% vs. 104.8 ± 151.1%), significantly lower (P < 0.001) corneal sensitivity (2.9 ± 0.6 cm vs. 1.4 ± 0.9 cm), STT-1 (20.8 ± 2.6 mm/min vs. 10.6 ± 6.0 mm/min), TFBUT (12.1 ± 2.0 s vs. 7.1 ± 2.9 s), and non-significantly lower blink rate (3.0 ± 1.5 blinks/min vs. 2.7 ± 0.5 blinks/min; P = 0.751). All parameters evaluated for corneal nerves (e.g., nerve fiber length, branching, occupancy) were notably but not significantly lower in herpetic vs. control cats (P ≥ 0.268). In sum, cats exposed to FHV-1 had signs suggestive of corneal hypoesthesia and quantitative/qualitative tear film deficiencies when compared to cats naïve to the virus. It is possible these are signs of metaherpetic disease as reported in other species.

Safety and Efficacy of Felid Herpesvirus-1 Deletion Mutants in Cats.

Felid herpesvirus-1 (FeHV-1) is an important respiratory and ocular pathogen of cats and current vaccines are limited in duration and efficacy because they do not prevent infection, viral nasal shedding and latency. To address these shortcomings, we have constructed FeHV-1 gE-TK- and FeHV-1 PK- deletion mutants (gE-TK- and PK-) using bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) mutagenesis and shown safety and immunogenicity in vitro. Here, we compare the safety and efficacy of a prime boost FeHV-1 gE-TK- and FeHV-1 PK- vaccination regimen with commercial vaccination in cats. Cats in the vaccination groups were vaccinated at 3-week intervals and all cats were challenge infected 3 weeks after the last vaccination. Evaluations included clinical signs, nasal shedding, virus neutralizing antibodies (VN), cytokine mRNA gene expression, post-mortem histology and detection of latency establishment. Vaccination with gE-TK- and PK- mutants was safe and resulted in significantly reduced clinical disease scores, pathological changes, viral nasal shedding, and viral DNA in the trigeminal ganglia (the site of latency) following infection. Both mutants induced VN antibodies and interferons after immunization. In addition, after challenge infection, we observed a reduction of IL-1β expression, and modulation of TNFα, TGFβ and IL10 expression. In conclusion, this study shows the merits of using FeHV-1 deletion mutants for prevention of FeHV-1 infection in cats.

Evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of feline vaccines with reduced volume

A non adjuvanted vaccine against feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, feline panleucopenia and feline leukemia has been formulated in reduced volume (0.5 ml) with the same antigen content as the conventional 1 ml presentation. This paper reports studies evaluating the safety and the immunogenicity of this reduced volume vaccine in comparison with the conventional volume vaccine. The safety of both vaccines was evaluated in a small sized laboratory trial. It was further tested in a randomized controlled field trial on a total of 398 cats. Immediate and delayed local and systemic adverse events were monitored after vaccination. The immunogenicity of each vaccine was also checked by serological antibody responses against the vaccines antigens during the laboratory trial.These studies showed that the 0.5 ml vaccine was well tolerated in cats, inducing less local events, while keeping the same immunogenicity as the corresponding 1 ml vaccine. Reducing the volume of the vaccine is a way to improve the convenience of administration and to help following vaccination guidelines with the aim of reducing the incidence of adverse events following vaccination.

Effects of dietary nucleotides and cationic peptides on vaccination response in cats

Modulation of the immune system through nutrition is the aim of many studies. As the induction of a rapid onset of immunity in cats is often critical, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of orally administered dietary nucleotides and cationic peptides, on the vaccination response in cats. The cats were allocated to two groups: Group A (n = 8) was fed a diet with dietary nucleotides and cationic peptides for ninety-two days, and Group C (n = 8) was fed a diet without the nucleotides and cationic peptides. The cats were vaccinated against feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). The proliferation activity of lymphocytes and antibody response after vaccination were evaluated using ELISA kits. Comparing the two groups, a significant increase in the proliferation activity of the lymphocytes (P &amp;lt; 0.01) was observed in Group A, as well as a significant increase in the antibody titres after vaccination against feline herpesvirus (P &amp;lt; 0.05; P &amp;lt; 0.001), feline calicivirus (P &amp;lt; 0.01; P &amp;lt; 0.001) and feline panleukopenia virus (P &amp;lt; 0.01; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Protective levels of the antibodies were reached significantly earlier in Group A than in Group C. In conclusion, dietary nucleotides and cationic peptides have a positive effect on the lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production after vaccination against FHV-1, FCV and FPV in cats. Therefore, we assume that they can be used as a suitable immunostimulatory substance in feline practice.

Prevalence of autoantibodies that bind to kidney tissues in cats and association risk with antibodies to feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia

BackgroundThe feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine, prepared from viruses grown in the Crandell-Rees feline kidney cell line, can induce antibodies to cross-react with feline kidney tissues.ObjectivesThis study surveyed the prevalence of autoantibodies to feline kidney tissues and their association with the frequency of FVRCP vaccination.MethodsSerum samples and kidneys were collected from 156 live and 26 cadaveric cats. Antibodies that bind to kidney tissues and antibodies to the FVRCP antigen were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and kidney-bound antibody patterns were investigated by examining immunofluorescence. Proteins recognized by antibodies were identified by Western blot analysis.ResultsThe prevalences of autoantibodies that bind to kidney tissues in cats were 41% and 13% by ELISA and immunofluorescence, respectively. Kidney-bound antibodies were observed at interstitial cells, apical border, and cytoplasm of proximal and distal tubules; the antibodies were bound to proteins with molecular weights of 40, 47, 38, and 20 kDa. There was no direct link between vaccination and anti-kidney antibodies, but positive antibodies to kidney tissues were significantly associated with the anti-FVRCP antibody. The odds ratio or association in finding the autoantibody in cats with the antibody to FVRCP was 2.8 times higher than that in cats without the antibody to FVRCP.ConclusionsThese preliminary results demonstrate an association between anti-FVRCP and anti-cat kidney tissues. However, an increase in the risk of inducing kidney-bound antibodies by repeat vaccinations could not be shown directly. It will be interesting to expand the sample size and follow-up on whether these autoantibodies can lead to kidney function impairment.

Оцінка ефективності препарату «Феліферон»® в комплексній терапії інфекційного ринотрахеїту котів

Relevance of the topic. Infectious feline rhinotracheitis, like herpesvirus infection is an acute disease characterized by damage to the eyes and respiratory system. Cats of all breeds are ill regardless of age. Kittens can become infected from mothers carrying the virus. In small populations of healthy animals the prevalence of the virus is less than 1 %, while in large populations it can reach 20 %. In shelters, the risk of contamination and infection is higher - up to 50 %. Almost all animals with primary infection become latent carriers throughout their lives. The incidence can reach 55%, the mortality rate is 5 – 25 %. The causative agent - a DNA-containing virus has a tropism for the epithelial cells of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity, tonsils, trachea, conjunctiva. Diagnostic methods for detecting latent carriage have not yet been developed, since the virus remains in the form of genomic DNA in the nucleus of latently infected neurons without replication. Laboratory diagnosis of feline rhinotracheitis is currently most often performed by isolating the pathogen or by PCR using swabs from the oral cavity and conjunctiva. The PCR method allows detecting the virus and is the laboratory “gold standard” of diagnostics. Antibodies to the pathogen can be detected using a neutralization test or ELISA in serum, conjunctival mucus and cerebrospinal fluid. Direct methods for diagnosing herpesvirus infection in chronic or latent course have not been developed. For the treatment of viral diseases of small pets, immunomodulators are widely used, which stimulate the immune system. Some drugs tend to induce the production of its own interferon in the body. However, their use often does not give a therapeutic effect due to the peculiarities of the pathogenesis of the disease and the replication of the pathogen. To date, preparations based on the species-specificity of feline interferon have not been available on the domestic market, and attempts to use human interferon for the treatment of viral infections in cats have not yielded the expected result with prolonged and repeated courses due to the formation of neutralizing antibodies in the animal's body.

Feline Eosinophilic Keratoconjunctivitis: Nonsteroidal vs Corticosteroid Topical Treatment

Background: Feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis is a proliferative eye lesion of chronic aspect with usually unilateral presentation that may initiate as a superficial vascularization that evolves to a proliferative, granular, irregular lesion of whitish-pink aspect. With its association with an immune-mediated response, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories do not appear to be efficient, although few studies describe its use. This case report describes a case of a feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis with its clinical evolution since the use of nonsteroidal topical anti-inflammatory drug in an undiagnosed patient and the transition to a topical corticosteroid and cure after 14 days since diagnosis.Case: An 8-year-old female cat was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the Dom Bosco Catholic University (UCDB), with main complaint being an eye injury with at least 36 days of evolution andunresponsive to treatment (topical tobramycin 0.3% every 12 h / ketorolac trometamol 0.5%/ every 12 h and ophthalmic lubricant/every 4 h). Since the patient had free access to the street, the owners suspected of trauma-induced lesion. At physical examination, it was observed a proliferative lesion at the peri-limbal superotemporal quadrant of the right cornea with approximately 0.4 cm diameter, with color varying of pale to pink, with irregular surface and low vascularity, the adjacent conjunctiva was also affected with similar multiple nodular lesions (0.1 cm). Fluorescein test was negative as well as FIV/FeLV immunochromatography testing. Feline herpesvirus investigation was not possible. The patient was anesthetized and a lesion specimen was acquired with a cotton swab scraping and a fine needle aspiration. Cytology showed predominance of eosinophils and mast cells, with rare corneal epithelial cells, with smear background containing mast cell granules and free eosinophils. Presumptive diagnosis was eosinophilic keratoconjunctivits. After 14 days of topical corticosteroid (prednisolone acetate 1% every 8 h) the patient showed complete remission of the lesions with no relapse in 48 days.Discussion: Misdiagnosis and consequently mistreatment seems a greater prejudice than the risks associated with sample collection of keratoconjunctival proliferative lesions. Due to the lack of cytobrush or cotton swab, apparently, the reported patient was not submitted to ophthalmic cytology due to reluctance of the staff regarding fine needle aspiration of the cornea lesion. Despite a greater risk of iatrogenic trauma with needle aspiration, with eye anatomy well defined, level size and movement amplitude respected, it is unlikely that severe complications could occur. In this case, the undiagnosed patient was submitted to unnecessary 15 days of topical antibiotic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, and no improvement of the clinical signs was observed. Despite non-recommended, few clinical trials as well as case descriptions are available comparing nonsteroidal and corticosteroid treatment of the disease. Once with diagnosis and beginning of topical prednisolone acetate 1% exclusively, the patient showed continuous improvement until complete remission of clinical signs after 14 days. This report reinforces the recommendation of corticosteroid therapy for feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis and the absence of efficacy of nonsteroidal drugs. It also highlights the importance of diagnosis before any medical treatment is considered.

Molecular presence of Felis catus gammaherpesvirus -1 in cats with ocular disorders in Turkey

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus-1 (FcaGHV-1) is a newly discovered feline virus, and its effects on the health of cats are not certainly known. Known feline viruses act a huge role in ocular disorders in domestic and wild cats. Also, emerging viruses may be responsible for ophthalmic diseases of cats. We aimed to investigate the presence of FcaGHV-1, Feline calicivirus (FCV), Feline herpesvirus -1 (FHV-1), Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in cats in Turkey by molecular methods, and to examine the relationship between the virus and ocular disorders by obtained data. Swab, blood and biopsy samples were collected from 45 owned cats with ocular disorders. Molecular techniques including viral genome amplification and sequencing were used in this study. Both blood-swabs and biopsy samples were in two out of 45 cats (2/45; 4.4%) found to be FcaGHV-1 and FIV positive. Our two sequences and a reference sequence from Japan (LC437925) have constructed a separated subgroup in the molecular phylogenetic tree. In this study, we have not found a tight relationship between ocular disorders and FcaGHV-1. This is the first study exhibiting the presence of FcaGHV-1 and its molecular status in Turkey. Acquired knowledge suggests performing further studies on FcaGHV-1.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Feline Herpesvirus 1 from Naturally Infected Korean Cats

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Feline Herpesvirus 1 from Naturally Infected Korean Cats

Development of SYBR Green I-based real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the detection of feline astrovirus

In this study, a SYBR Green I-based real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed for the clinical diagnosis of feline astroviruses (FeAstVs). Specific primers were designed based on the conserved region of the FeAstV ORF1b gene. Experiments for specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability of the assay were carried out. In addition, the assay was evaluated using clinical samples. Specificity analysis indicated that the assay showed negative results with samples of Feline Parvovirus, Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, Feline Bocavirus, and Feline Coronavirus, indicating good specificity of the assay. Sensitivity analysis showed that the SYBR Green I-based real-time RT-PCR method could detect as low as 3.72 × 101 copies/μL of template, which is 100-fold more sensitive compared to the conventional RT-PCR. Both intra-assay and inter-assay variability were lower than 1 %, indicating good reproducibility. Furthermore, an analysis of 150 fecal samples showed that the positive detection rate of SYBR Green I-based real-time RT-PCR was higher than that of the conventional RT-PCR, indicating the high reliability of the method. The assay is cheap and effective. Therefore, it could provide support for the detection of FeAstV in large-scale clinical testing and epidemiological investigation.

Development of a recombinase polymerase amplification fluorescence assay to detect feline coronavirus

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is classified into two pathotypes: the avirulent feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), and the virulent feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Rapid pathogen detection, which is efficient and convenient, is the best approach for early confirmatory diagnosis. In this study, we first developed and evaluated a rapid recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) detection method for FCoV that can detect FCoV within 15 min at 39 °C. The detection limit of that assay was 233 copies/μL DNA molecules per reaction. The specificity was high: it did not cross-react with canine distemper virus (CDV), canine coronavirus (CCoV), canine adenovirus (CAV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus (FHV), or feline parvovirus (FPV). This assay was evaluated using 42 clinical samples (30 diarrhea samples and 12 ascites samples). The coincidence rate between FCoV-RPA and RT-qPCR for detection in clinical samples was 95.2%. In summary, FCoV-RPA analysis provides an efficient, rapid, and sensitive detection method for FCoV.

A retrospective study on the presence of selected infectious agents in lung samples of cats with pneumonia.

The causative role of some infectious agents found in cases of feline pneumonia is under debate, because they are also part of the physiological microbiota of the respiratory tract of healthy animals. In this retrospective study, archived formalin-fixed and paraffin-wax-embedded lung samples of 69 severe and lethal cases of pneumonia in cats were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the detection of nine selected infectious agents: Pasteurella multocida, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma felis, M. gateae, Chlamydia felis, feline herpesvirus type 1, feline coronavirus, canine distemper virus, and Toxoplasma gondii. The intention was to elucidate their immediate involvement in pneumonia formation. Due to the cross-reactivity of the applied antibodies, a species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for both targeted Mycoplasma species was applied additionally. In the 42 cases (60.9%) positive for at least one pathogen, several agents were present in a high proportion of the samples (P. multocida - 34.8%, B. bronchiseptica - 29.0%), while others were present in a moderate (feline herpesvirus type 1 - 18.8%, M. gateae - 13.0%, M. felis - 10.1%) or low percentage (T. gondii - 1.4%). All samples were negative for C. felis, feline coronavirus and canine distemper virus. Mixed infections of up to four pathogens were more frequent than single infections. Mycoplasma preferably colonised lung tissue damaged by other pathogens because they never occurred as single infections. Pasteurella multocida, B. bronchiseptica, M. felis, feline herpesvirus type 1 and T. gondii showed abundant replication within lung lesions, thus suggesting a prominent role in pneumonia formation.

High occurrence of felid alphaherpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus in domestic cats from southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) affect cats worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in cats with clinical signs of respiratory, oral and/or ocular disease. Samples were collected from cats cared for in veterinary ambulatory and clinics and submitted to molecular detection and viral isolation. Of the 49 cats evaluated, 45 (92%) were positive for at least one of the viruses; 82% (40/49) were positive for FeHV-1 and 41% (20/49) for FCV. Of these, 31% (15/49) were coinfection cases. For FeHV-1, 45% (18/40) of the cats tested were positive from the collection of eye swab, and the same percentage (9/20) was obtained for the FCV by the oral swab. FeHV-1 and/or FCV were isolated in 35% (17/49) of the samples. The main clinical sign observed was ocular secretion in 71% (35/49) of cats, characterized as mild serous, purulent or serosanguineous, and in some cases associated with ocular injury and marked chemosis. Our findings demonstrate the high occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in domestic cats in southern Brazil and indicate that measures should be implemented to improve the diagnostic, prevention and management against of these important diseases.

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Famciclovir in Shelter Cats with Naturally Occurring Upper Respiratory Tract Disease

Simple SummaryUpper respiratory tract disease (URTD) impacts the health and welfare of shelter cats. Mitigation strategies include stress reduction and population-level approaches; effective treatment plans focus on reducing the clinical signs in cats affected by URTD. This study evaluated the use of famciclovir, an antiviral therapy, in reducing clinical signs in shelter cats with URTD when administered at a target dose range of 40–90 mg/kg twice daily for up to 21 days. Cats were randomized into either a famciclovir treatment group (n = 11) or placebo group (n = 11). Testing for viral pathogen identification was performed at enrollment in the study, and clinical scoring was completed daily to evaluate the severity of signs. With each day of treatment, cats in both groups were less likely to experience worsening clinical scores; however, cats in the famciclovir treatment group had a significantly lower risk of worsening clinical signs with each day compared to the placebo group. Feline herpesvirus, a common pathogen causing URTD, was identified in 11/21 cats. The results of this small study justify the need for further research to determine the utility of famciclovir as part of treatment protocols for improving clinical signs and overall impacts of URTD in shelter cats.Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a clinically relevant infectious disease in shelter cats, with individual and population-level welfare implications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of famciclovir in reducing clinical signs of URTD in shelter cats during a therapeutic period of up to 21 days. Cats at two Northeastern United States animal shelters with URTD clinical signs were enrolled in a pragmatic, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Cats received either famciclovir (n = 11, target dose range 40–90 mg/kg) or placebo (n = 11), administered orally twice daily for up to 21 days with once-daily clinical scoring. At enrollment, conjunctival and oropharyngeal samples were collected for respiratory pathogen identification by RT-PCR. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was used to evaluate the treatment group effects and changes in clinical scoring over time. With each day of treatment, cats in both groups were less likely to experience worsening clinical scores; however, the risk of worsening scores with each day of treatment was significantly less in the famciclovir group compared to placebo (p = 0.006). Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) DNA was detected in 11/21 cats. The findings justify further pragmatic studies to determine whether famciclovir treatment can contribute to a clinically relevant reduction in URTD morbidity in shelter cats.

In vitro efficacy of ganciclovir against feline herpesvirus type 1 and assessment of ocular tolerability in healthy cats.

Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) is a prevalent cause of ocular disease in cats and limited topical options for treatment currently exist. The first objective of this study was to confirm the efficacy of ganciclovir against FHV-1 in vitro. The second objective was to assess the safety and ocular tolerability of topically applied ganciclovir eye gel (GEG) in healthy cats. FHV-1 was used to infect tissue culture wells covered in maximally confluent Crandall-Rees feline kidney cells prior to the addition of three molarities of ganciclovir (8.9 µM, 17.8 µM and 89 µM) before being incubated for 48 h. Ganciclovir efficacy in vitro was then assessed using standard plaque reduction assay. Commercially available GEG (0.15%) was applied q8h to one randomly chosen eye of four healthy cats for 7 days. Commercially available lubricating eye gel (LEG) was applied to the opposite eye q8h. Complete blood counts (CBCs), blood chemistry panels (CHEM) and urinalysis (UA) were performed on all cats before and after the study period. Ocular lesions were assessed daily using a standardized scheme. Ganciclovir led to a significant reduction in FHV-1 plaque number, area and diameter at all tested molarities in vitro. The highest molarity assessed (89 µM) caused a 100% reduction in viral plaque number. There was no significant difference in ocular lesion scores between eyes receiving GEG and LEG. Animals remained healthy throughout the study period with CBC, CHEM and UA showing no clinically significant alterations. Based on the in vitro results, ganciclovir appears to be effective against FHV-1 in vitro. When applied q8h as a commercial 0.15% gel to a small group of cats with normal eyes, this medication was well tolerated. Taken together, these data suggest this medication warrants further investigation in cats with ocular disease caused by FHV-1.

Molecular and serological investigation of cat viral infectious diseases in China from 2016 to 2019.

In order to analyse the prevalence of cat viral diseases in China, including feline parvovirus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), a total of 1,326 samples of cats from 16 cities were investigated from 2016 to 2019. Collectively, 1,060 (79.9%) cats were tested positive for at least one virus in nucleotide detection, and the positive rates of cat exposure to FeLV, FPV, FHV-1, FCV, FIV and FIPV were 59.6%, 19.2%, 16.3%, 14.2%, 1.5% and 0.5%, respectively. The prevalence of FHV-1 and FPV was dominant in winter and spring. Cats from north China showed a higher positive rate of viral infection than that of cats from south China. The virus infection is not highly correlated with age, except that FPV is prone to occur within the age of 12months. In the serological survey, the seroprevalences of 267 vaccinated cats to FPV, FCV and FHV-1 were 83.9%, 58.3% and 44.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, the seroprevalences of 39 unvaccinated cats to FPV, FCV and FHV-1 were 76.9% (30/39), 82.4% (28/34) and 58.6% (17/29), respectively. This study demonstrated that a high prevalence of the six viral diseases in China and the insufficient serological potency of FCV and FHV-1 remind the urgency for more effective vaccines.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA): List of Essential Medicines for Cats and Dogs.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA): List of Essential Medicines for Cats and Dogs.

Investigation of the effects of an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation system on concentrations of aerosolized surrogates for common veterinary pathogens.

To determine whether exposure to UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI) reduces concentrations of viable aerosolized microorganisms (attenuated strains of common veterinary pathogens) in a simulated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. 42 air samples seeded with bacteriophage MS2 or attenuated strains of Bordetella bronchiseptica, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, canine parvovirus, or canine distemper virus (6/microorganism) or with no microorganisms added (6). A simulated HVAC unit was built that included a nebulizer to aerosolize microorganisms suspended in phosphate-buffered water, a fan to produce airflow, 2 UVGI bulb systems, and an impinger for air sampling. Ten-minute trials (3 with UVGI, 3 without UVGI, and 1 negative control) were conducted for each microorganism. Impingers collected microorganisms into phosphate-buffered water for subsequent quantification with culture-based assays. Results for samples yielding no target microorganisms were recorded as the assay's lower limit of detection. Statistical analysis was not performed. The UVGI treatment resulted in subjectively lower concentrations of viable MS2, B bronchiseptica, and canine distemper virus (arithmetic mean ± SD log10 microorganism reduction, 2.57 ± 0.47, ≥ 3.45 ± 0.24, and ≥ 1.50 ± 0.25, respectively) collected from air. Feline herpesvirus-1 was detected in only 1 sample without and no samples with UVGI treatment. Feline calicivirus and canine parvovirus were not detectable in any collected samples. Results for some surrogates of veterinary pathogens suggested a potential benefit to supplementing manual disinfection practices with UVGI-based air cleaning systems in animal care environments. Further research is needed to investigate the utility of UVGI in operating HVAC systems.

MiR-101 inhibits feline herpesvirus 1 replication by targeting cellular suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5)

Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a prevalent disease among cats caused by feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1). microRNAs (miRNAs), which serve as important regulatory factors in the host, participate in the regulation of the host innate immune response to virus infection. However, the roles of miRNAs in the FHV-1 life cycle remain unclear. In this study, we found that a new miRNA, miR-101, could suppress FHV-1 replication. FHV-1 infection upregulated the expression level of miR-101 in a cGAS-dependent manner. Furthermore, miR-101 could significantly enhance type I interferon antiviral signaling by targeting suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5), a negative regulator of the JAK-STAT pathway. Likewise, knockdown of cellular SOCS5 also suppressed FHV-1 replication due to the enhancement of IFN-I-induced signaling cascades. Taken together, our data demonstrated a new strategy for miR-101-mediated defense against FHV-1 infection by enhancing IFN-I antiviral signaling and increased the knowledge of miRNAs regulating innate immune signaling pathways.