Feline Infectious Diseases Research Articles

Advancements, challenges, and future perspectives in developing feline herpesvirus 1 as a vaccine vector.

As the most prevalent companion animal, cats are threatened by numerous infectious diseases and carry zoonotic pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella henselae, which are the primary causes of human toxoplasmosis and cat-scratch disease. Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing and controlling the spread of diseases in both humans and animals. Currently, there are only three core vaccines available to prevent feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus infections, with few vaccines available for other significant feline infectious and zoonotic diseases. Feline herpesvirus, a major component of the core vaccine, offers several advantages and a stable genetic manipulation platform, making it an ideal model for vaccine vector development to prevent and control feline infectious diseases. This paper reviews the technologies involved in the research and development of the feline herpesvirus vaccine vector, including homologous recombination, CRISPR/Cas9, and bacterial artificial chromosomes. It also examines the design and effectiveness of expressing antigens of other pathogens using the feline herpesvirus as a vaccine vector. Additionally, the paper analyzes existing technical bottlenecks and challenges, providing an outlook on its application prospects. The aim of this review is to provide a scientific basis for the research and development of feline herpesvirus as a vaccine vector and to offer new ideas for the prevention and control of significant feline infectious and zoonotic diseases.

Status of selected feline infectious diseases in Gwangju, Korea

From 2008 to 2017, blood samples from 280 and fecal samples from 149 stray cats in Gwangju, South Korea, were examined for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), Dirofilaria immitis, and Giardia infections using commercial diagnostic tests. Overall, the combined prevalence of FeLV, FIV, D. immitis, and Giardia was 8.6%, 1.4%, 0.4%, and 2.0%, respectively. FeLV exhibited the highest prevalence rate among the 4 pathogens surveyed, both in the 2008–2009 (9.6%) and 2015–2017 (6.3%) surveys. The results of the feline Giardia study represent the first prevalence report of Giardia infection among stray cats in Korea.

Epidemiological survey of feline viral infectious diseases in China from 2018 to 2020

AbstractTo analyze the prevalence of feline viral diseases in China, including feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV‐1), and feline coronavirus (FCoV) infectious diseases from 2018 to 2020, swab samples from 304 cats and serum samples from 193 cats in 18 cities were collected. The etiological investigation results of 304 cats showed that 256 (84.21%) cats were positive, infected with at least one virus, and the positive rates for FPV, FCV, FHV‐1, and FCoV were 61.51%, 10.86%, 4.61%, and 55.92%, respectively. The mixed infection exhibited high complexity, and a total of eight mixed infection patterns were detected. The risk factor analysis of each pathogen in different clinical scenarios indicated that FPV positive status was significantly related to all the studied diseases, FCV positive status exhibited the most significant association with gingivostomatitis and conjunctivitis, and FHV‐1 positive status was significantly related to upper respiratory tract disease, but FCoV positive status was not significantly related to any disease. Additionally, the prevalence of FPV exhibited a strong seasonality and was related to age, while the prevalence of FCV, FHV‐1, and FCoV had nothing to do with season or age. FCV infection was sex related in cats, whereas the prevalence of FCV, FHV‐1, and FCoV was not sex related. FPV, FCV, FHV‐1, and FCoV were unrelated to breed or residential density. Antibody detection results of 193 serum samples by the virus neutralizing method indicated that the current commercial vaccines might not protect hosts against wild strains of FPV, FCV, and FHV‐1 in China. In general, this study enriches epidemiological survey data of common viral diseases in cats in China and provides a theoretical basis for further development of vaccines.

Generation of a Single-Chain Variable Fragment Antibody against Feline Immunoglobulin G for Biosensor Applications.

For many decades, feline infectious disease has been among the most common health problems and a leading cause of death in cats. These diseases include toxoplasmosis, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and particularly feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) disease. Early diagnosis is essential to increase the chance of successful treatment. Generally, measurement of the IgG level is considered to be indicative of an individual's immune status for a particular pathogen. The antibodies specific to feline IgG are crucial components for the development of a detection kit. In this study, feline IgG-bound scFv was selected using phage display technology. Three rounds of biopanning were conducted against purified feline IgG. Through an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), two scFv clones demonstrating the best binding ability to feline IgG were chosen for biochemical characterization. In addition, the selected scFv (N14) was expressed and purified in a bacterial system. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the size of the purified N14 was 29 kDa. A sandwich ELISA was used to evaluate the binding capacity of the purified scFv to feline IgG. As expected, the purified N14 had the capacity to bind feline IgG. Furthermore, N14 was modified to create a scFv-alkaline phosphatase (scFv-AP) fusion platform. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results revealed that N14-AP bound to feline IgG with an affinity binding value of 0.3 ± 0.496 μM. Additionally, the direct ELISA demonstrated the binding capacity of N14-AP to feline IgG in both cell lysate and purified protein. Moreover, N14-AP could be applied to detect feline IgG based on electrosensing with a detection limit of 10.42 nM. Overall, this study successfully selected a feline IgG-bound scFv and developed a scFv-AP platform that could be further engineered and applied in a feline infectious disease detection kit.

Development of a long-read next generation sequencing workflow for improved characterization of fastidious respiratory mycoplasmas.

Mycoplasma cynos and Mycoplasma felis are often associated with canine and feline infectious respiratory disease in dogs and cats, respectively. Mycoplasmas have a reduced genome and dearth of many biosynthetic pathways, making them dependent on rich medium for growth. Due to this fastidious nature, mycoplasmas have been historically underdiagnosed. The aim of this study was to develop a cost-effective and accurate sequencing workflow for genotypic characterization of clinical isolates of M. cynos and M. felis using a rapid long-read sequencing platform. We explored the following critical aspects of bacterial whole genome sequencing, including: (i) five solid and liquid-based culture approaches based on a specialized media formulation for Mycoplasma culture, (ii) three DNA extraction methods modified for long-read sequencing purposes, and (iii) two de novo assembly platforms, Flye and Canu, as key components of a bioinformatics pipeline. DNA extraction method 1, a solid-phase and column-based kit with enzymatic lysis, provided the best DNA quality and concentration followed by high coverage and sequencing contiguity. This was obtained with a culture volume of 45 ml in modified Hayflick's broth incubated for 48 h. DNA extracted directly from colonies on agar or from small broth volumes (6 ml) did not meet the criteria required for long-read sequencing. Overall, Flye generated more contiguous assemblies than the Canu assembler and was more time efficient. This 4-5 day sample-to-sequence workflow provides the scientific and clinical communities with a more comprehensive tool than laborious conventional methods for complete genomic characterization of M. cynos and M. felis clinical isolates.

Causes of Death in Stray Cat Colonies of Milan: A Five-Year Report.

Simple SummaryCats have been closely linked to humans for thousands of years. Nowadays, stray cats are frequently hosted in colonies, protected, and enrolled in programs of trap–neuter-–return to control population increase. Italian public veterinary services work in collaboration with voluntary colony caretakers and are responsible for neutering and monitoring the health of colony cats. This retrospective study, conducted by the Anatomical Pathology Unit of the Teaching Veterinary Hospital of Milan in collaboration with the public veterinary services, was undertaken because of the limited information available regarding causes of death of colony cats. The study reports on and statistically analyzes the causes of death of colony cats in the city of Milan as assessed by necropsy. Inflammatory processes including those consistent with the most relevant feline infectious diseases were most common in kittens and young cats. Trauma was more frequent in adult cats, while organ failure was the most common cause of death in aged cats. Considering the possible animal welfare issues deriving from colony cats, awareness of the most common causes of death and collaboration between university veterinary pathologists and public veterinary services represent an essential contribution to health monitoring of colony cats and can assist in the rapid detection of possible emerging animal welfare concerns.The presence of cats in urban environments has a long history. In Italy, stray cats are protected by national and regional laws, and programs of neutering and reintroduction to colonies are ongoing. Colony cats have been widely studied from a behavioral perspective, while surveys regarding their causes of death are limited, although they may provide relevant information related to public health and cat welfare. This retrospective study provides pathological descriptions and statistical analyses of the causes of death of 186 cats from 100 colonies in the city of Milan. Inflammatory processes represent the primary cause of death (37.7%) and include common feline infectious diseases such as feline panleukopenia (67.5%), particularly in kittens, and feline infectious peritonitis (32.5%), most common in adult cats. Trauma was found to be a common cause of death of young/adult cats (14%) with a generally good body condition, while severe parasitosis was less represented (2.6%). The death of old cats was statistically associated with organ failure (24.7%), particularly renal failure, and tumors (11.8%). Knowledge of the most common causes of death of colony cats could make an important contribution to the health monitoring of these cats and sanitary control of their habitats and provide information on possible related emerging animal welfare concerns.

A survey of Italian cat owners\u2019 attitudes towards cat vaccination through a web-based questionnaire

BackgroundVaccination plays an important role in feline healthcare as it is the most effective measure for prevention against feline infectious diseases. Therefore, it is important to know owners’ opinion towards cats’ vaccination and current veterinary practices in order to advice owners on the use of the correct vaccination protocol.This study aimed to investigate the proportion of cats regularly vaccinated and identify the main factors motivating cat owners’ decisions related to vaccination in Italy. A questionnaire was disseminated online (mainly via social networks) to collect data regarding Italian cat owners’ demographics, information about cats, factors regarding cats’ vaccination, and veterinary-owner relationship.ResultsA total of 1264 owners participated in the survey and 1247 questionnaires were completed and statistically analyzed. The majority (91%; n = 1131) of cats were vaccinated and 80% (n = 998) had been vaccinated within the last 3 years. Age of 2–4 years old cats and the acquisition from a breeder or cat shop were significantly associated with vaccination within the last 3 years. Cats vaccinated but not within the last 3 years were significantly associated with cat’s indoor lifestyle, cats’ age ≥ 5 years old and low annual household income. Importance of vaccination cost, low annual household income and owners’ job not related to healthcare was statistically associated with the lack of cat’s vaccination. In addition, 86% of the owners took their cat regularly to veterinary clinics. Veterinarians play a significant role in owners’ decision, and they are considered the most useful source of information about vaccination by 97% of owners.ConclusionsThe high number of recently vaccinated cats suggests owner’s attention towards feline vaccination and cat’s health. The importance of veterinarian’s advice along with the knowledge of factors associated to the unvaccinated status of cats may help veterinarians to grow owner’s confidence and increase prevention of feline infectious diseases.However further investigations based on a more comprehensive sample of the general population are needed to confirm the results of this survey.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19): Are they similar?

SARS‐CoV‐2 has radically changed our lives causing hundreds of thousands of victims worldwide and influencing our lifestyle and habits. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a disease of felids caused by the feline coronaviruses (FCoV). FIP has been considered irremediably deadly until the last few years. Being one of the numerous coronaviruses that are well known in veterinary medicine, information on FCoV could be of interest and might give suggestions on pathogenic aspects of SARS‐CoV‐2 that are still unclear. The authors of this paper describe the most important aspects of FIP and COVID‐19 and the similarities and differences between these important diseases. SARS‐CoV‐2 and FCoV are taxonomically distant viruses, and recombination events with other coronaviruses have been reported for FCoV and have been suggested for SARS‐CoV‐2. SARS‐CoV‐2 and FCoV differ in terms of some pathogenic, clinical and pathological features. However, some of the pathogenic and immunopathogenic events that are well known in cats FIP seem to be present also in people with COVID‐19. Moreover, preventive measures currently recommended to prevent SARS‐CoV‐2 spreading have been shown to allow eradication of FIP in feline households. Finally, one of the most promising therapeutic compounds against FIP, GS‐441524, is the active form of Remdesivir, which is being used as one therapeutic option for COVID‐19.

Feline upper respiratory tract infection and disease in Australia.

The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of feline infectious upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and disease (URTD) in Australian cats. Laboratory data demonstrating URTI from feline URTD multiplex PCR panel (feline herpesvirus 1 [FHV-1], feline calicivirus [FCV], Bordetella bronchiseptica, Chlamydophila felis, Mycoplasma felis and H1N1 influenza) submissions in Australia (2013-2015) were obtained. For comparison, reports of feline URTD during the same time period were sourced from a voluntary companion animal disease surveillance system. A total of 3126 samples were submitted for testing; 1533 (49%) were positive. Of these, the most commonly detected agents were M felis (21.5%) and FCV (16.0%) alone, followed by FCV and M felis (13.4%) together as a respiratory infection complex, then FHV-1 (7.0%) alone. During the study period, there were 262 reports of 320 clinical feline URTD cases. Most cases (69%) were reported from New South Wales, <1 year of age (41%) and equally distributed between the sexes. Infection was more common in entire cats (69%) and most cases (55%) involved domestic shorthair cats. Of the 90 reports that had a known vaccination status, 63 had a vaccination history, 40 of which were recently vaccinated. Most (72%) feline URTD cases recovered from clinical disease. Both feline URTI and URTD were more common during winter months. Feline URTI and URTD cause substantial impact in Australia, being most commonly associated with M felis and FCV infection. This information can be used by veterinarians to educate clients about prevention and management of this important infectious disease of cats.

A survey of vaccine history in German cats and owners' attitudes to vaccination.

Vaccination is the most important measure for prevention of feline infectious diseases. Cat owner compliance with vaccination recommendations has been investigated in the UK but not in other European countries. The aim of the present study was to determine cat owners' attitudes towards vaccination in cats in Germany, to identify factors that are associated with the vaccination status of their cats and to compare the results with those of the UK survey. The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire and was aimed at respondents throughout Germany. Respondents under 16 years of age, cats that were less than 9 weeks old and veterinarians were excluded. A total of 920 questionnaires were evaluated, and information about cats and respondents was assessed with respect to the current vaccination status of the cats using a linear logistic regression model. The majority of cats (77.9%; n = 717) were vaccinated according to current guidelines; only 5.4% (n = 50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.00-9.00) of cats had never received a vaccine. Having visited a cattery, a cat show or travelled abroad in the past 12 months (n = 96/773; odds ratio [OR] 6.95; 95% CI 1.65-52.19) had the highest positive impact on the vaccination status of cats. In addition, detailed veterinary advice about vaccination had a positive impact (n = 275/773; OR 2.09; 95% CI 0.67-6.25) on the attitude of owners towards vaccinating their cats. A history of travelling abroad or visiting cat shows or a cattery, and thus regulatory requirements, had the greatest positive impact on the current vaccination status of the cats. Veterinary consultation on preventive measures, including vaccination, is crucial for protecting the cat population against infectious diseases.

Survival time and effect of selected predictor variables on survival in owned pet cats seropositive for feline immunodeficiency and leukemia virus attending a referral clinic in northern Italy

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are among the most important feline infectious diseases worldwide.This retrospective study investigated survival times and effects of selected predictor factors on survival time in a population of owned pet cats in Northern Italy testing positive for the presence of FIV antibodies and FeLV antigen.One hundred and three retrovirus-seropositive cats, 53 FIV-seropositive cats, 40 FeLV-seropositive cats, and 10 FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats were included in the study. A population of 103 retrovirus-seronegative age and sex-matched cats was selected. Survival time was calculated and compared between retrovirus-seronegative, FIV, FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis was used to study the effect of selected predictor factors (male gender, peripheral blood cytopenia as reduced red blood cells − RBC- count, leukopenia, neutropenia and lymphopenia, hypercreatininemia and reduced albumin to globulin ratio) on survival time in retrovirus-seropositive populations.Median survival times for seronegative cats, FIV, FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats were 3960, 2040, 714 and 77days, respectively. Compared to retrovirus-seronegative cats median survival time was significantly lower (P<0.000) in FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats. Median survival time in FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats was also significant lower (P<0.000) when compared to FIV-seropositive cats. Hazard ratio of death in FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats being respectively 3.4 and 7.4 times higher, in comparison to seronegative cats and 2.3 and 4.8 times higher in FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositive cats as compared to FIV-seropositive cats.A Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis showed that FIV and FeLV-seropositive cats with reduced RBC counts at time of diagnosis of seropositivity had significantly shorter survival times when compared to FIV and FeLV-seropositive cats with normal RBC counts at diagnosis.In summary, FIV-seropositive status did not significantly affect longevity of cats in this study, unlike FeLV and FIV+FeLV-seropositivity. Reduced RBC counts at time of FIV and FeLV diagnosis could impact negatively on the longevity of seropositive cats and therefore blood counts should always be evaluated at diagnosis and follow-up of retrovirus-seropositive cats.

New vaccination protocols for the dog and cat: the challenge of today for a better and safer prevention

Vaccinations are an integral part of a comprehensive preventive health care program targeting to minimize the incidence of major canine and feline infectious diseases. Currently, vaccination practices are re-evaluated globally towards a twofold objective: to strengthen "herd immunity", which depends on the percentage of vaccinated animals in a population, and to reduce the "vaccine load" per animal in order to minimize the vaccine-associated adverse reactions. To this end, the updated canine and feline vaccination guidelines, encourage the vaccination of as many animals as possible, while at the same time classify the vaccines into core, non-core and not recommended. Core vaccines should be administered, if possible, to every dog and cat.Canine parvovirus-2, canine adenovirus-2, canine distemper virus, feline parvovirus, feline calicivirus/herpesvirus-1 and rabies vaccines fall into this category. Non-core vaccines are selectively given to dogs and cats after assessing the risk/benefit ratio. There are also vaccines for which there is currently no sufficient scientific evidence to justify their use. Importantly, after the one-year booster inoculation that follows the completion of the initial puppy/kitten vaccination series, core vaccines should be given no more frequently than every three years, as the duration of the protective immunity far exceeds this time interval. This review focuses on the updated canine and feline vaccination guidelines pertaining to the individual animal as well as to those living in groups. Important questions related to vaccination programs and to relevant adverse reactions are also answered. An effort has been made to align these guidelines according to what is considered a "norm" among the small amimal practitioners in Greece.

Skin as a marker of general feline health: Cutaneous manifestations of infectious disease.

This review is aimed at veterinarians who treat cats and especially those with an interest in feline dermatology. Tables are included to allow the reader to formulate a concise list of differential diagnoses for clinically similar presentations. The diagnostic approach to a case of ulcerative facial dermatitis is reviewed in a Case Notes quiz. Evidence base: This article includes up-to-date information regarding dermatologic manifestations of less commonly encountered feline cutaneous infectious diseases. Information has been drawn from the published, peer-reviewed literature and the most recent textbook chapters with a particular aim of describing and differentiating clinical lesions and the diagnostic approach to cutaneous disease, especially in unusual cases.

Caracterização demográfica de cães e gatos e perfil de seus respectivos guardiões domiciliados numa pequena cidade no sul do Brasil

&lt;p&gt;This study evaluated the population dynamics and ownerships of dogs and cats from the city of Jaguapitã, southern Brazil. The human to dog and cat ratios were 4.6 and 21.5, respectively. Comparatively more dogs (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt;=2,460) than cats (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt;=571) were within the households and there were significantly more male (55.8%; 679/1,217) dogs relative to females (44.2%; 538/1217). Most cats (69.2%; 180/260) did not received any antiparasitic medication, were not immunized against rabies (91.2%; 237/260) or any specific infectious disease (91.5%; 238/260). Less than half (40.8%; 106/260) of these was below oneyear-of age, but a significant number of cats was without any definite breed (81.2%; 211/260), and not spayed (93.5%; 243/260). Most dogs were of the mixed breed (69.5%; 846/1217), between one and four-years old (42.6%; 519/1217), and not spayed (96.3%; 1172/1,217). An elevated population of dogs received anthelminthic drugs (71%; 865/1,217), but most of these were not immunized against rabies (63.8% 777/1,217) or other infectious disease (58.6%; 713/1,217). Most (68.7%; 770/1,120) households were owners of a pet dog and/or cat; 54.4% (610/1,120) of these owned only dogs, 4.9% (55/1,120) were the owners of cats only, while 9.4% (105/1,120) owned pet dogs and cats. The results obtained are similar to those described in populated cities of Brazil and other countries. However, the free street access of pets associated with the reduced level of immunization against canine and feline infectious diseases coupled with the responsibility of ownership demonstrated by most residents make these animals highly susceptible to zoonotic and infectious diseases. Additionally, the free street access of unsprayed pets increases the risk of contact with other animals and the transmission of disease.&lt;/p&gt;

Caracterização demográfica de cães e gatos e perfil de seus respectivos guardiões domiciliados numa pequena cidade no sul do Brasil

&lt;p&gt;This study evaluated the population dynamics and ownerships of dogs and cats from the city of Jaguapitã, southern Brazil. The human to dog and cat ratios were 4.6 and 21.5, respectively. Comparatively more dogs (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt;=2,460) than cats (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt;=571) were within the households and there were significantly more male (55.8%; 679/1,217) dogs relative to females (44.2%; 538/1217). Most cats (69.2%; 180/260) did not received any antiparasitic medication, were not immunized against rabies (91.2%; 237/260) or any specific infectious disease (91.5%; 238/260). Less than half (40.8%; 106/260) of these was below oneyear-of age, but a significant number of cats was without any definite breed (81.2%; 211/260), and not spayed (93.5%; 243/260). Most dogs were of the mixed breed (69.5%; 846/1217), between one and four-years old (42.6%; 519/1217), and not spayed (96.3%; 1172/1,217). An elevated population of dogs received anthelminthic drugs (71%; 865/1,217), but most of these were not immunized against rabies (63.8% 777/1,217) or other infectious disease (58.6%; 713/1,217). Most (68.7%; 770/1,120) households were owners of a pet dog and/or cat; 54.4% (610/1,120) of these owned only dogs, 4.9% (55/1,120) were the owners of cats only, while 9.4% (105/1,120) owned pet dogs and cats. The results obtained are similar to those described in populated cities of Brazil and other countries. However, the free street access of pets associated with the reduced level of immunization against canine and feline infectious diseases coupled with the responsibility of ownership demonstrated by most residents make these animals highly susceptible to zoonotic and infectious diseases. Additionally, the free street access of unsprayed pets increases the risk of contact with other animals and the transmission of disease.&lt;/p&gt;

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of feline MAVS.

The mitochondrial anti-viral signaling protein (MAVS) plays an important role in the type I IFN response. In this study, two feline MAVS transcripts were cloned. Both transcripts have the same open reading frame encoding 523 amino acids. The putative protein shares 76.6 % similarity with canine and exhibits similarity to human, mouse, rat, bovine and porcine, ranging from 46.1 to 65.8 %. Deletion mutant analysis indicated that the transmembrane (TM) domain is necessary for localization in the mitochondrial membrane, and both the caspase activation and recruitment domain and TM domain are indispensible for activating the IFN-β response. Additionally, Sendai virus-induced IFN-β promoter activation was significantly inhibited by siRNA targeting MAVS. Finally, miniMAVS, a second protein encoded by MAVS mRNA, was identified, which interfered with the IFN-β response via the inhibition of NF-κB activation. The identification of MAVS will promote the understanding and control of feline infectious diseases.

Genetic Characterization of Coronaviruses from Domestic Ferrets, Japan

We detected ferret coronaviruses in 44 (55.7%) of 79 pet ferrets tested in Japan and classified the viruses into 2 genotypes on the basis of genotype-specific PCR. Our results show that 2 ferret coronaviruses that cause feline infectious peritonitis–like disease and epizootic catarrhal enteritis are enzootic among ferrets in Japan.

Unusual presentation of systemic coronavirosis in a ferret

A young ferret was presented for a posterior paresis, urinary and fecal incontinence, weight loss, anorexia and lethargy. Biochemichemistry and hematology revealed hyperproteinemia with hyperglobulinemia and anemia. Abdominal ultrasonography showed splenomegaly, adenomegaly and nephromegaly with abdnomal echogenicity of the abdominal organs, compatible with a diagnosis of systemic coronavirosis. The ferret was humanely euthanized. On histopathology, a severe pyogranulomatous inflammation with neutrophilic vasculitis was seen in several organs (kidney, liver, lung, spleen and lymph node). Immunochemistry with FIPV3-70 antibody revealed the presence of coronaviral antigen within the lesions, confirming the diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis-like disease. A slight mononuclear radiculoneuritis was also present in the sciatic nerve, possibly explaining the peripheral neuropathy observed in this ferret. Whereas posterior paresis is common and non-specific in ferrets, fecal and urinary incontinence are rarely described. Radiculoneuritis caused by systemic coronavirus should be considered in young patients presenting these symptoms.

Mutation in Spike Protein Cleavage Site and Pathogenesis of Feline Coronavirus

Feline coronaviruses (FCoV) exist as 2 biotypes: feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). FECV causes subclinical infections; FIPV causes feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a systemic and fatal disease. It is thought that mutations in FECV enable infection of macrophages, causing FIP. However, the molecular basis for this biotype switch is unknown. We examined a furin cleavage site in the region between receptor-binding (S1) and fusion (S2) domains of the spike of serotype 1 FCoV. FECV sequences were compared with FIPV sequences. All FECVs had a conserved furin cleavage motif. For FIPV, there was a correlation with the disease and >1 substitution in the S1/S2 motif. Fluorogenic peptide assays confirmed that the substitutions modulate furin cleavage. We document a functionally relevant S1/S2 mutation that arises when FIP develops in a cat. These insights into FIP pathogenesis may be useful in development of diagnostic, prevention, and treatment measures against coronaviruses.

ABCD: Update of the 2009 guidelines on prevention and management of feline infectious diseases.

In this article, the ABCD guidelines published in the JFMS Special Issue of July 2009 (Volume 11, Issue 7, pages 527-620) are updated by including previously unavailable and novel information. For a better picture, the reader is advised to consult that issue before focusing on the novel features.