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Feline immunodeficiency virus infection
N C Pedersen1, J K Yamamoto, T Ishida
1Department of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus affecting cats, causing an initial illness followed by a lifelong carrier state. Transmission is primarily through bites, with higher prevalence in free-roaming male cats.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a lentivirus, was first isolated in 1986.
- It shares morphological similarities with other lentiviruses and targets feline T-lymphoblastoid cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristics, transmission, and prevalence of Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of FIV.
- Experimental infection of kittens.
- Seroepidemiologic studies in cat populations.
Main Results:
- FIV replicates in T-lymphocytes, causing cytopathic effects and producing distinct structural proteins.
- Experimentally infected kittens show transient fever and neutropenia, followed by lymphadenopathy and a lifelong carrier state.
- FIV is prevalent in free-roaming cats, with male cats at higher risk, and is mainly transmitted by bites.
Conclusions:
- FIV establishes a persistent infection in cats, with transmission primarily occurring through aggressive contact like bites.
- While an initial illness occurs, most infected cats become asymptomatic carriers, with a terminal AIDS-like phase observed in some.
- Understanding FIV transmission and prevalence is crucial for feline health management.