Phylogenetic analysis of feline immunodeficiency virus isolated from cats in Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important lentivirus affecting domestic cats worldwide.
• Understanding the genetic diversity and geographic distribution of FIV is crucial for disease management and vaccine development.
• Previous studies have characterized various FIV subtypes, but data from Taiwan remained limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) from domestic cats in Taiwan.
• To determine the genetic subtype of the Taiwanese FIV isolates.
• To compare the genetic features of Taiwanese FIV isolates with known global strains.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of FIV from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of infected cats via co-cultivation with MYA-1 cells.
• Attempts to culture FIV isolates in CRFK cells.
• Nucleotide sequencing of the V3-V5 region of the FIV envelope gene.
• Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences.

Main Results:

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was successfully isolated from four cats in Taiwan, designated TI-1, TI-2, TI-3, and TI-4.
• The Taiwanese FIV isolates could be cultured in MYA-1 cells but not in CRFK cells.
• Phylogenetic analysis of the envelope gene's V3-V5 region placed the Taiwanese isolates within subtype C.

Conclusions:

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) subtype C is prevalent in Taiwan.
• The characterized Taiwanese FIV isolates provide valuable genetic data for understanding FIV evolution and distribution.
• Further research is warranted to assess the clinical impact and epidemiological spread of FIV subtype C in Taiwan.