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Identification of feline calicivirus in cats with enteritis
Barbara Di Martino1, Gianvito Lanave2, Federica Di Profio1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
Abstract:
Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a major pathogen of cats associated with either respiratory disease or systemic disease, but its possible role as an enteric pathogen is neglected. Using RT-PCR, the RNA of FCV was identified in 25.9% (62/239) of stools of cats with enteritis and in 0/58 (0%) of cats without diarrhoea or other clinical signs. Isolates of enteric origin were obtained and a large 3.2-kb portion of the genome was sequenced, encompassing the 3' end of the RNA polymerase, the capsid protein precursor and the minor capsid protein. Also, the complete genome sequence of one such strain, the 160/2015/ITA, was determined. Upon sequence analysis, the enteric viruses were found to be genetically heterogeneous and to differ from each other and from isolates of respiratory origin. The enteric isolates were found to be more resistant to low pH conditions, to trypsin and to bile treatment than respiratory isolates. Overall, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis that some FCVs may acquire enteric tropism and eventually act as enteric pathogens. Whether this enteric tropism is maintained stably and whether it may affect, to some extent, the ability of the virus to trigger the classical and/or hypervirulent forms of disease should be assessed. Also, FCV should be included in the diagnostic algorithms of enteric diseases of cats to gain further information about FCV strains displaying enteric pathotype.
Insights
Feline calicivirus (FCV) can cause enteric disease in cats, not just respiratory issues. Researchers found FCV RNA in cat stools, suggesting a role as an enteric pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Feline Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a significant feline pathogen, primarily known for causing respiratory and systemic diseases.
- The potential role of FCV as an enteric pathogen in cats has been largely overlooked in previous research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of FCV in feline enteritis cases.
- To determine if FCV strains can exhibit enteric tropism and act as enteric pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect FCV RNA in fecal samples from cats with and without enteritis.
- Genomic sequencing of FCV isolates of enteric origin was performed, including complete genome sequencing for one strain.
- Comparative analysis of genetic heterogeneity and resistance to environmental stressors (low pH, trypsin, bile) between enteric and respiratory FCV isolates.
Main Results:
- FCV RNA was detected in 25.9% of stools from cats with enteritis, but not in healthy cats.
- Enteric FCV isolates showed significant genetic heterogeneity and differed from respiratory isolates.
- Enteric FCV isolates demonstrated increased resistance to low pH, trypsin, and bile compared to respiratory isolates.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that certain FCV strains can develop enteric tropism and function as enteric pathogens.
- Further research is needed to assess the stability of enteric tropism and its impact on disease presentation.
- FCV should be considered in the diagnostic workup for feline enteric diseases to identify strains with enteric pathotypes.
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