Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 19, 2025
09:03
The CYP2D6 Animal Model: How to Induce Autoimmune Hepatitis in Mice
Published on: February 3, 2012
19.6K
A longitudinal observational study in two cats naturally-infected with hepadnavirus
Paolo Capozza1, Gianvito Lanave1, Georgia Diakoudi1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.
Veterinary Microbiology
|February 1, 2021
Summary
Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) can cause chronic infections in cats, similar to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in humans. Longitudinal studies show some cats remain viremic, indicating persistent DCH infection and potential liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes significant human liver disease.
- Domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), an HBV-like virus, was identified in cats in 2018.
- Prevalence studies indicate 6.5%-10.8% of pet cats are viremic for DCH, with 50% showing liver damage markers.
Observation:
- This study performed longitudinal molecular screening of DCH-infected cats to assess chronicity.
- Five DCH-positive cats were re-tested over 2-10 months.
- Two cats remained persistently DCH-positive, one showing elevated ALT and clinical signs consistent with chronic hepatopathy.
Findings:
- Three of five DCH-positive cats cleared the virus within 10 months.
- Two cats exhibited persistent DCH viremia over an 11-month period.
- Persistent DCH infection was associated with elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, suggesting chronic liver disease.
Implications:
- The findings suggest DCH can establish chronic infections in cats, mirroring HBV in humans.
- Chronic DCH infection may be linked to feline chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Further research is warranted to understand DCH transmission, pathogenesis, and long-term health impacts in cats.
