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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Feline morbillivirus infection associated with fatal encephalitis in a Bengal cat
Kara L D Dawson1, Nicole Wildi1, Mauro Cavalli2
1Division of Neurological Sciences, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is a recently discovered morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae, which include several highly contagious viruses with zoonotic potential. In this case report we describe the detection of FeMV in archived brain tissue of a 2-month-old Bengal cat with nonsuppurative encephalitis from the year 2011 in Switzerland by high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Our metagenomics approach was able to obtain a full-length sequence covering the entire FeMV genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that our FeMV strain clustered within FeMV genotype 1. We were able to detect FeMV RNA by in situ hybridization (ISH) in brain sections with inflammatory lesions and demonstrated its potential neurotropism and association with encephalitis. Our results provide further insight into this recently discovered morbillivirus and encourage further investigations into the pathogenesis and epidemiology of associated diseases in cats and potentially other species.
Insights
Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was detected in a cat brain with encephalitis. This finding highlights FeMV's neurotropism and potential role in feline neurological disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Neurovirology
- Molecular Epidemiology
Background:
- Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) is a recently identified paramyxovirus.
- Paramyxoviruses are known for high contagion and zoonotic potential.
- Understanding FeMV's role in feline disease is crucial.
Observation:
- FeMV was detected in archived brain tissue from a young Bengal cat with nonsuppurative encephalitis.
- High-throughput sequencing (HTS) enabled full-length FeMV genome recovery.
- Phylogenetic analysis placed the strain within FeMV genotype 1.
Findings:
- FeMV RNA was detected in brain lesions using in situ hybridization (ISH).
- The study demonstrates FeMV's neurotropism.
- FeMV is associated with encephalitis in cats.
Implications:
- This research provides deeper insight into FeMV pathogenesis.
- Further studies are warranted to explore FeMV's epidemiology and impact on feline health.
- The zoonotic potential of FeMV requires continued investigation.
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