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.

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.

Related Concept Videos

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Rabies01:28

Rabies

Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...