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Phylogenetic analysis of feline immunodeficiency virus isolated from cats in Taiwan
G Inada1, T Miyazawa, Y Inoshima
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Feline immunodeficiency virus was isolated from four cats in Taiwan. The isolates were designated TI-1, TI-2, TI-3 and TI-4. Each was isolated from PBMCs following co-cultivation of PBMCs with a feline T-lymphoblastoid cell line (MYA-1 cells). However, the Taiwanese isolates did not grow in a feline kidney cell line (CRFK cells). The nucleotide sequences of the V3-V5 region of the envelope gene of the Taiwanese isolates were determined and compared with those of previously described isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of this region indicates that Taiwanese isolates belong to subtype C.
Insights
Feline immunodeficiency virus was identified in four cats in Taiwan. Phylogenetic analysis revealed these feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) isolates belong to subtype C.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important pathogen affecting domestic cats worldwide.
- Understanding the genetic diversity of FIV is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and control strategies.
- Previous studies have characterized FIV isolates from various global regions, 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 based on envelope gene sequences.
- To contribute to the understanding of FIV genetic diversity in Asia.
Main Methods:
- Feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from four FIV-infected cats in Taiwan.
- Virus isolation was achieved through co-cultivation of PBMCs with the MYA-1 feline T-lymphoblastoid cell line.
- Nucleotide sequencing of the V3-V5 region of the FIV envelope gene was performed for phylogenetic analysis.
Main Results:
- Four distinct FIV isolates, designated TI-1, TI-2, TI-3, and TI-4, were successfully isolated from Taiwanese cats.
- The Taiwanese FIV isolates replicated in MYA-1 cells but not in CRFK feline kidney cells.
- Phylogenetic analysis of the envelope gene V3-V5 region placed the Taiwanese isolates within subtype C.
Conclusions:
- This study reports the first isolation and genetic characterization of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) from Taiwan.
- The identified FIV isolates represent subtype C, expanding the known geographic distribution of this subtype.
- These findings highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance for FIV genetic diversity in different feline populations.