Detection of Feline Coronavirus, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline Leukemia Virus, and Other Pathogen Genetic Material in Whole Blood From Domestic Cats in Turkiye

Many pathogens threaten feline health at all ages. Some pathogens suppress the immune system in cats, induce immunodeficiency, and predispose cats to other pathogens. In this study, 150 clinically sick (n = 119) and healthy-looking (n = 31) cats presented to private veterinary clinics with suspicious feline infectious peritonitis were sampled. Feline coronavirus, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus-1, feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, parvovirus, and Anaplasma species were investigated using pathogen-specific polymerase chain reaction protocols. Analysis results and demographic information of cats were evaluated. According to results, the positivity rates of feline coronavirus, feline leukemia virus, Anaplasma sp., feline immunodeficiency virus, parvovirus, feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus were detected as 23.3%, 54%, 46%, 26%, 6.7%, 6% and 2.7%, respectively. The 11 cats (7.3%) were defined for wet feline infectious peritonitis. This research is the first report regarding feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus, and parvovirus infections in cats in Tekirdag province. The results showed that viral agents and co-infections are common in domestic cats. Pathogen positivity was higher at younger ages and in clinically sick cats. The possibility of the coexistence of multiple pathogens in cats applying to the clinics should be considered for treatment success and the regulation of vaccination programs.

Journal

ACTA VETERINARIA EURASIA

Year

2023

Volume

49

Issue

3

Pages

141-148

ISSN

2618-639X

eISSN

2619-905X

DOI

10.5152/actavet.2023.23017

WoS UID

WOS:001094069400004