Cross-sectional and histopathological studies of Feline Coronavirus infections in stray cats in Kuwait.

Abstract

Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) is a worldwide viral infection of felids. The disease is usually asymptomatic, but it can cause mild diarrhoea; however, few numbers of cases may develop a severe systemic disease known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). This study aims to determine the prevalence of FCoV shedding in the faeces of stray cats in Kuwait and detect antibodies against FCoV in their serum. Histopathological analyses and RT‑PCR were used to prove cases of FIP. A total of 178 cats were examined for the presence of FCoV in their faeces using a rapid immunochromatography (IC) test. Anti‑FCoV Antibody (Anti‑FCoV Ab) was detected in their serum using ELISA. Eleven samples were tested using RT‑PCR to confirm positive cases. The prevalence of FCoV faecal antigen in stray cats was 32.6%. The overall detection rate of Anti‑FCoV Ab in stray cats was 44.9%. Nine cats tested positive using the RT‑PCR test. Six out of those nine were confirmed to be FIP positive through gross and histopathological examination. The characteristic uveitis and discoloration of the irises were seen. The present study is the first report confirming FCoV infection in stray cats in Kuwait. Postmortem and histopathological lesions in cases of FIP were recorded.