Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline immunodeficiency. ABCD guidelines on prevention and management.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2009
- Authors:
- Hosie, Margaret J et al.
- Affiliation:
- European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD). m.hosie@vet.ac.uk
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a virus that affects cats, similar to how HIV affects humans, but it doesn't pose a risk to people. This virus is commonly found in domestic cats around the world and is mainly spread through bites, although the risk is low in friendly households. Cats with FIV often don’t show any signs of illness for many years, but they can develop health issues like gum disease, chronic nasal infections, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and kidney problems due to a weakened immune system. If a cat tests positive for FIV, it’s important to confirm the result with a more reliable lab test, as a positive result alone shouldn’t lead to euthanasia. With proper care, FIV-positive cats can live long, healthy lives, so regular vet check-ups and good hygiene practices are essential for their management.
Abstract
OVERVIEW: Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus closely related to human immunodeficiency virus. Most felids are susceptible to FIV, but humans are not. Feline immunodeficiency virus is endemic in domestic cat populations worldwide. The virus loses infectivity quickly outside the host and is susceptible to all disinfectants. INFECTION: Feline immunodeficiency virus is transmitted via bites. The risk of transmission is low in households with socially well-adapted cats. Transmission from mother to kittens may occur, especially if the queen is undergoing an acute infection. Cats with FIV are persistently infected in spite of their ability to mount antibody and cell-mediated immune responses. DISEASE SIGNS: Infected cats generally remain free of clinical signs for several years, and some cats never develop disease, depending on the infecting isolate. Most clinical signs are the consequence of immunodeficiency and secondary infection. Typical manifestations are chronic gingivostomatitis, chronic rhinitis, lymphadenopathy, weight loss and immune-mediated glomerulonephritis. DIAGNOSIS: Positive in-practice ELISA results obtained in a low-prevalence or low-risk population should always be confirmed by a laboratory. Western blot is the 'gold standard' laboratory test for FIV serology. PCR-based assays vary in performance. DISEASE MANAGEMENT: Cats should never be euthanased solely on the basis of an FIV-positive test result. Cats infected with FIV may live as long as uninfected cats, with appropriate management. Asymptomatic FIV-infected cats should be neutered to avoid fighting and virus transmission. Infected cats should receive regular veterinary health checks. They can be housed in the same ward as other patients, but should be kept in individual cages. VACCINATION RECOMMENDATIONS: At present, there is no FIV vaccine commercially available in Europe. Potential benefits and risks of vaccinating FIV-infected cats should be assessed on an individual cat basis. Needles and surgical instruments used on FIV-positive cats may transmit the virus to other cats, so strict hygiene is essential.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19481037/