30 Questions
What is transported to the cytoplasm after viral mRNA and genomic RNA are transcribed?
Viral proteins
Which body system is affected by the development of lymphomas and mast cell tumors?
Hemic/lymphatic/immune
What is the prevalence of FIV in well-controlled purebred catteries?
Less than 2%
When should cats be tested for FIV?
All of the above
Which body system is affected by the development of nephropathy?
Renal/urologic
What is the prevalence of FIV in indoor pet cats in single-cat households?
Less than 1%
What type of virus is feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)?
Lentivirus
What is the primary mode of horizontal transmission of FIV?
Bite wounds
Which host cell receptor does the FIV envelope glycoprotein initially bind to?
CD134
Which enzyme is responsible for transcribing the viral RNA to complementary DNA (cDNA)?
Reverse transcriptase
Which enzyme is responsible for integrating the double-stranded DNA into the host genome?
Integrase
What is the significance of vertical transmission of FIV in natural settings?
It is rare and of questionable significance
What is the most common outcome of passive transfer of antibody via milk in kittens nursed by an infected queen?
The kittens will test positive for FIV
When should kittens nursed by an infected queen be tested for FIV?
At 6 months of age
What is the purpose of confirming a positive FIV test with a Western blot?
To rule out false-positive results
Which test is recommended for routine screening of FIV?
ELISA
What is the typical life expectancy for cats in the late stages of FIV disease?
Less than 1 year
Which of the following is a synonym for Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIV)?
Feline AIDS
What is the prevalence of FIV infection in free-roaming stray and feral cats in the United States?
2% to 4%
Which country may have a prevalence of FIV infection reaching 25% to 30% in areas with a high density of free-roaming cats?
Italy
What may lead to signs of wasting, neurologic signs, renal failure, and ocular disease in cats?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
What laboratory finding is common in cats with FIV infection?
Neutrophilia
Which condition may cause hypergammaglobulinemia, azotemia with isosthenuria, and proteinuria in affected cats?
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
What do FIV antibodies in unvaccinated cats imply?
Lifelong viral infection
At what stage of FeLV infection are cats contagious to other cats in close contact?
Stage 1
Which category of FeLV infection involves no viremia?
Abortive infection
What happens in the regressive or nonproductive category of FeLV infection?
The immune response stops progression at stage 2 or 3 and forces virus into latency after transient viremia
What is the result of tumor induction in FeLV infection?
Thymic Lymphosarcoma
What are feline sarcoma viruses?
Both A and B
What is the antiviral response in the host immune response to FeLV infection mediated by?
Neutralizing antibodies directed against FeLV envelope antigens
Study Notes
FIV Life Cycle
- Viral messenger RNA (mRNA) and genomic RNA are transcribed and transported to the cytoplasm
- Viral proteins are translated and processed by the protease enzyme
- Immature virion moves to the cell membrane, acquires the viral envelope and glycoproteins, and is released from the cell
Systems Affected
- Hemic/lymphatic/immune: loss of CD4+ T cells, lymphocytic/plasmocytic infiltrates, lymphomas, mast cell tumors
- Gastrointestinal: panleukopenia-like syndrome
- Nervous: alterations in astrocyte function and neurotransmitter expression
- Ophthalmic: anterior uveitis
- Renal/urologic: nephropathy
- Reproductive: fetal death or perinatal infections
- Cardiovascular: possible myocarditis
Genetics
- No predisposition for infection
Incidence
- Prevalence in indoor pet cats in single-cat households: < 1%
- Prevalence in well-controlled purebred catteries: < 2%
Diagnosis
- Indications for FIV testing: when cats are sick, healthy cats not previously tested, newly adopted cats, cats with potential exposure, before vaccinating with FIV vaccine, annual retesting of high-risk cats
Pathophysiology
- FIV is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in cats
- Vertical transmission: transplacental or via infected milk (experimental, but questionable in natural settings)
- Horizontal transmission: primarily through inoculation of virus through saliva or blood, especially via bite wounds
- Sexual transmission: not a significant route of infection
Pathogenesis
- FIV binds to host cells via CD134 and CXCR4 molecules, allowing viral entry into the cytoplasm
- Viral RNA is transcribed to cDNA, then synthesized into double-stranded DNA, and integrated into the host genome
- Passive transfer of antibody via milk can result in positive test in kittens nursed by an infected queen
Imaging
- Not applicable
Treatment/Medication
- Not applicable
Synonyms
- Feline acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
- First described in Scotland, 1964
- Cause: Feline Leukemia Virus
- FeLV is a retrovirus from the family retroviridae and genus gammaretrovirus (RNA)
- Can cause lymphoma, leukemia, bone marrow suppression, and immunodeficiency
Differential Diagnosis
- Feline leukemia virus infection (FeLV): similar to FIV infection, with many signs associated with immunosuppression
- Dry form of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): may lead to signs of wasting, neurologic signs, renal failure, and ocular disease
- Toxoplasmosis: causes neurologic and ocular signs, as well as wasting, and may occur concurrently with FIV
CBC/Biochemistry/Urinalysis
- Anemia, lymphopenia, or neutropenia: common
- Neutrophilia may occur in response to secondary infections
- Hypergammaglobulinemia, azotemia with isosthenuria, proteinuria (immune-mediated glomerulonephritis)
Other Laboratory Tests
- Serologic testing: detects antibodies to FIV
- Interpretation of a positive antibody result: implies lifelong viral infection in unvaccinated cats
Explore the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in cats. Learn about the modes of transmission, including vertical transmission and horizontal transmission in multiple-cat households.
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