Veterinar, Vol. 60. No. 1., 2022.
Review article
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Magda Kamber
Iva Benvin
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Matko Perharić
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection is spread in the cat population worldwide. The disease is characterized by a persistent infection resulting from the transcription of viral ribonucleic acid into the host genome. Infected cats are the source of infection, and the virus is most often transmitted through bites due to the high concentration of the virus in saliva and blood. The target spots of FIV replication are immune cells, therefore infection leads to immunodeficiency. Clinical signs associated with FIV are mainly non-specific, but gingivostomatitis is most commonly observed. Rapid immunoassay tests are commonly used in clinical practice to establish a diagnosis. In some cases, the retroviral status of the cat needs to be determined by a molecular diagnostic method. Antiviral drugs, immunomodulators, and supportive therapy in the case of opportunistic infections are used to treat infected cats. Holistic treatment methods give encouraging results, but their clinical application needs to be further investigated. Isolation of infected cats and general prophylaxis measures are still the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease.
Keywords
feline immunodeficiency virus; diagnostics; treatment; management
Hrčak ID:
284812
URI
Publication date:
20.9.2022.
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