Feline Rotavirus Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the structure and key components of Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)?
FeLV is an enveloped RNA retrovirus with two identical RNA strands, reverse transcriptase, protease, capsid protein p27, and envelope glycoprotein gp70. It has an icosahedral capsid and phospholipid envelope.
Describe the transmission routes and prevalence of FeLV.
FeLV is transmitted via prolonged contact with saliva, grooming, sharing food/water bowls, biting, blood transfusions, rarely in utero or via milk. Prevalence has declined due to vaccination; risk factors include outdoor access, male sex, fighting, and young age.
Explain the pathogenesis and outcomes of FeLV infection.
FeLV infection outcomes: Abortive (no viraemia, neutralising antibodies), Regressive (transient viraemia then latent infection), Progressive (persistent viraemia, infectious, disease develops), and Focal/atypical infection. Subtypes A (contagious), B (oncogenic), C (anemia), and T (T-cell cytolytic).
What are the diagnostic tests used for FeLV and their significance?
Initial test: ELISA for p27 antigen. Confirmatory tests: IFA (bone marrow antigen), PCR for proviral DNA. ELISA indicates viraemia; PCR quantifies viral load. False negatives occur early or late in disease; false positives with maternal antibody or vaccination.
What clinical signs and diseases are associated with FeLV?
FeLV can cause lymphomas (60x risk), leukaemia, fibrosarcomas, aplastic anemia, pure red cell aplasia, immune-mediated diseases, and opportunistic infections. Neurological signs and cytopenias (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) also occur.
What are the treatment and management strategies for FeLV-positive cats?
Supportive care: isolate indoors, neuter, inactivated vaccines, environmental enrichment, treat infections aggressively, avoid immunosuppressives. Median survival: 2.4 years (FeLV+ cats). Antivirals like AZT show limited efficacy; interferon omega offers clinical improvement but no clear antiviral action.
Outline the vaccination strategy and efficacy for FeLV.
Vaccines are non-sterilising: infection may occur but disease progression is prevented. Recombinant subunit and canary-pox vectored vaccines offer 78-87% protection. Non-core vaccine; recommended for at-risk outdoor cats. Initial vaccine at 8-9 weeks, boost at 3-4 weeks and then every 1-3 years.
Describe the structure and genome of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
FIV is an enveloped RNA lentivirus with inner genome-nucleocapsid complex, icosahedral capsid, and envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gp41. The genome contains gag, pol (reverse transcriptase), and env genes. FIV has six clades (A-F). UK cases are clade A.
What are the transmission routes and risk factors for FIV?
FIV is primarily spread by bite wounds. Other routes include transplacental, parturition, milk transmission (depends on queen’s viraemia), and rarely via transfusion. Risk factors: male sex, outdoor access, fighting, older age, and feral background.
Explain the stages of FIV infection and associated clinical signs.
Three stages: Acute phase (2-12 weeks post-infection, fever, lethargy, stomatitis), Subclinical phase (low viral replication, CD4 decline, lasts years), Terminal phase (CD4+ depletion, opportunistic infections, neoplasia, myelosuppression, CNS disease).
Describe the diagnostic approach to FIV including limitations of tests.
Screening: Serology (ELISA, Western blot for p24 or gp41 antibodies). Positive tests confirmed by second serology or PCR. False positives (maternal antibodies, vaccination); false negatives (pre-seroconversion, terminal immunosuppression). PCR detects proviral DNA; useful when vaccinated or young kittens.
What are the treatment options for FIV and their effects?
Supportive care similar to FeLV. Neuter, indoor housing, avoid steroids, dental care, aggressive infection treatment. Antivirals like AZT (monitor for anemia), lactoferrin for stomatitis. Interferon therapy improves clinical signs but not viral load. Prognosis varies widely; MST ~4.9 years.
What are the recommendations for management and prevention of FIV in cats?
Neuter all cats, test new cats, isolate positive animals, hygiene protocols, avoid new cats after diagnosis. Test blood donors. Stable households have low transmission if fighting is avoided. Follow AAFP guidelines: test sick cats, new cats, exposed cats, and blood donors.
