DM2 Pt1-1 Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Flashcards
What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)?
FIV is a retrovirus closely related to human immunodeficiency virus but affects felids only, not humans.
How is FIV transmitted?
FIV is transmitted primarily through bites, especially in entire male cats who go outside.
Can FIV-positive cats live with FIV-negative cats?
Yes, as long as they do not fight, transmission risk is low in socially well-adapted households.
Can FIV be transmitted from mother to kittens?
Yes, transmission may occur, especially if the queen is undergoing an acute infection.
Are oronasal or venereal transmissions common in nature?
No, these routes haven’t been documented in nature but can occur through experimental inoculation.
What are common clinical signs of FIV in cats?
Typical signs include chronic gingivostomatitis, chronic rhinitis, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, and immune-mediated glomerulonephritis.
How long do FIV-infected cats remain free of symptoms?
Cats can remain asymptomatic for several years, and some never develop disease.
What causes the clinical signs in FIV-infected cats?
Most clinical signs are due to immunodeficiency and secondary infections.
How effective is passive immunity against FIV?
The efficacy of colostral immunity (passive immunity) in natural infections is not known.
What happens to the immune response in cats infected with FIV?
Despite mounting antibody and cell-mediated immune responses, cats remain persistently infected with FIV.
How is FIV commonly diagnosed?
FIV is diagnosed by detecting antibodies to viral proteins like p24 and gp40 using ELISA or ICA methodologies.
What are common in-house tests for FIV?
In-house tests include IDEXX SNAP®, Rhone-Merieux Witness®, and Bio Veto Test Laboratories Speed-duo®.
Why is it important to follow instructions when using in-house FIV tests?
Incorrect procedures can lead to false results, so it’s essential to follow instructions, including using the correct sample (e.g., serum).
How long does it take for seroconversion to occur in FIV-infected cats?
Seroconversion can take up to 12 weeks after infection, and some cats may never mount an antibody response.
Why should positive FIV results in low-prevalence populations be confirmed?
In low-prevalence populations, false positives are more likely, so results should be confirmed by a test like Western blot.
When are negative results in low-prevalence populations considered inaccurate?
Negative results may be inaccurate if the cat is in the early stages of infection, in the terminal stage, or due to immune complex sequestration.
Why might kittens born to FIV-infected queens test seropositive?
Kittens may test positive due to passively acquired maternal antibodies, which disappear around 16 weeks.
How can vaccinated cats be distinguished from naturally infected cats?
Diagnostic tests are available to distinguish vaccinated from naturally infected cats in countries where the FIV vaccine is used (e.g., USA, Australia).
What does PCR testing detect in FIV diagnosis?
PCR detects FIV proviral DNA, but its sensitivity can vary depending on the laboratory and FIV subtypes.
Why do discrepant PCR/serology results occur in FIV testing?
Discrepancies can result from strain variation or when a cat becomes provirus positive before developing detectable antibodies.
Why is isolation important for FIV-infected cats?
Isolation protects FIV-positive cats from other infections and prevents transmission to other cats.
What is the recommendation for re-homing FIV-positive cats?
FIV-positive cats should only be re-homed to owners who agree to keep the cat indoors, but in feral situations, euthanasia may be recommended.
Why should FIV-positive cats be neutered?
Neutering reduces aggression, roaming, and the risk of FIV transmission to other cats.
How often should FIV-infected cats have health checks?
FIV-positive cats should be examined every 6 months and monitored for weight loss. Routine lab testing should be considered.
