DM2 Pt1-1 Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Question 1

What is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)?

Answer 1

FIV is a retrovirus closely related to human immunodeficiency virus but affects felids only, not humans.

Question 2

How is FIV transmitted?

Answer 2

FIV is transmitted primarily through bites, especially in entire male cats who go outside.

Question 3

Can FIV-positive cats live with FIV-negative cats?

Answer 3

Yes, as long as they do not fight, transmission risk is low in socially well-adapted households.

Question 4

Can FIV be transmitted from mother to kittens?

Answer 4

Yes, transmission may occur, especially if the queen is undergoing an acute infection.

Question 5

Are oronasal or venereal transmissions common in nature?

Answer 5

No, these routes haven’t been documented in nature but can occur through experimental inoculation.

Question 6

What are common clinical signs of FIV in cats?

Answer 6

Typical signs include chronic gingivostomatitis, chronic rhinitis, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, and immune-mediated glomerulonephritis.

Question 7

How long do FIV-infected cats remain free of symptoms?

Answer 7

Cats can remain asymptomatic for several years, and some never develop disease.

Question 8

What causes the clinical signs in FIV-infected cats?

Answer 8

Most clinical signs are due to immunodeficiency and secondary infections.

Question 9

How effective is passive immunity against FIV?

Answer 9

The efficacy of colostral immunity (passive immunity) in natural infections is not known.

Question 10

What happens to the immune response in cats infected with FIV?

Answer 10

Despite mounting antibody and cell-mediated immune responses, cats remain persistently infected with FIV.

Question 11

How is FIV commonly diagnosed?

Answer 11

FIV is diagnosed by detecting antibodies to viral proteins like p24 and gp40 using ELISA or ICA methodologies.

Question 12

What are common in-house tests for FIV?

Answer 12

In-house tests include IDEXX SNAP®, Rhone-Merieux Witness®, and Bio Veto Test Laboratories Speed-duo®.

Question 13

Why is it important to follow instructions when using in-house FIV tests?

Answer 13

Incorrect procedures can lead to false results, so it’s essential to follow instructions, including using the correct sample (e.g., serum).

Question 14

How long does it take for seroconversion to occur in FIV-infected cats?

Answer 14

Seroconversion can take up to 12 weeks after infection, and some cats may never mount an antibody response.

Question 15

Why should positive FIV results in low-prevalence populations be confirmed?

Answer 15

In low-prevalence populations, false positives are more likely, so results should be confirmed by a test like Western blot.

Question 16

When are negative results in low-prevalence populations considered inaccurate?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Why might kittens born to FIV-infected queens test seropositive?

Answer 17

Kittens may test positive due to passively acquired maternal antibodies, which disappear around 16 weeks.

Question 18

How can vaccinated cats be distinguished from naturally infected cats?

Answer 18

Diagnostic tests are available to distinguish vaccinated from naturally infected cats in countries where the FIV vaccine is used (e.g., USA, Australia).

Question 19

What does PCR testing detect in FIV diagnosis?

Answer 19

PCR detects FIV proviral DNA, but its sensitivity can vary depending on the laboratory and FIV subtypes.

Question 20

Why do discrepant PCR/serology results occur in FIV testing?

Answer 20

Discrepancies can result from strain variation or when a cat becomes provirus positive before developing detectable antibodies.

Question 21

Why is isolation important for FIV-infected cats?

Answer 21

Isolation protects FIV-positive cats from other infections and prevents transmission to other cats.

Question 22

What is the recommendation for re-homing FIV-positive cats?

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Why should FIV-positive cats be neutered?

Answer 23

Neutering reduces aggression, roaming, and the risk of FIV transmission to other cats.

Question 24

How often should FIV-infected cats have health checks?

Answer 24

FIV-positive cats should be examined every 6 months and monitored for weight loss. Routine lab testing should be considered.

Question 25

What precautions should be taken during surgery for FIV-positive cats?

Answer 25

Surgery is generally well-tolerated, but perioperative antibiotics should be administered to prevent secondary infections.

Question 26

Is routine vaccination recommended for FIV-positive cats?

Answer 26

Routine vaccination is controversial, especially in immunocompromised cats. The use of live vaccines should be considered based on risk.

Question 27

What supportive treatments can help FIV-positive cats?

Answer 27

Supportive treatments include preventing secondary infections, maintaining a good diet, and administering supplements like evening primrose oil.

Question 28

Why should raw meat be avoided for FIV-infected cats?

Answer 28

Feeding raw meat increases the risk of Toxoplasma, bacterial, and parasitic infections.

Question 29

What antiviral therapies are available for FIV-positive cats?

Answer 29

Treatments like AZT and feline recombinant interferon may reduce the effects of FIV, but their efficacy is controversial and many antivirals are toxic to cats.

Question 30

How should infections in FIV-positive cats be treated?

Answer 30

Infections in FIV-positive cats may require longer or more aggressive therapy, especially with antibiotics.

Question 31

What is the risk of FIV transmission in multi-cat households?

Answer 31

The risk is low in socially well-adapted households, as FIV is mainly transmitted through biting and fighting.

Question 32

What should be done if one cat in a household is diagnosed with FIV?

Answer 32

All cats in the household should be tested for FIV, especially if aggression or fighting is possible.

Question 33

Why is FIV an important consideration in shelters and rehoming centres?

Answer 33

FIV is more prevalent in feral cats and male cats, making it a concern in rescue populations.

Question 34

What does the ABCD recommend for FIV testing in shelters?

Answer 34

All cats should be tested for FIV, but if that’s not possible, at least all sick cats should be tested.

Question 35

What is the recommendation for seropositive kittens under 6 months of age?

Answer 35

A positive serological test does not confirm infection, and PCR testing may be considered for accurate diagnosis.

Question 36

What is the housing recommendation for FIV-positive cats in shelters?

Answer 36

FIV-positive cats should be housed individually or segregated from FIV-negative cats.

Question 37

What is the policy on rehoming FIV-positive cats?

Answer 37

Some shelters rehome FIV-positive healthy cats to selected adopters in environments where the risk of infection to other cats is minimal.

Question 38

When should euthanasia be considered for FIV-positive cats in shelters?

Answer 38

Euthanasia may be considered if the cat has advanced-stage FIV and clinical problems related to the infection.