Feline leukemia virus infection Flashcards
What type of virus if feline leukemia virus?
it’s a retrovirus
- viral RNA is reverse transcribed into DNA in infected cells
- provirus is randomly inserted in host genome
- insertion close to myc can induce neoplasia
How is FeLV transmitted?
mucosal or cutaneous inoculation
- grooming
- sharing water dish
- bites
- intrauterine, milk
How is progressive infection, regressive infection, and abortive infection differentiated based on lab tests?
Progressive: antigen +; pro viral DNA +
Regressive: antigen -; pro viral DNA +
Abortive: antigen -; pro viral DNA -; antibody +
Antigen = p27 (gag protein), abundant in plasma of infected cats
Define progressive FeLV infection.
- extensive viral replication that occurs in the lymphoid tissues
- can also happen in the bone marrow
- decreased life expectancy (~3y)
- continuously shed virus
Define regressive FeLV infection.
- effective immune system
- limits viral replication
- can convert to progressive state
Define abortive FeLV infection.
antibody positive, but otherwise no signs of infection
- likely will have life-long protection
What are the clinical signs of FeLV?
they are clinically healthy, but more prone to diseases, especially immune-mediated or cancer
- bone marrow disorders (anemia)
- cancer (LSA)
- immunosuppression leading to secondary infection
- weight loss, fever, dehydration, rhinitis, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, oral inflammation, lymphadenopathy, abscess
What bone marrow disorders can be seen with FeLV?
- red cell aplasia
- neutropenia
- thrombocytopenia
What’s the risk of LSA in cats with FeLV?
- 25% will have LSA in 2y
- progressive LSA: 60x increased risk
- inserts viral genome near a cellular oncogene (myc)
- regressive LSA: 40x increased risk
What’s FeLV “panleukopenia-like syndrome”?
mimics parvo
- low white cell counts, crypt necrosis, high mortality
How is FeLV diagnosed?
FeLV antigen and provirus
- FeLV antigen has a high negative predictive value (high sensitivity, low prevalence)
- PCR for provirus detection. not for routine screening – will always be positive if antigen +
How is FeLV prevented?
vaccines
