Infectiology

Question 1

A cat with chronic diarrhea tests positive for FIV by both ELISA and Western blot. These results indicate that the cat has:

a. detectable FIV antibodies and is persistently infected with FIV

b. active FIV infection and FIV related illness

c. been previously exposed to FIV and may or may not be infected at this time

Answer 1

a. Detectable FIV antibodies and is persistently infected with FIV

Western blot is a reference method to detect and quantify antibodies

The positive result only indicate that the cat is contaminated by FIV
- the presence of detectable antibodies means that the infection is neither recent (< 3weeks) nor in an end-stage

A cat that tests positive should be first managed as if he was negative
- although FIV related enteritis have been described

Question 2

What are the possible outcomes of FeLV infection?

Answer 2

Outcomes of FeLV infection have been redefined and are now classified as abortive infection, regressive infection and progressive infection.

Reference: 2020 AAFP Feline Retrovirus Testing and Management Guidelines