Feline immunodeficiency virus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 01:24, 25 February 2025

PDB 4fiv EBI

File:FIV genome 2013.jpg

FIV genome 2013

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a lentivirus that affects cats worldwide. It is in the same family as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and causes a disease in cats similar to AIDS in humans. FIV compromises the immune system, making the infected cat more susceptible to various infections and diseases.

Transmission[edit]

FIV is primarily transmitted through bite wounds, as the virus is present in the saliva of infected cats. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her kittens during birth or through breastfeeding. However, casual contact such as grooming or sharing food bowls is unlikely to spread the virus.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of FIV can vary widely and may not appear until years after the initial infection. Common symptoms include:

Diagnosis[edit]

FIV is diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies to the virus. The most common tests are the ELISA and Western blot tests. It is important to confirm a positive result with a second test, as false positives can occur.

Treatment[edit]

There is no cure for FIV, but infected cats can live long, healthy lives with proper care. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections. This may include:

Prevention[edit]

Preventing FIV involves minimizing exposure to infected cats. Keeping cats indoors and away from potential fights with other cats can reduce the risk of transmission. There is a vaccine available, but its efficacy is debated, and it may interfere with future FIV testing.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

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-[[file:PDB_4fiv_EBI.jpg|thumb|PDB 4fiv EBI]] [[file:FIV_genome_2013.jpg|thumb|FIV genome 2013|left]] [[file:Phylogenetic-tree-of-72-nonidentical-FIV-from-7-carnivore-species-based-on-a-region-of.png|thumb|Phylogenetic-tree-of-72-nonidentical-FIV-from-7-carnivore-species-based-on-a-region-of]] '''Feline immunodeficiency virus''' ('''FIV''') is a [[lentivirus]] that affects [[cats]] worldwide. It is one of the most significant infectious diseases in domestic cats, causing a condition similar to [[human immunodeficiency virus]] (HIV) in humans. FIV compromises the [[immune system]], making cats more susceptible to various secondary infections and diseases.
+{{Infobox virus
+| name = Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
+| image = <!-- Image removed -->
+| image_caption = <!-- Image removed -->
+| virus_group = [[Group VI (ssRNA-RT)]], [[Retroviridae]]
+| genus = [[Lentivirus]]
+| species = '''Feline immunodeficiency virus'''
+}}
+[[File:PDB_4fiv_EBI.jpg|PDB 4fiv EBI|thumb]]
+[[File:FIV_genome_2013.jpg|FIV genome 2013|thumb]]
+'''Feline immunodeficiency virus''' ('''FIV''') is a [[lentivirus]] that affects [[cats]] worldwide. It is in the same family as the [[human immunodeficiency virus]] (HIV) and causes a disease in cats similar to [[AIDS]] in humans. FIV compromises the [[immune system]], making the infected cat more susceptible to various [[infections]] and [[diseases]].
-== Virology ==
+== Transmission ==
-FIV is a member of the [[Retroviridae]] family and the [[Lentivirus]] genus. The virus is primarily transmitted through [[bite wounds]], as it is present in the saliva of infected cats. The virus targets the [[immune system]], specifically the [[T lymphocytes]], leading to a gradual decline in immune function.
+FIV is primarily transmitted through [[bite wounds]], as the virus is present in the [[saliva]] of infected cats. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her kittens during [[birth]] or through [[breastfeeding]]. However, casual contact such as grooming or sharing food bowls is unlikely to spread the virus.
-== Stages of Infection ==
-FIV infection in cats progresses through several stages:
-* '''Acute Stage''': This initial stage occurs within weeks of infection and may present with mild symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and lymphadenopathy.
-* '''Asymptomatic Stage''': During this prolonged phase, infected cats may not show any clinical signs but can still transmit the virus to other cats.
-* '''Chronic Stage''': In this stage, the immune system is significantly weakened, leading to secondary infections, weight loss, and other health issues.
 == Symptoms ==
-Symptoms of FIV can vary widely but often include:
+The symptoms of FIV can vary widely and may not appear until years after the initial infection. Common symptoms include:
+* [[Fever]]
-* Recurrent infections
+* [[Lethargy]]
-* Weight loss
+* [[Weight loss]]
-* Poor coat condition
+* [[Gingivitis]] and [[stomatitis]]
-* Persistent fever
+* [[Chronic infections]]
-* Inflammation of the gums and mouth ([[gingivitis]] and [[stomatitis]])
+* [[Neurological disorders]]
-* Chronic diarrhea
-* Neurological disorders
 == Diagnosis ==
-FIV is typically diagnosed through blood tests that detect the presence of [[antibodies]] against the virus. Common diagnostic tests include the [[ELISA]] (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and the [[Western blot]] test.
+FIV is diagnosed through [[blood tests]] that detect the presence of [[antibodies]] to the virus. The most common tests are the [[ELISA]] and [[Western blot]] tests. It is important to confirm a positive result with a second test, as false positives can occur.
-== Treatment and Management ==
+== Treatment ==
-There is no cure for FIV, but supportive care can help manage symptoms and secondary infections. Treatment may include:
+There is no cure for FIV, but infected cats can live long, healthy lives with proper care. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing secondary infections. This may include:
+* Regular [[veterinary check-ups]]
-* Antiviral medications
+* [[Antibiotics]] for bacterial infections
-* Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections
+* [[Antiviral drugs]]
-* Immune system support
+* [[Nutritional support]]
-* Regular veterinary check-ups
 == Prevention ==
-Preventive measures include:
+Preventing FIV involves minimizing exposure to infected cats. Keeping cats indoors and away from potential fights with other cats can reduce the risk of transmission. There is a [[vaccine]] available, but its efficacy is debated, and it may interfere with future FIV testing.
-* Keeping cats indoors to reduce the risk of exposure to infected cats
-* Neutering male cats to reduce aggressive behavior and fighting
-* Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations
-== Related Pages ==
+== See also ==
-* [[Cat health]]
 * [[Feline leukemia virus]]
 * [[Retrovirus]]
-* [[Lentivirus]]
+* [[Zoonosis]]
-* [[Human immunodeficiency virus]]
-== See Also ==
+== References ==
-* [[Cat]]
+{{Reflist}}
-* [[Virus]]
-* [[Immune system]]
-[[Category:Cat diseases]]
+== External links ==
-[[Category:Viral diseases]]
+* [https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/cats.html CDC - Healthy Pets, Healthy People]
-[[Category:Immunology]]
+* [https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/feline-immunodeficiency-virus-fiv American Veterinary Medical Association]
-[[Category:Veterinary medicine]]
-{{Viral diseases}}
+[[Category:Feline diseases]]
-{{Cat diseases}}
+[[Category:Animal virology]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
+[[Category:Retroviruses]]
+[[Category:Cat health]]