Vesivirus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:00, 15 February 2025

A virus affecting cats

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a virus that is a member of the Caliciviridae family, specifically within the Vesivirus genus. It is a significant pathogen in cats, causing a range of clinical symptoms from mild respiratory infections to more severe systemic diseases.

Virology[edit]

Feline calicivirus is a small, non-enveloped virus with a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome. The virus is highly variable, with numerous strains that can differ significantly in their virulence and clinical manifestations. The genome of FCV encodes a single polyprotein that is cleaved into several functional proteins, including the capsid protein that forms the virus's protective shell.

Transmission[edit]

FCV is primarily transmitted between cats through direct contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions, or ocular discharges. It can also be spread indirectly through contaminated objects such as food bowls, bedding, or human hands. The virus is stable in the environment, which facilitates its spread in multi-cat environments such as shelters and catteries.

Clinical Signs[edit]

The clinical signs of FCV infection can vary widely depending on the strain of the virus and the immune status of the host. Common symptoms include:

In some cases, FCV can cause a more severe systemic disease known as virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV), which can lead to multi-organ failure and death.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of FCV infection is typically based on clinical signs and history. Laboratory tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virus isolation can confirm the presence of the virus. Serological tests can also be used to detect antibodies against FCV, although these do not distinguish between current and past infections.

Prevention and Control[edit]

Vaccination is the primary method of preventing FCV infection. The feline calicivirus vaccine is often included in the core feline vaccination schedule. Good hygiene practices and isolation of infected cats can help control the spread of the virus in multi-cat environments.

Treatment[edit]

There is no specific antiviral treatment for FCV. Supportive care, including fluid therapy, nutritional support, and management of secondary bacterial infections, is the mainstay of treatment. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Vesivirus
+{{Short description|A virus affecting cats}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Feline calicivirus
+| image = Feline_calicivirus.jpg
+| image_caption = Electron micrograph of Feline calicivirus
+| virus_group = iv
+| familia = Caliciviridae
+| genus = Vesivirus
+| species = Feline calicivirus
+}}
-Vesivirus is a genus of viruses in the family [[Caliciviridae]]. This genus includes viruses that infect a variety of hosts, including marine mammals, terrestrial mammals, and humans. Vesiviruses are non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. They are known for their ability to cause vesicular lesions in infected hosts, which can lead to significant economic impacts in agriculture and aquaculture.
+'''Feline calicivirus''' (FCV) is a [[virus]] that is a member of the [[Caliciviridae]] family, specifically within the [[Vesivirus]] genus. It is a significant pathogen in [[cats]], causing a range of clinical symptoms from mild respiratory infections to more severe systemic diseases.
-== Virology ==
+==Virology==
+Feline calicivirus is a small, non-enveloped virus with a single-stranded, positive-sense [[RNA]] genome. The virus is highly variable, with numerous strains that can differ significantly in their virulence and clinical manifestations. The [[genome]] of FCV encodes a single polyprotein that is cleaved into several functional proteins, including the capsid protein that forms the virus's protective shell.
-Vesiviruses are small, icosahedral viruses with a diameter of approximately 35-40 nm. The viral genome is a single-stranded RNA molecule of about 7.4 to 8.3 kilobases in length. The genome is organized into three open reading frames (ORFs):
+==Transmission==
+FCV is primarily transmitted between cats through direct contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions, or ocular discharges. It can also be spread indirectly through contaminated objects such as food bowls, bedding, or human hands. The virus is stable in the environment, which facilitates its spread in multi-cat environments such as shelters and catteries.
-* '''ORF1''' encodes a polyprotein that is processed into non-structural proteins, including the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp).
+==Clinical Signs==
-* '''ORF2''' encodes the major capsid protein, VP1, which is responsible for the antigenic properties of the virus.
+The clinical signs of FCV infection can vary widely depending on the strain of the virus and the immune status of the host. Common symptoms include:
-* '''ORF3''' encodes a small protein, VP2, which is thought to play a role in the assembly and stability of the virus particle.
+* [[Upper respiratory tract infection]]
+* [[Conjunctivitis]]
+* [[Stomatitis]]
+* [[Oral ulceration]]
+* [[Fever]]
+* [[Lethargy]]
-The replication cycle of vesiviruses occurs in the cytoplasm of the host cell. The virus attaches to the host cell surface receptors, enters the cell, and releases its RNA genome. The viral RNA is translated into a polyprotein, which is cleaved into functional proteins by viral proteases. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase synthesizes a complementary negative-sense RNA strand, which serves as a template for the production of new positive-sense RNA genomes. These genomes are packaged into new virions, which are released from the host cell to infect new cells.
+In some cases, FCV can cause a more severe systemic disease known as virulent systemic feline calicivirus (VS-FCV), which can lead to [[multi-organ failure]] and [[death]].
-== Pathogenesis ==
+==Diagnosis==
+Diagnosis of FCV infection is typically based on clinical signs and history. Laboratory tests such as [[polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) and virus isolation can confirm the presence of the virus. Serological tests can also be used to detect antibodies against FCV, although these do not distinguish between current and past infections.
-Vesiviruses are known to cause a range of diseases in different hosts. In marine mammals, such as seals and sea lions, vesiviruses can cause vesicular lesions, respiratory disease, and reproductive failure. In terrestrial mammals, such as pigs, vesiviruses can cause vesicular exanthema, a disease characterized by fever, lameness, and vesicular lesions on the snout, oral cavity, and feet.
+==Prevention and Control==
+Vaccination is the primary method of preventing FCV infection. The [[feline calicivirus vaccine]] is often included in the core [[feline vaccination]] schedule. Good hygiene practices and isolation of infected cats can help control the spread of the virus in multi-cat environments.
-In humans, vesiviruses have been associated with gastroenteritis and other mild illnesses. However, human infections are relatively rare and are not considered a major public health concern.
+==Treatment==
+There is no specific antiviral treatment for FCV. Supportive care, including fluid therapy, nutritional support, and management of secondary bacterial infections, is the mainstay of treatment. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
-== Epidemiology ==
+==Related pages==
+* [[Feline viral rhinotracheitis]]
-Vesiviruses have a wide host range and are capable of crossing species barriers. They are transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated food or water, and possibly through aerosolized particles. The ability of vesiviruses to infect multiple species makes them a concern for both animal and human health.
+* [[Feline panleukopenia]]
+* [[Feline immunodeficiency virus]]
-== Diagnosis ==
+* [[Feline leukemia virus]]
-Diagnosis of vesivirus infections can be achieved through a combination of clinical signs, serological tests, and molecular techniques. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is commonly used to detect viral RNA in clinical samples. Serological assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), can be used to detect antibodies against vesiviruses in serum samples.
-== Prevention and Control ==
-Preventing vesivirus infections involves biosecurity measures to limit the spread of the virus among animals and from animals to humans. This includes quarantine of infected animals, proper sanitation and disinfection practices, and monitoring of animal populations for signs of disease. Vaccines are not widely available for vesiviruses, so control measures focus on preventing exposure and transmission.
-== Also see ==
-* [[Caliciviridae]]
-* [[Vesicular exanthema of swine]]
-* [[Marine mammal diseases]]
-* [[RNA virus]]
-{{Virus-stub}}
+[[Category:Cat diseases]]
+[[Category:Viral diseases]]
 [[Category:Caliciviridae]]
-[[Category:Animal virology]]
-[[Category:Marine mammal diseases]]