Search

This study was performed to investigate serum homocysteine and nitric oxide levels in cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis and present some biochemical and pathological alterations related to the disease. The animal material of this study consisted of thirty Turkish Van Cats of different ages and genders that were definitely diagnosed with the disease by post-mortem examinations and immunohistochemistry. The control group consisted of 6 healthy Turkish Van Cats of different ages and genders that were brought for routine clinical examination. Cats in the study group had clinical findings such as loss of appetite, weight loss, high fever, fever not reduced despite antibiotics, jaundice, dehydration, vomiting, respiratory system symptoms, anemia, nervous findings, uveitis, and ascites. These cats were monitored and following the death, post-mortem examinations were performed and cases with a definitive diagnosis were included in the study. Among the cats consisting study group, while 25 had the dry form of the disease, 5 had wet form. According to the hematological results, there was a statistically significant reduction in platelet counts. The biochemical results showed statistically significant alterations that creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase myocardial band, homocysteine, and nitric oxide concentrations were higher than the control group. Besides albumin concentrations were lower and the albumin/globulin ratio was 0.53. As a result; this is the first detailed study in Turkish Van Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis that evaluated clinical, hematological, biochemical, and pathological findings. Furthermore, serum homocysteine and nitric oxide levels were evaluated for the first time in cats with vasculitis which is the most important complication of the disease. It is concluded that the evaluation of serum homocysteine and nitric oxide concentrations in Feline Infectious Peritonitis may assist the antemortem diagnosis of the disease.

Historically, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) has been considered almost invariably fatal. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has fuelled research in coronavirus pathophysiology and treatment. An unintended consequence is that we now have an effective treatment accessible for FIP. This paper reports on the successful resolution of immunohistochemistry-confirmed effusive FIP in an adolescent cat in South Africa following monotherapy with remdesivir at 4.9-5.6 mg/kg daily for 80 days.

Clinical importance: Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most important infectious diseases and causes of death in cats; young cats less than 2 years of age are especially vulnerable. FIP is caused by a feline coronavirus (FCoV). It has been estimated that around 0.3% to 1.4% of feline deaths at veterinary institutions are caused by FIP. Scope: This document has been developed by a Task Force of experts in feline clinical medicine as the 2022 AAFP/EveryCat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Diagnosis Guidelines to provide veterinarians with essential information to aid their ability to recognize cats presenting with FIP. Testing and interpretation: Nearly every small animal veterinary practitioner will see cases. FIP can be challenging to diagnose owing to the lack of pathognomonic clinical signs or laboratory changes, especially when no effusion is present. A good understanding of each diagnostic test’s sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, likelihood ratio and diagnostic accuracy is important when building a case for FIP. Before proceeding with any diagnostic test or commercial laboratory profile, the clinician should be able to answer the questions of ‘why this test?’ and ‘what do the results mean?’ Ultimately, the approach to diagnosing FIP must be tailored to the specific presentation of the individual cat. Relevance: Given that the disease is fatal when untreated, the ability to obtain a correct diagnosis is critical. The clinician must consider the individual patient’s history, signalment and comprehensive physical examination findings when selecting diagnostic tests and sample types in order to build the index of suspicion ‘brick by brick’. Research has demonstrated efficacy of new antivirals in FIP treatment, but these products are not legally available in many countries at this time. The Task Force encourages veterinarians to review the literature and stay informed on clinical trials and new drug approvals.

Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV: virulent feline coronavirus) causes a fatal disease called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in wild and domestic cat species. Recent studies identified several antiviral drugs that are effective against FIPV. Drug combination is one of the important strategies in the development of novel treatments for viral infections. GS-441524, a nucleoside analog, and itraconazole, a triazole antifungal drug, have been reported that have antiviral effect against FIPV. This study aims to investigate whether the combination of GS-441524 and itraconazole has synergic antiviral effect against FIPV. The antiviral effect was measured by plaque reduction assay using felis catus whole fatus-4 cell. The plaque reduction of GS-441524 against type I FIPVs increased as the concentration of itraconazole increased. The similar result was obtained for type II FIPV. In addition, the calculated combination index (CI) demonstrated that there was a strong synergy between GS-441524 and itraconazole. It is concluded that the combination of GS-441524 and itraconazole may enhance the individual effect of each drug against replication of type I FIPVs and may contribute to development more effective treatment strategy for FIP.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the deadliest diseases of cats in China. In this study, 120 ascitic fluid samples from FIP-suspected cats were collected from veterinary hospitals in 21 provinces in China between 2019 and 2021. One hundred nine samples were positive for feline coronavirus (FCoV), with no feline immunodeficiency virus infections and one feline leukemia virus infection (1/109, 0.92%). The prevalence of FCoV was significantly associated with age (p < 0.01) and was not highly associated with gender, breed, geographical location, or viral coinfection (p > 0.01). One unique strain, SD/202012/003, contained a six-nucleotide deletion in the spike gene. Sequence analysis showed that 94.68% (89/94) of the isolates had a mutation of methionine to leucine at position 1058 in the spike protein. The epidemiological data obtained of FCoV in this study may be beneficial for clinical monitoring of FCoV in China. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00705-021-05291-9.

After an incubation period of weeks to months, up to 14% of cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV) develop feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): a potentially lethal pyogranulomatous perivasculitis. The aim of this study was to find out if stopping FCoV faecal shedding with antivirals prevents FIP. Guardians of cats from which FCoV had been eliminated at least 6 months earlier were contacted to find out the outcome of their cats; 27 households were identified containing 147 cats. Thirteen cats were treated for FIP, 109 cats shed FCoV and 25 did not; a 4–7-day course of oral GS-441524 antiviral stopped faecal FCoV shedding. Follow-up was from 6 months to 3.5 years; 11 of 147 cats died, but none developed FIP. A previous field study of 820 FCoV-exposed cats was used as a retrospective control group; 37 of 820 cats developed FIP. The difference was statistically highly significant (p = 0.0062). Cats from eight households recovered from chronic FCoV enteropathy. Conclusions: the early treatment of FCoV-infected cats with oral antivirals prevented FIP. Nevertheless, should FCoV be re-introduced into a household, then FIP can result. Further work is required to establish the role of FCoV in the aetiology of feline inflammatory bowel disease.

Unlike infectious peritonitis, non-infectious eosinophilic peritonitis (EP) in uremic patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) still goes unrecognized, leading to inappropriate management. We report a 56-year-old male with uremia on CAPD exhibiting peritonitis with abdominal pain, fever, and turbid dialysate containing increasing WBCs with neutrophils predominant and growing Enterococcus faecalis. Intraperitoneal vancomycin 100 mg administration in each peritoneal dialysis (PD) bag exchange improved clinical and laboratory features initially. However, recurrent turbid dialysate with prominent eosinophils (25%) but negative culture appeared on the 5th day. Despite continuous intraperitoneal vancomycin, persistent turbid dialysate with prominent eosinophils (77%) was notable with peripheral eosinophilia (28%). With the cessation of intraperitoneal vancomycin and the use of oral steroid therapy, EP and eosinophilia completely resolved. Antibiotics (vancomycin)-induced eosinophilic peritonitis should be kept in mind as a cause of recurrent turbid dialysate with higher percentage of eosinophils and negative cultures to avoid unnecessary examination and complication.

Les coronavirus sont des virus à ARN classés en Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus, Gammacoronavirus et Deltacoronavirus. Leur nom vient de leur conformation avec la présence de spicules formant une sorte de couronne. Les Alphacoronavirus et les Betacoronavirus (genre où l’on observe des zoonoses) semblent provenir des chauves-souris alors que les oiseaux seraient à l’origine des Gammacoronavirus et des Deltacoronavirus. Le premier coronavirus identifié fut celui de la bronchite infectieuse aviaire en 1931 aux États-Unis alors que les premiers coronavirus n’ont été décrits chez l’Homme que dans les années 1960. C’est pourquoi on connaissait surtout des coronavirus dans la communauté vétérinaire. La plupart des Alphacoronavirus sont spécifiques d’espèce. Ils peuvent être responsables de maladies graves notamment chez le chat (une forme entérique–FECV- et une forme responsable de la péritonite infectieuse féline–FIPV), la gastroentérite transmissible (GET) du porcelet et la diarrhée épidémique porcine (DEP), la coronavirose respiratoire porcin (PRCV). Enfin, un deltacoronavirus peut être rencontré à la fois chez le porc (PD CoV UKU15) et les oiseaux.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal systemic disease of felids caused by a Coronavirus (CoV) (FIPV). In spite of its clinical relevance and impact on feline health, currently the therapeutic possibilities for treatment of FIP in cats are limited. The emergence of the pandemic Severe Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV) type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), etiological agent of the 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), able to infect a broad spectrum of animal species including cats, triggered the interest for the development of novel molecules with antiviral activity for treatment of CoV infections in humans and animals. Essential oils (EOs) have raised significant attention for their antiviral properties integrating and, in some cases, replacing conventional drugs. Thymus vulgaris EO (TEO) has been previously shown to be effective against several RNA viruses including CoVs. In the present study the antiviral efficacy of TEO against FIPV was evaluated in vitro. TEO at 27 μg/ml was able to inhibit virus replication with a significant reduction of 2 log10 TCID50/50 μl. Moreover, virucidal activity was tested using TEO at 27 and 270 μg/ml, over the cytotoxic threshold, determining a reduction of viral titre as high as 3.25 log10 TCID50/50 μl up to 1 h of time contact. These results open several perspectives in terms of future applications and therapeutic possibilities for coronaviruses considering that FIPV infection in cats could be a potential model for the study of antivirals against CoVs.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the most common causes of endogenous feline uveitis in a UK referral population and to investigate associations based on signalment. METHODS Retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study from 2010 to 2019 including cats presented to the Animal Health Trust and the Royal Veterinary College with clinical signs consistent with uveitis. Cats were included in analyzes if they had a full physical examination including an ophthalmic examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and infectious disease testing for at least two diseases unless the diagnosis was found on clinical examination (eg, neoplasia). RESULTS A total of 92 cats were included in the study. The majority of cats presenting with uveitis were male (66.3%). The most common causes of endogenous uveitis were idiopathic uveitis (42/92 45.7%), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) 15/92 16.3%), and lymphoma (10/92 10.9%). Fisher's exact test showed differences in breed across diagnosis groups (p = .002) with purebred cats being overrepresented in the lymphoma and FIP groups. Kruskal-Wallis test showed differences in median age across diagnosis groups (p

Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by macrophage-driven myocardial remodeling processes in a pro-inflammatory environment. To further investigate the mechanisms behind these processes, the myocardial transcription of cytokines and remodeling enzymes was comparatively assessed in cats with HCM and cats without cardiac diseases. Sixty-seven cats were included, 17 cats with HCM (including 5 with atrial thrombus; AT), and 50 cats without cardiac diseases. The latter comprised 10 control cats (no cardiac or relevant systemic disease), 34 cats with diseases suspected to be associated with a systemic inflammatory state of which 18 suffered from feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), and 6 cats with multicentric lymphoma. Samples from atria, ventricular free walls and interventricular septum were examined using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. The overall highest myocardial marker transcriptions were observed in cats with multicentric lymphoma, FIP and HCM, followed by diseases likely associated with a systemic inflammatory state, and control cats. Inflammatory marker transcription predominated in the myocardium of cats with systemic inflammatory diseases, whereas in HCM the transcription of remodeling enzymes prevailed. Sex significantly influenced the myocardial transcription of several remodeling enzymes. These results suggest a versatile myocardial response depending on the disease and illustrates the relevance of sex for the cardiac response to cardiac and systemic disease in cats. A systemic inflammatory state appears to elicit an inflammatory phenotype in the myocardium, whereas in HCM, the myocardium mediates its own remodeling. In HCM, the identified markers might be involved in the ongoing remodeling processes causing structural and functional changes.

La présence d’un biofilm dans le cathéter de dialyse péritonéale où les bactéries sont encapsulées, inaccessibles au traitement antibiotique, et relarguées régulièrement, à bas bruit, dans le dialysat, explique le mieux le caractère récidivant d’une péritonite infectieuse à l’arrêt de l’antibiothérapie, chez des patients en dialyse péritonéale. Nous rapportons ici quatre cas cliniques où l’injection d’urokinase dans le cathéter de dialyse péritonéale, en complément du traitement antibiotique, a permis d’éradiquer une péritonite récidivante à Staphylocoque epidermidis dans deux cas, à Acinetobacter johnsonii dans un cas et à Staphylocoque haemolyticus dans un cas. Ce traitement adjuvant, dénué d’effets secondaires, a permis la guérison de l’épisode infectieux, d’éviter l’ablation du cathéter de dialyse péritonéale et le transfert en hémodialyse, chez ces patients en dialyse péritonéale présentant une péritonite récidivante. [Peritoneal dialysis catheter sterilization by urokinase administration in case of relapsing peritonitis: About four observations] The presence of a biofilm within the peritoneal dialysis catheter where bacteria are encapsulated, protected from the action of antibiotics and insidiously liberated within the dialysate, best explains the relapse of the infectious peritonitis, when antibiotics are withdrawn. We here report a serie of four clinical cases in whom the administration of urokinase within the peritoneal catheter in addition to the current antibiotherapy, has cured relapsing peritonitis due to Staphylococcus epidermidis in two cases, Acinetobacterjohnsonii in one case and Staphylococcus haemolyticus in one case, respectively. This approach, safe and easy, allowed the infection eradication and did prevent a catheter removal and a potential transfer of the patients to hemodialysis.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) exists as two different genotypes, FCoV type I and II, each including two biotypes, feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) and feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), the latter being a virulent variant originating from the former virus. Recently, two amino acid substitutions, M1058L and S1060A, within the spike protein have been associated to the FECV/FIPV virulence change. In this study, we have analysed the frequency of detection of such mutations in FIPV and FECV strains circulating in Italian cats and obtained information about their evolutionary relationships with reference isolates. A total of 40 FCoV strains, including 19 strains from effusions or tissue samples of FIP cats and 21 strains from faecal samples of non-FIP cats, were analysed. Mutation M1058L was detected in 16/18 FCoV-I and 1/1 FCoV-II strains associated with FIP, while change S1060A was presented by two FIPV strains. By phylogenetic analysis, FCoV sequences clustered according to the genotype but not according to the biotype, with FECV/FIPV strains recovered from the same animal being closely related. Further studies are needed to better define the genetic signatures associated with the FECV/FIPV virulence shift.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is an important virus that can be differentiated into two serotypes: feline enteric coronavirus (FECoV) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus (FIPV). Researchers have suggested that a mutation of FECoV to FIPV leads to the emergence of FIP, a disease with worldwide distribution and a high mortality rate. Furthermore, in December 2019, a human infectious disease, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), which is also caused by a coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]) emerged, and clarity regarding its relationship with FCoV remains lacking. Studies have shown that cats are susceptible to infection with this novel coronavirus (i.e., SARS-CoV-2). The aim of the present study was to detect and semi-quantify the presence of feline antibodies to FIPV in cats examined at the Veterinary Hospital of Santa Cruz State University, microregion of Ilhéus and Itabuna, Bahia, Brazil, between January and April 2018. Blood samples were collected from 68 domestic cats to perform complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical tests, and an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used to detect FCoV infection. Of the 68 samples evaluated, seropositivity was observed in 4.4% (3/68) at titers of 1:20; only one sample remained seropositive at titers of 1:40 and 1:80. Two positive animals exhibited CBC and biochemical values within the normal range, while the other positive animals exhibited a mild decrease in platelet count (173,000 uL-1), mild lymphocytosis (7395 uL-1), and mildly increased alkaline phosphatase level (134 uL-1). Twelve months after the tests, none of the positive animals exhibited clinical signs consistent with FIP. Although the IFAT can facilitate diagnosis of FPIV, it cannot be used to differentiate antibodies for the FECoV and FIPV serotypes. Results of the present study demonstrated that FCoV was present in the population studied, and is an important risk factor for the development of FIP. In addition, the new COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of studies investigating FCoV because it was not possible to rule out, until now, the possibility of FCoV mutations in infected cats if it encounters SARS-CoV-2.

Coronaviruses infected different species of animals, such as feline, canine, swine and bovine. In veterinary medicine, a significant fatal coronavirus disease in Felidae is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP). The Internet provided many websites about small animals that present educational content for disease prevention, pets welfare, etc. Upper than 90% of internet users chooses Google as a search engine. In 2008, Google Company launched Google Insights for search that displaying search trends data. Finally, this company merged Google Insights for Search into Google Trends (GT).We conducted a Google Trends analysis to evaluate search interest in FIP and feline coronavirus in the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, we search two topics, "Feline infectious peritonitis" and "Feline coronavirus” in GT, for collecting data. The duration of study was selected in two periods: January-November 2020, the COVID-19 period and the same period in 2019 for comparison. Comparison of the RSV means between these two periods was performed using two independent samples t-test with assuming unequal variances and two-sided p-value

Infection with feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a major problem in multiple-cat households, where many cats are kept together in a small space such as catteries and shelters. Sixty cats from 19 breeding catteries included in the study were evaluated for their shedding persistency and intensity patterns using qPCR identification of FCoV in feces. Cats were identified based on shedding persistency as non-shedders (NS) if all four samples negative, intermittent shedders (IS) when at least one positive and one negative sampling followed by another positive sampling, persistent shedders (PS) if all four samples positive and shedders with unclear status (US) if the shedding patterns could not be determined based on only 4 samples. There were 11 NS (18%), 15 IS (25%) and 15 PS (25%) and in 19/60 cats (32%), the shedding patterns could not be determined based only on four samplings. The intensity of shedding was evaluated based on the total number of FCoV particles shed during the 12 months of the study. There were 11 non-shedders (18%), 2 very low intensity shedders (3%), 9 low intensity shedders (15%), 25 medium intensity shedders (42%) and 13 high intensity shedders (22%). Intermittent shedders were shedding significantly lower FCoV particles compared to the persistent shedders (p = 0.0082). Permanent shedders represent the most important source of FCoV infection in multi-cat households and identifying permanent shedders in is the key to minimize the viral load in the environment to control FCoV in a shelters and breeding catteries.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a worldwide fatal disease caused by a mutant feline coronavirus (FCoV). Simple and efficient molecular detection methods are needed. Here, sensitive, specific, rapid, and reliable colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) was developed to detect the ORF1a/1b gene of FCoV from cats with suspected FIP using neutral red as an indicator. Novel LAMP primers were specifically designed based on the gene of interest. The isothermal assay could visually detect FCoV at 58 °C for 50 min. The RT-LAMP assay was highly specific and had no cross-reactivity with other related feline viruses. The detection limit of FCoV detection by RT-LAMP was 20 fg/µL. A blind clinical test (n = 81) of the developed RT-LAMP procedure was in good agreement with the conventional PCR method. In the light of its performance specificity, sensitivity, and easy visualization, this neutral-red-based RT-LAMP approach would be a fruitful alternative molecular diagnostic tool for veterinary inspection of FCoV when combined with nucleotide sequencing or specific PCR to affirm the highly virulent FIP-associated FCoV.

Feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) infect cats worldwide and cause severe systemic diseases, such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). FIP has a high mortality rate, and drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration have been ineffective for the treatment of FIP. Investigating host factors and the functions required for FCoV replication is necessary to develop effective drugs for the treatment of FIP. FCoV utilizes an endosomal trafficking system for cellular entry after binding between the viral spike (S) protein and its receptor. The cellular enzymes that cleave the S protein of FCoV to release the viral genome into the cytosol require an acidic pH optimized in the endosomes by regulating cellular ion concentrations. Ionophore antibiotics are compounds that form complexes with alkali ions to alter the endosomal pH conditions. This study shows that ionophore antibiotics, including valinomycin, salinomycin, and nigericin, inhibit FCoV proliferation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that ionophore antibiotics should be investigated further as potential broad-spectrum anti-FCoV agents.

The main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important therapeutic target as it plays a major role in the processing and maturation of the viral polyprotein. GC376 is a pre-clinical dipeptide-based protease inhibitor that has been previously used for managing feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). Since both GC373 and GC376 have already been successfully used in treating animal coronavirus infection, they can be considered as strong drug candidates for COVID-19 in humans. GC376 is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug that inhibits Mpro of several viruses, including the coronaviruses like feline coronavirus, porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, ferret, and mink coronavirus. However, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the potency, efficacy, and safety of these broad-spectrum Mpro inhibitors in patients with COVID-19. The lessons learned from the successful use of drug candidates for treating animal coronavirus infections will help us to develop framework for their use in human trials.

A 6-year-old, vaccinated, male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented due to polyphagia and hypersexuality manifested since he had been adopted one year prior. Clinical and neurological examination was unremarkable, including absence of scrotal testicles and penile spines, indicative of testosterone absence. Differential diagnoses included inadequate neutering and residual testicular tissue, cryptorchidism, adrenal hyperplasia/neoplasia (sex steroid–producing), urinary bladder neoplasia, infectious myelopathy/neuropathy (e.g., feline infectious peritonitis [FIP]), temporal lobe epilepsy, or primary behavioral disorder. Hematology, biochemistry, and thyroid profile were almost unremarkable. Serology for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline Leukemia Virus, and Feline Coronavirus was negative. Serum pre- and post-human chorionic gonadotropin hormone stimulation Serum pre- and post-human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) stimulation testosterone ruled out cryptorchidism. Abdominal ultrasound revealed mildly enlarged colonic lymph nodes, the cytology of which revealed mild reactive hyperplasia. Urinalysis and culture were positive to Enterococcus spp. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid analysis was unremarkable. polymerase chain reaction in the cerebrospinal fluid for Toxoplasma gondii, FPV, FCoV, and bornavirus was negative. Attempts to treat hypersexuality as a behavioral disorder, urinary tract infection (amoxicillin clavulanic acid), pain (meloxicam and diazepam), and anxiety (diazepam) were unsuccessful. Thus, phenobarbital was prescribed in a low dose (1 mg/kg PO q 12h) which eliminated the episodes of polyphagia and hypersexuality without sedating the cat. Phenobarbital withdrawal resulted in hypersexuality re-establishment. Two years later, the cat remained episode-free on phenobarbital. Hypersexuality in male cats is characterized mainly by biting the nape, mounting, pelvic thrusting, penile erection, coital intermission, ejaculation, and/or masturbation. Temporal limbic structures play a significant role in the regulation of sexual arousal independently of testosterone. Hypersexuality has been associated with temporal lobe epilepsy in cats experimentally, while along with other clinical signs such as polyphagia, it is an established condition in humans called Kluver-Bucy syndrome. This is the first report to describe phenobarbital as a successful treatment of hypersexuality and polyphagia in a male neutered cat, raising a suspicion of feline Kluver-Bucy syndrome and temporal lobe epilepsy origin of these signs.

Feline coronavirus 176 seropositive cats were examined in 2014-2019. Seroepidemiological, serological, clinical, haematological and biochemical data were analysed with IBM-SPSS Statistics. Clinicopathological signs were typical with enteric form in 125 cats (71%) and FIPV in 51 cats (29%). Fever, depression, dullness, weight loss, vomitus, growth retardation, diarrhoea, ocular and neurological symptoms were findings. 40 cats (23%) were died, 17 had pleural effusion, 19 had ascites, and 16 Rivalta tests were positive. Post-mortem FIP confirmation was at 8 cats. Of the FCoV seropositive cats, 22 (12.5%) had FIV antibodies, 7 (3.9%) were positive for FLV antigens, 2 (1.1%) were positive for FCoV, FIV and FLV, and 2 (1.1%) were FmopV RNA positive. FCoV, canine enteric CoV, human CoV-229E and CoV-NL63 belong to Alphacoronavirus, and canine respiratory CoV, Human CoV-OC43, CoV-HKU1, SARS, MERS and COVID-19 belong to Betacoronavirus genus, originated from bat gene pool and is of animal origin cause zoonotic infections. Covid-19 pathogenesis is not fully understood and data‘s focused on case fatality rates. Covid-19 was reported as anthropozoonosis infecting cats, dogs, tigers and lions. The panthropism risk should be investigated. In particular, the clinicopathology and treatment modalities of feline coronavirus and COVID-19 infections are having similarities such as GS-441524 as the main metabolite of remdesivir prodrug and dexamethazone responses, and both can cause resident and persistent infections in many organs, including the eyes and brain, of varying severity. The obtained data have been evaluated in the 'One Health' approach to better understand the aetiology, pathogenesis and clinicopathology of coronavirus infections, and presenting valuable findings to help the control of COVID-19 epidemic. Veterinary medicine will help to multidisciplinary collaboration to develop effective vaccines and drugs with many years of coronavirus experiences.

[No Abstract]

Coronaviruses are large, enveloped and single-stranded, non-segmented with positive sense RNA virus belong to Nidovirus, family Coronavirirdae and included two subfamilies Orthocoronavirinae and Letovirinae. There are four genera variable in antigenestic characteristic and cross-reactivity (Alpha-coronavirus, Beta-coronavirus, Gamma-coronavirus and Delta-coronavirus) affect mammals and birds while Bafinivirus affect fish and cause different diseases in the vertebrate animals and human, so this review listed most important diseases in some animals which cause economic problems as in the avian cause infectious bronchitis(IB), in the bovine cause diseases in both bowl and respiratory system, Enteric form Disease in the equine, two forms of diseases have been occurred in the feline ( feline enteric coronavirus and feline infectious peritonitis), in canine cause enteric and respiratory syndrome while in the porcine the diseases occur as are Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV).Also, coronaviruses affect aquatic animals and cause general clinical signs in fish. Some of these pathogens transmitted from camel and bates and causes diseases for human as SARS, MERS and SARS-2.From these review the conclusion is the hygiene practices and biosecurity are more important to prevent the emerging diseases in both human and animals cause by a coronavirus.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a mysterious and lethal disease of cats. The causative agent, feline coronavirus (FCoV), is ubiquitous in most feline populations, yet the disease is sporadic in nature. Mutations in the infecting virus combined with an inappropriate immune response to the FCoV contribute to the development of FIP. Diagnosis can be challenging because signs may be vague, clinical pathology parameters are nonspecific, and the gold standard for diagnosis is invasive: histopathology of affected tissue. This article discusses the developments in the understanding of this disease as well as the progress in diagnosis and treatment.

Uveitis is common in cats, and is often a feature of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). We evaluated 3 tools for detection of feline coronavirus (FCoV) in aqueous humor: 1) a 7b gene reverse-transcription real-time PCR ( 7b-RT-rtPCR) assay to detect FCoV RNA, 2) a spike gene mutation RT-rtPCR ( S-RT-rtPCR) assay to detect 2 point mutations in the spike gene of FCoV in cats positive by 7b-RT-rtPCR, and 3) immunocytochemistry (ICC) for detection of FCoV antigen in aqueous humor macrophages. We studied 58 cats, including 31 cats with FIP and 27 control cats. FIP was excluded by postmortem examination and negative immunohistochemistry (IHC). Aqueous humor samples obtained postmortem were assessed using 7b-RT-rtPCR in all cats, and positive samples were evaluated with S-RT-rtPCR. ICC evaluation of aqueous humor samples from 36 of the 58 cats was done using an avidin–biotin complex method and monoclonal anti-FCoV IgG 2A. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were calculated including 95% CIs. 7b-RT-rtPCR had a specificity of 100.0% (95% CI: 87.2–100.0) and sensitivity of 35.5% (95% CI: 19.2–54.6). Specificity of S-RT-rtPCR could not be determined because there were no FCoV 7b-RT-rtPCR–positive samples in the control group. Sensitivity of S-RT-rtPCR was 12.9% (95% CI 3.6–29.8). Sensitivity and specificity of ICC were 62.5% (95% CI: 40.6–81.2) and 80.0% (95% CI: 44.4–97.5), respectively. The combination of 7b-RT-rtPCR and IHC could be useful in diagnosing FIP; S-RT-rtPCR did not add value; and ICC of aqueous humor samples cannot be recommended for the diagnosis of FIP.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement is commonly performed for the treatment of hydrocephalus, and several complications of this procedure are well known. Radiating shoulder tip pain after VP shunt placement has been reported as an unusual complication in a few cases, associated with dislocation of the peritoneal catheter. We described the case of a 9-year-old girl who presented with recurrent radiating shoulder tip pain after VP shunt placement. The pain recurred after peritoneal catheter repositioning because of peritoneal inflammation and adhesion due to peritonitis with Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). This bacterium was isolated using 16S ribosomal RNA gene polymerase chain reaction (16S rRNA gene PCR), and anaerobic and prolonged culture tests. After antibacterial treatment, ventriculoarterial (VA) shunt placement was successfully performed. Hemidiaphragm irritation by the peritoneal catheter leads to radiating shoulder tip pain, and peritoneal inflammation and adhesion caused by infectious peritonitis may cause recurrence of this despite catheter repositioning. Clinicians should be aware of shoulder pain as a complication of VP shunt placement, and should consider VA shunt placement as an alternative treatment if this symptom recurs after catheter repositioning. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene PCR and anaerobic and prolonged culture tests should be considered to detect P. acnes infection.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an important feline viral disease, causing an overridden inflammatory response that results in a high mortality rate, primarily in young cats. Curcumin is notable for its biological activities against various viral diseases; however, its poor bioavailability has hindered its potential in therapeutic application. In this study, curcumin was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles to improve its bioavailability. Curcumin-encapsulated chitosan (Cur-CS) nanoparticles were synthesised based on the ionic gelation technique and were spherical and cuboidal in shape, with an average particle size of 330 nm and +42 mV in zeta potential. The nanoparticles exerted lower toxicity in Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CrFK) cells and enhanced antiviral activities with a selective index (SI) value three times higher than that of curcumin. Feline-specific bead-based multiplex immunoassay and qPCR were used to examine their modulatory effects on proinflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α, interleukin- (IL-) 6, and IL-1β. There were significant decrements in IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα expression in both curcumin and Cur-CS nanoparticles. Based on the multiplex immunoassay, curcumin and the Cur-CS nanoparticles could lower the immune-related proteins in FIP virus (FIPV) infection. The single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics profiles of curcumin and the Cur-CS nanoparticles were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Oral delivery of the Cur-CS nanoparticles to cats showed enhanced bioavailability with a maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) value of 621.5 ng/mL. Incorporating chitosan nanoparticles to deliver curcumin improved the oral bioavailability and antiviral effects of curcumin against FIPV infection. This study provides evidence for the potential of Cur-CS nanoparticles as a supplementary treatment of FIP.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a progressive and fatal disease in domestic and wild cats, caused by Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV). The disease is characterized by an immunomediated reaction against the virus in various organs. This work described a case report of fibrinous epicarditis caused by FIPV. A male cat, three years old, died and was received to be necropsied. Grossly, soft, multifocal to coalescing, whitish fibrinous exudate, measuring up the 2 centimeters of thickness, was observed in the epicardium, mostly at the apex of the heart. Microscopically, severe, multifocal to coalescing inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the epicardium, composed mainly by macrophages, plasmocytes and lymphocytes, associated with fibrin deposition. Immunohistochemistry was performed for FIPV and was positive in the areas of inflammation in the epicardium. To the author´s knowledge, this is the second report of epicarditis due to FIPV in a cat. Therefore, epicarditis should be considered a differential diagnosis of cardiac diseases in Feline Medicine. RESUMO A Peritonite Infecciosa Felina (PIF) é uma doença progressiva e fatal de felinos domésticos e selvagens, causada pelo vírus da Peritonite Infecciosa Felina (FIPV). A doença é caracterizada por uma reação imunomediada contra o vírus em vários órgãos. Este trabalho descreveu um relato de caso de epicardite fibrinosa causada pelo FPIV. Um gato macho, com três anos de idade, veio a óbito e foi recebido para necropsia. Macroscopicamente, foi observado exsudato fibrinoso esbranquiçado, friável, multifocal, medindo até 2 centímetros de espessura, no epicárdio, principalmente no ápice cardíaco. Microscopicamente, foi observado no epicárdio um infiltrado inflamatório misto, multifocal, composto por macrófagos, plasmócitos e linfócitos, associado a deposição de fibrina. A imuno-histoquímica foi positiva para o FIPV nas áreas de inflamação no epicárdio. Os autores descrevem o segundo relato de caso na literatura científica de epicardite causada pelo FIPV em um gato. Portanto, a epicardite deve ser considerada como diagnóstico diferencial em doenças cardíacas em Medicina Felina.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a systemic immune-mediated inflammatory perivasculitis that occurs in a minority of cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV). Various therapies have been employed to treat this condition, which was previously usually fatal, though no parameters for differentiating FIP recovery from remission have been defined to enable clinicians to decide when it is safe to discontinue treatment. This retrospective observational study shows that a consistent reduction of the acute phase protein alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) to within normal limits (WNL, i.e., 500 μg/mL or below), as opposed to duration of survival, distinguishes recovery from remission. Forty-two cats were diagnosed with FIP: 75% (12/16) of effusive and 54% (14/26) of non-effusive FIP cases recovered. Presenting with the effusive or non-effusive form did not affect whether or not a cat fully recovered (p = 0.2). AGP consistently reduced to WNL in 26 recovered cats but remained elevated in 16 cats in remission, dipping to normal once in two of the latter. Anaemia was present in 77% (23/30) of the cats and resolved more quickly than AGP in six recovered cats. The presence of anaemia did not affect the cat’s chances of recovery (p = 0.1). Lymphopenia was observed in 43% (16/37) of the cats and reversed in nine recovered cats but did not reverse in seven lymphopenic cats in the remission group. Fewer recovered cats (9/24: 37%) than remission cats (7/13: 54%) were lymphopenic, but the difference was not statistically different (p = 0.5). Hyperglobulinaemia was slower than AGP to return to WNL in the recovered cats. FCoV antibody titre was high in all 42 cats at the outset. It decreased significantly in 7 recovered cats but too slowly to be a useful parameter to determine discontinuation of antiviral treatments. Conclusion: a sustained return to normal levels of AGP was the most rapid and consistent indicator for differentiating recovery from remission following treatment for FIP. This study provides a useful model for differentiating recovery from chronic coronavirus disease using acute phase protein monitoring.

Background Coronaviruses (CoVs) are major human and animal pathogens and antiviral drugs are pursued as a complementary strategy, chiefly if vaccines are not available. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal systemic disease of felids caused by FIP virus (FIPV), a virulent pathotype of feline enteric coronavirus (FeCoV). Some antiviral drugs active on FIPV have been identified, but they are not available in veterinary medicine. ERDRP-0519 (ERDRP) is a non-nucleoside inhibitor, targeting viral RNA polymerase, effective against morbilliviruses in vitro and in vivo. Results The antiviral efficacy of ERDRP against a type II FIPV was evaluated in vitro in Crandell Reese Feline Kidney (CRFK) cells. ERDRP significantly inhibited replication of FIPV in a dose-dependent manner. Viral infectivity was decreased by up to 3.00 logarithms in cell cultures whilst viral load, estimated by quantification of nucleic acids, was reduced by nearly 3.11 logaritms. Conclusions These findings confirm that ERDRP is highly effective against a CoV. Experiments will be necessary to assess whether ERDRP is suitable for treatment of FIPV in vivo.

This study was aimed at investigating the molecular typing of coronavirus and histopathological findings of the lungs in a kitten with feline infectious peritonitis. A stray kitten, which was in respiratory distress and had not responded to a one-week course of antibiotic treatment, was referred to the Animal Hospital of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Atatürk University. In the physical examination, acute respiratory failure developed and did not respond emergency therapeutic intervention. Molecular and histopathological examinations were performed. Feline coronavirus type I was determined by sequence analysis of the lung and pleural fluid samples. Macroscopic findings revealed hemorrhagic fluid in the chest cavity. Fibrinoid necrosis, desquamation, edema and lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltrations were observed in the histopathological examination of the lungs. Thus, feline coronavirus type I was determined to cause severe lesions with edema, necrosis and lymphoplasmacytic cell infiltrations in the lungs and respiratory distress.

The role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in a feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) infection is not completely understood.This study examined the expression of TLR3, TLR7, TLR9, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon (IFN)-β, and interleukin (IL)-10 upon an FIPV infection in Crandell-Reese feline kidney (CRFK) cells and feline monocytes.CRFK cells and monocytes from feline coronavirus (FCoV)-seronegative cats and FCoV-seropositive cats were infected with type II FIPV-79-1146. At four, 12, and 24 hours post-infection (hpi), the expression of TLR3, TLR7, TLR9, TNF-α, IFN-β, and IL-10, and the viral load were measured using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Viral protein production was confirmed using immunofluorescence.FIPV-infected CRFK showed the upregulation of TLR9, TNF-α, and IFN-β expression between 4 and 24 hpi. Uninfected monocytes from FCoV-seropositive cats showed lower TLR3 and TLR9 expression but higher TLR7 expression compared to uninfected monocytes from FCoV-seronegative cats. FIPV-infected monocytes from FCoV-seropositive cats downregulated TLR7 and TNF-α expression between 4 and 24 hpi, and 4 and 12 hpi, respectively. IFN-β was upregulated early in FIPV-infected monocytes from FCoV-seropositive cats, with a significant difference observed at 12 hpi compared to FCoV-seronegative cats. The viral load in the CRFK and FIPV-infected monocytes in both cohorts of cats was similar over time.TLR7 may be the key TLR involved in evading the innate response against inhibiting TNF-α production. Distinct TLR expression profiles between FCoV-seronegative and FCoV-seropositive cats were observed. The associated TLR that plays a role in the induction of IFN-β needs to be explored further.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led the medical and scientific community to address questions surrounding the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of COVID-19; however, relevant clinical models outside of humans are still lacking. In felines, a ubiquitous coronavirus, described as feline coronavirus (FCoV), can present as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)—a leading cause of mortality in young cats that is characterized as a severe, systemic inflammation. The diverse extrapulmonary signs of FIP and rapidly progressive disease course, coupled with a closely related etiologic agent, present a degree of overlap with COVID-19. This paper will explore the molecular and clinical relationships between FIP and COVID-19. While key differences between the two syndromes exist, these similarities support further examination of feline coronaviruses as a naturally occurring clinical model for coronavirus disease in humans.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease of cats that currently lacks licensed and affordable vaccines or antiviral therapeutics. The disease has a spectrum of clinical presentations including an effusive (“wet”) form and non-effusive (“dry”) form, both of which may be complicated by neurologic or ocular involvement. The feline coronavirus (FCoV) biotype, termed feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), is the etiologic agent of FIP. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the in vitro antiviral efficacies of the viral protease inhibitors GC376 and nirmatrelvir and the nucleoside analogs remdesivir (RDV), GS-441524, molnupiravir (MPV; EIDD-2801), and β-D-N4-hydroxycytidine (NHC; EIDD-1931). These antiviral agents were functionally evaluated using an optimized in vitro bioassay system. Antivirals were assessed as monotherapies against FIPV serotypes I and II and as combined anticoronaviral therapies (CACT) against FIPV serotype II, which provided evidence for synergy for selected combinations. We also determined the pharmacokinetic properties of MPV, GS-441524, and RDV after oral administration to cats in vivo as well as after intravenous administration of RDV. We established that orally administered MPV at 10 mg/kg, GS-441524 and RDV at 25 mg/kg, and intravenously administered RDV at 7 mg/kg achieves plasma levels greater than the established corresponding EC50 values, which are sustained over 24 h for GS-441514 and RDV.

Objectives Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), caused by genetic mutants of feline enteric coronavirus known as FIPV, is a highly fatal disease of cats with no currently available vaccine or US Food and Drug Administration-approved cure. Dissemination of FIPV in affected cats results in a range of clinical signs, including cavitary effusions, anorexia, fever and lesions of pyogranulomatous vasculitis and perivasculitis, with or without central nervous system or ocular involvement. The objectives of this study were to screen an array of antiviral compounds for anti-FIPV (serotype II) activity, determine cytotoxicity safety profiles of identified compounds with anti-FIPV activity and strategically combine identified monotherapies to assess compound synergy against FIPV in vitro. Based upon clinically successful combination treatment strategies for human patients with HIV and hepatitis C virus infections, we hypothesized that a combined anticoronaviral therapy approach featuring concurrent multiple mechanisms of drug action would result in an additive or synergistic antiviral effect. Methods This study screened 90 putative antiviral compounds for efficacy and cytotoxicity using a multimodal in vitro strategy, including plaque bioassays, real-time RT-PCR viral inhibition and cytotoxicity assays. Results Through this process, we identified 26 compounds with effective antiviral activity against FIPV, representing a variety of drug classes and mechanisms of antiviral action. The most effective compounds include GC376, GS-441524, EIDD2801 and EIDD1931. We documented antiviral efficacy for combinations of antiviral agents, with a few examined drug combinations demonstrating evidence of limited synergistic antiviral activity. Conclusions and relevance Although evidence of compound synergy was identified for several combinations of antiviral agents, monotherapies were ultimately determined to be the most effective in the inhibition of viral transcription.

Feline infectious peritonitis (PIF) is an infectious disease which has a high mortality rate compared to other infectious diseases among feline population. It clinically manifested under two forms, effusive or non-effusive. PIF’s diagnosis, mainly the non-effusive form, is a clinical challenge based on symptoms, viral detection and laboratory findings. In this regard, the albumin/globulin ratio and the increase on the γ globulin fraction of the capillary zone electrophoresis (PEF) are important and complementary indicators for the antemortem diagnosis of PIF. This job’s objective was to exhibit a feline clinical case clinically diagnosed with non-effusive PIF in which the PEF, along with other complementary routine tests, allowed to reach a definitive diagnosis. PEF’s results showed a polyclonal peak on the γ globulin fraction, a decreased serum albumin concentration and an albumin/globulin ratio of 0,23. Based on these results we discuss how the PEF, mainly on the non-effusive form of PIF, can support this disease diagnosis allowing to dictate an accurate prognosis and helping the clinical veterinarian on therapeutic decisions.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is the causative agent of feline infectious peritonitis and diarrhoea in kittens worldwide. In this study, a total of 173 feline diarrhoeal faecal and ascetic samples were collected from 15 catteries and six veterinary hospitals in southwest China from 2017 to 2020. FCoV was detected in 80.35 % (139/173) of the samples using the RT-nPCR method; these included infections with 122 type I FCoV and 57 type II FCoV. Interestingly, 51 cases had co-infection with types I and II, the first such report in mainland China. To further analyse the genetic diversity of FCoV, we amplified 23 full-length spike (S) genes, including 18 type I and five type II FCoV. The type I FCoV and type II FCoV strains shared 85.5–98.7% and 97.4–98.9% nucleotide (nt) sequence identities between one another, respectively. The N-terminal domain (NTD) of 23 FCoV strains showed a high degree of variation (73.6–80.3 %). There was six type I FCoV strains with two amino acid insertions (159HL160) in the NTD. In addition, 18 strains of type I FCoV belonged to the Ie cluster, and five strains of type II FCoV were in the IIb cluster based on phylogenetic analysis. Notably, it was first time that two type I FCoV strains had recombination in the NTD, and the recombination regions was located 140–857 nt of the S gene. This study constitutes a systematic investigation of the current infection status and molecular characteristics of FCoV in southwest China.

Riphagen S, Gomez X, Gonzalez-Martinez C, Wilkinson N, Theocharis P. Hyperinflammatory shock in children during COVID-19 pandemic. Lancet. 2020;395:1607–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31094-1. CAS Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Addie D. Feline Coronavirus Infection. In: Greene CE, Sykes JE, editors. Infectious diseases of the dog and cat. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2012. p. 92–108. Google Scholar Toubiana J, Poirault C, Corsia A, Bajolle F, Fourgeaud J, Angoulvant F, et al. Kawasaki-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children during the covid-19 pandemic in Paris, France: prospective observational study. BMJ. 2020;369:m2094. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m2094. Article PubMed Google Scholar Malbon AJ, Fonfara S, Meli ML, Hahn S, Egberink H, Kipar A. Feline infectious peritonitis as a systemic inflammatory disease: contribution of liver and heart to the pathogenesis. Viruses. 2019;11:1144. https://doi.org/10.3390/v11121144. CAS Article PubMed Central Google Scholar Merad M, Martin JC. Pathological inflammation in patients with COVID-19: a key role for monocytes and macrophages. Nat Rev Immunol. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41577-020-0331-4. Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Channappanavar R, Fehr AR, Vijay R, Mack M, Zhao J, Meyerholz DK, et al. Dysregulated type I interferon and inflammatory monocyte-macrophage responses cause lethal pneumonia in SARS-CoV-infected mice. Cell Host Microbe. 2016;19:181–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2016.01.007. CAS Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Ding Y, Wang H, Shen H, Li Z, Geng J, Han H, et al. The clinical pathology of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS): a report from China. J Pathol. 2003;200:282–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/path.1440. Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Stout AE, Andre NM, Jaimes JA, Millet JK, Whittaker GR. Coronaviruses in cats and other companion animals: where does SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 fit? Vet Microbiol. 2020;247:108777. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vetmic.2020.108777. CAS Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Dedeurwaerder A, Olyslaegers DAJ, Desmarets LMB, Roukaerts IDM, Theuns S, Nauwynck HJ. ORF7-encoded accessory protein 7a of feline infectious peritonitis virus as a counteragent against IFN-alpha-induced antiviral response. J Gen Virol. 2014;95:393–402. https://doi.org/10.1099/vir.0.058743-0. CAS Article PubMed Google Scholar Chen S, Tian J, Li Z, Kang H, Zhang J, Huang J, et al. Feline infectious peritonitis virus Nsp5 inhibits type i interferon production by cleaving NEMO at multiple sites. Viruses. 2019;12:43. https://doi.org/10.3390/v12010043. CAS Article PubMed Central Google Scholar Felsenstein S, Herbert JA, McNamara PS, Hedrich CM. COVID-19: immunology and treatment options. Clin Immunol. 2020;215:108448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clim.2020.108448. CAS Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Download references Open Access funding provided by Projekt Deal. No external funding was received. Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802, Munich, Germany Martin Alberer Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Lindwurmstrase 4, 80337, Munich, Germany Ulrich von Both You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar MA and UB designed structure and focus of the correspondence, undertook respective literature search and wrote the manuscript. Correspondence to Martin Alberer. Both MA and UB declare that there are no conflicts of interest. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Reprints and Permissions Alberer, M., von Both, U. Cats and kids: how a feline disease may help us unravel COVID-19 associated paediatric hyperinflammatory syndrome. Infection (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-020-01515-3 Download citation Received: 12 July 2020 Accepted: 25 August 2020 Published: 02 September 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-020-01515-3

A 3-month-old male Scottish Fold kitten with pleural fluid and low ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) was brought to our small animal hospital. Since RNA from the type I feline coronavirus (FCoV) were detected in drained pleural fluid, the cat was tentatively diagnosed with effusive feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Following the administration of itraconazole and prednisolone, the A/G ratio increased, and the pleural fluid mostly disappeared. The fecal FCoV levels temporarily decreased. However, the cat showed neurological manifestations and was eventually euthanized due to status epilepticus after 38 days of treatment. In conclusion, itraconazole partly exerted a beneficial effect in a cat with FIP. However, further investigation of a possible role of itraconazole in FIP treatment is warranted.

Objectives Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) emerges when feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) mutate within their host to a highly virulent biotype and the immune response is not able to control the infection. FCoV spike ( S) gene mutations are considered to contribute to the change in virulence by enabling FCoV infection of and replication in macrophages. This study investigated the presence of FCoV with and without S gene mutations in cats with FIP using two different real-time RT-PCRs on different samples obtained under clinical conditions. Methods Fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) and incisional biopsies (IBs) of popliteal and mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, omentum and kidneys (each n = 20), EDTA blood (n = 13), buffy coat smears (n = 13), serum (n = 11), effusion (n = 14), cerebrospinal fluid (n = 16), aqueous humour (n = 20) and peritoneal lavage (n = 6) were obtained from 20 cats with FIP diagnosed by immunohistochemistry. Samples were examined by RT-PCR targeting the FCoV 7b gene, detecting all FCoV, and S gene mutation RT-PCR targeting mutations in nucleotides 23531 and 23537. The prevalence of FCoV detected in each sample type was calculated. Results In 20/20 cats, FCoV with S gene mutations was present in at least one sample, but there was variation in which sample was positive. FCoV with mutations in the S gene was most frequently found in effusion (64%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 39–89), followed by spleen, omentum and kidney IBs (50%, 95% CI 28–72), mesenteric lymph node IBs and FNAs (45%, 95% CI 23–67), and FNAs of spleen and liver and liver IBs (40%, 95% CI 19–62). Conclusions and relevance In these 20 cats with FIP, FCoVs with S gene mutations were found in every cat in at least one tissue or fluid sample. This highlights the association between mutated S gene and systemic FCoV spread. Examining a combination of different samples increased the probability of finding FCoV with the mutated S gene.

Feline coronavirus infection can progress to a fatal infectious peritonitis, which is a widespread feline disease without an effective vaccine. Generating feline cells with reduced ability to respond to interferon (IFN) is an essential step facilitating isolation of new candidate vaccine strains. Here, we describe the use of Crispr/Cas technology to disrupt type I IFN signaling in two feline cell lines, AK-D and Fcwf-4 CU, and evaluate the replication kinetics of a serotype I feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) within these cells. We report that polyclonal cell populations and a clonal isolate, termed Fcwf-4 IRN, exhibited significantly diminished IFN-responsiveness and allowed FIPV replication kinetics comparable to parental cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that replication of FIPV is enhanced by ectopic expression of a host serine protease, TMPRSS2, in these cells. We discuss the potential of these cells for isolating new clinical strains and for propagating candidate vaccine strains of FIPV.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) has been identified as the aetiological agent of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a highly fatal systemic disease in cats. FCoV open reading frame 3 (ORF3) encodes accessory proteins 3a, 3b and 3 c. The FCoV 3b accessory protein consists of 72 amino acid residues and localizes to nucleoli and mitochondria. The present work focused on peptide domains within FCoV 3b that drive its intracellular trafficking. Transfection of different cell types with FCoV 3b fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) or 3×FLAG confirmed localization of FCoV 3b in the mitochondria and nucleoli. Using serial truncated mutants, we showed that nucleolar accumulation is controlled by a joint nucleolar and nuclear localization signal (NoLS/NLS) in which the identified overlapping pat4 motifs (residues 53–57) play a critical role. Mutational analysis also revealed that mitochondrial translocation is mediated by N-terminal residues 10–35, in which a Tom20 recognition motif (residues 13–17) and two other overlapping hexamers (residues 24–30) associated with mitochondrial targeting were identified. In addition, a second Tom20 recognition motif was identified further downstream (residues 61–65), although the mitochondrial translocation evoked by these residues seemed less efficient as a diffuse cytoplasmic distribution was also observed. Assessing the spatiotemporal distribution of FCoV 3b did not provide convincing evidence of dynamic shuttling behaviour between the nucleoli and the mitochondria.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by infection with feline coronavirus (FCoV), a highly infectious virus transmitted mostly indirectly, by sharing litter trays with a FCoV excretor, or by fomites. The majority of FCoV-infected cats remain healthy, with up to 12% developing FIP. While any age or breed of cat can develop FIP, FIP disproportionately affects pedigree kittens: most studies found that around 70% of FIP cases occurred in pure-bred cats under 2 years of age. In this paper, some questions about FCoV and FIP that are likely to be asked of, and by, a veterinary nurse will be addressed.

BackgroundInfectious peritonitis is a clinically important condition contributing to the significant mortality and morbidity rates observed in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Although some of the socioeconomic risk factors for PD-associated peritonitis have been identified, it is still unclear why certain patients are more susceptible than others to infection.MethodsWe examined the molecular components of human peritoneal dialysate (HPD) in an attempt to identify factors that might increase patient susceptibility to infection. Characterization studies were performed on initial and follow-up dialysate samples collected from 9 renal failure patients on PD.ResultsOur in vitro data showed that peritonitis-causing bacteria grew differently in the patient dialysates. Proteomic analysis identified an association between transferrin presence and infection risk, as peritoneal transferrin was discovered to be iron-saturated, which was in marked contrast to transferrin in blood. Further, use of radioactive iron-labeled transferrin showed peritoneal transferrin could act as a direct iron source for the growth of peritonitis-causing bacteria. We also found catecholamine stress hormones noradrenaline and adrenaline were present in the dialysates and were apparently involved in enhancing the growth of the bacteria via transferrin iron provision. This suggests the iron biology status of the PD patient may be a risk factor for development of infectious peritonitisConclusionsCollectively, our study suggests transferrin and catecholamines within peritoneal dialysate may be indicators of the potential for bacterial growth in HPD and, as infection risk factors, represent possible future targets for therapeutic manipulation.

The article presents the results of histological studies of the frontal area of the cerebral cortexб taken from 10 corpses of cats aged from 3 months to 5.5 years, in which infectious peritonitis (based on anamnesis, clinical signs, morphological and biochemical blood analysis , ultrasound diagnostics, Rivalt test and express diagnosis) was diagnosed during their life. A pathoanatomical study was conducted; samples of the frontal area of the cerebral cortex of cats, which were fixed in a 12% aqueous solution of neutral formalin, a solution of Carnoua and 96° ethyl alcohol, were selected. The histocuts were made, which were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, thionine for Nisslem. In order to detect the astrocytic glory, a fraction of the cerebral cortex was fixed by the Golgi-Clatzo method with a fresh mixture of chloral hydrate-formalin-bichromate and produced histocuts on a freezing microtome. For histological examination of the cerebral cortex of cats, changes in the non-inflammatory character were observed, which were characterized by disorders of hemomycrocycle circulation, edema and degenerative processes of the neuroglial complex and neurons. Violations of the structural organization of endothelial cells, basal membranes of capillaries and venules should be considered as an important indicator of functional changes in tone, permeability of the microcirculatory channel, which contributed to the development of perivascular and pericellular edema, which in its turn led to regressive changes of glial elements; acute swelling of neurons with the formation of microcavities in nuclei; a sharp decrease in the content of the chromatophilic substance in pyramidal and stellate cells; the development of gidropic dystrophy in star cells and creatures; rise of shadow cells. Circulatory disorders caused the violation of the trophic transport systems, which caused hypoxia, accumulation of acidic metabolism products, and formed the basis for the pathogenesis of the development of dyscirculatory dystrophy of neuroglial cells and neurons, i.e. neurotrophic disorders of the cerebral cortex of cats for FIR.

Knowledge about the causes of death in felines constitutes important information to owners, veterinarians, and researchers, aiming at reducing the number of deaths in this species. In order to determine the main causes of death or euthanasia in cats in the Santa Catarina plateau, data from 1995 to 2015 available in necropsy files of the Laboratory of Animal Pathology (LAPA) of the State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC) were collected and evaluated. In that period, 1,728 cats were necropsied, mainly males (46.12%) and adults (50.11%). The mean ages at death for kittens, adults, and elderly were 5.07 months, 3.9 years, and 13.9 years, respectively. Of the 1,728 necropsy reports assessed, the cause of death was identified in 1,184 (68.52%) cases. The main cause of death was associated with infectious diseases (15.8%), with prevalence of feline infectious peritonitis (29.76%), followed by neoplasms (11.98%) with lymphoma (44.93%) and leukemia (16.91%) as the most common, and traumas (11.81%) mainly caused by motor vehicle accidents. These results show the need for owner awareness, as well as establishment of prophylaxis and vaccination programs, aimed at reducing the number of deaths and thus increasing life expectancy in the feline population. RESUMO: O conhecimento a respeito da causa mortis em felinos é importante para que se construa um informativo para proprietários, médicos veterinários e pesquisadores, objetivando a redução no número de mortes na espécie. Com o intuito de determinar as principais causas de morte ou eutanásia em felinos domésticos no planalto catarinense foram avaliados os arquivos de registro das necropsias do período de 1995 a 2015 do Laboratório de Patologia Animal da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina. No período, foram necropsiados 1.728 felinos, principalmente machos (46,12%), adultos (50,11%). A idade média para filhotes foi de 5,07 meses, enquanto para adultos foi 3,9 anos e para idosos 13,9 anos. Das 1.728 necropsias de felinos, a enfermidade que levou o animal a morte foi determinada em 1.184 (68,52%). As doenças infecciosas foram a principal causa de morte (15,8%), dentre as quais a peritonite infecciosa felina (29,76%) foi a mais frequente; seguida das neoplasias (11,98%), sendo o linfoma (44,93%) e a leucemia (16,91%), as mais comuns; e dos traumatismos (11,81%), principalmente atropelamentos por veículos automotivos. Estes resultados refletem a necessidade da conscientização dos proprietários, bem como da instituição de programas de profilaxia e vacinação, visando a redução de mortes e o aumento na expectativa de vida para a população felina.