The genetic diversity of 32 Italian isolates of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was studied. Isolates were obtained from domestic cats living in different areas. Sequence data were obtained from a 308 bp fragment of the p25 region of the gag gene. Phylogenetic relationships among these sequences and previously published sequences were determined. All the Italian isolates could be assigned to subtype B ; however, four isolates formed two separate clusters and may represent genetic out-

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

A crude extract of Caulerpa taxifolia was tested for its antiviral activity. The chloroform–methanol residue showed an interesting inhibitor effect in vitro toward the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a valid model for studying the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This extract reduced the virus‐induced syncytia in the cultured cells, the viral reverse transcriptase activity and the viral capsid protein P24 expression. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.