Frequency of feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) in domestic cats from Campo Grande, MS, Brazil

Abstract

Feline herpesvirus type 1 (HVF-1) is the infectious agent of feline viral rhinotracheitis. The main clinical signs are cough, nasal and eye discharge, fever, conjunctivitis and sneezing. Although the occurrence of the virus is known in some regions of Brazil, in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), there is no epidemiological information about its frequency. Thus, this study aimed to determine the frequency of feline herpesvirus type 1 in the region, and to evaluate its possible association with clinical and epidemiological factors. Ocular, nasal and oropharyngeal swabs, and blood were collected from 152 animals and analyzed through PCR and sequencing. In addition, epidemiological and clinical data were obtained through clinical examination and anamnesis. FHV-1 was detected in samples from 84 (55.26%) animals. There was no association between infection and age or sex. However, there was a significant association between infection and nasal (p < 0.0001) and ocular (p = 0.014) discharge and sneezing (p = 0.001). The results demonstrate the occurrence of the virus in domestic cats in the region with a high frequency of infection. Thus, FHV-1 should be considered as a potential causal agent of upper respiratory tract disease in domestic cats from Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.

First report of molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic characteristics of feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) from naturally infected cats in Kunshan, China

“…Viral respiratory diseases are a serious health issue of cats worldwide [ 25 , 42 , 43 ]. Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), Mycoplasma felis , Chlamydia felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica are considered main etiological agents of feline upper respiratory tract infections [ 3 , 5 , 24 , 25 , 44 ]. FHV-1 is considered a main etiological agent for respiratory infections in cats and according to an estimate about 50–70% of cases of respiratory infections are associated with FHV-1 [ 45 ].…”

“…Feline viral rhinotracheitis is characterized by sticky discharge from eyes and nose along with respiratory distress, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers in cats. Serological analyses estimated that up to 97% cats show seropositivity against FHV-1 and more than 80% of infected cats remain persistently infected throughout lifespan [ 2 , 3 ]. Latently infected cats become carriers of FHV-1 and shed virus intermittently during their life.…”

“…A core vaccine including FHV-1, feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is commercially available and administered worldwide [ 4 , 5 ]. Vaccines usually provide good protection against FHV-1 infections; however, vaccines cannot prevent the development of carrier state and infection in cats [ 3 , 6 , 7 ].…”