Feline immunodeficiency virus in Northern Ceará, Brazil

Teixeira, B. M. et al. (2019) Feline immunodeficiency virus in Northern Ceará, Brazil. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports, 5(2), 2055116919. (doi: 10.1177/2055116919859112) (PMID:31312511) (PMCID:PMC6616103)

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to confirm the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in domestic cats in the region north of Ceará, Brazil, and to determine the factors associated with infection and the major circulating subtypes of the virus in this area. Methods: Samples from 148 cats were collected and tested using anti-FIV antibody screening, with confirmation of positive results by PCR. Univariate analysis was performed considering the epidemiological characteristics and FIV status. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the gag and pol genes were performed to confirm the FIV subtype. Results: Nine cats (6.1%) tested positive for FIV – one female (0.7%) and eight males (5.4%). Male cats were significantly more likely to be infected (P <0.05). Phylogenetic analysis of gag and pol gene sequences indicated that the FIV isolates circulating in the study area belonged to subtype B. Conclusions and relevance: In this study, we demonstrated a low prevalence for FIV in the northwest of Ceará, north-eastern Brazil. Male sex is a significant risk factor for FIV infection and the best predictive factor for FIV status. All isolates examined in this study clustered within subtype B, which is the predominant subtype in Brazil. This is the first report of genetic characterization of FIV in the state of Ceará, Brazil.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the CNPq (Brazil´s National Research Council), [401617 2012-2]
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hosie, Professor Margaret
• Authors: Teixeira, B. M., Taniwaki, S. A., Menezes, P. M. M., Rodrigues, A. K. P. P., Mouta, A. N., Arcebispo, T. L. M., Braz, G. F., Minardi da Cruz, J. C., Brandão, P. E., Heinemann, M. B., Silva, M. X., and Hosie, M. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports
• Publisher: SAGE
• ISSN: 2055-1169
• ISSN (Online): 2055-1169
• Published Online: 08 July 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Open Reports 5(2):2055116919
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License