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==Transmission==
==Transmission==
{{sources}}

The primary modes of FIV transmission are deep bite wounds and scratches, where the infected cat's saliva enters the other cat's bloodstream. FIV may also be transmitted from pregnant females to their offspring in utero. Also, FIV may be spread by actions as simple as touching noses. It must be noted that such claims that FIV is transmittable by simply "touching noses" has been discredited by every leading veterinary expert in the world, therefore rendering the aforementioned statement completely and thoroughly false.
The primary modes of FIV transmission are deep bite wounds and scratches, where the infected cat's saliva enters the other cat's bloodstream. FIV may also be transmitted from pregnant females to their offspring in utero. Also, it is possible FIV may be spread by actions as simple as touching noses{{fact}}. It must be noted that such claims that FIV is transmittable by simply "touching noses" have been discredited{{fact}}.


This differs from [[FeLV]], which may be spread by more casual, non-aggressive contact, such as grooming, since the virus is also present at mucosal surfaces such as those in the mouth, rectum, and vagina, so casual contact cannot be ruled out as a potential transmission cause.
This differs from [[FeLV]], which may be spread by more casual, non-aggressive contact, such as grooming, since the virus is also present at mucosal surfaces such as those in the mouth, rectum, and vagina, so casual contact cannot be ruled out as a potential transmission cause.

Revision as of 23:23, 15 September 2008

Feline immunodeficiency virus
Virus classification
Group:
Group VI (ssRNA-RT)
Family:
Retroviridae
Subfamily:
Orthoretrovirinae
Genus:
Lentivirus
Species:
Feline immunodeficiency virus

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), occasionally referred to as Feline or Cat AIDS is a lentivirus that affects domesticated housecats worldwide. Approximately 11% [1] of cats worldwide, and about 2.5% of cats in the USA, [2] are infected with FIV. More than 90% of African lions in some zoos tested positive for the virus. FIV differs taxonomically from two other feline retroviruses, feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline foamy virus (FFV). Within FIV, five subtypes have been identified based on amino acid sequence differences coding for the viral envelope. FIV is not a death sentence for cats, as they can live relatively healthy as carriers and transmitters of the disease for many years. A vaccine is available although its efficiency remains uncertain, and cats will test positive for FIV after vaccination.[3]

FIV was first discovered in 1986 in a colony of cats that had a high prevalence of opportunistic infections and degenerative conditions, and has since been identified as an endemic disease in domestic cat populations worldwide [4].

Transmission

The primary modes of FIV transmission are deep bite wounds and scratches, where the infected cat's saliva enters the other cat's bloodstream. FIV may also be transmitted from pregnant females to their offspring in utero. Also, it is possible FIV may be spread by actions as simple as touching noses[citation needed]. It must be noted that such claims that FIV is transmittable by simply "touching noses" have been discredited[citation needed].

This differs from FeLV, which may be spread by more casual, non-aggressive contact, such as grooming, since the virus is also present at mucosal surfaces such as those in the mouth, rectum, and vagina, so casual contact cannot be ruled out as a potential transmission cause.

Therefore, FeLV (feline leukemia virus) is often known as a "friendly cat disease" whereas FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) is known as an "unfriendly cat disease."

Testing

Veterinarians will check a cat's history, look for clinical signs, and possibly administer a blood test for FIV antibodies. FIV affects 2-3% of cats in the US and testing is readily available. It should be noted that this testing identifies those cats that carry the FIV antibody, and does not detect the actual virus. Therefore, a positive test does not necessarily mean the cat is a carrier of FIV.

False positives occur when the cat carries the antibody (which is harmless), but does not carry the actual virus. The most frequent occurrence of this is when kittens are tested after ingesting the antibodies from mother's milk, and when testing cats that have been previously vaccinated for FIV. For this reason, neither kittens under 8 weeks, nor cats that have been previously vaccinated are tested.

Kittens and young cats that test positive for the FIV antibody may test negative at a later time due to seroreversion, provided they have never been infected with FIV and have never been immunized with the FIV vaccine.

Cats that have been vaccinated will test positive for the FIV antibody for the rest of their life due to seroconversion, even though they are not infected. Therefore, testing of strays or adopted cats is inconclusive, since it is impossible to know whether or not they have been vaccinated in the past. For these reasons, a positive FIV antibody test by itself should never be used as criteria for euthanasia.[5]

Tests can be performed in a vet's office with results in minutes, allowing for quick consultation. Early detection helps maintain the cat's health and prevents spreading infection to other cats. With proper care, infected cats can live long and healthy lives.[6]

The American Association of Feline Practitioners, an organization of veterinarians with a special interest in the health of cats, urges regular testing but not euthanasia of infected cats. Infected cats can live for years if diagnosed early and managed properly.

Vaccine

A vaccine for FIV is available, and was developed using isolates of two of the five FIV subtypes (or clades): A and D.[7] The vaccine was shown to be moderately protective (82% of cats were protected) against subtype A FIV,[8] but a later study showed it to offer no protection against subtype A.[9] It has shown 100% effectiveness against two different subtype B FIV strains.[10][11] Vaccination will cause cats to have positive results on FIV tests, making diagnosis more difficult. For these reasons the vaccine is considered "non-core", and the decision to vaccinate should be made after discussion with a veterinarian and consideration of the risks vs. the effectiveness.[12]

Approved Treatment

In 2006, the United States Department of Agriculture issued a conditional license for a new treatment aid termed Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator[13]. Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator is manufactured by T-Cyte Therapeutics, Inc. and sold by IMULAN BioTherapeutics, LLC.

Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator is intended as an aid in the treatment of cats infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and/or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and the associated symptoms of lymphocytopenia, opportunistic infection, anemia, granulocytopenia, or thrombocytopenia. The absence of any observed adverse events in several animal species, suggests that the product has a very low toxicity profile.

Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator is a potent regulator of CD-4 lymphocyte production and function.[14] It has been shown to increase lymphocyte numbers and Interleukin 2 production in animals.[15]

Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator is a single chain polypeptide. It is a strongly cationic glycoprotein, and is purified with cation exchange resin. Purification of protein from bovine-derived stromal cell supernatants produces a substantially homogeneous factor, free of extraneous materials. The bovine protein is homologous with other mammalian species and is a homogeneous 50 kDa glycoprotein with an isoelectric point of 6.5. The protein is prepared in a lyophilized 1 microgram dose. Reconstitution in sterile diluent produces a solution for subcutaneous injection.[16]

Other Treatment

FIV TREATMENT (Probably helps with FELV too)

Helps strengthen immune system to fight the virus. Enables FIV cat to live longer. (Some think this may even be a cure, more trials needed). Effect likely to vary depending on state of cat’s immune system and present disease progression. Start treatment as early as you can.

Cellular Forte Max Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP6) Capsules Get the capsule form which is easier to deal with than tablets. As part of our immunonutrition protocol, I recommend Inositol Hexaphosphate (IP-6). It is derived from soybeans, rice, sesame seeds, beans, legumes and cereals. IP-6 is a polysaccharide (long-chain sugar) found in fiber that is anti-carcinogenic and has potent anti-oxidant action and enhances natural killer-cell activity. DOSE:- One capsule / 10 pounds weight of cat daily, (2.2 pounds = 1 kilogram), on an empty stomach. Can be divided once or twice daily. Can be ordered from www.phytopharmica.com [2]

Agaricus Bio Capsules for Dogs and Cats Contains Beta Glucans from the Agaricus blasei mushroom. Beta glucans have the ability to stimulate macrophage activity. Macophages are immune cells that destroy viruses, bacteria and malignant cells. Capsules come in 300 or 600 mg so you have to open the capsules and divide contents to get the correct dose. DOSE: 300 mg/ day, can be given once daily per cat. Can be ordered from www.atlasworldusa.com [3]

Agaricus Liquid. Same as Agaricus Bio above, but is easier to give cat as it is a liquid. It is also more concentrated than the capsule form. Beta glucan has the ability to stimulate macrophage activity to destroy viral, bacterial and malignant cells. DOSE:- One drop per pound / day is suitable for cats. (Each vial contains 200 drops). Can be ordered from www.atlasworldusa.com [4]

Milk Thistle. An interesting addition. Helps prevent depletion of glutathione, raises glutathione levels up to 35 percent and protects the liver from damage. It can be used in pets on chemotherapy to help the liver process and detoxify drugs.

Another product you might like to look into is T-Cyte... Terry Beardsley, Ph.D., is the researcher and the driving force behind this recently FDA approved product. The active protein in this injectable product serves as a growth factor to restore lymphocytes which are depressed by retroviral infections. Contact him by e mail at: t-cyte@cts.com

I hope that using these supplements will help your virus positive cat regain immune competence to offset the immunosuppression caused by the virus. It has been very successful with our, so far, limited case load. If you do not have access to viral load and immune system tests like CD4 and CD8, your veterinarian can follow your cat's lymphocyte count and monitor weight gain or loss as a guide. Check these prior to commencing treatment and re check after one month and then every three months.

Dr Alice Villalobos Animal Oncology Consultation Service Pawspice, www.pawspice.com [5] Woodland Hills and Hermosa Beach, California.

Note: Easy way to administer medication is to crush tablets or open capsules. Then divide the powder to the correct dose. Place powder inside a syringe (no needle), add a little water and shake syringe to mix contents. Sit behind cat. Hold cat’s head with left hand, administer medication with right hand by squirting into cat’s mouth just behind the large right incisor tooth.

Effects

FIV can attack the immune system of cats, much like the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can attack the immune system of human beings. FIV infects many cell types in its host, including CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and macrophages. FIV can be tolerated well by cats, but can eventually lead to debilitation of the immune system in its feline hosts by the infection and exhaustion of T-helper (CD4+) cells.

FIV and HIV are both lentiviruses; however, neither can infect the other's usual host: humans cannot be infected by FIV nor can cats be infected by HIV. FIV is transmitted primarily through saliva (bites), such as those incurred during territorial battles between males. Cats housed exclusively indoors are much less likely to be infected, provided they do not come in contact with infected cats.

Consensus whether there is a need to euthanize FIV infected cats has not been established, although this is a pragmatic approach towards protecting the general population and is a wise option for cats testing positive turned in to animal shelters. The American Associations of Feline Practitioners, as well as many feral cat organizations, recommend against euthanizing FIV+ cats, or even spending funds to test for the virus, as spaying or neutering cats seems to effectively control transmission - as neutered cats are less likely to engage in territorial fights. A vigilant pet owner who treats secondary infections can assist an infected cat live a reasonably long life. The chance that an FIV infected cat will pass the disease on to other cats within a household remains, and increases with serious fighting or biting (American Association of Feline Practitioners 2002). There is a quantifiable risk that cats living outside of a home can spread the disease to others and can also spread the disease in a group setting in a shelter. Cats living alone as a single pet, rarely left to roam free, pose a diminished, but not non-existent risk.

The disease occurs in three stages: First is the Acute Stage (1-2 months after transmission) in which fever, depression, and generalized lymphadenopathy are observed (Wise 2005). Second is the Subclinical Stage (4 weeks to X months after transmission), in which symptoms of the disease decrease or disappear; however, all cats remain viremic for life. Third is the Chronic Stage, in which cats eventually succumb to chronic infections due to suppressed immune system function. Cats may incur stomatitis, odontoclasia, periodontitis, gingivitis, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonitis, enteritis, and dermatitis in the later stages of infection. FIV+ cats are less likely to develop AIDS-like symptoms than HIV+ humans.

FIV infects other feline species, and in fact is endemic in some large wild cats, such as African lions. Unlike domestic cats, these species do not necessarily exhibit symptoms, perhaps because they have developed evolutionary mutations that confer resistance.

See also

References

  1. ^ Richards, J (2005). "Feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine: Implications for diagnostic testing and disease management". Biologicals. 33: 215. doi:10.1016/j.biologicals.2005.08.004.
  2. ^ Zislin, A (2005). "Feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine: A rational paradigm for clinical decision-making". Biologicals. 33: 219. doi:10.1016/j.biologicals.2005.08.012.
  3. ^ Statement on Felovax at www.aafponline.org
  4. ^ Zislin, A (2005). "Feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine: A rational paradigm for clinical decision-making". Biologicals. 33: 219. doi:10.1016/j.biologicals.2005.08.012.
  5. ^ Statement on Felovax at www.aafponline.org
  6. ^ KittyTest.com. http://www.kittytest.com/fiv.jsp
  7. ^ Levy, J (2008), "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines", Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 10: 300, doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2008.03.002
  8. ^ Huang, C.; Conlee, D.; Loop, J.; Champ, D.; Gill, M.; Chu, H.J. (2004), "Efficacy and safety of a feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine", Animal Health Research Reviews, 5: 295–300, doi:10.1079/AHR200487
  9. ^ Dunham, S.P.; Bruce, J.; Mackay, S.; Golder, M.; Jarrett, O.; Neil, J.C. (2006), "Limited efficacy of an inactivated feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine.", Veterinary Record, 158 {{citation}}: Text "pages 561-562" ignored (help)
  10. ^ Kusuhara, H.; Hohdatsu, T.; Okumura, M.; Sato, K.; Suzuki, Y.; Motokawa, K.; Gemma, T.; Watanabe, R.; Huang, C.; Arai, S.; Koyama, H. (2005), "Dual-subtype vaccine (Fel-O-Vax FIV) protects cats against contact challenge with heterologous subtype B FIV infected cats.", Veterinary Microbiology, 108: 155–165, doi:10.1016/j.vetmic.2005.02.014
  11. ^ Pu, R.; Coleman, J.; Coisman, J.; Sato, E.; Tanabe, T.; Arai, M.; Yamamoto, JK. (2005), "Dual-subtype FIV vaccine (Fel-O-Vax FIV) protection against a heterologous subtype B FIV isolate.", Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 7: 65–70
  12. ^ Levy, J (2008), "2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines", Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery, 10: 300–316, doi:10.1016/j.jfms.2008.03.002
  13. ^ United States Department of Agriculture. Veterinary Biological Products; Licensees and Permittees, December 2006. [1]
  14. ^ Beardsley, et al. "Induction of T-Cell Maturation by a Cloned Line of Thymic Epithelium (TEPI) Immunology 80: pp. 6005-6009, (Oct. 1983).
  15. ^ Beardsley, Terry R. Patent # 7,196,060; Method to enhance hematopoiesis. Method to enhance hematopoiesis - Google Patents at www.google.com
  16. ^ Beardsley, Terry R. Patent # 5,616,554; Immune-enhancing agent for therapeutic use in immunocompromised hosts. Immune-enhancing agent for ... - Google Patents at www.google.com

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