Prevalencia del virus de la leucemia felina (ViLeF) en el sur del Valle de Aburrá, Colombia / Prevalence of the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in Southern Valle de Aburrá, Colombia

Resumen El virus de la leucemia felina (ViLeF) es una de las principales enfermedades retrovirales de la familia Felidae que causan la muerte de sus individuos; de ahí interés diagnóstico y preventivo para la salud animal. El propósito de este artículo es determinar la prevalencia de infección por el ViLeF por serodiagnóstico del antígeno p27, en cuatro municipios del sur del valle de Aburrá, Colombia, usando los registros de los centros de diagnóstico del área. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo, entre los años 2013-2015, que incluyó la revisión de 1718 pruebas diagnósticas de felinos domésticos del área urbana de Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta y Caldas, procedentes de los centros de diagnóstico clínico del valle de Aburrá. El diagnóstico de ViLeF se realizó en muestras de suero por el inmunoensayo comercial Elisa (Idexx Laboratories©, Snap Combo Plus®, Maine, EUA). Los datos se procesaron en Statgraphics Centurión XVy se realizaron las pruebas estadísticas de Ji2 y Tukey. Del total de muestras, 376 (21,89 %) fueron positivas a la presencia del antígeno p27 de ViLeF. La edad de infectados osciló entre los 2 a 36 meses, hubo una mayor prevalencia en raza doméstica de pelo corto (DPC) y en machos. El porcentaje la prevalencia de ViLeF en el estudio fue de 21,88 %, siendo de importancia epidemiológica en el sur del Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia, Colombia.

Abstract Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the main retrovirus diseases of the Felidae family causing the death to the subjects. Therefore, there is a diagnostic and preventive interest regarding the animal health. This article aims to determine the infection prevalence due to FeLV after a p27 antigen serodiagnostic test applied in four towns in the southern Valle del Aburrá, Colombia, using the records of the diagnostic centers in each area. A descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted for the period 2013-2015, in which 1718 diagnostic tests from home felines were reviewed. These cases were from the urban area of Medellín, Envigado, Sabaneta and Caldas making part in the clinical diagnostic centers of the Valle de Aburrá. The FeLV diagnosis was conducted in serum samples with commercial immunoessay ELISA (IDEXX Laboratories©, Snap Combo Plus®, Maine, EUA). Data were processed in Statgraphics Centurión XV and statistical tests Ji2 and Tukey were conducted. Out of the total samples, 376 (21.89 %) were positive to p27 antigen for FeLV. The infected animals were from 2 to 36 months old. There was a higher prevalence among home races with short hair (SHR) and males. The FeLV prevalence percentage in the study was 21.88%, a figure with epidemiological significance in the southern Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia Province, Colombia.

Estandarización de PCR múltiple en tiempo real para el diagnóstico de sida y leucemia en Felis silvestris catus / Standardization of Multiplex Real-Time PCR for the diagnosis of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) in Felis silvestris catus / Padronização da PCR múltipla em tempo real para o diagnóstico de AIDS e leucemia em Felis silvestris catus

Resumen Las enfermedades producidas por virus como sida y leucemia son altamente prevalentes en felinos domésticos, debido a su facilidad de transmisión, presentan signos clínicos similares a otras infecciones que pueden generar dificultades en el diagnóstico, por lo tanto, se deben analizar mediante pruebas de laboratorio; los exámenes disponibles en la actualidad presentan algunas desventajas, por ello se estandarizó una PCR múltiple en tiempo real con sondas Taqman que fue diseñada para detección de infección con el virus de inmunodeficiencia felina (VIF), el virus de leucemia felina (VLFe) o mixtas. Se calculó la sensibilidad (0,53/0,26) y la especificidad (0,46/0,74) para leucemia y sida respectivamente con la metodología de Broemeling que considera que la prueba de referencia contra la cual se compara no es un referente verdadero (Gold standard), según estos resultados se concluye que es necesario aumentar el tamaño de muestra; sin embargo, la PCR múltiple es una metodología muy sensible, fue validada de forma In silico y presentó resultados congruentes al realizarla in vivo.

Abstract Diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (VIF) and Feline Leukemia Virus (VLFe) are highly prevalent in domestic cats, due to their ease of transmission. Clinical signs are similar to other infections causing difficulties in diagnosis, therefore, they should be analyzed by laboratory tests; Currently available tests have some disadvantages, a multiplex real-time PCR was standardized with Taqman probes, designed for detection of infection with VIF, VLFe or both. Sensitivity (0.53/0.26) and specificity (0.46/0.74) for VLFe and VIF respectively, were calculated with Broemeling's methodology, which considers that the reference test against which it is compared is not a Gold standard, according to these results it is necessary to increase the sample size; However, multiplex PCR is a very sensitive methodology, it was validated In silico form and presented congruent results when performed in vivo.

Resumo Doenças causadas por vírus como AIDS e leucemia são altamente prevalentes em gatos domésticos, devido a sua facilidade de transmissão com sinais clínicos semelhantes a outras infecções que podem causar dificuldades no diagnóstico, portanto devem ser analisados ​​por exames laboratoriais; Os testes atualmente disponíveis têm algumas desvantagens, portanto uma PCR em tempo real múltipla foi padronizada com sondas Taqman para a detecção de infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV), vírus da leucemia felina (VLFe) ou misto . A sensibilidade (0,53 /0,26) e a especificidade (0,46/0,74) para leucemia e AIDS foram calculadas, respectivamente, com a metodologia de Broemeling, que considera que o teste de referência com o qual é comparado não é um referência verdadeira (teste de ouro), de acordo com esses resultados, conclui-se que é necessário aumentar o tamanho da amostra, entretanto, a PCR múltipla é uma metodologia muito sensível, foi validada na forma silico e apresentou resultados congruentes quando realizada in vivo.

Aspectos anatomopatológicos e avaliação de agentes infecciosos em 32 gatos com colângio-hepatite / Anatomopathological aspects and determination of infectious agents in 32 cats with cholangiohepatitis

A colângio-hepatite é considerada uma causa frequente de insuficiência hepática em gatos e é classificada em neutrofílica, linfocítica e esclerosante. Os objetivos deste estudo foram determinar a frequência de colângio-hepatite em gatos diagnosticados na Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre, descrever seus aspectos anatomopatológicos e estabelecer uma associação com as infecções por Escherichia coli, vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). No período de janeiro de 2000 a julho de 2016 o Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul realizou 1915 necropsias de gatos, destes, 32 foram diagnosticados com colângio-hepatite, representando 1,7% dos casos. Destes, a colângio-hepatite linfocítica (CHL) foi diagnosticada em 68,7% (22/32), a neutrofílica (CHN) em 21,9% (7/32) e a esclerosante (CHE) com 9,4% (3/32). A idade variou de quatro meses a 16 anos, com a mediana de seis anos, acometendo predominantemente gatos sem raça definida. Somente na CHN observou-se predisposição por machos, verificado em 85,7% (6/7) dos casos. Enterite e pancreatite foram identificadas concomitantemente com a colângio-hepatite em 56,2% (18/32) dos casos, cada, e a formação de tríade foi identificada em 46,9% (15/32) dos gatos. Através da imuno-histoquímica, 68,2% (15/22) dos gatos com CHL, foram positivos para FIV, 40,9% (9/22) para FeLV e 31,8% (7/22) marcação para ambos os retrovírus. Na CHN, 85,7% (6/7) positivos para FIV, 57,1% (4/7) para FeLV e 42,8% (3/7) imunorreação para os dois retrovírus. Na CHE, 100% (3/3) dos casos apresentaram marcação para FeLV, 33,3% (1/3) para FIV e 33,3% (1/3) para ambos. Imunomarcação para E. coli foi observada em 27,3% (6/22) dos casos da CHL, 28,6% (2/7) da CHN e em 33,3% (1/3) da CHE. E. coli, Enterococcus sp. e Klebsiella pneumoniae foram os micro-organismos mais frequentes isolados no exame bacteriológico. A visualização da E. coli, através da IHQ no sistema hepatobiliar de gatos diagnosticados com colângio-hepatite associados à inflamação, sugere que a doença se desenvolveu secundariamente à infecção bacteriana ascendente.(AU)

Cholangiohepatitis is considered a frequent cause of liver failure in cats, and are classified as neutrophilic, lymphocytic and sclerosing. The aims of this study was to determine the frequency of cholangiohepatitis in cats diagnosed in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, to describe the anatomopathological aspects and to establish an association with Escherichia coli, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). From January 2000 to July 2016, the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul performed 1915 cat necropsies, of which 32 were diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis, representing 1.7% of the cases. Of these, lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis (LCH) was diagnosed in 68.7% (22/32), neutrophilic (NCH) in 21.9% (7/v) and sclerosing cholangiohepatitis (SCH) with 9.4% (3/32) of the cases. In general, age ranged from four months to 16 years, with the median age of six years, and predominantly affected cats with mixed breed. Only in NCH demonstrated male predisposition, verified in 85.7% (6/7) of this cases. Enteritis and pancreatitis were identified concomitantly with cholangiohepatitis in 56.2% (18/32) cases, each, and triad formation was identified in 46.9% (15/32) of cats. In the immunohistochemistry, we observed that 68.2% (15/22) of the cats with LCH were positive for FIV, 40.9% (9/22) for FeLV, and 31.8% (7/22) positive for both retroviruses. In NCH, 85.7% (6/7) was positive for FIV, 57.1% (4/7) for FeLV, and 42.8% (3/7) immunoreactions for the two retroviruses. In SCH, 100% (3/3) of the cases presented FeLV marking, 33.3% (1/3) for FIV and 33.3% (1/3) for both. Immunostaining for E. coli was observed in 27.3% (6/22) of LCH, 28.6% (2/7) of NCH, and 33.3% (1/3) of SCH. E. coli, Enterococcus sp. and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most frequently microorganisms isolated in the bacteriological examination. The visualization of E. coli by the immunohistochemistry in the hepatobiliary system of cats diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis suggests that the disease developed secondary to ascending bacterial infection.(AU)

Fine needle aspiration cytology in feline skeletal muscle as a diagnostic tool for extramedullary plasmacytoma / Citologia aspirativa por agulha fina no músculo esquelético felino como ferramenta diagnóstica para o plasmocitoma extramedular

Extramedullary noncutaneous plasmacytoma (ENP) is a myeloproliferative disorder of plasma cells that rarely affects cats. This paper describes an ENP case revealed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the mass in the skeletal muscle of an 8-month-old, male, mixed breed cat, which had a nodule in the left hind limb. The rapid immunoassay test confirmed the presence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The animal necropsy macroscopically showed the nodule came from the semimembranosus muscle. Histopathological examination ratified the cytological findings. Thus, this paper alerts to the existence of plasmacytoma located in the skeletal muscle of feline species. FNAC is a quick and efficient method for diagnosis of ENP.(AU)

O plasmocitoma extramedular (PEM) não cutâneo é um distúrbio mieloproliferativo de plasmócitos que raramente acomete felinos. Este trabalho descreve um caso de PEM no músculo esquelético de um gato, macho, sem raça definida, de oito meses de idade, que apresentava um aumento de volume no membro pélvico esquerdo. A citologia aspirativa por agulha fina (CAAF) da massa revelou tratar-se de PEM. O teste imunoenzimático rápido confirmou a presença do vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Na necropsia do animal, macroscopicamente, percebeu-se que o nódulo era originário do músculo semimembranoso. O exame histopatológico ratificou os achados citológicos. Desta forma, alerta-se para a existência de plasmocitoma com localização em músculo esquelético na espécie felina, sendo a CAAF um método alternativo rápido e eficaz para o seu diagnóstico.(AU)

Facial nerve ganglioneuroblastoma in a feline leukemia virus-positive cat / Ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial em um gato infectado pelo vírus da leucemia felina

ABSTRACT: Neuroblastic tumors can originate from the central neuraxis, olfactory epithelium, adrenal medullary region or autonomous system. Ganglioneuroblastoma are a type of neuroblastic tumor, with very few case descriptions in animals. Diagnosis of facial nerve ganglioneuroblastoma was made in a feline leukemia virus-positive 11-month-old cat. The cat had hyporexia, left head tilt, depressed mental state, horizontal nystagmus, inability to retract the pinched left lip, anisocoria, ptosis, and absence of the menace reflex. Gross necropsy showed a mass at the left facial nerve root region. Histological examination of this mass showed neoplastic proliferation of neuroblasts arranged in a cohesive pattern and mature ganglion cells. Ganglion cells were positive for neurofilament, neuron-specific enolase, S100, and glial fibrillary acidic protein by immunohistochemistry, while neuroblasts were positive for vimentin, S100, neuron-specific enolase and feline leukemia virus.

RESUMO: Tumores neuroblásticos podem se originar do neuraxis central, do epitélio olfativo, região medular da adrenal ou do sistema autônomo. O ganglioneuroblastoma é um tipo desses tumores, com raras descrições em animais. O diagnóstico de ganglioneuroblastoma de nervo facial foi feito em um gato de 11 meses de idade, sorologicamente positivo para o vírus da leucemia felina. O gato tinha hiporexia, inclinação de cabeça para o lado esquerdo, estado mental deprimido, nistagmo horizontal, incapacidade em retrair o lábio esquerdo quando pinçado, anisocoria, ptose e ausência do reflexo de ameaça. Na necropsia visualizou-se uma massa na região da raiz do nervo facial esquerdo. O exame histológico mostrou proliferação neoplásica de neuroblastos arranjados de maneira coesa, e células ganglionares maduras. As células ganglionares foram imunorreativas na imuno-histoquímica para neurofilamento, enolase neurônio específica, S-100 e proteína ácida glial fibrilar. Enquanto os neuroblastos foram positivos para vimentina, S-100, enolase neurônio específica e vírus da leucemia felina.

A simultaneous occurrence of feline mammary carcinoma and uterine cystic endometrial hyperplasia in a cat

At the time of visiting, the cat was 6-year-old female Siamese cat. The mammary mass was solid and firm and measured 2 × 5 cm2 in greatest diameter. The uterus revealed thick uterine horn and cross sectioned wall. Histopathologically, the mammary mass revealed feline mammary carcinoma. In the uterus, cystic endometrial hyperplasia was observed. Feline leukemia virus positive reaction was detected by polymerase chain reaction. As far as we know, this is the first report of the simultaneous feline mammary carcinoma and uterine endometrial cystic hyperplasia with Feline leukemia virus infection in a cat.

Criterios diagnósticos para la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia felina y el virus de la leucemia felina en gatos domésticos de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Viral diagnostic criteria for Feline immunodeficiency virus and Feline leukemia virus infections in domestic cats from Buenos Aires, Argentina

A cross-sectional study was carried out on cats attending the Small Animal Hospital at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Buenos Aires to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Blood samples from 255 cats with symptoms compatible with FIV or FeLV infection, collected between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed by serology (immunochromatography, IA) and by hemi-nested PCR (n-PCR). The IA and n-PCR assays showed similar percentages of positivity for FIV while the n-PCR test was more sensitive for FeLV. Differences between the diagnostic tests and their choice according to the age of the animal are discussed. The clinical histories of ninety of the 255 cats showed blood profiles similar to others previously reported and revealed a higher risk of infection in male adult cats with outdoor access.

Para determinar la prevalencia en la ciudad de Buenos Aires del virus de la inmunodeficiencia felina (FIV) y del virus de la leucemia felina (FeLV), y analizar los factores de riesgo que pudieran estar asociados a ellos, se realizó un estudio transversal en gatos atendidos en el Hospital de Pequeños Animales de la Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. Se analizaron por serología (inmunocromatografía --#91;IA--#93;) y por hemi-nested PCR (n-PCR) 255 muestras de sangre de gatos con síntomas compatibles con infección por FIV o FeLV. La IA y la n-PCR revelaron porcentajes similares de animales positivos para FIV, mientras que para FeLV el diagnóstico por n-PCR resultó más sensible. Se discuten las diferencias halladas entre los métodos diagnósticos y su elección según la edad del animal. Las historias clínicas de 90 de los 255 gatos mostraron perfiles sanguíneos similares a otros ya reportados y revelaron el mayor riesgo de infección con ambos virus en machos adultos con acceso al exterior.

Development and clinical evaluation of a rapid diagnostic kit for feline leukemia virus infection

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) causes a range of neoplastic and degenerative diseases in cats. To obtain a more sensitive and convenient diagnosis of the disease, we prepared monoclonal antibodies specific for the FeLV p27 to develop a rapid diagnostic test with enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Among these antibodies, we identified two clones (hybridomas 8F8B5 and 8G7D1) that specifically bound to FeLV and were very suitable for a diagnostic kit. The affinity constants for 8F8B5 and 8G7D1 were 0.35 x 10(9) and 0.86 x 10(9), respectively. To investigate the diagnostic abilities of the rapid kit using these antibodies, we performed several clinical studies. Assessment of analytical sensitivity revealed that the detection threshold of the rapid diagnostic test was 2 ng/mL for recombinant p27 and 12.5 x 10(4) IU/mL for FeLV. When evaluating 252 cat sera samples, the kit was found to have a kappa value of 0.88 compared to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), indicating a significant correlation between data from the rapid diagnostic test and PCR. Sensitivity and specificity of the kit were 95.2% (20/21) and 98.5% (257/261), respectively. Our results demonstrated that the rapid diagnostic test would be a suitable diagnostic tool for the rapid detection of FeLV infection in cats.

Risk factors for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection in cats in São Paulo, Brazil / Fatores de risco da leucemia viral felina em São Paulo, Brazil

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection in cats (n = 812) from the city of São Paulo. Information on age, gender, outdoor access, reproductive status, origin and number of potential contacts were obtained for each animal. Direct immunofluorescence test was used to identify the infected cats. Fifty cats (6.2 %) were positive for FeLV infection. The risk factors identified were “outdoor access” (OR = 47.2; p < 0.001), “having been rescued from the street” (OR = 3.221; p = 0.008) or being three to six year old (OR = 3.046; p = 0.009); the most important risk factor was free outdoor access. A predictive model for FeLV infection was built based on the results of the multivariate analysis. Cats with free outdoor access are more predisposed to infection, with 18% more chances of becoming infected. If the animal is one to three year old, the probability increases, reaching 34%. If the cat is exposed to these three risk factors, the probability of infection is even higher (63%). When analyzed together or as isolated risk factors, the age and being rescued from the street represent less impact on the spreading of the FeLV, as the probability of infection for cats exposed to each of these risk factors is 1 and 4%, respectively. Thus, free roaming and outdoor access are the most important risk factors associated to FeLV infection among cats in São Paulo city and must be taken in consideration in the prevention of this retrovirus infection.

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de identificar os fatores de risco para a leucemia viral felina (FeLV) em uma amostragem de 812 gatos da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Informações sobre idade, sexo, acesso à rua, estado reprodutivo, origem e número de contactantes foram obtidos para cada animal. Teste de imunofluorescência direto para a pesquisa de antígeno viral em esfregaço de sangue periférico foi utilizado para a identificação dos felinos infectados. Foram encontrados 51 gatos (6,2%) positivos para a infecção. Os fatores de risco identificados foram “acesso a rua” (OR = 47,2; p < 0,001), “ter sido resgatado da rua” (OR = 3,221; p = 0,008) e “ter idade entre 3 e 6 anos” (OR = 3,046; p = 0,009), sendo o “livre acesso à rua” o fator de risco mais importante. Foi elaborado um modelo preditivo para a infecção pelo FeLV, baseandose nos resultados da análise multivariada. Gatos com acesso livre à rua apresentam 18% mais chances de se infectarem e se estiverem na faixa etária entre 3 e 6 anos de idade o risco aumenta para 34%. Se o gato estiver exposto aos três fatores de risco, a probabilidade de infecção é ainda mais alta, de 63%. Quando analisados em conjunto ou como fatores de risco isolados, a idade e o fato de “ter sido resgatado da rua” possuem menor impacto na disseminação de FeLV, já que a probabilidade de infecção para os gatos expostos a cada um desses fatores é de 1% e de 4%, respectivamente. Assim, o acesso livre a rua e ter sido resgatado da rua foram os fatores de risco mais importantes associados com a infecção pelo FeLV na cidade de São Paulo e devem ser levados em consideração na profilaxia da leucemia viral felina.

Uterine adenocarcinoma with feline leukemia virus infection / 한국실험동물학회지

Feline endometrial adenocarcinomas are uncommon malignant neoplasms that have been poorly characterized to date. In this study, we describe a uterine adenocarcinoma in a Persian cat with feline leukemia virus infection. At the time of presentation, the cat, a female Persian chinchilla, was 2 years old. The cat underwent surgical ovariohystectomy. A cross-section of the uterine wall revealed a thickened uterine horn. The cat tested positive for feline leukemia virus as detected by polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological examination revealed uterine adenocarcinoma that had metastasized to the omentum, resulting in thickening and the formation of inflammatory lesions. Based on the histopathological findings, this case was diagnosed as a uterine adenocarcinoma with abdominal metastasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a uterine adenocarcinoma with feline leukemia virus infection.

Ocorrência do vírus da imunodeficiência felina e do vírus da leucemia felina em gatos domésticos mantidos em abrigos no município de Belo Horizonte / Occurrence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus in Sheltered domestic cats of Belo Horizonte

Investigou-se a ocorrência da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e pelo vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV) em gatos domésticos, provenientes de dois abrigos, no município de Belo Horizonte. Amostras de sangue de 145 animais foram coletadas e testadas para detecção do FIV pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Destas amostras, 40 foram testadas para o antígeno p26 de FeLV por meio de ELISA. Observaram-se duas fêmeas (1,4 por cento) e quatro machos (2,8 por cento) positivos para FIV e nove fêmeas (22,5 por cento) e quatro machos (10,0 por cento) positivos para FeLV

The occurrence of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was investigated in domestic cats from two shelters of Belo Horizonte. Samples from 145 cats were collected and tested for FIV by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Forty out of 145 samples were tested for FeLV p27 antigen by a commercial ELISA kit. Two females (1.4 percent) and four males (2.8 percent) were positive for FIV. For FeLV tests, 13 cats (32.5 percent) were positive, being nine females (22.5 percent) and four males (10.0 percent)