Update for feline infectious peritonitis and Coronaviruses

ABSTRACT

Feline coronaviruses (FCoV) are widespread in some cat populations. Animals are asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic carriers in the majority of cases. In 5 to 10% of cases, cats will develop a severe clinical form, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), which is almost always fatal. FIP is caused by mutations, which have not yet been identified with certainty, of the low pathogenic feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). This article presents recent data on the management of infected cats. Diagnosis remains complicated as there is no test to differentiate FECV from its pathogenic variant, feline coronavirus causing FIP (FIPV). There is currently no vaccine that has shown sufficient efficacy in the field to prevent the occurrence of FIP. However, in various preliminary studies, several therapeutic strategies have been shown to have a promising level of efficacy. Trial confirmation is required before a marketing authorisation can be issued and these drugs can be used for the treatment of FIP.