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Deep bite transmission: How is the FIV virus spread among cats? Understand the deadly path of the virus!
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus that affects cats worldwide. According to statistics, approximately 2.5% to 4.4% of cats may be infected with this virus. FIV was first isolated in 1986 by Niels C. Pedersen and Janet K. Yamamoto at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine when a high rate of opportunistic infections and degenerative diseases was detected in a cat population. The virus was initially called feline lymphotropic virus and was subsequently identified in domestic cats.
FIV is mainly spread through deep bite wounds, where the saliva of an infected cat enters the body of another cat through the wound.
The Impact of FIV
FIV weakens the cat's immune system primarily by infecting multiple cell types, particularly CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and macrophages. Although many cats tolerate FIV relatively well, immune system function is eventually compromised as a result of infection and depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Studies have shown that FIV and HIV are both retroviruses, but humans cannot be infected by FIV and cats cannot be infected by HIV.
According to the American Feline Medical Association, FIV-positive cats should not be automatically euthanized.
Transmission channels
FIV is primarily spread through deep bite wounds, which allow saliva from an infected cat to enter the wound of a healthy cat. In addition, it is possible for pregnant cats to pass the virus to their offspring, although this is relatively rare. FIV is not as easily spread compared to feline leukemia virus (FeLV), as the latter can be spread through more minor contact such as co-grooming or food bowl sharing.
The risk of an FIV-infected cat infecting other cats in the household is low unless there has been fighting between the cats or there are wounds.
Disease progression
The progression of FIV can be divided into several stages, similar to HIV. In the early stages, there are mild symptoms such as lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. This phase is short and is followed by a symptom-free phase. Cats may show no detectable symptoms during this phase, the duration of which varies depending on the cat's age, the virulence of the virus, and the presence of external pathogens. Eventually, cats will enter the Feline Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (FAIDS) stage, during which cats are extremely susceptible to a variety of secondary diseases and may eventually die.
Detection Methods
Your veterinarian will review your cat's medical history and clinical findings and may order a blood test for FIV antibodies. Although FIV affects approximately 2-3% of people in the United States, the test is readily available. It is important to note that the test only identifies cats with FIV antibodies and does not detect the actual virus.
Treatment Options
In 2006, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued conditional approval for a new therapeutic adjuvant, "lymphocyte T-cell immunomodulator" (LTCI). This medication is designed to help treat cats infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and FIV. According to the study, the treatment exhibited relatively low toxicity and was effective in modulating the production and function of CD-4 lymphocytes.
ConclusionThe difficulty in developing a vaccine lies mainly in the fact that there are a large number of different variants of FIV, which makes it complicated to form an effective vaccine.
In general, the transmission routes and impacts of FIV in cats cannot be ignored. While many cats are able to live relatively healthy lives, for those that are infected, it is important to understand how it is transmitted and the course of the disease. As responsible pet owners, are we doing a good job of monitoring and caring for infected cats to ensure they lead healthy lives?
