Virus de l'immunodéficience féline (FIV)

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

FIV was first discovered in 1986 when cats in a cattery started showing signs of immunodeficiency-like illnesses, similar to the symptoms seen in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  In fact, FIV is classified in the same family of viruses (Lentiviruses) as HIV and immunodeficiency viruses of other species.  These viruses are all species specific, meaning FIV cannot be transmitted to humans, and vice versa.  FIV is found in cat populations worldwide. 

Symptoms

The symptoms and clinical disease syndromes seen with FIV are associated with the immunosuppressive properties of the virus.  A short while after initial infection, the white blood cell count begins to decline, causing progressive impairment of the cats’ immune system.  Many cats will remain in an asymptomatic stage for many years.  Clinical signs are usually attributed to secondary infections and chronic degenerative conditions.   Inflammation and chronic gingivitis in the mouth is commonly seen, as well as a host of other symptoms including diarrhea, pneumonia, skin disease, sinus infections and neurological problems. 
Many cats infected with FIV live a long life, especially if routine wellness care is provided to aid early disease detection, and exposure to other infectious disease is limited.

Transmission

FIV virus is contained in the blood, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid of infected cats.  The most effective means of transmission is through bite wounds.  The virus is fragile outside the body and does not survive in the environment.  Transmission through close contact, as with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), occurs rarely.  FIV may be transmitted to unborn kittens if the mother is infected during pregnancy.  There is no treatment for FIV, and once infected a cat will carry the virus for life.

Prevention

The best way to prevent infection is by minimizing exposure to infected cats.  Outdoor cats are more likely to contract FIV than indoor cats, and male cats are twice as likely to be infected due to their tendencies to roam and fight.  Spaying and neutering helps decrease these roaming and fighting tendencies.  Cats infected with FIV should be kept indoors, not only to minimize the risk of infecting other cats, but to decrease exposure to possible infectious agents.

Vaccination and Testing

Vaccination is not currently recommended for all cats, and the decision to vaccinate should be made on a case-by case basis after consulting with your veterinarian.  Because the routine test for FIV (ELISA blood test) detects antibodies against the virus and not the virus itself, vaccination will cause a cat to test positive.  A second, confirmatory test (PCR test) may help differentiate a vaccinated from truly infected cat, but results from this test are sometimes hard to interpret.  Therefore, any cat which is vaccinated against FIV should be permanently identified, such as with a microchip, tattoo or collar.  As well, cats infected with FIV may take up to 60 days to test positive.  Testing should be repeated at least 60 days later to ensure a cat is truly not infected.

Online Resources

AAFP's Retrovirus Management Guidelines
These guidelines provide additional information about this disease, as well as vaccination, prevention and management considerations.

International Cat Care
Formally the Feline Advisory Bureau, International Cat Care is a charity passionate about improving the care of all cats. Their site contains much information on cat health information.

The Winn Feline Foundation
Winn supports and funds studies to improve cat health. Included on their site is information on FIV written by Susan Little, DVM, DABVP (Feline).

Submitted by Amy Lowe, DVM 

Source : http://www.catvets.com/cat-owners/disease-and-conditions/fiv

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