Evaluation of tri-combinant vaccine for feline herpesvirus, calicivirus and panleukopenia virus infections in Japanese native cats

Tri-combinant vaccine consisting of attenuated feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) and inactivated feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV), were evaluated for safety and efficacy, using Japanese native cats and the viral strains isolated in Japan. Thirty-eight 9- to 12-week-old kittens were inoculated intramuscularly and subcutaneously with the vaccine. Consequently, no adverse reaction was found, and protective efficacy was confirmed by challenge tests with the virulent strains of each virus. Serum-neutralizing antibodies against FCV and FPLV were maintained for at least one year after vaccination, whereas antibody against FHV disappeared in two cases at 24 weeks after vaccination. Application of this vaccine seemed effective for control of feline viral disease in cats for experimental use.     

Serologic and virologic surveys on feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus infections in cats for experimental use

Serologic survey and virus isolation of feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV) were performed on cats used for research at the Laboratory Animal Research Centre, The University of Tsukuba, over the period from 1978 to 1981. Of the 507 mature and immature cats, 4 months old or older, 102 (20.1%) had HI antibody against FHV and 412 (81.3%) SN antibody against FCV. Some 23 (16.2%) and 76 (53.5%) kittens among 142 younger than 4 months had antibodies against FHV and FCV, respectively. Both the antibodies in kittens were considered to be maternally derived. The FCV antibody rate was especially high in cats weighing 2.5 kg (males) and 2.0 kg (females) or more, which were regarded as 8 to 10 months of age. An attempt was made to isolate the viruses from the oropharynx and conjunctiva of clinically healthy mature or immature cats and kittens. As the result, either one or both of the viruses were isolated from 31 of 75 mature and immature cats, and isolation rates of FHV and FCV were 6.7% and 36.0%, respectively. On the other hand, no virus was detectable in 16 kittens.     

A serologic survey of wild felids from central west Saudi Arabia

Forty-five wildcats (Felis silvestris), 17 sand cats (Felis margarita), and 17 feral domestic cats were captured in central west Saudi Arabia, between May 1998 and April 2000, with the aim to assess their exposure to feline immunodeficiency virus/puma lentivirus (FIV/PLV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline coronavirus (FCoV), and feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV). Serologic prevalence in wildcats, sand cats, and feral domestic cats were respectively: 6%, 0%, 8% for FIV/PLV; 3%, 8%, 0% for FeLV; 5%, 0%, 15% for FHV-1; 25%, 0%, 39% for FCV; 10%, 0%, 0% for FCoV; and 5%, 0%, 8% for FPLV. We recorded the first case of FeLV antigenemia in a wild sand cat. Positive results to FIV/PLV in wildcats and feral cats confirmed the occurrence of a feline lentivirus in the sampled population.     

Antibody response of captive cheetahs to modified-live feline virus vaccine.

The antibody response of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to modified live virus vaccine against feline panleukopenia (FPLV), herpes (FHV) and calici (FCV) viruses was assessed by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the first year of study, 82 cheetahs were bled pre-vaccination. Of these, antibody levels to FPLV were found in 100% of the animals. Only 54% were found to have antibodies to FHV and 99% had antibodies to FCV. One month after booster vaccination with the same vaccine, increased antibodies to FPLV, FHV and FCV were seen in 19 (58%), 18 (55%) and 25 (76%) of these animals, respectively (n = 33). In the second year of study, 65 cheetahs were bled pre-vaccination. Fifty three of these animals were negative for antibodies to FPLV while 28 were positive for FHV and 64 were positive for FCV. These animals were then bled 1, 2 and 6 mo post booster vaccination. The antibody levels to the various viruses showed different trends with time.     

Antibodies to canine and feline viruses in spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Masai Mara National Reserve

Spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) are abundant predators in the Serengeti ecosystem and interact with other species of wild carnivores and domestic animals in ways that could encourage disease transmission. Hyenas also have a unique hierarchical social system that might affect the flow of pathogens. Antibodies to canine distemper virus (CDV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline panleukopenia virus/canine parvovirus (FPLV/CPV), feline coronavirus/ feline infectious peritonitis virus (FECV/IPV), feline calicivirus (FCV), and feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1) have been detected in other Serengeti predators, indicating that these viruses are present in the ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to determine whether spotted hyenas also had been infected with these viruses and to assess risk factors for infection. Serum samples were collected between 1993 and 2001 from 119 animals in a single clan for which behavioral data on social structure were available and from 121 hyenas ill several other clans. All animals resided in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Antibodies to CDV, FIV, FPLV/CPV, FECV/FIPV, FCV, and FHV1 were present in 47%, 3.5%, 81%, 36%, 72%, and 0.5% of study hyenas, respectively. Antibody prevalence was greater in adults for FIV and FECV/FIPV, and being a female of high social rank was a risk factor for FIV. Hyenas near human habitation appeared to be at lower risk to have CDV, FIV, and FECV/FIPV antibodies, whereas being near human habitation increased the risk for FPLV/CPV antibodies. Canine (distemper virus and FECV/FIPV antibody prevalence varied considerably over time, whereas FIV, FPLV/CPV, and FCV had a stable, apparently endemic temporal pattern. These results indicate that hyenas might play a role in the ecology of these viruses in the Serengeti ecosystem. The effect of these viruses on hyena health should be further investigated. The lower prevalence of CDV antibody-positive hyenas near human habitation suggests that reservoirs for CDV other than domestic dogs are present in the Serengeti ecosystem.     

从云豹分离的一株猫泛白细胞减少症病毒的特性

从病死的云豹体内分离到1株猫泛白细胞减少症病毒,进行了鉴定,研究了它的血凝特性和对猫与水貂的致病力,分析了它与猫泛白细胞减少症病毒参考毒株(FNF-8)抗原的相关性。 用中国兽药监察所提供的猫肾传代细胞(FK)进行病毒的分离鉴定。同步接种和异步接种测得病毒的TCID50均为4.8/ml。病毒经乙醚、酸(pH3.0)、热(56℃1小时)     

A neutralizing antibody-inducing peptide of the V3 domain of feline immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein does not induce protective immunity.

Specific-pathogen-free cats, immunized with a 22-amino-acid synthetic peptide designated V3.3 and derived from the third variable region of the envelope glycoprotein of the Petaluma isolate of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), developed high antibody titers to the V3.3 peptide and to purified virus, as assayed by enzyme-linked immunoassays, as well as neutralizing antibodies, as assayed by the inhibition of syncytium formation in Crandell feline kidney cells. V3.3-immunized animals and control cats were challenged with FIV and then monitored for 12 months; V3.3 immunization failed to prevent FIV infection, as shown by virus isolation, anti-whole virus and anti-p24 immunoglobulin G antibody responses, and positive PCRs for gag and env gene fragments. Sequence analysis of the V3 region showed no evidence for the emergence of escape mutants that might have contributed to the lack of protection. The sera of the V3.3-hyperimmunized cats and two anti-V3.3 monoclonal antibodies neutralized FIV infectivity for Crandell feline kidney cells at high antibody dilutions but paradoxically failed to completely neutralize FIV infectivity at low dilutions. Moreover, following FIV challenge, V3.3-immunized animals developed a faster and higher antiviral antibody response than control cats. This was probably due to enhanced virus replication, as also suggested by quantitative PCR data.     

犬细小病毒单克隆抗体的制备及其与免疫血清在血凝抑制中的比较

将用犬细小病毒免疫的ＢＡＬＢ／ｃ小鼠的脾细胞与Ｓｐ２／０骨髓瘤细胞在聚乙二醇作用下融合,经筛选、克隆,得到６株稳定分泌犬细小病毒单克隆抗体的杂交瘤。用杂交瘤腹水作血凝抑制试验,检测分别含有犬细小病毒、猫泛白细胞减少症病毒和水貂肠炎病毒的标本,及ＣＰＶ感染犬粪便标本,并与免疫血清作对比。结果表明,用单克隆抗体作血凝抑制试验,比用免疫血清作具有特异性高、操作简便省时等优点,而二者敏感性一致。     

Exposure to feline and canine pathogens in bobcats and gray foxes in urban and rural zones of a national park in California

Exposure of bobcats (Lynx rufus) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) to a range of common canine and feline pathogens was assessed in urban and rural zones of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a National Park in the San Francisco Bay Area, (California, USA) from 1992 to 1995. Testing included serology for canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus (CPV), canine adenovirus, Leptospira interrogans, feline calicivirus (FCV), feline panleukopenia virus, feline herpesvirus, feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and Bartonella henselae. Testing was also performed for Dirofilaria immitis. Significantly more gray foxes were seropositive for CPV in the urban zone than in the rural zone. In addition, radio-tracking of gray foxes in the rural zone indicated that all three of the rural CPV-seropositive foxes had traveled into adjoining small towns, whereas only one of the 11 seronegative animals had done so. Significantly more bobcats were seropositive for FCV in the rural zone than in the urban zone. Individual bobcats with positive FCV antibody titers had patterns of movement that intercepted park inholdings where domestic cats lived. Bobcat samples were seronegative for all five of the other viral feline pathogens, with the exception of a FECV-seropositive bobcat. High seroprevalence was detected for B. henselae and T. gondii in both zones. Variation in the seroprevalence for different pathogens might be related to differences in the exposure of bobcats and foxes to domestic animals: in the urban zone, gray foxes were located in residential areas outside the park, whereas bobcats were not. Although for most of the pathogens examined there was no relationship between urbanization and exposure, our results for CPV in foxes and FCV in bobcats indicated that proximity to urban areas or contact with humans can increase the risk of disease exposure for wild carnivore populations. Combining behavioral information from radio-tracking with data on pathogen exposure or disease incidence can provide valuable insights into the ecology of wildlife disease that might be missed with broad-scale, population-level comparisons alone.     

Serological survey of feline leukemia virus infection and the outcome of antibody-positive cats

A serological survey was carried out to examine the presence of antibodies against feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline oncornavirus-associated cell membrane antigen (FOCMA) in 208 cat sera collected at Teikyo University School of Medicine. Seven cats (3.4%) were positive for FeLV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay whereas no cat was positive for FOCMA antibody by indirect membrane immunofluorescent test. Anemia, leukemia and/or lymphoma formation were not observed in these FeLV antibody-positive cats. But among these seven cats, three were positive for toxoplasma antibodies. One of them was also positive for Chlamydia psittaci antibody and it died in pneumonia. Among the four toxoplasma antibody negative cats, one was died in eosinophilic granuloma. Furthermore, two of three cats, which were used for experiments, had cold and took therapy.     

AIDS vaccination studies using an ex vivo feline immunodeficiency virus model: reevaluation of neutralizing antibody levels elicited by a protective and a nonprotective vaccine after removal of antisubstrate cell antibodies

In the feline immunodeficiency virus system, immunization with a fixed-infected-cell vaccine conferred protection against virulent homologous challenge but the immune effectors involved remained elusive. In particular, few or no neutralizing antibodies were detected in sera from vaccinated cats. Here we show that, when preadsorbed with selected feline cells, the same sera revealed clearly evident virus-neutralizing activity. Because high titers of neutralizing antibody in cell-adsorbed sera from 23 cats immunized with fixed-infected-cell or whole-inactivated-virus vaccines correlated with protection, it is likely that they were more important for protection than formerly realized. In vitro, the fixed-cell vaccine efficiently removed neutralizing antibody from immune sera while the whole-inactivated-virus vaccine was much less effective.     

Microtiter Tests for Detecting Antibody in Bovine Serum to Parainfluenza 3 Virus, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis Virus, and Bovine Virus Diarrhea Virus

Microneutralization tests for detection of antibody in bovine serum to three bovine viruses are described. The Madin-Darby bovine kidney cell line was used with parainfluenza 3 virus (PI 3), whereas serially cultivated bovine embryonic kidney cells were used for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus and bovine virus diarrhea virus. Comparison of micro-hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) with micro-serum-neutralization (SN) tests for PI 3 showed the SN test to be more sensitive, more specific, and therefore more useful than the HI test for detecting antibody. Although the effect of trypsin-periodate treatment of serum was to reduce the HI titer of numerous sera by a twofold dilution, sufficient evidence could not be found to indicate that nonspecific HI inhibitors to PI 3 are present in bovine sera.     

Prevalence of antibodies to specific infectious agents in bovine fetuses from a slaughterhouse in Minnesota

Sera from 486 bovine fetuses, approximately 60 to 270 days of gestation, were collected at slaughter and tested for the presence of immunoglobulins (Ig). One hundred ten (27%) of the sera were positive for IgG and/or IgM. The earliest age at which fetuses tested positive for IgM and IgG was estimated to be 100 and 120 days, respectively. Ig concentration increased with increased age of the fetus. Sera that were positive for Ig were tested for the presence of specific antibodies to five different infectious agents. Bovine parvovirus antibodies were found in 99 of 110 sera (90%) by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. However, only 35 (31.8%) of these sera were positive by serum neutralization (SN) test. Antibodies to parainfluenza-3 virus were detected in 30 sera (27%) by HI test and in 20 sera (18%) by SN test. Five (4%) sera contained SN antibodies to bovine viral diarrhea virus. Only one (0.9%) serum sample contained SN antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus. None of the sera had antibodies against five Leptospira spp. Results of this study suggest that bovine parvovirus may be a potential cause of reproductive problems in cattle.     

犬科、猫科动物细小病毒血清抗体调查

肉食兽细小病毒属于细小病毒科、细小病毒属中的一类病毒,能够感染多种动物,导致犬的出血性肠炎、幼龄犬的心肌炎、猫的白细胞减少、出血性肠炎、幼龄猫的共济失调症以及水貂的肠炎等多种疾病.血清学调查发现,由肉食兽细小病毒引起的疾病存在于世界各地.在我国,无论是家养还是野生动物均有细小病毒相关疫病的流行,对我国犬科和猫科动物的生存和健康构成巨大威胁(许树林等,1996;宋桂强等,2007).     

Serosurvey of viral infections in free-ranging Namibian cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in captivity have unusually high morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, a trait that could be an outcome of population homogeneity or the immunomodulating effects of chronic stress. Free-ranging Namibian cheetahs share ancestry with captive cheetahs, but their susceptibility to infectious diseases has not been investigated. The largest remaining population of free-ranging cheetahs resides on Namibian farmlands, where they share habitat with domestic dogs and cats known to carry viruses that affect cheetah health. To assess the extent to which free-ranging cheetahs are exposed to feline and canine viruses, sera from 81 free-ranging cheetahs sampled between 1992 and 1998 were evaluated for antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV), feline coronavirus (feline infectious peritonitis virus; FCoV/ FIPV), feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV1), feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline calicivirus (FCV) and for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigens. Antibodies against CDV, FCoV/FIPV, FHV1, FPV, and FCV were detected in 24, 29, 12, 48, and 65% of the free-ranging population, respectively, although no evidence of viral disease was present in any animal at the time of sample collection. Neither FIV antibodies nor FeLV antigens were present in any free-ranging cheetah tested. Temporal variation in FCoV/FIPV seroprevalence during the study period suggested that this virus is not endemic in the free-ranging population. Antibodies against CDV were detected in cheetahs of all ages sampled between 1995 and 1998, suggesting the occurrence of an epidemic in Namibia during the time when CDV swept through other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. This evidence in free-ranging Namibian cheetahs of exposure to viruses that cause severe disease in captive cheetahs should direct future guidelines for translocations, including quarantine of seropositive cheetahs and preventing contact between cheetahs and domestic pets.     

小鼠呼肠孤病毒Ⅲ型标准化血清制备及ELISA检测方法的建立

目的制备标准化小鼠呼肠孤病毒III型（reovirus 3,Reo-3）免疫血清,建立小鼠Reo-3抗体ELISA检测方法。方法使用动物来源的Reo-3病毒感染BALB/c小鼠,获得高效价免疫血清;以BHK-21细胞制备Reo-3病毒抗原,同时制备做正常对照抗原。滴定抗原和标准化小鼠Reo-3血清的最佳工作浓度,进行特异性、敏感性、重复性、稳定性等实验。结果制备18 mL抗Reo-3血清,经检测,IFA效价达1∶640,IEA效价达1∶160;Reo-3抗原和标准化小鼠Reo-3免疫血清最佳工作浓度分别为5μg/mL和1∶2400;该ELISA检测体系Reo-3特异抗原批内变异系数为3.8%,批间变异系数为4.0%;检测灵敏度〉1∶4400;与仙台病毒（SV）、小鼠肝炎病毒（MHV）、小鼠腺病毒（Mad）、小鼠脑脊髓炎病毒（TMEV）、小鼠多瘤病毒（POLY）均无交叉反应。经37℃破坏性试验,2 d稳定性试验相对偏差〈27%。结论本研究制备的Reo-3抗血清达到同批次大量高滴度的水平,可作为检测实验小鼠Reo-3病原的标准化质控血清。本研究建立的ELISA方法重复性、稳定性好,特异性、敏感性强。该体系可用于大、小鼠等实验动物Reo-3抗体的检测。     

Viral infections in free-living populations of the European wildcat

While the importance of viral infections is well studied in domestic cats, only limited information is available on their occurence and prevalence in the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV), calicivirus (FCV), herpesvirus (FHV), parvovirus (FPV), immunodeficiency virus (FIV), leukemia virus (FeLV), and FeLV antigenemia in 51 European wildcat sera. Samples were collected between 1996 and 1997 from wildcat populations in France, Switzerland, and Germany. Antibodies to FCoV were detected in two cats (4%) and FCoV RNA was detected in feces of one of these two cats. Antibodies to FCV, FHV and FPV were found at relatively low frequencies of 16%, 4%, and 2%, respectively. Antibodies to FIV were not detected. Although antigen and antibodies to FeLV were detected in 49%, and 75%, respectively, no evidence of FeLV-associated pathology was found. From the low prevalence of FCoV, FCV, FHV and FPV infections and from the fact that the European wildcats live solitarily, it was concluded that these viral infections do not spread readily within a population. Therefore, it may be assumed that release into the wild of European wildcats bred in captivity would not bring about a high risk of introducing of these viral infections to the free-ranging wildcats. As an exception, wildcats should be tested for absence of FIV infection before release if they were at risk to acquire this infection from domestic cats.     

Feline viruses in wildcats from Scotland

Few data are available on the prevalence of feline viruses in European wildcats (Felis silvestris). Previous surveys have indicated that wildcats may be infected with the common viruses of domestic cats, apart from feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). In the present study, 50 wildcats trapped throughout Scotland (UK) between August 1992 and January 1997 were tested for evidence of viral infection. All were negative for FIV by several serological or virological methods. By contrast, 10% of the cats were positive for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen and infectious virus was isolated from 13% of a smaller subset. Of the wildcats tested for respiratory viruses, 25% yielded feline calicivirus (FCV) and although no feline herpesvirus was isolated, 16% of the samples had neutralizing antibodies to this virus. Antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV) were found in 6% of samples. Feline foamy virus (FFV) was an incidental finding in 33% of samples tested. This study confirms that wildcats in Scotland are commonly infected with the major viruses of the domestic cat, except for FIV.     

Studies on viral respiratory disease in laboratory cats. I. Isolation of feline herpesvirus and choice of proper disinfectant

In the laboratory cat colony consisted of 14 Korats and 8 Japanese native cats, the disease characterized by upper respiratory signs occurred. Seven cytopathogenic agents were isolated from the oropharyngeal swabs and necropsy materials of affected cats by means of inoculation to primary feline kidney cell cultures. One of the isolates (KS-1 strain) was identical with feline herpesvirus (FHV), and appeared to be a causal agent of the trouble. Properties of the KS-1 strain were in general agreement with the known strains of FHV. Serologic examination and clinical analysis suggested that Japanese native cats became carriers, re-excreted the virus and spread it to susceptible cats. Virucidal activities of several disinfectants against FHV, comparing with a feline calicivirus (FCV), were studied and the following conclusions reached: 1) Sodium hypochlorite, iodine complex, benzethonium chloride and chlorhexidine were effective against FHV at commonly used concentrations. 2) Among chemicals tested sodium hypochlorite was most effective against FCV and followed by iodine complex. 3) Benzethonium chloride and chlorhexidine had little efficacy against FCV at commonly used doses.