Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hydroxychloroquine and interferon block deadly feline coronavirus
By Takano, Tomomi et al.·Published in Viruses·2020·School of Veterinary Medicine, Japan·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Antiviral Effects of Hydroxychloroquine and Type I Interferon on In Vitro Fatal Feline Coronavirus Infection.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study looked at how well hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and a type of interferon (rfIFN-ω) could fight feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a serious viral disease in cats. The researchers found that HCQ alone significantly reduced the virus's ability to replicate, and when combined with rfIFN-ω, the antiviral effect was even stronger. While these findings are promising, more clinical studies are needed to confirm that this combination is safe and effective for treating cats with FIP.
People also search for: cat FIP treatment options · hydroxychloroquine for cats · feline coronavirus antiviral drugs
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease with a high morbidity and mortality by the FIP virus (FIPV, virulent feline coronavirus). Several antiviral drugs for FIP have been identified, but many of these are expensive and not available in veterinary medicine. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a drug approved by several countries to treat malaria and immune-mediated diseases in humans, and its antiviral effects on other viral infections (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, dengue virus) have been confirmed. We investigated whether HCQ in association with interferon-ω (IFN-ω) is effective for FIPV in vitro. A total of 100 μM of HCQ significantly inhibited the replication of types I and II FIPV. Interestingly, the combination of 100 μM of HCQ and 10U/mL of recombinant feline IFN-ω (rfIFN-ω, veterinary registered drug) increased its antiviral activity against type I FIPV infection. Our study suggested that HCQ and rfIFN-ω are applicable for treatment of FIP. Further clinical studies are needed to verify the combination of HCQ and rIFN-ω will be effective and safe treatment for cats with FIP.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32456286/