Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Calicivirus often found with herpesvirus pneumonia in kittens
By Monne Rodriguez, Josep et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2018·School of Veterinary Science, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Calicivirus co-infections in herpesvirus pneumonia in kittens.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of kittens with pneumonia caused by feline herpesvirus (FeHV-1) were found to also have a common co-infection with feline calicivirus (FCV). Out of 21 kittens studied, 13 had signs of FCV infection, which suggests that this co-infection is quite frequent in cases of FeHV-1 pneumonia. The damage from the herpesvirus appears to make it easier for the calicivirus to infect the kittens' lungs. Understanding this co-infection can help veterinarians provide better treatment for affected kittens, ensuring they receive the right care for both viruses.
People also search for: kitten pneumonia treatment · feline herpesvirus symptoms · calicivirus in cats
Abstract
Felid herpesvirus-1 (FeHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are the most important infectious causes of respiratory disease in cats. FeHV-1 and FCV co-infections are common in cats with upper respiratory tract disease, but it is unknown whether such co-infections also occur in cats with pneumonia. This study examined the lungs of naturally infected cats with FeHV-1 pneumonia for FCV co-infection by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The frequency of FCV (13/21, 62%) in this group of cats suggests that co-infection is common in kittens with FeHV-1 pneumonia. FCV infected macrophages were often found in the lumen of FeHV-1 affected airways. In 8/13 (62%) cats, typical FCV lesions were distant from changes induced by FeHV-1. FCV infection of type II pneumocytes/alveolar macrophages was apparent in histologically unaltered areas. It is likely that damage to airways induced by FeHV-1 facilitates secondary infection with FCV due to reduced mucociliary clearance and impaired immune defences.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29871741/