Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Feline morbillivirus infection and kidney disease in cats in southern
By Donato, Giulia et al.·Published in Viruses·2021·Department of Veterinary Sciences, Italy·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Feline Morbillivirus in Southern Italy: Epidemiology, Clinico-Pathological Features and Phylogenetic Analysis in Cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats in southern Italy was tested for feline morbillivirus (FeMV), which has been linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Out of 223 cats, 36 had FeMV in their urine, and 5 had it in their blood. The study found that older cats and those from rescue catteries were more likely to be infected. Cats with FeMV showed signs of kidney issues, such as higher creatinine levels. This suggests that FeMV may be associated with CKD and overall health problems in cats.
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Abstract
Feline morbillivirus (FeMV) was isolated for the first time in 2012 with an association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suggested. This study aimed at investigating in cats from southern Italy FeMV prevalence and risk factors for exposure to FeMV, including the relationship with CKD; sequencing amplicons and analyzing phylogeny of PCR positive samples. Blood serum, KEDTA blood and urine samples from 223 cats were investigated. Ten carcasses were also evaluated. FeMV RNA was detected in 2.4% (5/211) blood and 16.1% (36/223) urine samples. One carcass tested positive by qPCRfrom kidney, urinary bladder, and submandibular lymph nodes. Antibodies against FeMV were detected in 14.5% (28/193) cats. We followed up 27 cats (13 FeMV positive cats) and documented in some cases urine shedding after up to 360 days. Older and foundling cats and cats living in rescue catteries, were more frequently infected with FeMV. A significant correlation between FeMV and higher serum creatinine values or low urine specific gravity was found. FeMV positivity was significantly associated with retroviral infection, and the presence of some clinical signs apart from CKD clinicopathological markers. Our study highlights the possibility of a link between FeMV exposure and CKD and a general impairment of feline health.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34452315/