Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Test code: S0110 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of feline calicivirus by reverse transcription real time polymerase chain reaction

S0110 is included on P0020 - Feline Respiratory Panel

Feline calicivirus (FCV) infection causes upper respiratory tract (pneumotropic form) infection and occasionally causes joint pain and lameness (rheumatic form). Feline calicivirus is a single-stranded RNA virus with a worldwide distribution, affecting domestic cats and a few wild felid species.

FCV is transmitted by ingestion or inhalation of infectious virus present in saliva and excretions from affected cats. The oral route of infection is most important, and direct contact with infected cats or contaminated fomites is the primary method of transmission rather than aerosolized particulates. The virus is highly contagious. Cats of all ages can be affected by FCV infection but kittens are more likely to develop symptoms.

FCV mainly infects the oral and respiratory tissues. Different strains of FCV may have affinities to different tissues. Some strains have a predilection for the lung, and other strains have been found in the macrophages within the synovial membrane of joints. The virus can also be found in visceral tissues, feces, and occasionally in urine.

Infected cats usually develop vesicles and erosions of the tongue, hard palate, and nasal planum. Healing takes more than two weeks. Recovered cats often remain lifelong carriers of FCV and can shed virus continually. PCR testing of throat swabs is extremely helpful for the monitoring of viral shedding. Feline calicivirus carriers are quite common despite vaccination. Vaccination protects against full blown disease but does not reliably prevent infection.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Ensure that feline groups and populations are free of FCV
• Early prevention of spread of FCV among a cat population
• Minimize human exposure to this virus
• Safety monitoring of biological products and vaccines that derive from susceptible animals

Specimen requirement: Throat swab or 1 ml tracheal wash, shipped overnight at room temperature; or frozen tissue, shipped frozen.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain frozen in transit. See shipping instructions for more information.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative reverse transcription real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected