Feline panleukopenia virus

Test code: S0093 - Qualitative detection of feline panleukopenia virus by polymerase chain reaction

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a small, single-stranded DNA virus that is morphologically and antigenically very similar to canine parvovirus (CPV) type 2, mink enteric virus, and raccoon parvovirus. It has been suggested that FPV is the ancestor virus for CPV because current strains of CPV can infect cats as well as dogs. FPV is shed in secretions from infected animals for weeks to months following infection. It is very stable in organic debris in the environment and may remain viable at room temperature for over one year.

Young and unvaccinated cats are susceptible to feline panleukopenia virus infection. Infection by this virus can result in an acute or peracute systemic and enteric infection characterized by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and malaise. The virus infects bone marrow tissue resulting in severe panleukopenia. FPV infection is frequently fatal in young kittens, but adults are likely to recover.

Clinical manifestations of FPV infection are dependent on the immunological status and age of the cat at the time of infection. FPV infection in pregnant cats may result in abortion, fetal resorption, fetal mummification, and other reproductive problems. If fetuses are born alive, they usually have cerebellar hypoplasmia and/or retinal dysplasia. Kittens infected with FPV after birth and up to 3 to 4 weeks of age can also develop similar symptoms. Older kittens generally show gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms.

Peracute FPV infection is rapidly progressive and often fatal within 24 hours, owing to secondary bacteremia and endotoxemia associated with severe intestinal damage and panleukopenia. Signs include abdominal pain, severe depression and subnormal body temperature. Classical signs of acute FPV infection include dehydration, vomiting, abdominal pain, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and fever. Adult cats are usually less severely affected and have either fever or mild gastroenteric symptoms that are self-limited and resolve within a few days, or inapparent illness.

Serological detection of FPV is not very sensitive, especially in identifying those infected cats that are actively secreting the virus in feces. Molecular detection by PCR provides a rapid, sensitive and specific alternative to detect this virus in both blood and fecal samples.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of FPV infection
• Ensure that feline populations and facilities are free of FPV
• Early prevention of spread of this virus among a feline population
• Minimize personnel exposure to this virus

Specimen requirement: 0.5 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube, or rectal swab, or 0.5 ml feces, or 0.5 ml fresh, frozen or fixed tissue.

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 PCR

Normal range: Nondetected