D335 - Feline Immunodeficiency virus

Description:

It is important to test all cats for FIV as it is the only way to control disease by preventing exposure to infected cats. Due to a limited expression of lentiviral antigens, diagnosis of FIV is based on the detection of antibody and therefore only works in infections that have stimulated detectable antibodies. Detection of antibodies does not mean clinical disease; many cats with antibodies have latent infections. FIV status of all cats should be known, however, prior to six months of age maternal antibodies can interfere with the interpretation of the tests. There is also a possibility that the kitten has been infected and has been tested prior to seroconversion. If exposure to an FIV positive cat occurs, retesting should be done if the result is negative since it can take months for seroconversion to occur. Sick cats should be tested for the virus. Periodic testing of outdoor cats should be done as these cats are at a high risk of being infected by the virus. False positives ELISA may also occur if the cat has recently (4 - 6 weeks) been vaccinated, especially if a killed vaccine is used. Severely affected cats may have false negatives due to depressed levels of antibodies that may not show up in the ELISA or the western blot. With ELISA 5 - 10 % of false positive are due to the presence of non specific cross reacting antibodies. Confirmation of ELISA results should be done with PCR, a more sensitive and specific DNA test. The DNA test detects the genetic material of FIV after it has integrated into the host’s genome, and is the only test available, which confirms infection, rather than exposure. A positive DNA test is positive for FIV infection. The cat has not only been exposed to FIV, but has become infected. The viral genome has successfully integrated into the cat’s own DNA, and as a result the virus is able to replicate. The cat can pass on the virus to other cats, and is susceptible to the symptoms associated with FIV infection. Cats with positive PCR tests should be considered a source of the virus, and it should be noted that FIV positive cats might survive for months to years. The disease should be managed by trying to preserve health and, if possible, aggressively treating any secondary or opportunistic pathogens.

Sample:

1. Whole blood (3 ml) in a lavender top (EDTA) tube.
2. Tissue samples.

Special Handling:

Store sample at 4°C until pick up or shipment.

Test Code:

D335