D341 - Feline Leukemia virus

Description:

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) contains a protein core with single-stranded RNA, and spreads in a contagious manner, with no sex or breed predisposition. FeLV is excreted in saliva and tears and possibly the urine and feces of infected cats. Prolonged, extensive, cat-to-cat contact is required for efficient spread, because the virus is rapidly inactivated by warmth and drying. A cat with FeLV disease may live for several weeks to several months, depending on how advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis, however, it is impossible to tell exactly how long any particular cat will survive. A significant percentage of adult cats that are exposed to the virus develop immunity and do not become persistently viremic (i.e., will not carry the virus indefinitely in the blood and bone marrow). Usually those cats live out a normal life span. In other felines, the virus may remain sequestered for a variable period of time somewhere in the body. It is thus conceivable that feline leukemia virus might break out and cause disease at a later date, after the cats have been stressed, or perhaps medicated with drugs that suppress the immune system.
Common clinical signs produced by feline leukemia virus include anemia, jaundice, depression, weight loss, decreased appetite, diarrhea or constipation, blood in the stool, enlarged lymph nodes, respiratory distress, decreased stamina, excessive drinking and urination, fetal resorption, abortion, infertility, birth of "fading" kittens, and a syndrome resembling panleukopenia ("cat distemper"). feline leukemia virus also interferes with the cat's natural ability to ward off infectious disease agents, so that almost any severe, chronic illness may lead your veterinarian to suspect FeLV. Cancer occurs in some feline leukemia virus-infected cats. In those cats the tumor masses may cause such problems as respiratory distress; intestinal inflammation with diarrhea, vomiting or constipation; liver or kidney disease; cloudy eyes; and neurologic abnormalities.

Diagnosis:

Three types of feline leukemia virus blood tests are in common use: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and PCR. ELISA tests detect viral antigens circulating freely in the blood, whereas the IFA identifies infected leukocytes and platelets. PCR test detects FeLV proviral DNA, that is, virus sequences that have been integrated into the host genome. The PCR has also greatly enhanced the ability to detect feline leukemia virus infection in blood, solid tissue, tissue culture and fixed speciments.

Sample:

1. Whole blood (2 ml) in a lavender top (EDTA) tube.
2. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues.

Special Handling:

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

Test Code:

D341