D343 - Feline Panleukopenia virus (FPV)

Description:

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infection most commonly affects young, unvaccinated cats and results in an acute or peracute systemic and enteric infection characterized by fever, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and malaise. The viral effects on bone marrow cause severe panleukopenia that has given this infection its common name. FPV infection is frequently fatal in young kittens, but adults are likely to recover. FPV is a small, single-stranded DNA virus that is very similar morphologically and antigenically to canine parvovirus (CPV) type 2, mink enteric virus, and raccoon parvovirus. Most people belive that FPV is the ancester virus for CPV and 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.
The 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 queens may cause abortion, fetal resorption, fetal mummification, and other reproductive problems. If fetuses are born alive, they usually have cerebellar hypoplasmia and/or retinal dysplasia, as do kittens infected after birth and up to 3 to 4 weeks of age. Older kittens generally show classical gastrointestinal and systemic signs of infection. Peracute FPV 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 mild gastroenteric symptoms or fever that are self-limited and resolve within a few days, or inapparent illness.

Diagnosis:

FPV infection should be suspected in kittens or cats with a questionable vaccination history, potential for exposure to this agent, typical signs, and physical findings. Kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia usually have no other evidence of disease at the time of examination. Physical finding in cats with acute disease include fever or subnormal rectal temperature, dehydration, and abdominal pain. Recently, the PCR test has been adapted to clinical use for the diagnosis of FPV infection. This test differs from earlier screening tests in that it detects viral DNA sequences instead of protein antigens (ELISA test).

Sample:

1. Whole blood (2 ml) in a lavender top (EDTA) tube.
2. Stool sample is recommended if the cat has diarrhea.

Special Handling:

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

Test Code:

D343

1. Mochizuki et al. (1998) Isolation of canine parvovirus from cat manifesting clinical signs of feline panleukopenia. J. Clin. Microbiol. 34:2101-2105.