“AIDS” in household cats

Feline immunodeficiency virus, (FIV) is a widespread viral infection that attacks the immune system of cats. It is also caused by the same family of viruses that triggers AIDS in humans. It is a member of the lentivirus subfamily of retroviruses, that affects domesticated house cats worldwide and is the causative agent of feline aids.{{more}}

FIV primarily infects and gradually destroys selected populations of T-lymphocytes. After a prolonged, asymptomatic period that extends for years, the progressive loss of T-lymphocytes results in an immunodeficiency syndrome, characterized by chronic and recurrent infections – infections that are lifelong and eventually fatal.

From 2.5 – 44 per cent of cats worldwide are infected with the FIV. FIV is the only non-primate lentivirus to cause aids-like syndrome.

Susceptible species include the domestic cat, lion, tiger, jaguar, snow leopard, panther, and bobcat. Humans cannot become infected with the feline immunodeficiency virus.

FIV was first discovered in 1986 in a colony of cats that had a high prevalence of opportunistic infections and degenerative conditions, and has since been identified as an endemic disease in domestic cat populations worldwide, including St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The primary modes of transmission are deep bite wounds and scratches, where the infected cat’s saliva enters the other cat’s bloodstream.

FIV may be transmitted from pregnant females to their offspring in-utero.

Sex distribution: male cats outnumber females 3 to 1.

Age distribution: FIV affects cats of all ages; however, the incidence increases with age, and FIV is most prevalent in cats five years and older. 

Clinical signs of the disease.

Stage 1: Acute primary phase of the infection.

This stage begins four to six weeks after exposure; effects usually go unnoticed.

There is a transient fever that could last from three to 14 days.

The lymph-nodes could be swollen.

Occasional complications: sepsis, inflammation of the skin in the face, anemia, diarrhoea, cellulitis.

Stage 2: Asymptomatic latent phase of infection.

There is prolonged latency of variable duration up to years before signs of immunodeficiency occur.

• Chronic recurrent bacterial infections.

•  Recurrent fevers of unknown origin.

•  Swollen lymph-nodes.

•  Persistent anemia.

•  Infections in the mouth and gums.

•  Respiratory infections.

•  Intestinal infections including diarrhoea.

•  Skin infections.

•  Urinary tract infections.

This disease could easily be diagnosed by your veterinarian, using antibody testing. 

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