wildlife and zoo assay data sheet
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:
-
Help confirm the disease causing agent
-
Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical
diagnosis of FPV infection
-
Help 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: 0.2 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) tube, or rectal swab, or 0.2 ml feces, or 0.2 ml fresh, frozen
or fixed tissue.
Contact Zoologix if advice is needed to determine an appropriate specimen type for a specific diagnostic application. For specimen types not listed here, please contact Zoologix 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