Molecular presence of felis catus gammaherpesvirus-1 in cats with ocular disorders in Turkey

Abstract

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus-1 (FcaGHV-1) is a newly discovered feline virus, and its effects on the health of cats are not certainly known. Known feline viruses play a huge role in ocular disorders in domestic and wild cats. Also, emerging viruses may be responsible for ophthalmic diseases of cats. We aimed to investigate the presence of FcaGHV-1, Feline calicivirus (FCV), Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), Feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), Feline leukemia virus (FeLV), Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in cats in Turkey by molecular methods, and to examine the relationship between the virus and ocular disorders by obtained data. Swab, blood and biopsy samples were collected from 45 owned cats with ocular disorders. Molecular techniques including viral genome amplification and sequencing were used in this study. Two out of 45 cats (2/45; 4.4%) found to be FcaGHV-1 and FIV positive. Our two sequences and a reference sequence from Japan (LC437925) have constructed a separated subgroup in the molecular phylogenetic tree. In this study, we have not found a close relationship between ocular disorders and the presence of FcaGHV-1. This is the first study exhibiting the presence of FcaGHV-1 and its molecular status in Turkey. Acquired knowledge suggests performing further studies on FcaGHV-1.