Prevalence of feline viral leukemia and immunodeficiency and risk factors in cats treated at a teaching hospital in Londrina, Paraná

Abstract

Among the retroviruses that cause disease in domestic cats such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of FIV and FeLV infections in felines seen at a teaching hospital during 2014. Of the 771 samples tested, there was a prevalence of 5.2% (40) for FIV, 1.8% (14) for FeLV and 0.3% (2) showed a coinfection. Of those infected with FIV, 57.5% were males (23/40), 45% had street access (18/40) and 47.5% lived in places with many cats (19/40). Of those infected with FeLV, 50% were male (7/14), 42.9% had street access (6/14) and 64.3% lived in multi-cat households (9/14). The mean age of those infected with FeLV (46 months) was higher than that of those infected with FeLV (16 months). The risk of FIV infection was significantly higher for older cats, those with street access, those living with multiple cats, and according to their origin. For FeLV-infected cats, young patients and those living in households with more than 5 cats stood out as risk factors. Management measures, testing, and restricting street access are necessary to prevent infection of cats with FIV and∕or FeLV.