Prevalence and risk factors of gammaherpesvirus infection in domestic cats in Central Europe Herpes viruses

Abstract

Background: Gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) are a large group of dsDNA viruses that can infect humans and several animal species. The two human GHVs, Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus are known for their oncogenic properties in individuals with immunodeficiency. Recently, the first feline GHV, Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) was discovered and frequently found in domestic cats in Australia, Singapore and the USA. FcaGHV1 is more likely to be detected in cats co-infected with the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Findings: The prevalence of FcaGHV1 in pet cats from Germany and Austria was 16.2 % (95 % CI∈=∈12.38-20.02). The odds for GHV infection were greater for FIV positive (OR∈=∈4.5), male (OR∈=∈13.32) and older (OR∈=∈2.36) cats. Furthermore, FcaGHV1 viral loads were significantly higher in FIV-infected cats compared to matched controls. Conclusions: GHV infections are common in domestic cats in Central Europe. The worldwide distribution of FcaGHV1 can be assumed. A potential role as a co-factor in FIV-induced pathogeneses is supported.