Detection of feline T-lymphotropic lentivirus(FTLV) infection in Japanese domestic cats.

Abstract

Antibodies to feline T-lymphotropic lentivirus (FTLV) were detected in the Japanese domestic cat population. The antibodies were shown to react with a 26 kd protein seen in the FrLV-infected lymphocytes. Almost all the 86 antibody-positive cats had chronic disease signs such as stomatitis/gingivitis, emaciation, upper respiratory diseases and lymphadenopathy in the absence of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection. The infected cats were found in all age groups, and most were either outdoor cats or previous free-roaming cats introduced into the house. The infection seemed common in multiple-cat households, and the overall infection rate in such contaminated households was 52.7%.