Feline infectious peritonitis: answers to frequently asked questions concerning FIP and coronavirus

Abstract

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is caused by infection with feline coronavirus (FCoV), a highly infectious virus transmitted mostly indirectly, by sharing litter trays with a FCoV excretor, or by fomites. The majority of FCoVinfected cats remain healthy, with up to 12% developing FIP. While any age or breed of cat can develop FIP, FIP disproportionately affects pedigree kittens: most studies found that around 70% of FIP cases occurred in pure-bred cats under 2 years of age. In this paper, some questions about FCoV and FIP that are likely to be asked of, and by, a veterinary nurse will be addressed.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19): Are they similar?

“…One anti‐FIP/anti‐FCoV vaccine has been developed and commercialized, but it is available only in few countries (Fehr et al., 1997). It must be administered to kittens of 16 weeks of age or older, which is several weeks after the maternal protective antibodies decrease, leaving a wide‐open time window for FIP manifesting (Addie, 2019). Moreover, the risk of stimulating an excessive antibodies production that, based on the aforementioned ADE occurrence, may induce the disease rather than preventing it, is still debated (Bálint et al., 2014) and according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association the vaccine against FIP is defined as not recommended (Day et al., 2016).…”

Pathogenesis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis

“…Indirect fomite transmission can transfer FCoV from one person to another. It was spread from person to person for a short time through clothing, toys and grooming products (Addie 2019).…”

Feline coronavirus infection

“…Later virus replication occurs in perivascular tissues with formation of AG-AT complex. Accumulation of active complexes in the walls of small blood vessels, complement and coagulation cascades activation at the very last stage occurs development of immunemediated vasculitis and perivasculitis [33].…”