Phosprenyl usage as part of the complex therapy of feline chronic coronavirus infection complicated by toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infects enterocytes and causes inflammation of the intestinal mucosa in young cats, resulting in diarrhea. In adult cats the infection is usually asymptomatic, but the constant circulation of FECV in the feline population increases the likelihood of mutation, as a result of which about 5-10% of infected cats develop a virulent strain of the virus that causes usually lethal feline infectious peritonitis – FIP. The purpose of this study was to study the effectiveness of Phosprenyl (PP), an immunomodulator with antiviral activity (active substance - polyprenyl phosphate), in the treatment of chronic coronavirus infection of cats, partially complicated by toxoplasmosis.
 A total of 117 cats were under observation, 10 of which also had toxoplasmosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by the determination of antibodies by the methods of IHA and ELISA, as well as by ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs. Prescribed treatment: Phosprenyl per os, 1 ml , twice a day, course 2-4 months; Gamavit daily, s/c, course 10 days, with a repeated course after 3 weeks; 3-4 times. As symptomatic therapy, drugs were used primarily to improve the condition of the stool, with toxoplasmosis - Fansidar. At the end of treatment symptoms of gastrointestinal tract damage disappeared in all the patients. If before the start of therapy, the majority of patients demonstrated changes characteristic of anemia (a significant decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin levels), then after 2-4 months, the indices of erythropoiesis completely normalized. In patients with coronavirus infection complicated by toxoplasmosis, anemia was detected by CBC test, as well as an increase in the number of neutrophils. In the biochemical profile of these patients: increased activity of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was found as well as hyperbilirubinemia, which indicates greater liver damage and a decrease in its detoxification function during the course of the disease caused simultaneously by coronavirus and toxoplasmas. At the end of therapy, these indices also returned to normal. 
 Thus, the use of Phosprenyl for 2-4 months reduces the duration of the disease of coronavirus infection in cats (including cases complicated by toxoplasmosis), prevents its exacerbation and possible fatal outcome. Long-term use of PP in cats with a chronic form of coronavirus infection is recommended.