ISOLATION OF FELINE SYNCYTIA-FORMING VIRUS FROM OROPHARYNGEAL SWAB SAMPLES AND BUFFY COAT CELLS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (4) , 555-560
Abstract
Thirteen of 40 female cats were chronically infected with feline syncytia-forming virus (FeSFV). Attempts to isolate the virus from these cats by conventional methods were not successful. Virus was isolated from oropharyngeal swab samples and buffy coat cells. A new method was used involving inoculation of actively dividing Crandell feline kidney cell cultures. Cultures were trypsinized 3 days after inoculation and, as a result, cytopathic effect was amplified and ability to detect the virus was enhanced. The FeSFV was detected in 93% (82/88) of the oropharyngeal swab samples and 100% (14/14) of the buffy coat cell specimens. Feline sera were tested by immunodiffusion for precipitating antibody against FeSFV antigen. There was 100% correlation between viral infection and the presence of precipitating antibody. Virus and antibody persisted in infected cats for the duration of this study (8 mo. for 5 of infected cats). Urolithiasis was observed in 15 of 28 male cats. Although a direct relationship between FeSFV infection and urolithiasis was not established, most of these male cats (20 of 21) had antibody to FeSFV.

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