Diagnostic test for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus FIV Ab

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) belongs to the retrovirus family of viruses in a group called lentiviruses. Lentiviruses typically only cause disease slowly and thus infected cats may remain healthy for many years. The primary mode of transmission for FIV is through bite wounds. Casual, non-aggressive contact does not appear to be an efficient route of spreading the virus. In infected cats, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to many other infections. Although cats infected with FIV may appear normal for years, they eventually suffer from this immune deficiency, which allows normally harmless bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi found in the everyday environment to potentially cause severe illnesses. Some of the most common signs seen in FIV infected cats are: weight loss, recurrent fever, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, gingivitis and stomatitis, chronic or recurrent respiratory, ocular and instestinal disease, chronic skin disease, persistent diarrhea and neurological disease. Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive cure for FIV. The median survival time for a cat diagnosed with FIV is approximately five years. Appropriate supportive treatment of FIV-infected cats relevant to presenting clinical signs should be instituted as early as possible.

Diagnostic test for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus FIV Ab