Retrovirus infections in non-domestic felids: serological studies and attempts to isolate a lentivirus

摘要: Abstract An African lioness from the Zoo of Zurich had to be euthanized because an inoperable tumor. The serum tested negative for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) p27 antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) but was strongly positive immunodeficiency (FIV) antibodies ELISA and Western blot. When her only offspring mate were FIV, high antibody titers FIV also found in their serum. Lymphocytes prepared these two lions on different occasions co-cultivated with specific pathogen free (SPF) cat lymphocytes presence concanavalin A recombinant human interleukin-2 (IL-2) 6 weeks. cell culture supernatants Mg2+-dependent reverse transcriptase p24 a double sandwich throughout period. Whole blood buffy coat cells collected transmitted intraperitoneal injection into SPF cats. cats did not seroconvert period 11 months nor could activity demonstrated supernatant several lymphocyte cultures. To determine importance lentivirus infections zoo-kept wild felids, 124 samples obtained lions, Indian Siberian tigers, snow leopards, panthers, cheetahs other nine European zoos. In addition, 12 Asiatic originating Gir forest State Gujarat included this study. sera FeLV syncytium-forming (FeSFV) blot using respective viruses after gradient purification. some equine infectious anemia (EIAV) Visna-Maedi (VMV). Antibodies 30 53 (57%) one 18 tigers four panthers. All including those antibodies. Some lion producing strong bands strips even dilutions ⪢ 1 : 1000. pattern differed that domestic primarily lesser degree p17 recognized. FeSFV 14 animals (seven strong, seven intermediate, reaction). No correlation between infection. which later turned out have been vaccinated Leukocell, vaccine. EIAV (mainly p26) most all animals. six eight levels p26. VMV p30 mostly exclusively being EIAV. From data it concluded antigenically closely related is widespread felids kept Unsuccessful transmission experiments suggest highly adapted its host. Based prevalence may postulated has origins Africa. Detection cross-reacting seronegative indicates there exist additional recognized so far.