High seroprevalence of feline morbilliviruses in free-roaming domestic cats in Chile

Arch Virol. 2021 Jan;166(1):281-285. doi: 10.1007/s00705-020-04882-2. Epub 2020 Nov 20.

Abstract

Feline morbillivirus infections have gained increased attention due to repeated reports of their association with urinary tract disease in cats. In the present study, 112 serum samples from free-roaming domestic cats in Chile were tested for antibodies against feline morbillivirus genotypes 1 and 2 (FeMV-1 and FeMV-2) using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. In total, 63% of the animals showed antibodies against one or both FeMV genotypes. Antibodies directed exclusively against FeMV-2 were significantly more prevalent in male cats. The correlation of sex and FeMV-2 infection might give insight into potential routes of transmission. We provide, for the first time, serological data on FeMV in Chile.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Cat Diseases / immunology*
  • Cat Diseases / virology*
  • Cats
  • Chile
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Male
  • Morbillivirus / genetics
  • Morbillivirus / immunology*
  • Morbillivirus Infections / immunology*
  • Morbillivirus Infections / virology*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Urinary Tract Infections / immunology
  • Urinary Tract Infections / virology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral

Supplementary concepts

  • Feline morbillivirus